Treatment with P28GST, a schistosome-derived enzyme, after acute colitis induction in mice: Decrease of intestinal inflammation associated with a down regulation of Th1/Th17 responses.

Background: P28GST, a 28Kd glutathione S-transferase enzymatic protein derived from a schistosome helminth prevents experimental colitis when administered subcutaneously in the presence of adjuvant by decreasing pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 response. Given the antioxidant properties of P28GST, we evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential when administered locally after colitis induction in the absence of adjuvant.

Methods: Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by rectal administration of TNBS, followed by two intraperitoneal injections of P28GST at day 1 and day 2.

IL-18 Is Involved in Eosinophil-Mediated Tumoricidal Activity against a Colon Carcinoma Cell Line by Upregulating LFA-1 and ICAM-1.

Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes that are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses through the expression of various receptors and mediators. Previously, we showed that human eosinophils and T cells shared cytotoxic activities against tumor cells that involved the γ-δ TCR and cell-cell contact. In this study, we investigated the molecules involved in eosinophil-tumor cell interactions.

Single-molecule analysis of the major glycopolymers of pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeast cells.

Most microbes are coated with carbohydrates that show remarkable structural variability and play a crucial role in mediating microbial-host interactions. Understanding the functions of cell wall glycoconjugates requires detailed knowledge of their molecular organization, diversity and heterogeneity. Here we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) with tips bearing specific probes (lectins, antibodies) to analyze the major glycopolymers of pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeast cells at molecular resolution.

The CARD8 p.C10X mutation associates with a low anti-glycans antibody response in patients with Crohn's disease.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with elevated anti-glycans antibody response in 60% of CD patients, and 25% of healthy first-degree relatives (HFDRs), suggesting a genetic influence for this humoral response. In mice, anti-glucan antibody response depends on the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we explored the effect of mutated CARD8, a component of the inflammasome, on anti-glycans antibody response in human.

Murine model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis reveals Candida glabrata virulence and contribution of β-mannosyltransferases.

Candida glabrata, like Candida albicans, is an opportunistic yeast pathogen that has adapted to colonize all segments of the human gastrointestinal tract and vagina. The C. albicans cell wall expresses β-1,2-linked mannosides (β-Mans), promoting its adherence to host cells and tissues.

In vitro pro- and anti-inflammatory responses to viable Candida albicans yeasts by a murine macrophage cell line.

The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production is a crucial aspect of infections caused by Candida albicans. We therefore investigated the effect of yeast concentration on the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine response. Production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by the murine macrophage cell line J774 decreased significantly as the live yeast concentration increased.

Host responses to a versatile commensal: PAMPs and PRRs interplay leading to tolerance or infection by Candida albicans.

The molecular interactions between commensal microorganisms and their host are basically different from those triggered by pathogens since they involve tolerance. When the commensal is genetically equipped to become an opportunistic pathogen, as is the case with Candida albicans, the picture becomes more complex. In this case, the balance between protection and invasion depends on host reactivity to altered microbial expression of ligands interacting with innate immune sensors.

A method for examining glycans surface expression of yeasts by flow cytometry.

Recognition of pathogenic yeasts by host cells is based on components of the yeast cell wall, which are considered part of its virulence attributes. Cell wall glycans play an important role in the continuous interchange that regulates the balance between saprophytism and parasitism and between resistance and infection. Flow cytometry is a useful method for probing surface yeast glycans in order to compare their expression depending on strains and growth conditions.