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Biology subjects

Evander, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Evander, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

JAK inhibitors remove innate immune barriers to allow viral propagation

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are small-molecule therapeutics that reduce inflammation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by modulating the JAK-STAT pathway. While effective in alleviating immune-mediated conditions, JAK inhibitors can impair antiviral defences by suppressing interferon (IFN) responses, potentially increasing susceptibility to viral infections. This study investigates the pro-viral mechanism of JAK inhibitors, focusing on baricitinib, across various cell lines, organoids, and viral strains, including a recombinant Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, and wild type adenovirus. Our findings demonstrate that baricitinib suppresses transcription of IFN-stimulated genes in non-infected cells (ISGs) which is triggered by type I IFNs produced by infected cells, facilitating viral propagation. The pro-viral effects were influenced by viral load, inhibitor concentration, and structural characteristics of the compound. These results underscore the dual effects of JAK inhibitors: reducing inflammation while potentially exacerbating viral infections. Additionally, the findings highlight opportunities to leverage JAK inhibitors for viral research, vaccine production, and drug screening.

immunology↗

Human biting Culex pipiens bioform molestus is spread in several areas in south Sweden.

The mosquito species Culex pipiens is a potential vector of several pathogens infecting humans and occurs in two distinct bioforms, pipiens and molestus. Traditional morphological identification fails to separate the bioforms of Cx. pipiens despite their behavioural differences since they are morphologically indistinguishable. However, molecular methods can identify the two bioforms. The bioform molestus thrives in urban environments and bite all kinds of vertebrates, whereas bioform pipiens is more rural and mainly feed on birds.\n\nMosquito samples submitted in a citizen science project from people experiencing mosquito problems in South Sweden were analyzed to determine the geographical distribution of the molestus bioform of Cx. pipiens. Mosquito specimens were identified to species by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the bioforms were determined with the CQ11 microsatellite marker. To establish other differences between the bioforms, part of the CPIJ001674 gene was sequenced. Culex pipiens f molestus, was present both within and outside of urban areas in several sites in southern Sweden. In one site, hybrids between the two bioforms were found. Culex pipiens f molestus has previously been found in urban areas in Sweden, but the detection of the bioform in several rural areas was surprising, indicating that it may be more widely spread than previously thought.

ecology↗

Bibliometric analysis of the trends of Zika related research from 2015 to 2017

BackgroundZika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne disease discovered in 1947, which did not cause public concern for the next 68 years. However, when ZIKV emerged in Brazil 2015 the attention increased rapidly. The announcement by Brazilian authorities, that ZIKV infection was associated with severe congenital disease e.g. microcephaly, surged public interest. Because of the accumulation of evidence that showed the magnitude of the ZIKV outbreak in the Americas, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern February 1, 2016.\n\nResultsDuring 2015-2017, we witnessed one of the most active and cooperated research responses against an emerging disease. To investigate the impact of ZIKV research during those years we decided to perform a bibliometric analysis of ZIKV research. The search for research articles on ZIKV was performed by bibliometric analysis from the scientific databases PubMed and Scopus. We found that the number of ZIKV related publications increased 38-41 times in 2016-2017 compared to 2015. During the three years there was a temporal shift in ZIKV research trends, from reports of ZIKV case studies and diagnostic methods, to development of ZIKV prevention and treatment. In addition, the number of countries involved in ZIKV research increased from 25 in 2015 to 111 in 2016 and 139 in the following year, showing that ZIKV research became global during three years.\n\nConclusionsThe results from our study highlighted the importance of gathering public interest to global health issues, and how it can act as a powerful catalyzer to trigger the research field. However, despite the progress in ZIKV research, many questions remain to be addressed to accelerate the development of effective ZIKV countermeasures. Nevertheless, as long as we remember the importance of support and collaboration that we have experienced during the multidisciplinary effort against the current ZIKV outbreak, we will have an idea on how to handle the next inevitable and yet unknown infectious disease threat.

scientific communication and education↗