scholarly journals ITN—VIROINF: Understanding (Harmful) Virus-Host Interactions by Linking Virology and Bioinformatics

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Winfried Goettsch ◽  
Niko Beerenwinkel ◽  
Li Deng ◽  
Lars Dölken ◽  
Bas E. Dutilh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Fundamental Importance ◽  
Viral Growth ◽  
International Training ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Animal Pathogens ◽  
Interdisciplinary Nature ◽  
Common Goals

Many recent studies highlight the fundamental importance of viruses. Besides their important role as human and animal pathogens, their beneficial, commensal or harmful functions are poorly understood. By developing and applying tailored bioinformatical tools in important virological models, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Initiative International Training Network VIROINF will provide a better understanding of viruses and the interaction with their hosts. This will open the door to validate methods of improving viral growth, morphogenesis and development, as well as to control strategies against unwanted microorganisms. The key feature of VIROINF is its interdisciplinary nature, which brings together virologists and bioinformaticians to achieve common goals.

scholarly journals Vector microbiota manipulation by host antibodies: the forgotten strategy to develop transmission-blocking vaccines

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apolline Maitre ◽  
Alejandra Wu-Chuang ◽  
Justė Aželytė ◽  
Vaidas Palinauskas ◽  
Lourdes Mateos-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Transmission Blocking ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Animal Pathogens ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Hematophagous Arthropods ◽  
Transmission Blocking Vaccines

AbstractHuman and animal pathogens that are transmitted by arthropods are a global concern, particularly those vectored by ticks (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus) and mosquitoes (e.g. malaria and dengue virus). Breaking the circulation of pathogens in permanent foci by controlling vectors using acaricide-based approaches is threatened by the selection of acaricide resistance in vector populations, poor management practices and relaxing of control measures. Alternative strategies that can reduce vector populations and/or vector-mediated transmission are encouraged worldwide. In recent years, it has become clear that arthropod-associated microbiota are involved in many aspects of host physiology and vector competence, prompting research into vector microbiota manipulation. Here, we review how increased knowledge of microbial ecology and vector-host interactions is driving the emergence of new concepts and tools for vector and pathogen control. We focus on the immune functions of host antibodies taken in the blood meal as they can target pathogens and microbiota bacteria within hematophagous arthropods. Anti-microbiota vaccines are presented as a tool to manipulate the vector microbiota and interfere with the development of pathogens within their vectors. Since the importance of some bacterial taxa for colonization of vector-borne pathogens is well known, the disruption of the vector microbiota by host antibodies opens the possibility to develop novel transmission-blocking vaccines.

scholarly journals Genomic diversity and biosynthetic capabilities of sponge-associated chlamydiae

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennah E. Dharamshi ◽  
Natalia Gaarslev ◽  
Karin Steffen ◽  
Tom Martin ◽  
Detmer Sipkema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Obligate Intracellular ◽  
Microbial Eukaryotes ◽  
Animal Pathogens ◽  
Host Health ◽  
Obligate Intracellular Bacteria

Sponge microbiomes contribute to host health, nutrition, and defense through the production of secondary metabolites. Chlamydiae, a phylum of obligate intracellular bacteria ranging from animal pathogens to endosymbionts of microbial eukaryotes, are frequently found associated with sponges. However, sponge-associated chlamydial diversity has not yet been investigated at the genomic level and host-interactions remain thus far unexplored. Here, we sequenced the microbiomes of three sponge species and found high, though variable, Chlamydiae relative abundances of up to 21.2% of bacterial diversity. Using genome-resolved metagenomics 18 high-quality sponge-associated chlamydial genomes were reconstructed, covering four chlamydial families. Among these, Sorochlamydiaceae shares a common ancestor with Chlamydiaceae animal pathogens, suggesting long-term co-evolution with animals. Sponge-associated chlamydiae genomes mostly resembled environmental chlamydial endosymbionts, but not pathogens, and encoded genes for degrading diverse compounds associated with sponges, such as taurine. Unexpectedly, we identified widespread genetic potential for secondary metabolite biosynthesis across Chlamydiae, which may represent an explored reservoir of novel natural products. This finding suggests that chlamydiae may partake in defensive symbioses and that secondary metabolites play a wider role in mediating intracellular interactions. Furthermore, sponge-associated chlamydiae relatives were found in other marine invertebrates, pointing towards wider impacts of this phylum on marine ecosystems.

scholarly journals Control Strategies for Carcinogenic-Associated Helminthiases: An Integrated Overview

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Manuel Correia da Costa ◽  
Maria João Gouveia ◽  
Gabriel Rinaldi ◽  
Paul J. Brindley ◽  
Júlio Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Chemical Carcinogenesis ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Regimen ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Therapeutic Alternatives ◽  
Parasitic Worms

