ijms-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Interactions Between Microbes and Hosts: Physiology, Pathology and Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 7131

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Sosnowiec, Poland
Interests: environmental microbiology and biotechnology; biodegradation of organic pollutants; bioremediation of contaminated soils; microbial infection; antibiotics; drug resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Studies have shown that microbial virulence factors and bias molecules play important roles in host cell invasion, colonization and immune escape. These factors not only affect the pathogenicity of microbes, they also determine the host's immune response.

This Special Issue aims to explore new advances in microbial pathogenicity and treatment, understand the interactions between microbes and hosts and provide theoretical support for the development of new treatment strategies. We invite researchers to publish reviews and research articles exploring the mechanisms of microbial infection, the topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Interactions between microbes and hosts;
  • Virulence factors and their effects;
  • Bacterial and viral infection mechanisms and effects;
  • Antimicrobial drugs: antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, antivirals and other drugs.

Dr. Mariusz Cycoń
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microbial infection
  • microbes–host interaction
  • virulence factors
  • molecular and cell biology
  • antimicrobial therapy
  • antibiotics
  • antimicrobial peptides
  • resistance mechanisms

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (13 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 4728 KiB  
Article
The Virulence of Metarhizium rileyi to Locusta migratoria Is Determined by the Ability of the Fungus to Respond to Carbon and Nitrogen Sources
by Yunhao Yao, Mei Li, Qingqing Liu, Qiuyue Huang, Shuo Yang, Bin Chen and Yuejin Peng
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094156 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 120
Abstract
Insects are among the most diverse and abundant organisms on Earth, and their population dynamics are strongly influenced by entomopathogenic fungi. This study examines the role of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi against the migratory [...] Read more.
Insects are among the most diverse and abundant organisms on Earth, and their population dynamics are strongly influenced by entomopathogenic fungi. This study examines the role of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi against the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. The findings demonstrate that the capacity of M. rileyi to utilize different carbon and nitrogen sources is a key factor in its virulence. Specifically, two strains of M. rileyi (PPDB201006 and SZCY201010) exhibited distinct metabolic abilities, with PPDB201006 displaying superior growth and enzyme activities on various carbon and nitrogen sources compared to SZCY201010. These metabolic differences were associated with significant variations in virulence, as PPDB201006 induced higher mortality rates in L. migratoria than SZCY201010. Metabolomics analysis revealed that infection by M. rileyi led to substantial alterations in the hemolymph metabolites of L. migratoria, particularly in organic acids, amino acids, sugars, and lipids. These results emphasize the significance of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi and offer new perspectives for optimizing their application as biological control agents. This study not only improves our understanding of fungal virulence mechanisms but also contributes to the development of more effective and sustainable pest management strategies. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Elite Controllers of HIV-1 Infection Exhibit a Deep Perturbation of Monocyte Homeostasis
by José M. Benito, Daniel Jiménez-Carretero, Jaime Valentín-Quiroga, Ignacio Mahillo, José M. Ligos, Clara Restrepo, Alfonso Cabello, Eduardo López-Collazo, Fátima Sánchez-Cabo, Miguel Górgolas and Norma Rallón
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 3926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26093926 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Elite controllers (ECs) represent a unique subset of people living with HIV (PLWHs), who can suppress viral replication without requiring antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, despite this viral control, ECs exhibit increased incidences of various comorbid conditions and heightened systemic inflammation, which has been [...] Read more.
