Spotlight on the impact of viral infections on Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) with a focus on COVID-19 effects

NRF2-mediated regulation of lipid pathways in viral infection

The first line of defense against viral infection of the host cell is the cellular lipid membrane, which is also a crucial first site of contact for viruses. Lipids may sometimes be used as viral receptors by viruses. For effective infection, viruses significantly depend on lipid rafts during the majority of the viral life cycle. It has been discovered that different viruses employ different lipid raft modification methods for attachment, internalization, membrane fusion, genome replication, assembly, and release. To preserve cellular homeostasis, cells have potent antioxidant, detoxifying, and cytoprotective capabilities. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), widely expressed in many tissues and cell types, is one crucial component controlling electrophilic and oxidative stress (OS). NRF2 has recently been given novel tasks, including controlling inflammation and antiviral interferon (IFN) responses. The activation of NRF2 has two effects: it may both promote and prevent the development of viral diseases. NRF2 may also alter the host's metabolism and innate immunity during viral infection. However, its primary function in viral infections is to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In several research, the impact of NRF2 on lipid metabolism has been examined. NRF2 is also involved in the control of lipids during viral infection. We evaluated NRF2's function in controlling viral and lipid infections in this research. We also looked at how lipids function in viral infections. Finally, we investigated the role of NRF2 in lipid modulation during viral infections.

The potential use of therapeutics and prophylactic mRNA vaccines in human papillomavirus (HPV)

Cervical cancer (CC) and other malignant malignancies are acknowledged to be primarily caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Historically, vaccinations against viruses that produce neutralizing antibodies unique to the virus have been an affordable way to manage viral diseases. CC risk is decreased, but not eliminated, by HPV vaccinations. Since vaccinations have been made available globally, almost 90% of HPV infections have been successfully avoided. On the lesions and diseases that are already present, however, no discernible treatment benefit has been shown. As a result, therapeutic vaccines that elicit immune responses mediated by cells are necessary for the treatment of established infections and cancers. mRNA vaccines possess remarkable potential in combating viral diseases and malignancy as a result of their superior industrial production, safety, and efficacy. Furthermore, considering the expeditiousness of production, the mRNA vaccine exhibits promise as a therapeutic approach targeting HPV. Given that the HPV-encoded early proteins, including oncoproteins E6 and E7, are consistently present in HPV-related cancers and pre-cancerous lesions and have crucial functions in the progression and persistence of HPV-related diseases, they serve as ideal targets for therapeutic HPV vaccines. The action mechanism of HPV and HPV-related cancer mRNA vaccines, their recent advancements in clinical trials, and the potential for their therapeutic applications are highlighted in this study, which also offers a quick summary of the present state of mRNA vaccines. Lastly, we highlight a few difficulties with mRNA HPV vaccination clinical practice and provide our thoughts on further advancements in this quickly changing sector. It is expected that mRNA vaccines will soon be produced quickly for clinical HPV prevention and treatment.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-based Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine of Dental Diseases

Biomedical engineering breakthroughs and increased patient expectations and requests for more comprehensive care are propelling the field of regenerative dentistry forward at a fast pace. Stem cells (SCs), bioactive compounds, and scaffolds are the mainstays of tissue engineering, the backbone of regenerative dentistry. Repairing damaged teeth and gums is a significant scientific problem at present. Novel therapeutic approaches for tooth and periodontal healing have been inspired by tissue engineering based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Furthermore, as a component of the MSC secretome, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to contribute to periodontal tissue repair and regeneration. The scaffold, made of an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), acts as a supporting structure for new cell development and tissue formation. To effectively promote cell development, a scaffold must be non-toxic, biodegradable, biologically compatible, low in immunogenicity, and safe. Due to its promising biological characteristics for cell regeneration, dental tissue engineering has recently received much attention for its use of natural or synthetic polymer scaffolds with excellent mechanical properties, such as small pore size and a high surface-to-volume ratio, as a matrix. Moreover, as a bioactive material for carrying MSC-EVs, the combined application of scaffolds and MSC-EVs has a better regenerative effect on dental diseases. In this paper, we discuss how MSCs and MSC-derived EV treatment may be used to regenerate damaged teeth, and we highlight the role of various scaffolds in this process.

