Samira Sanami

Vibrio cholerae thrives at the interface between the aquatic environment and the human host dynamically through integration of environmental signals to hig

Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the flavivirus family, is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, with an incubation period of typically four to ten days, and causes a clinical spectrum of Dengue virus infection (DVI), ranging from classic dengue fever (DF) to sever illness, with symptoms such as vascular leakage, hemorrhage, organ dysfunction, and dysregulated inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). However, Concerns about the absence of effective antiviral treatments or the efficacy and safety limitations of existing vaccines have led to considering novel treatment ways. Probiotics and postbiotics modulate mucosal and systemic immunity in a variety of ways, including mechanisms such as interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs), increased antigen (Ag) presentation, modulation of the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, upregulation of regulatory pathways, and stimulation of antiviral cellular responses, including increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production and cluster of differentiation 4⁺ (CD4⁺) and CD8⁺ T cell activity. According to the immunological properties, probiotics and postbiotics have been hypothesized to influence host responses related to DENV infection. Furthermore, probiotics have been proposed as a potential approach to modulate immune responses following dengue infection or vaccination; however, their role in alleviating antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is not yet clearly established. They may rather contribute as adjunctive immunomodulators or potential vaccine adjuvants, rather than as independent therapeutic agents. This review article shows a conceptual and perspective potential of probiotics and postbiotics through which they may integrate mechanistic insights and preclinical or clinical evidence, rather than implying immediate therapeutic applicability. This review includes mechanistic data and existing preclinical and clinical evidence, identifies key gaps in strain selection, dosing, molecular correlates of protection, and safety assessment, and suggests higher-priority research avenues, including adequately powered randomized controlled trials that measure clinical endpoints, immunological markers, and potential interactions with DENV vaccines and antibody-dependent risk enhancement.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, and more than half of individuals with depression have reduced or discontinued antidepressant use due to side effects. Medicinal plants are safer, cheaper, and more readily available than synthetic medications. This study will employ bioinformatics to assess the impact of compounds discovered in plants used in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) on key proteins involved in depressive pathways. Compounds derived from plants used in TPM for the treatment of depression were identified and subsequently evaluated for ADME properties and toxicity. The potential target genes of these compounds, along with genes associated with depression, were identified, and the intersecting genes were selected to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Molecular docking analysis of the plant compounds and their key target proteins was conducted, followed by the selection of the most effective compound based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In this study, 23 genes were identified as target genes of the plant compounds, and 582 genes associated with depression were identified, nine of which were shared, including ABCB1, AKT1, CAT, CDH1, CYP2B6, ESR1, ESR2, PPARG, and TRPV1. The PPI network identified ABCB1, AKT1, CDH1, ESR1, and PPARG as key proteins. Among them, ABCB1 and AKT1 exhibited favorable docking energies with carnosic acid. MD simulations further revealed the stability of the ABCB1-carnosic acid and AKT1-carnosic acid complexes. Our findings indicate that carnosic acid may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of depression. However, further in vivo and clinical trials are required to validate these findings.

Rotaviruses A (RVA) are the most common cause of diarrhea-related death in children under the age of five. Because RV vaccines are live attenuated, their u

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV16 /18 are strongly associated with th

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the well-known arboviruses, transmitted via Aedes mosquitoes and infects humans through vector bites. The virus is endemic in certain countries; however, there is evidence suggesting that CHIKV may become widespread in non-endemic countries and may cause a significant burden on global health status in the future. In this context, exploring the characteristics of CHIKV enhances our understanding of it. This literature review examines alterations in host cell signaling induced by CHIKV, including those related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), Wnt, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and P53 pathways. We also review the effect of CHIKV on mitochondria and related processes, such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. The altered signals are involved in viral infection and manifestation. In that case, they may be suitable therapeutic targets for treating and preventing CHIKV. Multiple studies reveal that CHIKV infection alters the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways, indicating their essential involvement in host signaling. Hence, these pathways (and also other mentioned ones) may be proper candidates for treatment or prevention of the virus. Further studies are required to explore more details about CHIKV-induced intracellular signaling alternation and its subsequent effects. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying CHIKV infection, paving the way for the development of antiviral strategies.

