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Exposure of human cells to interferon‐γ (IFNγ) results in a mitotically heritable yet reversible state called long‐term transcriptional memory. We previously identified the clustered GBP genes as strongly primed by IFNγ. Here, we discovered that in primed cells, both interferon‐responsive transcription factors STAT1 and IRF1 target chromatin with accelerated kinetics upon re‐exposure to IFNγ, specifically at promotors of primed genes. Priming does not alter the degree of IFNγ‐induced STAT1 activation or nuclear import, indicating that memory does not alter upstream JAK–STAT signaling. We found STAT1 to be critical to establish transcriptional memory but in a manner that is independent of mere transcription activation. Interestingly, while Serine 727 phosphorylation of STAT1 was maintained during the primed state, STAT1 is not required for the heritability of GBP gene memory. Our results suggest that the memory of interferon exposure constitutes a STAT1‐mediated, heritable state that is established during priming. This renders GBP genes poised for subsequent STAT1 and IRF1 binding and accelerated gene activation upon a secondary interferon exposure. Synopsis: Gene activation by interferon‐γ results in mitotically heritable priming of clustered GBP genes. This study shows target gene transcription is not sufficient to induce memory but relies on STAT1‐dependent gene activation. Once primed, memory is maintained in the absence of STAT1 function. Transcription of memorized GBP genes is not sufficient to induce the primed state.Interferon‐gamma induction results in accelerated STAT1 and IRF1 recruitment in primed cells.STAT1 is essential to establish the primed state but dispensable for the memory of interferon‐γ exposure.Priming does not alter the rate of JAK–STAT signaling upon reencounter of interferon‐γ.STAT1 S727 phosphorylation is maintained during the primed state and has a role in memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-activated macrophages restrain the replication of intracellular parasites and disrupt the integrity of vacuolar pathogens. The growth of the less virulent type II strain of Toxoplasma gondii (such as ME49) was strongly inhibited by IFN-γ-activated murine macrophages. However, the mechanism of resistance is poorly understood. Immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) as well as guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) contributed to this antiparasitic effect. Previous studies showed the cassette of autophagy-related proteins including Atg7, Atg3, and Atg12-Atg5-Atg16L1 complex, plays crucial roles in the proper targeting of IFN-γ effectors onto the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane of Toxoplasma gondii and subsequent control of parasites. Tg CDPK3 is a calcium dependent protein kinase, located on the parasite periphery, plays a crucial role in parasite egress. Herein, we show that the less virulent strain CDPK3 (ME49, type II) can enhance autophagy activation and interacts with host autophagy proteins Atg3 and Atg5. Infection with CDPK3-deficient ME49 strain resulted in decreased localization of IRGs and GBPs around PV membrane. In vitro proliferation and plaque assays showed that CDPK3-deficient ME49 strain replicated significantly more quickly than wild-type parasites. These data suggested that Tg CDPK3 interacts with the host Atg3 and Atg5 to promote the localization of IRGs and GBPs around PV membrane and inhibits the intracellular proliferation of parasites, which is beneficial to the less virulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii long-term latency in host cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Innate immunity is the first line of host defense against viral infection. After invading into the cells, pathogen-associated-molecular-patterns derived from viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors to activate the downstream signaling pathways to induce the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and inflammatory cytokines, which play critical functions in the host antiviral innate immune responses. Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are IFN-inducible antiviral effectors belonging to the guanosine triphosphatases family. In addition to exerting direct antiviral functions against certain viruses, a few GBPs also exhibit regulatory roles on the host antiviral innate immunity. However, our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of GBPs' roles in viral infection and host antiviral innate immune signaling is still very limited. Therefore, here we present an updated overview of the functions of GBPs during viral infection and in antiviral innate immunity, and highlight discrepancies in reported findings and current challenges for future studies, which will advance our understanding of the functions of GBPs and provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the regulation of antiviral innate immunity.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-activated macrophages restrain the replication of intracellular parasites and disrupt the integrity of vacuolar pathogens. The growth of the less virulent type II strain of Toxoplasma gondii (such as ME49) was strongly inhibited by IFN-γ-activated murine macrophages. However, the mechanism of resistance is poorly understood. Immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) as well as guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) contributed to this antiparasitic effect. Previous studies showed the cassette of autophagy-related proteins including Atg7, Atg3, and Atg12-Atg5-Atg16L1 complex, plays crucial roles in the proper targeting of IFN-γ effectors onto the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane of Toxoplasma gondii and subsequent control of parasites. TgCDPK3 is a calcium dependent protein kinase, located on the parasite periphery, plays a crucial role in parasite egress. Herein, we show that the less virulent strain CDPK3 (ME49, type II) can enhance autophagy activation and interacts with host autophagy proteins Atg3 and Atg5. Infection with CDPK3-deficient ME49 strain resulted in decreased localization of IRGs and GBPs around PV membrane. In vitro proliferation and plaque assays showed that CDPK3-deficient ME49 strain replicated significantly more quickly than wild-type parasites. These data suggested that TgCDPK3 interacts with the host Atg3 and Atg5 to promote the localization of IRGs and GBPs around PV membrane and inhibits the intracellular proliferation of parasites, which is beneficial to the less virulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii long-term latency in host cells.