Helminthiases are extremely prevalent in the developing world. In addition, the chronic infection with some parasitic worms are classified as carcinogenic. Therefore, it is utmost importance to understand the parasite-host interactions, the mechanisms underlay carcinogenesis and how they could be counteracted. This knowledge may ultimately guide novel control strategies that include chemotherapy-based approaches targeting these pathogens and associated pathologies caused by their infections. Little is known on how some helminthiases are associated with cancer; however, it has been hypothesized that chemical carcinogenesis may be involved in the process. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on chemical carcinogenesis associated with helminthiases, along with available therapeutic options and potential therapeutic alternatives including chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Ideally, the treatment of the carcinogenic helminthiases should target both the parasite and associated pathologies. The success of any chemotherapeutic regimen often depends on the host immune response during the infection and nutritional status among other factors. The close association between chemotherapy and cell-mediated immunity suggests that a dual therapeutic approach would be advantageous. In addition, there is a pressing need for complementary drugs that antagonize the carcinogenesis process associated with the helminth infections.

Aphid-pathogenic Entomophthorales (their taxonomy, biology and ecology)

Biologia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 61 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Barta ◽  
L’udovít Cagáň
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Classical Biological Control ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Inoculation Biological Control ◽  
Cultivation In Vitro

AbstractFungi of the order Entomophthorales (Zygomycota, Zygomycetes) constitute a group of mostly insect pathogenic species, which attracts attention of insect pathologists because of their high capacity for use in biological control of pest insects. This work primarily focuses on entomophthoralean species attacking aphids. The Entomophthorales are considered major pathogens of aphids in nature. In fact, the fungi are the only pathogens that regularly and effectively can affect aphid populations in natural ecosystems as well as in agroecosystems. Up to now, 33 entomophthoralean species organized into 9 genera have been recorded in aphid hosts. All fungal species are listed and organised by genus in the work. Descriptions are presented for all the fungal genera and species, including a nomenclature genesis, a geographical distribution, a host specificity/host range, a capability of cultivation in vitro, and possible prospects for their use in biological control strategies. A key to identification of the pathogens is provided as well. A general life cycle outline of the pathogens is followed by fundamental facts on biology and ecology of the fungi and analysis of primary factors that are involved in the study of epizootiology of infectious diseases in insect populations. The abiotic and biotic elements of the environment, which interfere in the pathogen-host interactions, are also underlined. In the last chapter, several examples are reviewed when the Entomophthorales were used against aphids within the four strategies of biological control, namely classical biological control, inoculation biological control, inundation biological control, and conservation biological control. The aim of this review is to cover the present status of knowledge about the natural enemies of aphids and to stimulate an interest of insect pathologists in this group of entomopathogenic fungi.

scholarly journals Evolutionary Timeline and Genomic Plasticity Underlying the Lifestyle Diversity in Rhizobiales

mSystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sishuo Wang ◽  
Andrew Meade ◽  
Hon-Ming Lam ◽  
Haiwei Luo
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Medical Research ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Time Range ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Statistical Correlations ◽  
Animal Pathogens

ABSTRACT Members of the order Rhizobiales include those capable of nitrogen fixation in nodules as well as pathogens of animals and plants. This lifestyle diversity has important implications for agricultural and medical research. Leveraging large-scale genomic data, we infer that Rhizobiales originated as a free-living ancestor ∼1,500 million years ago (Mya) and that the later emergence of host-associated lifestyles broadly coincided with the rise of their eukaryotic hosts. In particular, the first nodulating lineage arose from either Azorhizobium or Bradyrhizobium 150 to 80 Mya, a time range in general concurrent with the emergence of legumes. The rates of lifestyle transitions are highly variable; nodule association is more likely to be lost than gained, whereas animal association likely represents an evolutionary dead end. We searched for statistical correlations between gene presence and lifestyle and identified genes likely contributing to the transition and adaptation to the same lifestyle in divergent lineages. Among the genes potentially promoting successful transitions to major nodulation lineages, the nod and nif clusters for nodulation and nitrogen fixation, respectively, were repeatedly acquired during each transition; the fix, dct, and phb clusters involved in energy conservation under micro-oxic conditions were present in the nonnodulating ancestors; and the secretion systems were acquired in lineage-specific patterns. Our study data suggest that increased eukaryote diversity drives lifestyle diversification of bacteria and highlight both acquired and preexisting traits facilitating the origin of host association. IMPORTANCE Bacteria form diverse interactions with eukaryotic hosts. This is well represented by the Rhizobiales, a clade of Alphaproteobacteria strategically important for their large diversity of lifestyles with implications for agricultural and medical research. To investigate their lifestyle evolution, we compiled a comprehensive data set of genomes and lifestyle information for over 1,000 Rhizobiales genomes. We show that the origins of major host-associated lineages in Rhizobiales broadly coincided with the emergences of their host plants/animals, suggesting bacterium-host interactions as a driving force in the evolution of Rhizobiales. We further found that, in addition to gene gains, preexisting traits and recurrent losses of specific genomic traits may have played underrecognized roles in the origin of host-associated lineages, providing clues to genetic engineering of microbial agricultural inoculants and prevention of the emergence of potential plant/animal pathogens.