Elite controllers (ECs) represent a unique subset of people living with HIV (PLWHs), who can suppress viral replication without requiring antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, despite this viral control, ECs exhibit increased incidences of various comorbid conditions and heightened systemic inflammation, which has been linked to monocyte activation. In this study, we performed an in-depth phenotypic analysis of monocytes in a cohort of long-term ECs (LTECs) and compared them to non-controller patients with ART-mediated control of HIV replication and to non-controller patients with uncontrolled viral replication. A total of 67 participants were included: 22 LTECs, 15 non-controllers on ART (onART), 10 non-controllers without ART (offART), and 20 uninfected controls (UCs) as a reference group. Monocyte phenotypes were analyzed using spectral flow cytometry with a 13-marker panel. The data were analyzed using two approaches: (a) FCS Express software v.7 to define different subsets of monocytes and assess the levels of expression of eight different monocyte functional markers and (b) R software v.4.1.1 for unsupervised multidimensional analysis, including batch correction, dimensionality reduction, and clustering analysis. Monocyte phenotypic profiling was conducted using three different approaches: (1) assessment of monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes); (2) evaluation of the levels of expression of eight monocyte functional markers, and (3) characterization of monocyte clusters defined through the dimensionality reduction of flow cytometry data (56 different clusters). The monocyte phenotype of the onART group closely resembled that of the UC group. In contrast, LTECs exhibited important alterations in the monocyte phenotype compared to that of the UCs, including (a) an increased proportion of intermediate monocytes and a decreased proportion of classical monocytes (p < 0.01), (b) altered expressions of functional markers across monocyte subsets (p < 0.05), and (c) alterations in sixteen different monocyte clusters (twelve decreased and four increased, p < 0.05). Many of these alterations were also observed when comparing the LTEC and onART groups. Our findings suggest that monocyte-driven mechanisms may contribute to HIV control in LTECs; however, some of these alterations could also promote systemic inflammation and immune activation. These observations provide a compelling rationale for considering therapeutic interventions in this unique population of PLWHs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6212 KiB  
Article
NK Cells Modulate Dendritic Cell (DC) Signaling Pathways and DC Recruitment in Chlamydial Infection
by Xinting Wang, Chunyan Zhang, Yongci Zhang, Shuhe Wang, Rony Thomas and Xi Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083769 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the significant impact of NK cells on adaptive immune responses against chlamydial infections through modulating DCs, yet the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the role of NK cells in modulating DC signaling pathways and the recruitment [...] Read more.
Previous studies have demonstrated the significant impact of NK cells on adaptive immune responses against chlamydial infections through modulating DCs, yet the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the role of NK cells in modulating DC signaling pathways and the recruitment of DCs during Chlamydia muridarum infection. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant downregulation of key genes in DCs from NK-depleted mice involved in type I immunity, including IL12rb2, IL-18rap, and chemokine signaling components such as Ccl3, Ccl5, and Ccr5. Gene ontology (GO) analyses confirmed impaired chemokine–chemokine receptor interactions in DCs from NK-depleted mice. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis showed that NK-cell depletion reduced CCR5 expression on splenic and pulmonary DCs, impairing their migration toward CCL3 and CCL5. Furthermore, IFN-γ enhanced CCR5 expression on the surface of DCs, consequently promoting their migration, which was blocked by anti-IFN-γ antibodies. In vitro migration assays showed that treatment of DCs with IFN-γ increased their responsiveness to CCL3 and CCL5, the ligands of CCR5. Collectively, this study provides new insights into the indispensable role of NK cells in orchestrating DC signaling and the recruitment of DCs during chlamydial infection. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3376 KiB  
Article
Role of Liver Kinase 1B in Platelet Activation and Host Defense During Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Pneumosepsis
by Osoul Chouchane, Valentine Léopold, Christine C. A. van Linge, Alex F. de Vos, Joris J. T. H. Roelofs, Cornelis van ‘t Veer and Tom van der Poll
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083714 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Pneumonia is the most common cause of sepsis, with Klebsiella pneumoniae frequently implicated as a causative pathogen. Platelets play a crucial role in host defense during sepsis, and their activation is essential for effective immune responses, which is at least in part induced [...] Read more.