Disease‐causing microorganisms not only breach anatomical barriers and invade tissues but also frequently enter host cells, nutrient‐enriched environments amenable to support parasitic microbial growth. Protection from many infectious diseases is therefore reliant on the ability of individual host cells to combat intracellular infections through the execution of cell‐autonomous defense programs. Central players in human cell‐autonomous immunity are members of the family of dynamin‐related guanylate binding proteins (GBPs). The importance of these interferon‐inducible GTPases in host defense to viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens has been established for some time; only recently, cell biological and biochemical studies that largely focused on the prenylated paralogs GBP1, GBP2, and GBP5 have provided us with robust molecular frameworks for GBP‐mediated immunity. Specifically, the recent characterization of GBP1 as a bona fide pattern recognition receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) disrupting the integrity of bacterial outer membranes through LPS aggregation, the discovery of a link between hydrolysis‐induced GMP production by GBP1 and inflammasome activation, and the classification of GBP2 and GBP5 as inhibitors of viral envelope glycoprotein processing via suppression of the host endoprotease furin have paved the way for a vastly improved conceptual understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which GBP nanomachines execute cell‐autonomous immunity. The herein discussed models incorporate our current knowledge of the antimicrobial, proinflammatory, and biochemical properties of human GBPs and thereby provide testable hypotheses that will guide future studies into the intricacies of GBP‐controlled host defense and their role in human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of pre-deformation on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of AA2029-T8 was investigated. The pre-deformation may potentially impede the formation of Mg-Ag clusters during the early stage of aging, altered the normal precipitation sequence of the alloy, and significantly increased dislocation density that facilitated non-uniform nucleation of S phase at dislocations, resulting in finer dispersion of precipitation. Moreover, it led to a decrease in Ω phase volume fraction and comparable aspect ratio(diameter/thickness). With increasing deformation, aging response was accelerated, leading to shorter time to peak strength but reduced plasticity. Additionally, the width of precipitate-free zone (PFZ) remained relatively unchanged with increasing pre-deformation; however, average size of grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) decreased while becoming more discontinuous. This resulted in narrowing intergranular corrosion (IGC) channels and decreased maximum corrosion depth as well as a transition from IGC to pitting corrosion behavior. These findings suggest that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the alloy can be improved by increasing pre-deformation levels. • Pre-deformation changes the precipitation sequence of the alloy and promotes the precipitation of S phase. • The strength of the alloy increases with the degree of pre-deformation, with the reduction of ductility. • The corrosion resistance of the alloy exhibits an increasing trend with the augmentation of pre-deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human guanylate‐binding protein 1 (hGBP1) is a key player in innate immunity and fights diverse intracellular microbial pathogens. Its antimicrobial functions depend on hGBP1's GTP binding‐ and hydrolysis‐induced abilities to form large, structured polymers and to attach to lipid membranes. Crucial for both of these biochemical features is the nucleotide‐controlled release of the C terminally located farnesyl moiety. Here, we address molecular details of the hGBP1 membrane binding mechanism by employing recombinant, fluorescently labeled hGBP1, and artificial membranes. We demonstrate the importance of the GTPase activity and the resulting structural rearrangement of the hGBP1 molecule, which we term the open state. This open state is supported and stabilized by homodimer contacts involving the middle domain of the protein and is further stabilized by binding to the lipid bilayer surface. We show that on the surface of the lipid bilayer a hGBP1 monolayer is built in a pins in a pincushion‐like arrangement with the farnesyl tail integrated in the membrane and the N‐terminal GTPase domain facing outwards. We suggest that similar intramolecular contacts between neighboring hGBP1 molecules are responsible for both polymer formation and monolayer formation on lipid membranes. Finally, we show that tethering of large unilamellar vesicles occurs after the vesicle surface is fully covered by the monolayer. Both hGBP1 polymer formation and hGBP1‐induced vesicle tethering have implications for understanding the molecular mechanism of combating bacterial pathogens. Databases: Structural data are available in RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers: 6K1Z, 2D4H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate immunity is the first line of host defense against viral infection. After invading into the cells, pathogen-associated-molecular-patterns derived from viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors to activate the downstream signaling pathways to induce the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and inflammatory cytokines, which play critical functions in the host antiviral innate immune responses. Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are IFN-inducible antiviral effectors belonging to the guanosine triphosphatases family. In addition to exerting direct antiviral functions against certain viruses, a few GBPs also exhibit regulatory roles on the host antiviral innate immunity. However, our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of GBPs' roles in viral infection and host antiviral innate immune signaling is still very limited. Therefore, here we present an updated overview of the functions of GBPs during viral infection and in antiviral innate immunity, and highlight discrepancies in reported findings and current challenges for future studies, which will advance our understanding of the functions of GBPs and provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the regulation of antiviral innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airway epithelium and underlying innate immune cells comprise the first line of host defense in the lung. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) using membrane-bound receptors, as well as cytosolic receptors such as inflammasomes. Inflammasomes activate inflammatory caspases, which in turn process and release the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Additionally, inflammasomes trigger a form of lytic cell death termed pyroptosis. One of the most important inflammasomes at the host-pathogen interface is the non-canonical caspase-11 inflammasome that responds to LPS in the cytosol. Caspase-11 is important in defense against Gram-negative pathogens, and can drive inflammatory diseases such as LPS-induced sepsis. However, pathogens can employ evasive strategies to minimize or evade host caspase-11 detection. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the function of the non-canonical caspase-11 inflammasome in sensing of cytosolic LPS, and its mechanism of action with particular emphasis in the role of caspase-11 in the lung. We also explore some of the strategies pathogens use to evade caspase-11.

The airway epithelium and underlying innate immune cells comprise the first line of host defense in the lung. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) using membrane-bound receptors, as well as cytosolic receptors such as inflammasomes. Inflammasomes activate inflammatory caspases, which in turn process and release the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Additionally, inflammasomes trigger a form of lytic cell death termed pyroptosis. One of the most important inflammasomes at the host-pathogen interface is the non-canonical caspase-11 inflammasome that responds to LPS in the cytosol. Caspase-11 is important in defense against Gram-negative pathogens, and can drive inflammatory diseases such as LPS-induced sepsis. However, pathogens can employ evasive strategies to minimize or evade host caspase-11 detection. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the function of the non-canonical caspase-11 inflammasome in sensing of cytosolic LPS, and its mechanism of action with particular emphasis in the role of caspase-11 in the lung. We also explore some of the strategies pathogens use to evade caspase-11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human guanylate-binding protein 1 (hGBP1) belongs to the dynamin superfamily proteins and represents a key player in the innate immune response. Farnesylation at the C-terminus is required for hGBP1's activity against microbial pathogens, as well as for its antiproliferative and antitumor activity. The farnesylated hGBP1 (hGBP1 fn) retains many characteristics of the extensively studied nonfarnesylated protein and gains additional abilities like binding to lipid membranes and formation of hGBP1 fn polymers. These polymers are believed to serve as a protein depot, making the enzyme immediately available to fight the invasion of intracellular pathogens. Here we study the molecular mechanism of hGBP1 polymer formation as it is a crucial state of this enzyme, allowing for a rapid response demanded by the biological function. We employ Förster resonance energy transfer in order to trace intra and intermolecular distance changes of protein domains. Light scattering techniques yield deep insights into the changes in size and shape. The GTP hydrolysis driven cycling between a closed, farnesyl moiety hidden state and an opened, farnesyl moiety exposed state represents the first phase, preparing the molecule for polymerization. Within the second phase of polymer growth, opened hGBP1 molecules can be incorporated in the growing polymer where the opened structure is stabilized, similar to a surfactant molecule in a micelle, pointing the farnesyl moieties into the hydrophobic center and positioning the head groups at the periphery of the polymer. We contribute the molecular mechanism of polymer formation, paving the ground for a detailed understanding of hGBP1 function. Image 1 • GTP binding induced dimer formation of