scholarly journals An update on the mosquito fauna and mosquito-borne diseases distribution in Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Bamou ◽  
Marie Paul Audrey Mayi ◽  
Borel Djiappi-Tchamen ◽  
Stella Mariette Nana-Ndjangwo ◽  
Elysée Nchoutpouen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Animal Pathogens ◽  
Afrotropical Region ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Relevant Field ◽  
Veterinary Importance

AbstractThe expansion of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya in the past 15 years has ignited the need for active surveillance of common and neglected mosquito-borne infectious diseases. The surveillance should be designed to detect diseases and to provide relevant field-based data for developing and implementing effective control measures to prevent outbreaks before significant public health consequences can occur. Mosquitoes are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, and knowledge on their biodiversity and distribution in the Afrotropical region is needed for the development of evidence-based vector control strategies. Following a comprehensive literature search, an inventory of the diversity and distribution of mosquitoes as well as the different mosquito-borne diseases found in Cameroon was made. A total of 290 publications/reports and the mosquito catalogue website were consulted for the review. To date, about 307 species, four subspecies and one putative new species of Culicidae, comprising 60 species and one putative new species of Anopheles, 67 species and two subspecies of Culex, 77 species and one subspecies of Aedes, 31 species and one subspecies of Eretmapodites, two Mansonia, eight Coquillettidia, and 62 species with unknown medical and veterinary importance (Toxorhynchites, Uranotaenia, Mimomyia, Malaya, Hodgesia, Ficalbia, Orthopodomyia, Aedeomyia, and Culiseta and Lutzia) have been collected in Cameroon. Multiple mosquito species implicated in the transmission of pathogens within Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Eretmapodites, Mansonia, and Coquillettidia have been reported in Cameroon. Furthermore, the presence of 26 human and zoonotic arboviral diseases, one helminthic disease, and two protozoal diseases has been reported. Information on the bionomics, taxonomy, and distribution of mosquito species will be useful for the development of integrated vector management programmes for the surveillance and elimination of mosquito-borne diseases in Cameroon.

scholarly journals Axenic Aedesaegyptidevelop without live bacteria, but exhibit delayed development and reduced oviposition

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A. Correa ◽  
Doug E Brackney ◽  
Blaire Steven
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Mechanistic Studies ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Full Development ◽  
Live Bacteria ◽  
Delayed Development ◽  
And Function ◽  
Promising Avenue

AbstractThe mosquito gut microbiome plays an important role in mosquito development and fitness, providing a promising avenue for novel mosquito control strategies. Here we present a method for rearing axenic (bacteria free)Aedes aegyptimosquitoes, which will greatly facilitate mechanistic studies documenting the structure and function of the microbiome. Through feeding sterilized larvae agar plugs containing attenuatedEscherichia coli, mosquito development was observed in the absence of living bacteria. Axenic larvae were capable of full development into adults, which laid eggs that were subsequently hatched. However, axenic mosquitoes exhibited delayed development time and reduced egg clutch size in comparison to bacterially colonized mosquitoes. These findings suggest that mosquito development is not dependent on live bacteria, but their phenotype is modulated by the presence of microorganisms. This axenic system offers a new tool in which the mosquito microbiome can be systematically manipulated for a deeper understanding of microbiome host interactions.

The Solidarity of Distance1

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Wicklund
Keyword(s):  
Physical Contact ◽  
Emotional Distance ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Shared Emotions ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Full Interaction ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Social Incompetence

Abstract: Solidarity in the classic sense pertains to a cohesion among humans that entails physical contact, shared emotions, and common goals or projects. Characteristic cases are to be found among families, close friends, or co-workers. The present paper, in contrast, treats a phenomenon of the solidarity of distance, a solidarity based in fear of certain others and in incompetence to interact with them. The starting point for this analysis is the person who is motivated to interact with others who are unfamiliar or fear-provoking. Given that the fear and momentary social incompetence do not allow a full interaction to ensue, the individual will move toward solidarity with those others on a symbolic level. In this manner the motivation to approach the others is acted upon while physical and emotional distance is retained.

Adolescents' Use of Resource Control Strategies and Bullying Behaviors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly N. Clark ◽  
Nicole B. Dorio ◽  
Michelle K. Demaray ◽  
Christine K. Malecki
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Resource Control ◽  
Bullying Behaviors
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