Pneumonia is the most common cause of sepsis, with Klebsiella pneumoniae frequently implicated as a causative pathogen. Platelets play a crucial role in host defense during sepsis, and their activation is essential for effective immune responses, which is at least in part induced through activation of the collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP)VI. Platelets require energy for their activation, and Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a key regulator of energy metabolism. We sought to determine the role of LKB1 in platelet function and host response during K. pneumoniae-induced pneumosepsis. Platelet-specific-Lkb1-deficient mice were generated and compared to control littermates. Platelet counts were unaffected by Lkb1 deficiency in naïve mice. However, Lkb1-deficient platelets exhibited significant hyperreactivity to GPVI stimulation, an effect not observed after stimulation of the thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor 4. During K. pneumoniae infection, platelets of both Lkb1-deficient and control mice became equally hyporesponsive to GPVI stimulation, without differences between genotypes. Platelet-specific Lkb1 deficiency did not alter bacterial outgrowth or dissemination, inflammatory responses, or lung pathology. These findings suggest that while Lkb1 plays a role in regulating platelet activation in response to GPVI stimulation, it does not significantly impact platelet activation or the host response during pneumonia-induced sepsis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6143 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Recombinant galT-galU Protein for Broad-Spectrum Immunoprotection Against Porcine Contagious Pleuropneumonia
by Jia-Yong Chen, Yi Deng, Jiale Liu, Xin Wen, Yu-Qin Cao, Yu Mu, Mengke Sun, Chang Miao, Zhiling Peng, Kun Lu, Yu-Luo Wang, Xizhu Chen, Siyu Pang, Dan Wang, Jiayu Zhou, Miaohan Li, Yiping Wen, Rui Wu, Shan Zhao, Yi-Fei Lang, Qi-Gui Yan, Xiaobo Huang, Senyan Du, Yiping Wang, Xinfeng Han, San-Jie Cao and Qin Zhaoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083634 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), is a highly contagious disease that leads to significant economic losses in the swine industry. Current vaccines are ineffective due to the presence of multiple serotypes and the absence of a predominant seasonal serotype, [...] Read more.
Porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), is a highly contagious disease that leads to significant economic losses in the swine industry. Current vaccines are ineffective due to the presence of multiple serotypes and the absence of a predominant seasonal serotype, underscoring the need for vaccines with broad-spectrum protection. Previous studies identified galT and galU as promising antigen candidates. In this study, we expressed and characterized a soluble recombinant galT-galU protein (rgalT-galU) from the pET-28a-galT-galU plasmid. The protein, with a molecular weight of 73 kDa, exhibited pronounced immunogenicity in murine models, as indicated by a significant elevation in IgG titers determined through an indirect ELISA. This immune response was further corroborated by substantial antigen-specific splenic lymphocyte proliferation, with a stimulation index of 51.5%. Immunization also resulted in elevated serum cytokines levels of IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ, as detected by cytokine assays. Vaccination with rgalT-galU provided immunoprotection against three predominant APP strains (APP1, APP5b, and APP7), achieving protection rates of 71.4%, 71.4%, and 85.7%, respectively. It also effectively mitigated pulmonary lesions and neutrophil infiltration, as verified by histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. These results indicate that rgalT-galU is a promising candidate for developing cross-protective subunit vaccines against APP infection. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4309 KiB  
Article
The Relationship Between Bacterial Flora in Saliva and Esophageal Mucus and Endoscopic Severity in Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
by Momoyo Sasahira, Hiroshi Matsumoto, Tei Tei Go, Shogen Yo, Shuzo Monden, Takahirao Ninomiya, Motoyasu Oosawa, Osamu Handa, Eiji Umegaki, Ryo Inoue and Akiko Shiotani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073026 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilic inflammation of the esophageal mucosa. In this study, we investigated the bacterial flora in saliva and esophageal mucus in patients with EoE and examined the relationship between EoE disease [...] Read more.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilic inflammation of the esophageal mucosa. In this study, we investigated the bacterial flora in saliva and esophageal mucus in patients with EoE and examined the relationship between EoE disease activity and mucosal cytokine expression, involving patients with active and inactive EoE (A-EoE and I-EoE, respectively). A-EoE was defined as a peak eosinophil count > 15/high-power field, according to the 2025 consensus guidelines. Saliva samples were collected from patients before the endoscopic examination. Brushing samples were collected from the distal esophagus of patients with EoE during endoscopic procedures. The degree of EoE inflammation was assessed using the EoE endoscopic reference score (EREFS). The samples were profiled using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene (460 bp) were amplified using tailed PCR. Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, including eight with I-EoE, seventeen with A-EoE, and twenty-eight non-EoE controls. Major bacterial genera such as Streptococcus, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Haemophilus were detected in both the oral cavity and esophagus. Compared with the control group, the active EoE group had significantly more Prevotella spp. in the saliva and esophageal mucosa. Conversely, significantly fewer Neisseria spp. were found in the saliva and Streptococcus spp. in the esophageal mucosa of patients with active EoE. The EREFS of EoE and Streptococcus were inversely correlated. This study elucidated the characteristics of bacterial flora in the saliva and esophageal mucosa of patients with EoE. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2946 KiB  
Article
Transcription Factors Fzc9 and Pdr802 Regulate ATP Levels and Metabolism in Cryptococcus neoformans
by Yuanyuan Ma and Peng Xue
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051824 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 428
Abstract
Transcription factors Fzc9 and Pdr802, characterized by their Zn2Cys6 DNA-binding domain, are essential for the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans in lung and brain infections. Notably, the in vivo roles of Fzc9 and Pdr802 in contributing to the pathogenicity of C. [...] Read more.
Transcription factors Fzc9 and Pdr802, characterized by their Zn2Cys6 DNA-binding domain, are essential for the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans in lung and brain infections. Notably, the in vivo roles of Fzc9 and Pdr802 in contributing to the pathogenicity of C. neoformans are not adequately reflected by the phenotypic characteristics observed in vitro. This study investigates the effects of gene deletion of FZC9 or PDR802 on the proteomic and metabolomic profiles of C. neoformans. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we identified significant changes in protein abundance and metabolite levels, particularly in pathways related to ATP synthesis. These findings deepen our understanding of the metabolic roles of Fzc9 and Pdr802, suggesting potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against C. neoformans infections. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4987 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Tetrathionate Hydrolase from Acidothermophilic Sulfur-Oxidizing Archaeon Metallosphaera cuprina Ar-4
by Pei Wang, Liang-Zhi Li, Li-Jun Liu, Ya-Ling Qin, Xiu-Tong Li, Hua-Qun Yin, De-Feng Li, Shuang-Jiang Liu and Cheng-Ying Jiang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031338 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Tetrathionate hydrolase (TTH) is a key enzyme for the oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) with the S4I pathway, which is distributed in autotrophic or facultative autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and archaea. In this study, the enzyme TTHMc from the [...] Read more.
Tetrathionate hydrolase (TTH) is a key enzyme for the oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) with the S4I pathway, which is distributed in autotrophic or facultative autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and archaea. In this study, the enzyme TTHMc from the acidothermophilic archaeon Metallosphaera cuprina Ar-4T, encoded by mcup_1281 and belonging to the pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) family, has been shown to possess tetrathionate hydrolysis activity. The molecular mass of the single subunit of TTHMc was determined to be 57 kDa. TTHMc is proved to be located in the cytoplasm, periplasmic space, and membrane, and the activity of them accounted for 72.3%, 24.0%, and 3.7% of the total activity. Optimal activity was observed at temperatures above 95 °C and pH 6.0, and the kinetic constants Km and Vmax were 0.35 mmol/L and 86.3 μmol/L, respectively. The presence of 0.01 mol/L Mg2+ enhances the activity of TTHMc, while 0.01 mol/L Ca2+ inhibits its activity. The hydrolysis of tetrathionate (TT) by TTHMc results in the production of thiosulfate, pentathionate, and hexathionate. This study represents the first description of TTH in the genus Metallosphaera, providing new theoretical insights into the study of sulfur-oxidizing proteins in acidothermophilic archaea. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 7363 KiB  
Article
Combinatorial Effects of Cisplatin and PARP Inhibitor Olaparib on Survival, Intestinal Integrity, and Microbiome Modulation in Murine Model
by Mitsuki Matsumura, Hisako Fujihara, Kanna Maita, Moeko Miyakawa, Yushi Sakai, Ryoko Nakayama, Yumi Ito, Mitsuhiko Hasebe, Koji Kawaguchi and Yoshiki Hamada