farnesylated hGBP1 precedes polymerization. • Several cycles of slow GTP hydrolysis define the delay in polymer formation. • Polymerization requires an open hGBP1 structure induced by nucleotide hydrolysis. • Growth and stability of the polymer is maintained by fast GTP and GDP hydrolysis. • Monomer, dimer and polymer species represent a highly dynamic hGBP1 depot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are a group interferon-inducible GTPases within the constellation of the dynamin GTPase superfamily. These proteins restrict the replication of intracellular pathogens in both immune and non-immune cells. GBPs and their related family members immunity-related GTPases target and lyse the membrane of the pathogen-containing vacuole, destroying the residential niche of vacuolar protozoal and bacterial pathogens. They also prevent virion infectivity and target replication complexes of ribonucleic acid viruses. The exciting concept that GBPs and immunity-related GTPases can directly target the membrane of bacteria and protozoa has emerged. Rupture and lysis of the pathogen membrane mediates liberation of concealed microbial ligands for activation of innate immune sensing pathways and the inflammasome. Further studies have demonstrated a capacity of GBPs to recruit additional antimicrobial factors, highlighting the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen killing. In this mini-review, we discuss recent advances describing the localisation and functions of GBPs on the host and pathogen membrane. We also highlight unresolved questions related to the regulation of GBPs in cell-autonomous immunity to intracellular pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella enterica is a facultative intracellular bacterium that is the leading cause of food borne illnesses in humans. The cytokine IFN-γ has well-established antibacterial properties against Salmonella and other intracellular microbes, for example its capacity to activate macrophages, promote phagocytosis, and destroy phagocytosed microbes by free radical-driven toxification of phagosomes. But IFN-γ induces the expression of hundreds of uncharacterized genes, suggesting that this cytokine deploys additional antimicrobial strategies that await discovery. Recently, one such mechanism, mediated by a family of IFN-inducible small GTPases called Guanylate Binding Proteins (GBPs) has been uncovered. GBPs were shown to facilitate the pyroptotic clearance of Salmonella from infected macrophages by rupturing the protective intracellular vacuole this microbe forms around itself. Once this protective vacuole is lost, exposed Salmonella activates pyroptosis, which destroys the infected cell. In this review, we summarize such emerging roles for IFN-γ in restricting Salmonella pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamin-like proteins (DLPs) mediate various membrane fusion and fission processes within the cell, which often require the polymerization of DLPs. An IFN-inducible family of DLPs, the guanylatebinding proteins (GBPs), is involved in antimicrobial and antiviral responses within the cell. Human guanylate-binding protein 1 (hGBP1), the founding member of GBPs, is also engaged in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration. Here, we show how the GTPase cycle of farnesylated hGBP1 (hGBP1F) regulates its selfassembly and membrane interaction. Using vesicles of various sizes as a lipid bilayer model, we show GTP-dependent membrane binding of hGBP1F. In addition, we demonstrate nucleotide-dependent tethering ability of hGBP1F. Furthermore, we report nucleotide-dependent polymerization of hGBP1F, which competes with membrane binding of the protein. Our results show that hGBP1F acts as a nucleotidecontrolled molecular switch by modulating the accessibility of its farnesyl moiety, which does not require any supportive proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many microbes create and maintain pathogen-containing vacuoles (PVs) as an intracellular niche permissive for microbial growth and survival. The destruction of PVs by IFNγ-inducible guanylate binding protein (GBP) and immunity-related GTPase (IRG) host proteins is central to a successful immune response directed against numerous PV-resident pathogens. However, the mechanism bywhich IRGs and GBPs cooperatively detect and destroy PVs is unclear. We find that host cell priming with IFNγ prompts IRG-dependent association of Toxoplasma- and Chlamydia-containing vacuoles with ubiquitin through regulated translocation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6). This initial ubiquitin labeling elicits p62-mediated escort and deposition of GBPs to PVs, thereby conferring cell-autonomous immunity. Hypervirulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii evade this process via specific rhoptry protein kinases that inhibit IRG function, resulting in blockage of downstream PV ubiquitination and GBP delivery. Our results define a ubiquitin-centered mechanism by which host cells deliver GBPs to PVs and explain how hypervirulent parasites evade GBP-mediated immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Gated blood po ol single photon emission computed tomography (GBPS) offers the possibility of obtaining additional functional information from blood pool studies, including evaluation of left and right ventricular function simultaneously. The calculation of ventricular volumes based on the identification of the endocardial surface would be influenced by the spatial resolution in the reconstructed images. