Highly differentiated T cells link systemic and vascular inflammation in a mouse model of recurrent psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin-disease associated with cardiovascular comorbidities. In patients, T cells with a skin-primed phenotype are expanded in peripheral blood, indicating a role for skin to blood T cell recirculation in the development of systemic comorbidities. Here, we aimed to investigate (i) the establishment of CD4 and CD8 T cell memory, (ii) the accumulation of activated and terminally differentiated T cells, and (iii) the potential link with vascular inflammation, in a mouse model of recurrent psoriasis.

A multi-technique approach to enlighten the role of metal coordination in calcitermin antiviral properties.

In this work we presented how the use of suitable electroanalytical, thermodynamic and spectroscopic methods combined with proper experimental conditions can provide comprehensive information on the interaction between metal ions and peptides in solution, as a successful strategy for studying biological systems. Our candidate peptide is calcitermin, an effective metal chelator with significant anti-Candida and antibacterial activity in the presence of divalent metals. While the bioinorganic chemistry of calcitermin with zinc and copper is quite well described in the literature, no data about nickel complexes are available; we therefore deepened calcitermin ability to form nickel complexes by different analytical techniques, including potentiometry, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrophotometry, circular dichroism and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line (UNIFEi001-A) from a patient with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1).

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of six SCAs related to the expansion of a CAG repeat, encoding glutamine. Induced pluripotent stem cells were generated by reprogramming fibroblasts isolated from a patient affected by SCA1, through the transduction of three viral vectors derived from a non-integrative virus. UNIFEi001-A cell line presents an ESC-like morphology, is vector-free, expresses pluripotency markers, presents a normal karyotype and can differentiate into the three germ layers.

Herpes Simplex Virus ICP27 Protein Inhibits AIM 2-Dependent Inflammasome Influencing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Release in Human Pigment Epithelial Cells (hTert-RPE 1).

Although Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been deeply studied, significant gaps remain in the fundamental understanding of HSV-host interactions: our work focused on studying the Infected Cell Protein 27 (ICP27) as an inhibitor of the Absent-in-melanoma-2 (AIM 2) inflammasome pathway, leading to reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines that influence the activation of a protective innate immune response to infection. To assess the inhibition of the inflammasome by the ICP27, hTert-immortalized Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells (hTert-RPE 1) infected with HSV-1 wild type were compared to HSV-1 lacking functional ICP27 (HSV-1∆ICP27) infected cells. The activation of the inflammasome by HSV-1∆ICP27 was demonstrated by quantifying the gene and protein expression of the inflammasome constituents using real-time PCR and Western blot.

Effects of Flavonoids and Phenols from Leaf Extracts on Biofilm Processes in pv. .

pv. is the causal agent of black rot in crucifers, a plant disease with significant economic impact. Xanthomonadaceae is a large family of Gram-negative bacteria that cause symptoms by blocking water flow in plants by invading the xylem.

A Safe-by-Design Approach for the Synthesis of a Novel Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid with Improved Biological and Physical Properties.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polymer with unique biological properties that has gained in interest over the years, with applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical fields; however, its widespread use has been limited by its short half-life. Therefore, a new cross-linked hyaluronic acid was designed and characterized using a natural and safe cross-linking agent, such as arginine methyl ester, which provided improved resistance to enzymatic action, as compared to the corresponding linear polymer. The antibacterial profile of the new derivative was shown to be effective against and , making it a promising candidate for use in cosmetic formulations and skin applications.

Magnolia officinalis L. bark extract and respiratory diseases: From traditional Chinese medicine to western medicine via network target.

The understanding of the use of Magnolia officinalis L. (Magnoliaceae) as a possible dietary supplement for supporting the treatment of airway pathologies might be of clinical interest. Two commercially available bark extracts (M.

Ethosomal Gel for Topical Administration of Dimethyl Fumarate in the Treatment of HSV-1 Infections.

The infections caused by the HSV-1 virus induce lesions on the lips, mouth, face, and eye. In this study, an ethosome gel loaded with dimethyl fumarate was investigated as a possible approach to treat HSV-1 infections. A formulative study was conducted, evaluating the effect of drug concentration on size distribution and dimensional stability of ethosomes by photon correlation spectroscopy.

Suppressing gain-of-function proteins via CRISPR/Cas9 system in SCA1 cells.

SCAs are autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by a gain-of-function protein with toxic activities, containing an expanded polyQ tract in the coding region. There are no treatments available to delay the onset, stop or slow down the progression of these pathologies. In this work we focus our attention on SCA1 which is one of the most common genotypes circulating in Italy.

The Lesson Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can an Active Chemical Be Effective, Safe, Harmless-for-Humans and Low-Cost at a Time? Evidence on Aerosolized Hypochlorous Acid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of disinfectants as tools to prevent and fight against coronavirus spreading. An ideal disinfectant and sanitizer must be nontoxic to surface contact, noncorrosive, effective, and relatively inexpensive as it is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The present work intended to evaluate, on different surfaces, the bactericidal and virucidal effectiveness of nebulized HOCl and test its safety usage in 2D and 3D skin and lung models.

Development and Assessment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Amplicon Vectors with Sensory Neuron-Selective Promoters.

