The circadian regulator BMAL1 programmes responses to parasitic worm infection via a dendritic cell clock.

Resistance to the intestinal parasitic helminth Trichuris muris requires T-helper 2 (T2) cellular and associated IgG1 responses, with expulsion typically taking up to 4 weeks in mice. Here, we show that the time-of-day of the initial infection affects efficiency of worm expulsion, with strong T2 bias and early expulsion in morning-infected mice. Conversely, mice infected at the start of the night show delayed resistance to infection, and this is associated with feeding-driven metabolic cues, such that feeding restriction to the day-time in normally nocturnal-feeding mice disrupts parasitic expulsion kinetics.

Differential Spleen Remodeling Associated with Different Levels of Parasite Virulence Controls Disease Outcome in Malaria Parasite Infections.

Infections by malaria parasites can lead to very different clinical outcomes, ranging from mild symptoms to death. Differences in the ability of the spleen to deal with the infected red blood cells (iRBCs) are linked to differences in virulence. Using virulent and avirulent strains of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii, we investigated how parasite virulence modulates overall spleen function.

An antagonist of the retinoid X receptor reduces the viability of Trichuris muris in vitro.

Background: Trichuriasis is a parasitic disease caused by the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura. It affects millions worldwide, particularly in the tropics. This nematode parasite burrows into the colonic epithelium resulting in inflammation and morbidity, especially in children.

Dynamic changes in macrophage activation and proliferation during the development and resolution of intestinal inflammation.

Macrophages (Mφs) accumulate at sites of inflammation, and, because they can assume several functionally distinct states of activation, they can either drive or restrain inflammatory responses. Once believed to depend on the recruitment of blood monocytes, it is now clear that the accumulation of Mφs in some tissues can result from the proliferation of resident Mφs in situ. However, little is known about the proliferation and activation state of Mφ subsets in the gut during the development and resolution of intestinal inflammation.

The retinoic acid receptor agonist Am80 increases mucosal inflammation in an IL-6 dependent manner during Trichuris muris infection.

Purpose: Vitamin A metabolites, such as all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) that act through the nuclear receptor; retinoic acid receptor (RAR), have been shown to polarise T cells towards Th2, and to be important in resistance to helminth infections. Co-incidentally, people harbouring intestinal parasites are often supplemented with vitamin A, as both vitamin A deficiency and parasite infections often occur in the same regions of the globe. However, the impact of vitamin A supplementation on gut inflammation caused by intestinal parasites is not yet completely understood.

Trichuris muris research revisited: a journey through time.

The mouse whipworm Trichuris muris has long been used as a tractable model of human Trichuriasis. Here we look back at the history of T. muris research; from the definition of the species and determination of its life cycle, through to the complex immune responses that we study today.

The goblet cell is the cellular source of the anti-microbial angiogenin 4 in the large intestine post Trichuris muris infection.

Background: Mouse angiogenin 4 (Ang4) has previously been described as a Paneth cell-derived antimicrobial peptide important in epithelial host defence in the small intestine. However, a source for Ang4 in the large intestine, which is devoid of Paneth cells, has not been defined.

Methodology/principal Findings: Analysis was performed on Ang4 expression in colonic tissue by qPCR and immunohistochemistry following infection with the large intestine dwelling helminth parasite Trichuris muris.

Preoperative dental anxiety and mood changes during nitrous oxide inhalation.

Background: An estimated 35 million Americans experience significant apprehension about dental procedures, while an additional 10 to 12 million are considered to be "dental phobic" and avoid needed dental care altogether. Nitrous oxide is a general anesthetic used at subanesthetic concentrations to reduce anxiety during dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to characterize mood changes during nitrous oxide inhalation in patients with different levels of preoperative dental anxiety.