Targeted protein evolution in the gut microbiome by diversity-generating retroelements.

Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) accelerate evolution by rapidly diversifying variable proteins. The human gastrointestinal microbiota harbors the greatest density of DGRs known in nature, suggesting they play adaptive roles in this environment. We identified >1,100 unique DGRs among human-associated species and discovered a subset that diversify adhesive components of Type V pili and related proteins.

Targeting Neoantigens in Cancer: Possibilities and Opportunities in Breast Cancer.

As one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, breast cancer has garnered significant attention within the clinical research setting. While traditional treatment employs a multidisciplinary approach including a variety of therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and even surgery, researchers have since directed their attention to the budding role of neoantigens. Neoantigens are defined as tumor-specific antigens that result from a multitude of genetic alterations, the most prevalent of which is the single nucleotide variant.

Evaluation of Glutathione in Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Induced Immunothrombosis and Cytokine Dysregulation.

Thrombotic microangiopathy has been identified as a dominant mechanism for increased mortality and morbidity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the context of severe COVID-19, patients may develop immunothrombosis within the microvasculature of the lungs, which contributes to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a leading cause of death in the disease. Immunothrombosis is thought to be mediated in part by increased levels of cytokines, fibrin clot formation, and oxidative stress.

Liposomal Glutathione Supplementation Mitigates Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in the Liver and Spleen.

Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for a fifth of all () infections worldwide. The rise of multidrug resistance in alongside the hepatotoxicity associated with antibiotics presents challenges in managing and treating tuberculosis (TB), thereby prompting a need for new therapeutic approaches. Administration of liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) has previously been shown to lower oxidative stress, enhance a granulomatous response, and reduce the burden of in the lungs of -infected mice.

Additive Effects of Cyclic Peptide [R4W4] When Added Alongside Azithromycin and Rifampicin against Infection.

(), a type of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), poses a risk for pulmonary infections and disseminated infections in immunocompromised individuals. Conventional treatment consists of a 12-month regimen of the first-line antibiotics rifampicin and azithromycin. However, the treatment duration and low antibiotic tolerability present challenges in the treatment of infection.

Glutathione Modulates Efficacious Changes in the Immune Response against Tuberculosis.

Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant in human cells that is utilized to prevent damage occurred by reactive oxygen species, free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. Due to its immunological role in tuberculosis (TB), GSH is hypothesized to play an important part in the immune response against infection. In fact, one of the hallmark structures of TB is granuloma formation, which involves many types of immune cells.

L-GSH Supplementation in Conjunction With Rifampicin Augments the Treatment Response to in a Diabetic Mouse Model.

Both active tuberculosis (TB) and asymptomatic latent () infection (LTBI) cause significant health burdens to humans worldwide. Individuals with immunocompromising health conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), have a weakened ability to control infection and are more susceptible to reactivation of LTBI to active diseases. T2DM cases are known to have glutathione (GSH) deficiency and impaired immune cell function, including the granulomatous response to infection.

Liposomal Glutathione Helps to Mitigate Infection in the Lungs.

(), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is responsible for causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially among individuals with compromised immune systems. We have previously shown that the supplementation of liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) reduces viability and enhances a Th-1 cytokine response, promoting granuloma formation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. However, the effects of L-GSH supplementation in modulating the immune responses in the lungs during an active infection have yet to be explored.

Effects of Glutathione Diminishment on the Immune Responses against Infection.

, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), continues to be a global health burden. We have reported that patients with marked deficiency in the production of glutathione (GSH) had impaired granulomatous effector responses against infection, which were restored when supplementing patients with liposomal GSH (lGSH). However, the effects of GSH deficiency in the lung parenchyma in altering granuloma formation and effector responses against infection remain unexplored.

Effects of Oral Liposomal Glutathione in Altering the Immune Responses Against and the BCG Strain in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a neglected, important, and re-emerging risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), especially in low and middle-income countries where TB is endemic. In this clinical trial study, oral liposomal glutathione supplementation (L-GSH) or placebo was given to individuals with T2DM to investigate the therapeutic effects of L-GSH supplementation. We report that L-GSH supplementation for 3 months in people with T2DM was able to reduce the levels of oxidative stress in all blood components and prevent depletion of glutathione (GSH) in this population known to be GSH deficient.

The Effects of Oral Liposomal Glutathione and In Vitro Everolimus in Altering the Immune Responses against BCG Strain in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by () still remains a devastating infectious disease in the world. There has been a daunting increase in the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. T2DM patients are three times more vulnerable to infection compared to healthy individuals.

Understanding the Relationship between Glutathione, TGF-β, and Vitamin D in Combating Infections.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pervasive global health threat. A significant proportion of the world's population that is affected by latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is at risk for reactivation and subsequent transmission to close contacts. Despite sustained efforts in eradication, the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of () has rendered traditional antibiotic therapy less effective at mitigating the morbidity and mortality of the disease.