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of different filters on the right ventricular function. Methods: The normal four-dimensional (4-D) NURBS-based cardiac-torso (NCAT) phantom with known right ventricular volume and ejection fraction was generated. The SIMIND Monte Carlo program was used to create projections. The studies were reconstructed by FBP and post-processing filtration such as Butterworth, Hanning, Shepp-Logan, Metz and Wiener in different statuses (cutoff and order). Using the Cedars-Sinai QBS (quantitative blood pool SPECT) package, the ventricular functional parameters were computed. The calculated values were analyzed and compared with the normal NCAT results. Results: The results implied that the calculated right ventricular end diastolic volume (RVEDV) by Butterworth filtration (cutoff frequency = 0.3) agreed more with the NCAT Phantom characteristics [relative difference percentage (RDP) = 1.2 %], while the maximum accordance in the calculation of the RV ejection fraction (EF) (RDP = 3 %) was observed by Metz filter (FWHM 20 pixel). Also, the results of this study demonstrate that the Butterworth filter provided the most stable values (cutoff frequency = 0.4-0.5) in the estimation of RVEDV (RDP = 7.5 %). The Hanning and Shepp-Logan filters produced a much larger RDP, particularly in low frequency (41.1 and 21.5 %, respectively) compared to other filters. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the operation of different filters has a severe effect in computing right ventricular volume. The resolution recovery and Butterworth filters tend to give more comparable ventricular volumes with the actual normal NCAT value. Further evaluation using a large clinical database is underway to evaluate the optimum protocol in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of right ventricular function is crucial for management of heart disease. TOMPOOL is a software that processes data acquired with Tomographic Equilibrium Radionuclide Ventriculography. In this report, TOMPOOL's diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer reproducibility were assessed in a cohort of patients with various etiologies of ventricular dysfunction. Methods and Results: End-diastolic volume (EDV), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac output (CO) were calculated for the right ventricle (RV) and the left ventricle (LV) using TOMPOOL in 99 consecutive patients. Thirty-five patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) considered as the reference-standard to measure EDV and EF; the Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were r = 0.73/0.80 and 0.67/0.73 for right/left EF and EDV, respectively. Twenty-one patients had thermodilution measurements of right CO (reference-standard), the correlation was r = 0.57. The best cut-off points (sensitivity/specificity) in order to diagnose a ventricular dysfunction or enlargement were 46% for RVEF (67%/89%), 62% for LVEF (100%/90%), 94 mL for RVEDV (77%/73%), and 84 mL for LVEDV (100%/91%). The areas under the ROC curve were, respectively, 0.79, 0.91, 0.83, and 0.99. Inter-observer reproducibility was r = 0.81/0.94, 0.77/0.90, and 0.78/0.75 for Right/Left EF, EDV, and CO, respectively. Conclusion: TOMPOOL is accurate: measurements of EDV, EF, and CO are reproducible and correlate with CMR and thermodilution. However, thresholds must be adjusted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a bidirectional Fiber To The Home (FTTH) is proposed where WDM transmitter is used as a seeding source with wavelength of 1550nm. The system utilizes a Travelling wave Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (TSOA) with injection current 0.15A. 50km range FTTH architecture is demonstrated for both downstream and upstream channels. We investigated the impact of different data rates on upstream and downstream data. The BER results show that the performance of our scheme is good for 10Gbps system for downstream transmission as it accommodates 64 ONUs. From simulation results show the BER of 9.95e-009 is reported at 15Gbps but only in case of 32 ONUs. Similarly, in case of upstream transmission, Q-Factor of 15.04dB is reported for 32 ONUs. So this scheme is a practical solution to meet the data rate of the optical links simultaneously in tomorrow's PON access networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper evaluates and compares FTTH (Fiber To The Home) GEPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network) link design for 56 subscribers at 20km reach at 2Gbps bit rate. A 1:56 splitter is used as a PON (Passive Optical Network) element which creates communication between a Central Office to different users and. A boosting amplifier is employed before fiber length which tends to decrease BER and allows more users to accommodate. This architecture is investigated for different values of data rate from a CO (Central Office) to the PON in terms of BER (Bit Error Rate). The simulation work reports BER of 4.5246e−009 at 2Gbit/s systems for