Publications by authors named "B Katschinski"
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prototypical β-herpesvirus which frequently causes morbidity and mortality in individuals with immature, suppressed, or senescent immunity. HCMV is sensed by various pattern recognition receptors, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). TNFα binds to two distinct trimeric receptors: TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2, which differ in regard to their expression profiles, affinities for soluble and membrane-bound TNFα, and down-stream signaling pathways.
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- The COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant need for affordable and effective treatments, especially as the search for alternative therapies continues even with vaccine availability.
- Research tested herbal teas, specifically those made from perilla and sage, and found that they have strong antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2, performing comparably to some existing treatments.
- Key compounds like caffeic acid and perilla aldehyde were identified in these teas, and the study suggests they work by activating certain protective mechanisms in the body, indicating potential for herbal remedies in managing COVID-19.
Article Synopsis
- Primary and recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can lead to CMV colitis, affecting both immunocompromised individuals and those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with rare instances in immunocompetent patients.
- A study using a mouse model showed that acute primary MCMV infection changes gut microbial composition and leads to significant replication of the virus in the colon, along with increased inflammation and cell growth in the intestinal lining.
- The research found that CMV directly infects intestinal cells, causing increased cell death and disrupting the epithelial barrier, suggesting that CMV can temporarily cause colitis by disturbing the gut's balance in healthy individuals.
(COVID-19) caused by the emerging (SARS-CoV-2) has set off a global pandemic. There is an urgent unmet need for safe, affordable, and effective therapeutics against COVID-19. In this regard, drug repurposing is considered as a promising approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to global healthcare sectors. To prevent the overburden of medical systems, it is crucial to distinguish individuals approaching the most infectious early phase from those in the declining non-infectious phase. However, a large fraction of transmission events occur during pre- or asymptomatic phases.
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