Adenosine increases PD-L1 expression in mesenchymal stromal cells derived from cervical cancer through its interaction with AR/AR and the production of TGF-β1.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) together with malignant cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME), participate in the suppression of the antitumor immune response through the production of immunosuppressive factors, such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). In previous studies, we reported that adenosine (Ado), generated by the adenosinergic activity of cervical cancer (CeCa) cells, induces the production of TGF-β1 by interacting with AR/AR. In the present study, we provide evidence that Ado induces the production of TGF-β1 in MSCs derived from CeCa tumors (CeCa-MSCs) by interacting with both receptors and that TGF-β1 acts in an autocrine manner to induce the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in CeCa-MSCs, resulting in an increase in their immunosuppressive capacity on activated CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Synthesis of Antiprotozoal 2-(4-Alkyloxyphenyl)-Imidazolines and Imidazoles and Their Evaluation on and .

Twenty 2-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-imidazolines and 2-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-imidazoles were synthesized, with the former being synthesized in two steps by using MW and ultrasonication energy, resulting in good to excellent yields. Imidazoles were obtained in moderate yields by oxidizing imidazolines with MnO and MW energy. In response to the urgent need to treat neglected tropical diseases, a set of 2-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)- imidazolines and imidazoles was tested in vitro on and .

Repositioning FDA-Approved Drug Against Chagas Disease and Cutaneous Leishmaniosis by Structure-Based Virtual Screening.

Background: Chagas disease and cutaneous leishmaniasis, two parasitic diseases caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and Leishmania mexicana (L. mexicana), respectively, have a major global impact.

Imipramine Administration in -Infected Mice Restores Hippocampal Serotonin Levels, Muscle Strength, and Mood, and Decreases Spleen CFU Count.

Brucellosis infection causes non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, fatigue, and mood disorders. In mouse models, it has been associated with increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, a decrease in serotonin and dopamine levels within the hippocampus, induced loss of muscle strength and equilibrium, and increased anxiety and hopelessness. Imipramine (ImiP), a tricyclic antidepressant, is used to alleviate neuropathic pain.

Application of Multiparametric Flow Cytometry Panels to Study Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Tuberculin-Positive Cattle.

Flow cytometry (FC) is widely used in microbiology, immunology, hematology, and oncology. In the veterinary field, FC enabled the study of the immune response in cattle infected with different pathogens, as well as vaccine testing. However, few fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies recognize bovine antigens, limiting the possible benefits of FC and the implementation of multiparametric analysis for more complex studies.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of prenylated chalcones ethers as promising antileishmanial compounds.

Drug therapy for leishmaniasis remains a major challenge as currently available drugs have limited efficacy, induce serious side-effects and are not accessible to everyone. Thus, the discovery of affordable drugs is urgently needed. Chalcones present a great potential as bioactive agents due to simple structure and functionalization capacity.

Mexican Oregano ( Schauer and Gray) Essential Oils Induce Cell Death by Apoptosis in Promastigotes.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease; there are different manifestations of the diseases and species involved, and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by is the most prevalent in Mexico. Currently, the drugs available for the treatment of leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, and often ineffective; therefore, it is imperative to carry out research and development of new therapeutic alternatives, with natural products being an attractive option. In particular, oregano is a plant with worldwide distribution; in Mexico, two species: Schauer and Gray are endemic.

Irradiation and parasitism affect the ability of larval hemocytes of Anastrepha obliqua for phagocytosis and the production of reactive oxygen species.

The development of the parasitoid Doryctobracon crawfordi (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Anastrepha obliqua (McQuart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae is unviable in nature; however, if the host larva is irradiated at 160 Gy, the parasitoid develops and emerges successfully. This suggests that radiation affects the immune responses of A. obliqua larvae, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be revealed.

Low Concentration of the Neutrophil Proteases Cathepsin G, Cathepsin B, Proteinase-3 and Metalloproteinase-9 Induce Biofilm Formation in Non-Biofilm-Forming Isolates.

Neutrophils play a crucial role in eliminating bacteria that invade the human body; however, cathepsin G can induce biofilm formation in a non-biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis 1457 strain, suggesting that neutrophil proteases may be involved in biofilm formation. Cathepsin G, cathepsin B, proteinase-3, and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from neutrophils were tested on the biofilm induction in commensal (skin isolated) and clinical non-biofilm-forming S. epidermidis isolates.

Differential Antimicrobial Effect of Essential Oils and Their Main Components: Insights Based on the Cell Membrane and External Structure.

The biological activity of essential oils and their major components is well documented. Essential oils such as oregano and cinnamon are known for their effect against bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. The mechanism of action is proposed to be related to membrane and external cell structures, including cell walls.

Robust Plasma Cell Response to Skin-Inoculated Dengue Virus in Mice.

Dengue is a worldwide expanding threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) infection. To date, no specific treatment or effective vaccine is available. Antibodies produced by plasma cells (PCs) might be involved concomitantly in protection and severe dengue immunopathology.