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in India, with frequent outbreaks reported. No approved medicines or vaccines exist for CHPV. We aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine for CHPV using immunoinformatics approaches. In this study, a multi-epitope vaccine construct was developed by combining 11 CTL epitopes, 2 HTL epitopes, and 1 linear B-cell epitope from glycoprotein (G) with 1 EAAAK linker, 10 AAY linkers, 2 GPGPG linkers, 1 KK linker, and adjuvant (RS-09 peptide). We predicted and optimized the vaccine’s protein structure. Furthermore, the vaccine 3D structure was docked with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) using the Cluspro 2.0 server, and the docked complex was analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation by the assisted model building with energy refinement (AMBER) v.20 package. The vaccine’s immune simulation profile was determined, and the vaccine sequence was reverse translated and in silico cloned into the pET28a (+). The vaccine’s population coverage was 99.79% across the worldwide. The vaccine was soluble, non-allergenic and non-toxic, with high levels of antigenicity. The quality of the vaccine’s 3D structure improved following refining, and the number of residues in the most favoured regions of the Ramachandran plot increased by 94.2%. The molecular docking, with a docking score of −1157 kcal/mol, and MD simulation results revealed a robust interaction and remarkable stability between the vaccine and TLR4. The immune response simulation indicated a decrease in antigen levels and an increase in interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations after each injection. In silico results indicate that this vaccine possesses significant promise against CHPV; however, laboratory and animal studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Lafora disease (LD) is a rare, autosomal recessive progressive myoclonic epilepsy caused by mutations in EPM2A or EPM2B. It is characterized by abnormal glycogen metabolism leading to poly-glucosan deposits, known as Lafora bodies, in various tissues. LD typically manifests during adolescence with progressive neurological decline, including myoclonic seizures, cognitive impairment, and ataxia. Early diagnosis is critical for symptom management, yet the disease remains challenging to treat due to its refractory nature. We report the case of a 15-year-old male who initially presented with tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures, bilateral lower limb paralysis, and hand tremors. Despite normal initial imaging findings, subsequent clinical progression raised suspicion for progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Genetic testing identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in EPM2A, confirming the diagnosis of LD. electroencephalogram (EEG) findings evolved over time, showing generalized spikes, poly-spikes, and spike-wave complexes on a slow background, consistent with advanced LD. The patient’s seizures proved refractory to standard anti-epileptic drugs, necessitating the addition of phenobarbital, metformin, and zonisamide, which eventually achieved partial seizure control. Family genetic screening identified heterozygous carriers without clinical symptoms, emphasizing the need for genetic counseling. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of LD, particularly in its early stages when clinical and imaging findings may be nonspecific. The report underscores the importance of genetic testing in confirming the diagnosis and tailoring management strategies. Despite limited treatment options, individualized multi-drug regimens may help achieve partial symptom control. Early recognition and comprehensive management, including family counseling, are essential in improving quality of life for patients and their families.

Both health and economic burdens of dengue virus (DENV), as an increasingly prevalent pathogen and global threat, exist in endemic regions. Vaccination is a key strategy in decreasing dengue morbidity and mortality. This systematic review assesses the efficacy, immune response and safety of dengue vaccines (Qdenga (TAK‐003) and Dengvaxia (CYD‐TDV)) in adolescents against the need for evidence‐based data for dengue vaccination strategies. We performed a systematic search of six databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, clinical trials. gov, and MEDLINE) for studies published until October 2024. A total of 482 articles were identified, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria after removing duplicates and title and abstract screening. Immunogenicity and safety profiles for both vaccines. TAK‐003 showed high seropositivity rates with all of the four DENV serotypes, especially for DENV‐2, with sustained antibody responses 3 years after vaccination. CYD‐TDV induced neutralising antibodies with balanced activity, but such an immune response was most efficient in individuals with baseline seropositivity, for whom greater efficacy was observed. Most adverse events were mild to moderate, such as transitory pain at the injection site and headache, while serious adverse events were rare and did not correlate with vaccination. Nonetheless, specific issues regarding serotype‐unique efficacy variations and the threat of vaccine‐induced immune enhancement in seronegative groups contribute to worry. These findings highlighted the importance of TAK‐003 and CYD‐TDV in reducing the impact of dengue, especially in endemic regions. Ongoing research is essential to refine vaccine deployment strategies, optimise protection across diverse populations, and address outstanding concerns regarding long‐term immunity and safety in seronegative individuals.