the case of 56 users and if we further increase data rate of system say 5Gbps, then we observe a sharp increase in BER. Similarly in the variation of BER with respect to transmission distance, we observe that BER shows an increase in its value as transmission distance increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have a multilineage differentiation potential and provide immunosuppressive and antimicrobial functions. Murine as well as human MSCs restrict the proliferation of T cells. However, species-specific differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms have been described. Here, we analyzed the antiparasitic effector mechanisms active in murine MSCs. Murine MSCs, in contrast to human MSCs, could not restrict the growth of a highly virulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii (BK) after stimulation with IFN-γ. However, the growth of a type II strain of T. gondii (ME49) was strongly inhibited by IFN-γ-activated murine MSCs. Immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) as well as guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) contributed to this antiparasitic effect. Further analysis showed that IFN-γ-activated mMSCs also inhibit the growth of Neospora caninum, a parasite belonging to the apicomplexan group as well. Detailed studies with murine IFN-γ-activated MSC indicated an involvement in IRGs like Irga6, Irgb6 and Irgd in the inhibition of N. caninum. Additional data showed that, furthermore, GBPs like mGBP1 and mGBP2 could have played a role in the anti- N. caninum effect of murine MSCs. These data underline that MSCs, in addition to their regenerative and immunosuppressive activity, function as antiparasitic effector cells as well. However, IRGs are not present in the human genome, indicating a species-specific difference in anti- T. gondii and anti- N. caninum effect between human and murine MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many lower-speed data streams can be multiplexed into one high-speed stream by means of optical time division multiplexing (OTDM), such that each input channel transmits its data in an assigned time slot. The simulation is performed by a fast multiplexer switch (mux). The routing of different data streams at the end of the TDM link is performed by a demultiplexer switch (demux) and this demultiplexer is employed using MZI switch as it consists a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and an optical coupler. In this paper four channel OTDM is simulated at 40Gbit/s and further the impact of the signal power, pulse width and control signal power on BER is investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-induced immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) confer cell-autonomous immunity to the intracellular protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. Effector IRGs are loaded onto the Toxoplasma -containing parasitophorous vacuole (PV), where they recruit ubiquitin ligases, ubiquitin-binding proteins, and IFN-γ-inducible guanylate-binding proteins (Gbps), prompting PV lysis and parasite destruction. Host cells lacking the regulatory IRGs Irgm1 and Irgm3 fail to load effector IRGs, ubiquitin, and Gbps onto the PV and are consequently defective for cell-autonomous immunity to Toxoplasma . However, the role of the third regulatory IRG, Irgm2, in cell-autonomous immunity to Toxoplasma has remained unexplored. Here, we report that Irgm2 unexpectedly plays a limited role in the targeting of effector IRGs, ubiquitin, and Gbps to the Toxoplasma PV. Instead, Irgm2 is instrumental in the decoration of PVs with γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein-like 2 (GabarapL2). Cells lacking Irgm2 are as defective for cell-autonomous host defense to Toxoplasma as pan- Irgm -/- cells lacking all three Irgm proteins, and Irgm2 -/- mice succumb to Toxoplasma infections as readily as pan- Irgm -/- mice. These findings demonstrate that, relative to Irgm1 and Irgm3, Irgm2 plays a distinct but critically important role in host resistance to Toxoplasma .

Modern European beekeeping is facing numerous challenges due to a variety of factors, mainly related to globalisation, agrochemical pollution and environmental changes. In addition to this, new pathogens threaten the health of European honey bees. In that context, correct colony management should encompass a wider vision, where productivity aspects are linked to a One Health approach in order to protect honey bees, humans and the environment. This paper describes a novel tool to be applied in beekeeping operations: good beekeeping practices (GBPs). The authors ranked a list of GBPs scored against their importance and validated by an international team, including researchers, national animal health authorities and international beekeepers' associations. These activities were carried out in the project 'BPRACTICES', approved within the transnational call of the European Research Area Network on Sustainable Animal Production (ERA-NET SusAn) in the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme of the European Union. This study, created through an international collaboration, aims to present an innovative and implementable approach, similar to applications already adopted in other livestock production systems.

