Expression and mechanisms of interferon-stimulated genes in viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological diseases

Exploring the detailed role of interleukins in cancer: A comprehensive review of literature

The cancer cells that are not normal can grow into tumors, invade surrounding tissues, and travel to other parts of the body via the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Interleukins, a vital class of signaling proteins, facilitate cell-to-cell contact within the immune system. A type of non-coding RNA known as lncRNAs mediates its actions by regulating miRNA-mRNA roles (Interleukins). Because of their dual function in controlling the growth of tumors and altering the immune system's response to cancer cells, interleukins have been extensively studied concerning cancer. Understanding the complex relationships between interleukins, the immune system, the tumor microenvironment, and the components of interleukin signaling pathways that impact the miRNA-mRNA axis, including lncRNAs, has advanced significantly in cancer research. Due to the significant and all-encompassing influence of interleukins on the immune system and the development and advancement of cancers, lncRNAs play a crucial role in cancer research by modulating interleukins. Their diverse effects on immune system regulation, tumor growth encouragement, and tumor inhibition make them appealing candidates for potential cancer treatments and diagnostics. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the biology of interleukin and lncRNAs will likely result in more effective immunotherapy strategies and individualized cancer treatments.

Altered Brain Cholesterol Machinery in a Down Syndrome Mouse Model: A Possible Common Feature with Alzheimer's Disease

Down syndrome (DS) is a complex chromosomal disorder considered as a genetically determined form of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Maintenance of brain cholesterol homeostasis is essential for brain functioning and development, and its dysregulation is associated with AD neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. Brain cholesterol imbalances also likely occur in DS, concurring with the precocious AD-like neurodegeneration. In this pilot study, we analyzed, in the brain of the Ts2Cje (Ts2) mouse model of DS, the expression of genes encoding key enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism and of the levels of cholesterol and its main precursors and products of its metabolism (i.e., oxysterols). The results showed, in Ts2 mice compared to euploid mice, the downregulation of the transcription of the genes encoding the enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase, the latter originally recognized as an indicator of AD, and the consequent reduction in total cholesterol levels. Moreover, the expression of genes encoding enzymes responsible for brain cholesterol oxidation and the amounts of the resulting oxysterols were modified in Ts2 mouse brains, and the levels of cholesterol autoxidation products were increased, suggesting an exacerbation of cerebral oxidative stress. We also observed an enhanced inflammatory response in Ts2 mice, underlined by the upregulation of the transcription of the genes encoding for α-interferon and interleukin-6, two cytokines whose synthesis is increased in the brains of AD patients. Overall, these results suggest that DS and AD brains share cholesterol cycle derangements and altered oxysterol levels, which may contribute to the oxidative and inflammatory events involved in both diseases.

Virus-Induced Epilepsy vs. Epilepsy Patients Acquiring Viral Infection: Unravelling the Complex Relationship for Precision Treatment

The intricate relationship between viruses and epilepsy involves a bidirectional interaction. Certain viruses can induce epilepsy by infecting the brain, leading to inflammation, damage, or abnormal electrical activity. Conversely, epilepsy patients may be more susceptible to viral infections due to factors, such as compromised immune systems, anticonvulsant drugs, or surgical interventions. Neuroinflammation, a common factor in both scenarios, exhibits onset, duration, intensity, and consequence variations. It can modulate epileptogenesis, increase seizure susceptibility, and impact anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics, immune system function, and brain physiology. Viral infections significantly impact the clinical management of epilepsy patients, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach encompassing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both conditions. We delved into the dual dynamics of viruses inducing epilepsy and epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, examining the unique features of each case. For virus-induced epilepsy, we specify virus types, elucidate mechanisms of epilepsy induction, emphasize neuroinflammation's impact, and analyze its effects on anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Conversely, in epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, we detail the acquired virus, its interaction with existing epilepsy, neuroinflammation effects, and changes in anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Understanding this interplay advances precision therapies for epilepsy during viral infections, providing mechanistic insights, identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and supporting optimized dosing regimens. However, further studies are crucial to validate tools, discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and evaluate targeted therapy safety and efficacy in diverse epilepsy and viral infection scenarios.

Parechovirus infection in human brain organoids: host innate inflammatory response and not neuro-infectivity correlates to neurologic disease

Picornaviruses are a leading cause of central nervous system (CNS) infections. While genotypes such as parechovirus A3 (PeV-A3) and echovirus 11 (E11) can elicit severe neurological disease, the highly prevalent PeV-A1 is not associated with CNS disease. Here, we expand our current understanding of these differences in PeV-A CNS disease using human brain organoids and clinical isolates of the two PeV-A genotypes. Our data indicate that PeV-A1 and A3 specific differences in neurological disease are not due to infectivity of CNS cells as both viruses productively infect brain organoids with a similar cell tropism. Proteomic analysis shows that PeV-A infection significantly alters the host cell metabolism. The inflammatory response following PeV-A3 (and E11 infection) is significantly more potent than that upon PeV-A1 infection. Collectively, our findings align with clinical observations and suggest a role for neuroinflammation, rather than viral replication, in PeV-A3 (and E11) infection.

Neurological risks of COVID-19 in women: the complex immunology underpinning sex differences

The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered many mysteries about SARS-CoV-2, including its potential to trigger abnormal autoimmune responses. Emerging evidence suggests women may face higher risks from COVID-induced autoimmunity manifesting as persistent neurological symptoms. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying this female susceptibility is now imperative. We synthesize key insights from existing studies on how COVID-19 infection can lead to immune tolerance loss, enabling autoreactive antibodies and lymphocyte production. These antibodies and lymphocytes infiltrate the central nervous system. Female sex hormones like estrogen and X-chromosome mediated effects likely contribute to dysregulated humoral immunity and cytokine profiles among women, increasing their predisposition. COVID-19 may also disrupt the delicate immunological balance of the female microbiome. These perturbations precipitate damage to neural damage through mechanisms like demyelination, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration - consistent with the observed neurological sequelae in women. An intentional focus on elucidating sex differences in COVID-19 pathogenesis is now needed to inform prognosis assessments and tailored interventions for female patients. From clinical monitoring to evaluating emerging immunomodulatory therapies, a nuanced women-centered approach considering the hormonal status and immunobiology will be vital to ensure equitable outcomes. Overall, deeper insights into the apparent female specificity of COVID-induced autoimmunity will accelerate the development of solutions mitigating associated neurological harm.

Genes, inflammatory response, tolerance, and resistance to virus infections in migratory birds, bats, and rodents

Normally, the host immunological response to viral infection is coordinated to restore homeostasis and protect the individual from possible tissue damage. The two major approaches are adopted by the host to deal with the pathogen: resistance or tolerance. The nature of the responses often differs between species and between individuals of the same species. Resistance includes innate and adaptive immune responses to control virus replication. Disease tolerance relies on the immune response allowing the coexistence of infections in the host with minimal or no clinical signs, while maintaining sufficient viral replication for transmission. Here, we compared the virome of bats, rodents and migratory birds and the molecular mechanisms underlying symptomatic and asymptomatic disease progression. We also explore the influence of the host physiology and environmental influences on RNA virus expression and how it impacts on the whole brain transcriptome of seemingly healthy semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) and spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius). Three time points throughout the year were selected to understand the importance of longitudinal surveys in the characterization of the virome. We finally revisited evidence that upstream and downstream regulation of the inflammatory response is, respectively, associated with resistance and tolerance to viral infections.