Guadalupe Gonzalez-Pacheco

Over time, our understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) as an immunologically privileged site where immune-cell infiltration takes place has changed; research has transformed the dominant view, showing that the CNS is an immunologically specialized tissue featuring complex interactions between the immune system and CNS processes, where the choroid plexus (CP) has an essential role in regulating neuronal tissue homeostasis and immune-cell trafficking. Although immune-cell entry into the CNS is tightly controlled, small numbers of antigen-experienced lymphocytes can access cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartments for immune surveillance under normal conditions. During an injury, such as cerebral ischemia or spinal cord damage, dendritic cell precursors infiltrate the CNS, suggesting their involvement in modulating lymphocyte activity. However, the immunoregulatory function of the CP alone is insufficient to prevent damage. Injury can trigger a cascade of events including activation of microglia toward a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, infiltration of peripheral immune cells across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and uncontrolled neuroinflammation. T cells play a critical role in this process. Th1 cells exacerbate inflammation upon recognizing neural antigens, whereas Th2 cells promote recovery by releasing neurotrophic factors. This highlights the dual role of inflammation in CNS injury and repair.

Fungal meningitis has emerged as a significant public health problem, with outbreaks of the fungus Fusarium solani have been recorded in different locations exhibiting high pathogenicity and the serious central nervous system infections. Statistical studies demonstrate that the incidence of neuroinfections caused by Fusarium solani are in its majority presented in women (95%), with 88% having a history of obstetric-gynecological procedures, such as cesarean sections, or those involving intrathecal anesthesia. A literature review has been performed to elucidate the mechanisms implied in the immunological response to fungal neuroinfections caused by Fusarium solani. 18 articles found in different databases including PubMed,Cochrane Library and Scopus were incorporated in the present article. A critical knowledge gap regarding the evasion mechanisms employed by Fusarium solani to overcome the barriers of the nervous system. Further research in neuroimmunology is crucial in order to establish new therapeutic approaches to treat these infections.

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a group of complex diseases characterized by structural and functional malformations during development in the human heart; they represent an important problem for public health worldwide. Within these malformations, septal defects such as ventricular (VSD) and atrial septal defects (ASD) are the most common forms of CHDs. Studies have reported that CHDs are the result of genetic and environmental factors. Here, we review and summarize the role of genetics involved in cardiogenesis and congenital cardiac septal defects. Moreover, treatment regarding these congenital cardiac septal defects is also addressed.