The potential use of nanozyme in aging and age-related diseases

The effects of an increasingly elderly population are among the most far-reaching in 21st-century society. The growing healthcare expense is mainly attributable to the increased incidence of chronic illnesses that accompany longer life expectancies. Different ideas have been put up to explain aging, but it is widely accepted that oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids contributes to the aging process. Increases in life expectancy in all contemporary industrialized cultures are accompanied by sharp increases in the prevalence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological conditions, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Therefore, academic and public health authorities should prioritize the development of therapies to increase health span. Nanozyme (NZ)-like activity in nanomaterials has been identified as promising anti-aging nanomedicines. More than that, nanomaterials displaying catalytic activities have evolved as artificial enzymes with high structural stability, variable catalytic activity, and functional diversity for use in a wide range of biological settings, including those dealing with age-related disorders. Due to their inherent enzyme-mimicking qualities, enzymes have attracted significant interest in treating diseases associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of NZs on aging and age-related disorders are summarized in this article. Finally, prospects and threats to enzyme research and use in aging and age-related disorders are offered.

An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection

The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox.

COVID-19 in patients with anemia and haematological malignancies: risk factors, clinical guidelines, and emerging therapeutic approaches

Extensive research in countries with high sociodemographic indices (SDIs) to date has shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be directly associated with more severe outcomes among patients living with haematological disorders and malignancies (HDMs). Because individuals with moderate to severe immunodeficiency are likely to undergo persistent infections, shed virus particles for prolonged periods, and lack an inflammatory or abortive phase, this represents an overall risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. In cases suffering from HDMs, further investigation is needed to achieve a better understanding of triviruses and a group of related variants in patients with anemia and HDMs, as well as their treatment through vaccines, drugs, and other methods. Against this background, the present study aimed to delineate the relationship between HDMs and the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides, effective treatment options for HDM cases were further explored to address this epidemic and its variants. Therefore, learning about how COVID-19 manifests in these patients, along with exploiting the most appropriate treatments, may lead to the development of treatment and care strategies by clinicians and researchers to help patients recover faster. Video Abstract.

A state-of-the-art review on the NRF2 in Hepatitis virus-associated liver cancer

According to a paper released and submitted to WHO by IARC scientists, there would be 905,700 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed globally in 2020, with 830,200 deaths expected as a direct result. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) all play critical roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), despite the rising prevalence of HCC due to non-infectious causes. Liver cirrhosis and HCC are devastating consequences of HBV and HCV infections, which are widespread worldwide. Associated with a high mortality rate, these infections cause about 1.3 million deaths annually and are the primary cause of HCC globally. In addition to causing insertional mutations due to viral gene integration, epigenetic alterations and inducing chronic immunological dysfunction are all methods by which these viruses turn hepatocytes into cancerous ones. While expanding our knowledge of the illness, identifying these pathways also give possibilities for novel diagnostic and treatment methods. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation is gaining popularity as a treatment option for oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. Numerous studies have shown that elevated Nrf2 expression is linked to HCC, providing more evidence that Nrf2 is a critical factor in HCC. This aberrant Nrf2 signaling drives cell proliferation, initiates angiogenesis and invasion, and imparts drug resistance. As a result, this master regulator may be a promising treatment target for HCC. In addition, the activation of Nrf2 is a common viral effect that contributes to the pathogenesis, development, and chronicity of virus infection. However, certain viruses suppress Nrf2 activity, which is helpful to the virus in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this paper, we discussed the influence of Nrf2 deregulation on the viral life cycle and the pathogenesis associated with HBV and HCV. We summed up the mechanisms for the modulation of Nrf2 that are deregulated by these viruses. Moreover, we describe the molecular mechanism by which Nrf2 is modulated in liver cancer, liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), and liver cancer caused by HBV and HCV. Video Abstract.

The potential use of bacteria and bacterial derivatives as drug delivery systems for viral infection

Viral infections in humans are responsible for fatalities worldwide and contribute to the incidence of various human ailments. Controllable targeted medicine delivery against many illnesses, including viral infection, may be significantly aided by using bacteria and bacteria-derived products. They may accumulate in diseased tissues despite physical obstacles, where they can launch antiviral immunity. The ability to genetically and chemically modify them means that vaccinations against viral infections may be manufactured and delivered to affected tissues more safely and effectively. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in the field of utilizing bacteria and bacterial derivatives as carriers for administering medication to treat viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, and Ebola virus.