Background: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a severe pathological condition characterized by involuntary detrusor contractions leading to urine leakage. This condition is frequent after spinal cord injury (SCI). Gene therapy for NDO requires the development of vectors that express therapeutic transgenes driven by sensory neuron-specific promoters.

Novel Chitosan-Based Schiff Base Compounds: Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity.

Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives are receiving considerable attention for their great biocompatibility and broad-spectrum activities in many fields. In this work, we aimed to characterize the antimicrobial activity of novel chitosan Schiff bases (CSSB). CS was synthesized by double deacetylation of chitin (Cn) after its extraction from the armors of crustaceans , and CSSB-1 and CSSB-2 were synthesized by interaction of CS with 4-(2-chloroethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-1) and 4-(bromoethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-2), respectively, at room temperature.

Control of Growth by Leaf Extracts: In Vitro and in Planta Effects.

(EA) is a phytopathogenic bacterium, the causative agent of bacterial fire blight, a disease that affects Rosaceaes. In order to replace antibiotics and copper, the antimicrobial activity of three extracts of Lam., methanolic (MeOH-MOE), hydroalcoholic (HA-MOE) and hydroalcoholic with maltodextrins (HAMD-MOE), was tested on eleven strains of EA isolated from apple trees by the Emilia-Romagna Phytosanitary Department.

Primary immune responses are negatively impacted by persistent herpesvirus infections in older people: results from an observational study on healthy subjects and a vaccination trial on subjects aged more than 70 years old.

Background: Advanced age is accompanied by a decline of immune functions, which may play a role in increased vulnerability to emerging pathogens and low efficacy of primary vaccinations in elderly people. The capacity to mount immune responses against new antigens is particularly affected in this population. However, its precise determinants are not fully understood.

Natural Polyphenol-Containing Gels against HSV-1 Infection: A Comparative Study.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection commonly affects many people, causing perioral sores, as well as severe complications including encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. The main pharmacological approach involves synthetic antiviral drugs, among which acyclovir is the golden standard, often leading to resistant virus strains under long-term use. An alternative approach based on antiviral plant-derived compounds, such as quercetin and mangiferin, demonstrated an antiviral potential.

Effects of Leaf Extracts on pv. .

pv. (Xcc) is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Xanthomonodaceae family, causing black rot in crucifers. To control this pathogen, the study investigated the effect of different leaves extracts of Lam.

Mangiferin-Loaded Smart Gels for HSV-1 Treatment.

Infections due to HSV-1 affect many people all over the world. To counteract this pathology, usually characterized by perioral sores or by less frequent serious symptoms including keratitis, synthetic antiviral drugs are employed, such as acyclovir, often resulting in resistant viral strains under long-term use. Many plant-derived compounds, such as mangiferin and quercetin, have demonstrated antiviral potentials.

Impaired Priming of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Naive CD8 T Cells in Older Subjects.

Advanced age is associated with severe symptoms and death upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Virus-specific CD8 T-cell responses have shown to be protective toward critical COVID-19 manifestations, suggesting that suboptimal cellular immunity may contribute to the age-pattern of the disease. The induction of a CD8 T-cell response against an emerging pathogen like SARS-CoV-2 relies on the activation of naive T cells.

Use of a Novel Peptide Welding Technology Platform for the Development of B- and T-Cell Epitope-Based Vaccines.

Peptide vaccines incorporating B- and T-cell epitopes have shown promise in the context of various cancers and infections. These vaccines are relatively simple to manufacture, but more immunogenic formulations are considered a priority. We developed tetrabranched derivatives for this purpose based on a novel peptide welding technology (PWT).

Type I interferon mediated induction of somatostatin leads to suppression of ghrelin and appetite thereby promoting viral immunity in mice.

Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a typical behavioral response to infectious diseases that often reduces body weight. Also, anorexia can be observed in cancer and trauma patients, causing poor quality of life and reduced prospects of positive therapeutic outcomes. Although anorexia is an acute symptom, its initiation and endocrine regulation during antiviral immune responses are poorly understood.

Vaccine Development for Herpes Simplex Viruses: A Commentary of Special Issue Editors.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2) are global, widespread human pathogens transmitted by direct contact that cause lifelong, recurrent asymptomatic and painful symptomatic clinical illnesses (cold sores, keratitis, blepharitis, meningitis, encephalitis, genital infections), overt disease and severe sequelae in neonatal and immune-compromised patients, and increased risk of cervical cancer and other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV [...

Expression of Langerin/CD 207 and α-smooth muscle actin in ex vivo rabbit corneal keratitis model.

The constant exposure of ocular surface to external environment and then to several microbial agents is often related to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory eye disorders. In the present study α-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) and Langerin CD/207 expression and function was investigated in a rabbit corneal keratitis. The inflammation was induced by the secreted form of glycoprotein B (gB1s) of HSV-1, in an ex vivo rabbit corneal model.

The Tat Protein of HIV-1 Prevents the Loss of HSV-Specific Memory Adaptive Responses and Favors the Control of Viral Reactivation.

The development of therapeutic strategies to control the reactivation of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is an unaddressed priority. In this study, we evaluated whether Tat, a HIV-1 protein displaying adjuvant functions, could improve previously established HSV-specific memory responses and prevent viral reactivation. To this aim, mice were infected with non-lethal doses of HSV-1 and, 44 days later, injected or not with Tat.