Natural products as a source of Coronavirus entry inhibitors
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and lasting impact on the world. Four years on, despite the existence of effective vaccines, the continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a challenge for long-term immunity. Additionally, there remain few purpose-built antivirals to protect individuals at risk of severe disease in the event of future coronavirus outbreaks. A promising mechanism of action for novel coronavirus antivirals is the inhibition of viral entry. To facilitate entry, the coronavirus spike glycoprotein interacts with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on respiratory epithelial cells. Bloc...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 21, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Effects of plant natural products on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and the underlying mechanisms: a narrative review with a focus on the modulation of the gut microbiota
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of MAFLD, there are no officially approved drugs for treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-MAFLD drugs. Recently, the relationship between the gut microbiota and MAFLD has been widely recognized, and treating MAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic strategy. Natural products, especially plant natural products, have attracted much attention in the treatment of MAFLD due to their m...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 20, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

COVID-19 in pulmonary critically ill patients: metagenomic identification of fungi and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms
ConclusionPatients with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of developing fungal infections as well as concurrent bacterial or viral infections, and mNGS can be a powerful tool in identifying these infections. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, particularly those who have underlying immunocompromising conditions, and should monitor for early signs of infection. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 20, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Editorial: Precision medicine in viral hepatitis: progress and prospects towards elimination
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 19, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Identification of potential novel proteomic markers of Leishmania spp.-derived exosomes
DiscussionProteomic data indicated potential novel proteic markers of Leishmania-derived exosomes, including proteins involved in endosomal machinery and the ESCRT pathway, as well as the parasitic phosphatase PRL-1. Further investigation is required to determine the specificity and sensitivity of these markers. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 19, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Excess fermentation and lactic acidosis as detrimental functions of the gut microbes in treatment-naive TB patients
DiscussionExcessive fermentation and lactic acidosis likely characterize TB patients’ disturbed gut microbiomes. Since lactic acidosis strongly suppresses the normal gut flora, directly interferes with macrophage function, and is linked to mortality in TB patients, our findings highlight gut lactate acidosis as a novel research focus. If confirmed, gut acidosis may be a novel potential host-directed treatment target to augment traditional TB treatment. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 19, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Advances in application of CRISPR-Cas13a system
We describe the CRISPR-Cas13a system and discuss its RNA-directed ribonuclease function. Meanwhile, we briefly introduce the mechanism of action of the CRISPR-Cas13a system and summarize the applications of the CRISPR-Cas13a system in pathogen detection, eukaryotes, agriculture, biosensors, and human gene therapy. We are right understanding of CRISPR-Cas13a has been broadened, and the CRISPR-Cas13a system will be useful for developing new RNA targeting tools. Therefore, understanding the basic details of the structure, function, and biological characterization of CRISPR-Cas13a effector proteins is critical for optimizing R...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 19, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Editorial: Host-cell pathways modulated by influenza virus infection: new insight into pathogenetic mechanisms and cell-targeted antiviral strategies
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Corrigendum: Persisting Cryptococcus yeast species Vishniacozyma victoriae and Cryptococcus neoformans elicit unique airway inflammation in mice following repeated exposure
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Host range expansion of Acinetobacter phage vB_Ab4_Hep4 driven by a spontaneous tail tubular mutation
In conclusion, our study provided a detailed description of phage vB_Ab4_Hep4 and revealed the tail tubular-dependent host specificity in A. baumannii phages, which may provide new insights into extending the host ranges of phages by gene-modifying tail tubular proteins. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

A case report of Pseudomonas citronellolis and Escherichia coli isolated from acute suppurative appendicitis: reveals the potential intestinal colonization and pathogenicity of Pseudomonas citronellolis
In this study, we present the first report of a case where Pseudomonas citronellolis and Escherichia coli were isolated from the inflamed appendix of a patient without underlying conditions. Compared to the Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas citronellolis has never been isolated in patients with appendicitis. We identified the species using MALDI-TOF MS and genetic sequencing. Based on our findings, we highlight the perspective that Pseudomonas citronellolis can colonize the intestines of healthy individuals and may trigger infections like appendicitis. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Unraveling the microbial puzzle: exploring the intricate role of gut microbiota in endometriosis pathogenesis
This article presents a comprehensive overview of the relationship between gut microbiota imbalance and EMs pathogenesis. Recent research indicates that gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in various aspects of EMs, including immune regulation, generation of inflammatory factors, angiopoietin release, hormonal regulation, and endotoxin production. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota can disrupt immune responses, leading to inflammation and impaired immune clearance of endometrial fragments, resulting in the development of endometriotic lesions. The dysregulated microbiota can contribute to the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Case report: Metagenomics next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of septic shock due to Fusobacterium necrophorum in a 6-year-old child
We report an atypical case of a 6-year-old female patient who developed septic shock within 24 h of admission due to F. necrophorum infection in the absence of Lemierre’s syndrome. F. necrophorum was identified in a blood sample by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) but not by standard blood culture. The patient was finally cured and discharged after receiving timely and effective targeted anti-infection treatment. In the present case study, it was observed that the heightened virulence and invasiveness of F. necrophorum contribute significantly to its role as a primary pathogen in pediatric septic shock. Thi...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and its effect on α-synuclein and prion protein misfolding: consequences for neurodegeneration
This study concludes by highlighting the critical role that the gut microbiota plays in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and prion disease. It also provides a promising direction for future research and possible treatment approaches. People afflicted by these difficult ailments may find hope in new preventive and therapeutic approaches if the role of the gut microbiota in these diseases is better understood. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Untargeted metabolomics unveiled the role of butanoate metabolism in the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa hypoxic biofilm
In conclusion, P. aeruginosa hypoxic biofilm has a specialized metabolic landscape, and butanoate pathway is a metabolic preference and possibly required for promoting planktonic cells to the biofilm state. The butanoate pathway metabolites, particularly acetoin, could serve as markers for biofilm development. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 16, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research