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031191 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 719
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor Olaparib, alone and in combination with cisplatin, on intestinal integrity, survival, and microbiome composition using a murine model. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction for [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor Olaparib, alone and in combination with cisplatin, on intestinal integrity, survival, and microbiome composition using a murine model. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, considering p-values of <0.05 as statistically significant. Microbiome profiling was performed using Qiime 2 software. Histopathological and microbiome analyses revealed Olaparib’s protective effects on intestinal integrity, mitigating cisplatin-induced damage. The single administration of cisplatin caused significant histological damage, biochemical disruptions, and dysbiosis, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory microbiome, such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and a decrease in beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing microbiome. Conversely, the single administration of Olaparib was associated with an increase in SCFA-producing microbiome, such as Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, and exhibited minimal toxicity. The combination administration showed complicated outcomes, as follows: reduced cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and increased SCFA-producing microbiome ratios, yet the long-term effects revealed reduced survival rates in the cisplatin group and sustained weight gain suppression. These findings emphasize Olaparib’s potential in enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and positively modulating microbiome diversity. However, the entangled pharmacodynamic interactions in the combination administration underscore the need for further investigation. The study highlights the potential of microbiome-targeted interventions in improving therapeutic outcomes for both cancer treatment and inflammatory bowel disease management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1906 KiB  
Article
Probiotic Spores of Shouchella clausii SF174 and Displayed Bromelain Show Beneficial Additive Potential
by Rowena Corona, Valeria Bontà, Loredana Baccigalupi and Ezio Ricca
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030942 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Probiotics have health-beneficial properties mainly due to either a direct action on the host or the modulation of the host microbiota. Health-beneficial properties have also been associated with a variety of plant-derived molecules, widely used as dietary supplements. This study explores the possibility [...] Read more.
Probiotics have health-beneficial properties mainly due to either a direct action on the host or the modulation of the host microbiota. Health-beneficial properties have also been associated with a variety of plant-derived molecules, widely used as dietary supplements. This study explores the possibility of combining the actions of probiotics and of plant-derived molecules by developing beneficial, probiotic-carrying, heterologous molecules. To this extent, spores of SF174, a well-characterized probiotic strain of Shouchella clausii (formerly Bacillus clausii), were used to bind bromelain, a plant-derived mixture of endopeptidases with beneficial effects. Probiotic spores displaying bromelain maintained their antioxidant activity and acquired the endopeptidase activity of the heterologous molecule. The endopeptidase activity was stabilized by the interaction with the spore and largely preserved from degradation at simulated gastric conditions. Under conditions mimicking those encountered in the intestine, as well as upon spore germination, active bromelain was released from the spore surface. The in vitro results reported in this study support the idea that probiotics carrying beneficial heterologous molecules combine the health properties of the probiotic with those of the delivered molecule and pave the way for the development of a novel class of functional probiotics. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7312 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Carbohydrate-Binding Modules in Colletotrichum graminicola
by Ya-Fei Wang, Qiu-Li Huang, Xin-Yu Chen, Hong-Lian Li, Jia-Xin Chang, Yu Zhang, Yi-Wen Wang and Yan Shi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030919 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 764
Abstract
Colletotrichum graminicola is the causative agent of both maize stem rot and leaf blight, which are among the most damaging diseases affecting maize. Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are protein domains that lack catalytic activity and are commonly found alongside carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes in fungi. A [...] Read more.
