TIMP-2 Promotes Wound Healing by Suppressing Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inflammatory Cytokines in Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) modulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling for maintaining homeostasis and promoting cell migration and proliferation. Pathological conditions can alter TIMP homeostasis and aggravate disease progression. The roles of TIMPs have been studied in tissue-related disorders; however, their contributions to tissue repair during corneal injury are undefined.

Hepatocyte growth factor upregulates MMP1 and MMP10 expression and resolves corneal fibrosis.

Different therapeutic modalities, including steroids, have been used to treat corneal scarring. However, the ability of steroids to reduce corneal scarring is limited and associated with numerous side effects. Our previous studies have demonstrated that topical hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) after corneal injury suppresses the development of stromal scars.

A Limited Number of Amino Acid Permeases Are Crucial for Survival and Virulence.

One unique attribute of is its ability to procure essential monomers from its surroundings to survive in diverse environments. Preferentially, sugars are the energy sources for this opportunistic pathogenic fungus under the carbon catabolite repression (CCR); however, sugar restriction induces alternative use of low molecular weight alcohol, organic acids, and amino acids. The expression of transmembrane amino acid permeases (Aaps) allows to utilize different amino acids and their conjugates, notwithstanding under the nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR).

Cryptococcal proteases exhibit the potential to activate the latent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 650 million people and resulted in over 6.8 million deaths. Notably, the disease could co-manifest with microbial infections, like cryptococcosis, which also presents as a primary lung infection.

Cryptococcal Protease(s) and the Activation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein.

In this contribution, we report on the possibility that cryptococcal protease(s) could activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. The S protein is documented to have a unique four-amino-acid sequence (underlined, SPRRAR↓S) at the interface between the S1 and S2 sites, that serves as a cleavage site for the human protease, furin. We compared the biochemical efficiency of cryptococcal protease(s) and furin to mediate the proteolytic cleavage of the S1/S2 site in a fluorogenic peptide.

The first survey of cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Background And Aim: Cryptococcal yeast cells are spread across different ecosystems through bird movement and are deposited in bird guano. These cells may be inhaled by humans and lead to cryptococcal pneumonia. In individuals with reduced immune T-cell populations, cells may disseminate to the brain and cause the often-deadly cryptococcal meningitis.

The Possible Role of Microbial Proteases in Facilitating SARS-CoV-2 Brain Invasion.

SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to display proclivity towards organs bearing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) expression cells. Of interest herein is the ability of the virus to exhibit neurotropism. However, there is limited information on how this virus invades the brain.

The Repurposing of Acetylsalicylic Acid as a Photosensitiser to Inactivate the Growth of Cryptococcal Cells.

Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is often successful when used against aerobic microbes, given their natural susceptibility to oxidative damage. To this end, the current study aimed to explore the photodynamic action of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; aspirin, which is commonly used to treat non-infectious ailments), when administered to respiring cryptococcal cells. The treatment of cryptococcal cells, i.

Overview of the Development, Impacts, and Challenges of Live-Attenuated Oral Rotavirus Vaccines.

Safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness are paramount to vaccine development. Following the isolation of rotavirus particles in 1969 and its evidence as an aetiology of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide, the quest to find not only an acceptable and reliable but cost-effective vaccine has continued until now. Four live-attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines (LAORoVs) (Rotarix, RotaTeq, Rotavac, and RotaSIIL) have been developed and licensed to be used against all forms of rotavirus-associated infection.

Environmental Factors That Contribute to the Maintenance of Pathogenesis.

The ability of microorganisms to colonise and display an intracellular lifestyle within a host body increases their fitness to survive and avoid extinction. This host-pathogen association drives microbial evolution, as such organisms are under selective pressure and can become more pathogenic. Some of these microorganisms can quickly spread through the environment via transmission.