Fasciola hepatica-derived molecules as potential immunomodulators.

Through the years, helminths have co-existed with many species. This process has allowed parasites to live within them for long periods and, in some cases, to generate offspring. In particular, this ability has allowed Fasciola hepatica to survive the diverse immunological responses faced within its wide range of hosts.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanolic Extract of Bark Reduces the Severity of Ulcerative Colitis in a Chemically Induced Colitis Model.

is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat different gastrointestinal problems. Here, we investigated the effects of a methanolic extract in DSS-induced colitis mice. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was induced by administering 4% DSS in drinking water to female BALB/c mice.

Cutaneous Dengue Virus Inoculation Triggers Strong B Cell Reactions but Contrastingly Poor T Cell Responses.

Dengue is a global health problem without current specific treatment nor safe vaccines available. While severe dengue is related to pre-existing non-neutralizing dengue virus (DENV) antibodies, the role of T cells in protection or pathology is unclear. Using cutaneous DENV infection in immunocompetent mice we previously showed the generation of PNA+ germinal centers (GCs), now we assessed the activation and proliferation of B and T cells in draining lymph nodes (DLNs).

Conservation of the OmpC Porin Among Typhoidal and Non-Typhoidal Serovars.

infections remain a challenging health issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current vaccines against typhoid fever display moderate efficacy whilst no licensed vaccines are available for paratyphoid fever or invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop high efficacy broad-spectrum vaccines that can protect against typhoidal and non-typhoidal .

Extracellular vesicles released by J774A.1 macrophages reduce the bacterial load in macrophages and in an experimental mouse model of tuberculosis.

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death by an infectious microorganism worldwide. Conventional treatment lasts at least six months and has adverse effects; therefore, it is important to find therapeutic alternatives that reduce the bacterial load and may reduce the treatment duration. The immune response against tuberculosis can be modulated by several mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nano-sized membrane-bound structures that constitute an efficient communication mechanism among immune cells.

Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids Induce Mitophagy in A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Ursolic and oleanolic acids are natural isomeric triterpenes known for their anticancer activity. Here, we investigated the effect of triterpenes on the viability of A549 human lung cancer cells and the role of autophagy in their activity. The induction of autophagy, the mitochondrial changes and signaling pathway stimulated by triterpenes were systematically explored by confocal microscopy and western blotting.

Novel prenyloxy chalcones as potential leishmanicidal and trypanocidal agents: Design, synthesis and evaluation.

The available drugs for treating Leishmaniasis and American trypanosomiasis have high toxicity and multiple side effects, among other problems. More effective and less toxic treatments are urgently needed. A series of chalcones that contained a prenyloxy or geranyloxy substituent was synthesized and characterized.

Dengue Virus Induces the Release of sCD40L and Changes in Levels of Membranal CD42b and CD40L Molecules in Human Platelets.

Platelets are considered as significant players in innate and adaptive immune responses. The adhesion molecules they express, including P-selectin, CD40L, and CD42b, facilitate interactions with many cellular effectors. Upon interacting with a pathogen, platelets rapidly express and enhance their adhesion molecules, and secrete cytokines and chemokines.

Oviposition Deterrent and Larvicidal and Pupaecidal Activity of Seven Essential Oils and their Major Components against Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae): Synergism-antagonism Effects.

The larvicidal activity of essential oils cinnamon ( J. Presl), Mexican lime ( Swingle) cumin ( Linnaeus), clove ( (L.) Merr.

Esters of Quinoxaline 1`4-Di--oxide with Cytotoxic Activity on Tumor Cell Lines Based on NCI-60 Panel.

Quinoxalines display diverse and interesting pharmacological activities as antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and anticancer agents. Particularly, their 1`4-di--oxide derivatives have proved to be cytotoxic agents that are active under hypoxic conditions as that of solid tumours. A new series of quinoxaline 1`4-di--oxide substitutes at 7-position with esters group were synthetized and characterized by infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR), spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.

Essential oils and their components as an alternative in the control of mosquito vectors of disease.

More than half of the human population is exposed to mosquito-borne infections. Climate change and the emergence of strains resistant to traditionally used insecticides have motivated the search of new agents for mosquito population control. Essential oils have been effective repellents and larvicidal agents.

Isopropyl quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives induce regulated necrosis-like cell death on Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite of the genus Leishmania. About 13 million people are infected worldwide, and it is estimated that 350 million are at risk of infection. Clinical manifestations depend on the parasite species and factors related to the host such as the immune system, nutrition, housing, and financial resources.

Trypanocidal Activity of Quinoxaline 1,4 Di-N-oxide Derivatives as Trypanothione Reductase Inhibitors.

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is a worldwide public health problem. In this work, we evaluated 26 new propyl and isopropyl quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives as potential trypanocidal agents. Additionally, molecular docking and enzymatic assays on trypanothione reductase (TR) were performed to provide a basis for their potential mechanism of action.