Colletotrichum graminicola is the causative agent of both maize stem rot and leaf blight, which are among the most damaging diseases affecting maize. Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are protein domains that lack catalytic activity and are commonly found alongside carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes in fungi. A comprehensive examination of the C. graminicola TZ-3 genome resulted in the identification of 83 C. graminicola CBM (CgCBM) genes, which are characterized by distinct gene structures and protein motifs. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the majority of CgCBM proteins were localized in the extracellular space. Investigation of the promoter regions of CgCBM genes uncovered a variety of responsive elements associated with plant hormones, including abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate response elements, as well as various stress-related response elements for drought, cold, defense, and other stress factors. Gene ontology analysis identified the primary functions of CgCBM genes as being linked to polysaccharide metabolism processes. Furthermore, the 83 CgCBM genes exhibited varying responses at different time points during C. graminicola infection, indicating their contribution to the fungus–maize interaction and their potential roles in the fungal pathogenic process. This study provides essential insights into CgCBMs, establishing a crucial foundation for further exploration of their functions in the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 5006 KiB  
Review
Positive Regulation of Cellular Proteins by Influenza Virus for Productive Infection
by Jiayu Cong, Ting Wang, Bumsuk Hahm and Chuan Xia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083584 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics through respiratory tract infections, giving rise to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza viruses extensively interact with host cellular proteins and exploit a variety of cellular pathways to accomplish their infection cycle. Some of the [...] Read more.
Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics through respiratory tract infections, giving rise to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza viruses extensively interact with host cellular proteins and exploit a variety of cellular pathways to accomplish their infection cycle. Some of the cellular proteins that display negative effects on the virus are degraded by the virus. However, there are also various proteins upregulated by influenza at the expression and/or activation levels. It has been well-established that a large number of host antiviral proteins such as type I interferon-stimulated genes are elevated by viral infection. On the other hand, there are also many cellular proteins that are induced directly by the virus, which are considered as pro-viral factors and often indispensable for rigorous viral propagation or pathogenicity. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of the cellular factors deemed to be upregulated and utilized by the influenza virus. The focus is placed on the functions of these pro-viral proteins and the mechanisms associated with promoting viral amplification, evading host immunity, or enhancing viral pathogenicity. Investigating the process of how influenza viruses hijack cellular proteins could provide a framework for inventing the host-factor-targeted drugs to conquer influenza. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 753 KiB  
Review
The Silent Conversation: How Small RNAs Shape Plant–Microbe Relationships
by Jie Liu, Yuntong Lu, Xiaoyan Chen, Xing Liu, Yunying Gu and Fei Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062631 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 541
Abstract
This review highlights the emerging role of cross-kingdom RNA interference in plant–microbe interactions, particularly the transfer of sRNAs from microbes to plants and vice versa, emphasizing the importance of this mechanism in both mutualistic and pathogenic contexts. As plants adapted to terrestrial life, [...] Read more.
This review highlights the emerging role of cross-kingdom RNA interference in plant–microbe interactions, particularly the transfer of sRNAs from microbes to plants and vice versa, emphasizing the importance of this mechanism in both mutualistic and pathogenic contexts. As plants adapted to terrestrial life, they formed symbiotic relationships with microbes, essential for nutrient uptake and defense. Emerging evidence underscores sRNAs, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), as critical regulators of gene expression and immune responses in plant–microbe interactions. In mutualistic symbioses, such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria associations, sRNAs are hypothesized to regulate nutrient exchange and symbiotic stability. In pathogenic scenarios, microbes utilize sRNAs to undermine plant defenses, while plants employ strategies like host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) to counteract these threats. We further explore the emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in sRNA transport, which is critical for facilitating interspecies communication in both pathogenic and mutualistic contexts. Although the potential of ckRNAi in mutualistic interactions is promising, the review highlights the need for further experimental validation to establish its true significance in these relationships. By synthesizing current research, this review highlights the intricate molecular dialogues mediated by sRNAs in plant–microbe interactions and identifies critical gaps, proposing future research directions aimed at harnessing these mechanisms for agricultural advancements. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop