Role of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 in pathogenesis of malaria and its severe forms.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, responsible for a significant impact on public health in several tropical and sub-tropical countries. The majority of infection cases are classified as uncomplicated malaria, causing mild symptoms such as fever and headache. However, the disease may progress to severe malaria and death if the infection is not properly treated.

CCR5Δ32 and HLA allele diversity in bone marrow donors from southern Brazil.

Transplantation of stem cells derived from donors with CCR5Δ32 homozygous genotype is a potential strategy to achieve both the control of malignant hematological disease as well as sustained remission of the HIV infection, and researchers in different countries are looking for CCR5Δ32 homozygous donors to replicate such a 'double-target' strategy. We determined the frequency of the CCR5Δ32 variant in a sample of 1,398 bone marrow donors from Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. This study also evaluated whether HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 genotypes are homogeneously distributed between CCR5Δ32 carriers and non-carriers in a population characterized by a significant genetic admixture.

HLA-G*14 bp indel variant in autism spectrum disorder in a population from southern Brazil.

Altered immune response during pregnancy has been associated with ASD susceptibility. HLA-G is expressed by the trophoblast at the maternal/fetal interface and induces allogenic tolerance toward the fetus. A 14-bp insertion in the HLA-G 3'UTR (rs371194629) was associated with reduced levels of HLA-G.

Association between NKG2/KLR gene variants and epilepsy in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders mainly characterized by repetitive, restrictive and stereotypical behaviors, and impaired communication skills. Several lines of evidence indicate that alterations of the immune system account for ASD development, including the presence of brain-reactive antibodies, abnormal T cell activation, altered cytokine levels in brain, cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood circulation, increased levels of circulating monocytes, and dysregulation in Natural Killer (NK) cells activity. Regarding NK cells, a lower cytotoxic activity, a higher level of activation and an increased number of these cells in individuals with ASD have been described.

HIV Infection, Chromosome Instability, and Micronucleus Formation.

Genome integrity is critical for proper cell functioning, and chromosome instability can lead to age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Chromosome instability is caused by multiple factors, including replication stress, chromosome missegregation, exposure to pollutants, and viral infections. Although many studies have investigated the effects of environmental or lifestyle genotoxins on chromosomal integrity, information on the effects of viral infections on micronucleus formation and other chromosomal aberrations is still limited.

Synthesizing the connections between environmental disturbances and zoonotic spillover.

Zoonotic spillover is a phenomenon characterized by the transfer of pathogens between different animal species. Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from non-human animals, and human-related environmental disturbances are the driving forces of the emergence of new human pathogens. Synthesizing the sequence of basic events involved in the emergence of new human pathogens is important for guiding the understanding, identification, and description of key aspects of human activities that can be changed to prevent new outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.

2848 G/A Gene Polymorphism in HCV+, HIV+, and HCV+/HIV+ Individuals.

Host genetic factors play a major role with respect to susceptibility to infections. Many polymorphisms of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), members of the innate immune response, are directly associated with the clinical outcomes following infection. The 2848 G/A variant (rs352140) of the gene is associated with increased TLR9 expression.

CCR5Δ32 in Brazil: Impacts of a European Genetic Variant on a Highly Admixed Population.

The genetic background of Brazilians encompasses Amerindian, African, and European components as a result of the colonization of an already Amerindian inhabited region by Europeans, associated to a massive influx of Africans. Other migratory flows introduced into the Brazilian population genetic components from Asia and the Middle East. Currently, Brazil has a highly admixed population and, therefore, the study of genetic factors in the context of health or disease in Brazil is a challenging and remarkably interesting subject.

Beyond HIV infection: Neglected and varied impacts of CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 on viral diseases.

The interactions between chemokine receptors and their ligands may affect susceptibility to infectious diseases as well as their clinical manifestations. These interactions mediate both the traffic of inflammatory cells and virus-associated immune responses. In the context of viral infections, the human C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) receives great attention from the scientific community due to its role as an HIV-1 co-receptor.

Beyond diversity loss and climate change: Impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious diseases and public health.

Amazonian biodiversity is increasingly threatened due to the weakening of policies for combating deforestation, especially in Brazil. Loss of animal and plant species, many not yet known to science, is just one among many negative consequences of Amazon deforestation. Deforestation affects indigenous communities, riverside as well as urban populations, and even planetary health.

CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 in bacterial and parasitic infections: Thinking chemokine receptors outside the HIV box.

The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against HIV-1 infection. These findings led to extensive research regarding the CCR5, culminating in critical scientific advances, such as the development of CCR5 inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection.

Role of the genetic variant CCR5Δ32 in HBV infection and HBV/HIV co-infection.

CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that mediates the action of inflammatory cells, besides acting as an HIV co-receptor. CCR5Δ32 states for a genetic variant containing a 32 base pair deletion in the coding region of the CCR5 gene. In homozygosis, CCR5Δ32 results in the lack of CCR5 expression on the cell surface, which was associated with protection against HIV infection.

A functional interaction between the CCR5 and CD34 molecules expressed in hematopoietic cells can support (or even promote) the development of cancer.

Inflammation and angiogenesis are linked to the development of cancer since both can support the establishment of a tumor-prone microenvironment. The CCR5 is a major regulatory molecule involved in inflammation. The CD34 molecule is commonly described as a hematopoietic stem cell marker, and CD34 cells are involved in the regulation of distinct physiological processes, including angiogenesis.

CCR5Δ32 in HCV infection, HCV/HIV co-infection, and HCV-related diseases.

Although a potential involvement of the CCR5Δ32 variant has already been suggested in relation to susceptibility to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, data from the literature is still quite controversial. Thus, our study evaluated the influence of the CCR5Δ32 allele variant in HCV infection, HCV/HIV co-infection, and HCV-related diseases in individuals from southern Brazil. A total of 1352 individuals were included in this study, divided into the following groups: Control (n = 274); HCV+ (n = 674); HIV+ (n = 300); HCV+/HIV+ (n = 104).