Summary Legionella pneumophila elicits caspase-11-driven macrophage pyroptosis through guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) encoded on chromosome 3. It has been proposed that microbe-driven IFN upregulates GBPs to facilitate pathogen vacuole rupture and bacteriolysis preceding caspase-11 activation. We show here that macrophage death occurred independently of microbial-induced IFN signaling and that GBPs are dispensable for pathogen vacuole rupture. Instead, the host-intrinsic IFN status sustained sufficient GBP expression levels to drive caspase-1 and caspase-11 activation in response to cytosol-exposed bacteria. In addition, endogenous GBP levels were sufficient for the release of DNA from cytosol-exposed bacteria, preceding the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) pathway for Ifnb induction. Mice deficient for chromosome 3 GBPs were unable to mount a rapid IL-1/chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) response during Legionella -induced pneumonia, with defective bacterial clearance. Our results show that rapid GBP activity is controlled by host-intrinsic cytokine signaling and that GBP activities precede immune amplification responses, including IFN induction, inflammasome activation, and cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The inflammasome is an intracellular signaling complex, which on recognition of pathogens and physiological aberration, drives activation of caspase-1, pyroptosis, and the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Bacterial ligands must secure entry into the cytoplasm to activate inflammasomes; however, the mechanisms by which concealed ligands are liberated in the cytoplasm have remained unclear. Here, we showed that the interferon-inducible protein IRGB10 is essential for activation of the DNA-sensing AIM2 inflammasome by Francisella novicida and contributed to the activation of the LPS-sensing caspase-11 and NLRP3 inflammasome by Gram-negative bacteria. IRGB10 directly targeted cytoplasmic bacteria through a mechanism requiring guanylate-binding proteins. Localization of IRGB10 to the bacterial cell membrane compromised bacterial structural integrity and mediated cytosolic release of ligands for recognition by inflammasome sensors. Overall, our results reveal IRGB10 as part of a conserved signaling hub at the interface between cell-autonomous immunity and innate immune sensing pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-negative bacterial pathogens utilize virulence-associated secretion systems to inject, or translocate, effector proteins into host cells to manipulate cellular processes and promote bacterial replication. However, translocated bacterial products are sensed by n ucleotide binding domain and l eucine-rich r epeat-containing proteins (NLRs), which trigger the formation of a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, leading to secretion of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines, pyroptosis, and control of pathogen replication. Pathogenic Yersinia bacteria inject effector proteins termed Yops, as well as pore-forming proteins that comprise the translocon itself, into target cells. The Yersinia translocation regulatory protein YopK promotes bacterial virulence by limiting hyperinjection of the translocon proteins YopD and YopB into cells, thereby limiting cellular detection of Yersinia virulence activity. How hyperinjection of translocon proteins leads to inflammasome activation is currently unknown. We found that translocated YopB and YopD colocalized with the late endosomal/lysosomal protein LAMP1 and that the frequency of YopD and LAMP1 association correlated with the level of caspase-1 activation in individual cells. We also observed colocalization between YopD and Galectin-3, an indicator of endosomal membrane damage. Intriguingly, YopK limited the colocalization of Galectin-3 with YopD, suggesting that YopK limits the induction or sensing of endosomal membrane damage by components of the type III secretion system (T3SS) translocon. Furthermore, guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) encoded on chromosome 3 ( Gbp Chr3 translocon proteins promotes inflammasome activation and implicate GBPs as key regulators of this process.Yersinia translocon proteins promotes inflammasome activation and implicate GBPs as key regulators of this process., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)

Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are essential components of cell-autonomous immunity. In response to IFN signaling, GBPs are expressed in the cytoplasm of immune and nonimmune cells, where they unleash their antimicrobial activity toward intracellular bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Recent studies have revealed that GBPs are essential for mediating activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome in response to the gram-negative bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Francisella novicida, Chlamydia muridarum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Legionella pneumophila, Vibrio cholerae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter koseri During infection with vacuolar-restricted gram-negative bacteria, GBPs disrupt the vacuolar membrane to ensure liberation of LPS for cytoplasmic detection by caspase-11 and the noncanonical NLRP3 inflammasome. In response to certain cytosolic bacteria, GBPs liberate microbial DNA for activation of the DNA-sensing AIM2 inflammasome. GBPs also promote the recruitment of antimicrobial proteins, including NADPH oxidase subunits and autophagy-associated proteins to the Mycobacterium-containing vacuole to mediate intracellular bacterial killing. Here, we provide an overview on the emerging relationship between GBPs and activation of the inflammasome in innate immunity to microbial pathogens., (© Society for Leukocyte Biology.)