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9 papers

Effects of Norbixin on Growth Performance, Immunomodulation, Antioxidant Systems, and Metabolic Alterations in the Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense): An Integrative Analysis.

Ettefaghdoost M et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Background Natural carotenoids have gained considerable attention in aquaculture due to their potential to enhance growth performance, physiological status, and product quality in crustaceans. However, limited information is available regarding the dietary effects of norbixin on Macrobrachium nipponense. Objectives This study evaluated the effects of dietary norbixin supplementation on growth performance, haemato-biochemical indices, immune responses, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal microbiota, carotenoid accumulation, and body composition in M. nipponense. Methods A 56-day feeding trial was conducted using juvenile prawns (initial weight: 1.48 ± 0.07 g) fed diets supplemented with 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 g/kg norbixin. Growth indices, biochemical and immunological parameters, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzyme activities, intestinal bacterial populations, tissue carotenoid deposition, and proximate body composition were subsequently assessed. Results Dietary norbixin significantly improved growth performance, feed conversion ratio, hepatosomatic index, and survival rate, with the most pronounced effects observed at 0.15 g/kg (p 0.05). Norbixin supplementation further enhanced digestive enzyme activities, increased lactic acid bacteria abundance, reduced total bacterial counts, and promoted carotenoid accumulation in muscle, shell, and hepatopancreas (p Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 0.15 g/kg norbixin effectively enhanced growth, immunocompetence, antioxidant defence, intestinal microbial balance, carotenoid deposition, and nutritional quality in M. nipponense, suggesting its potential as a functional feed additive in freshwater prawn aquaculture.

Immunology and Microbiology

Spatial Distribution and Host-Specific Patterns of Avian Haemosporidian Infections in a Semi-Arid Region of Northeastern Iran.

Mirbadie SR et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Background Avian haemosporidians (Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon) and erythrocytic bacteria (e.g., Aegyptianella) are globally widespread, yet their epidemiology in Iran's semi-arid ecosystems remains understudied. Objective This study provides the first survey of avian blood parasites in Semnan Province, Iran, integrating microscopic and spatial analyses to identify host and environmental factors influencing infection patterns. Methods From September 2022 to December 2023, 263 healthy birds from ten species were examined. Giemsa-stained blood smears were screened microscopically. Infection hotspots and risk factors were identified using Kruskal-Wallis tests, logistic regression, and spatial mapping. Results Overall infection prevalence was 22.1% and was dominated by Haemoproteus spp. (18.6%), followed by Plasmodium spp. (1.5%), Leucocytozoon spp. (1.1%), and Aegyptianella spp. (0.8%). Pigeons exhibited the highest infection rate and were nearly three times more likely to be infected than other species (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.38-5.60, p = 0.004). Spatial analysis revealed infection clustering in Shahroud County, which exhibits relatively higher humidity and vegetation cover compared with other parts of the predominantly semi‑arid Semnan Province. These findings highlight the potential influence of local climatic and ecological factors on the distribution of avian haemosporidian parasites. Although infection appeared slightly higher during spring and summer (9.6% and 7.3%, respectively) compared with autumn (3.4%) and winter (1.9%), the observed differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions This baseline study provides important epidemiological data and establishes a framework for future molecular and vector‑based investigations of avian blood parasites in the Middle East.

Immunology and Microbiology

An Aging Clock Based on Immune Repertoire Features: COVID-19 Accelerates Aging.

Gao X et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Aging induces immunosenescence, a progressive decline in immune function underpinning age-related pathogen vulnerability, yet T/B cell receptor (TCR/BCR) repertoire remodeling during aging remains incompletely characterized, especially in non-European populations. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 may perturb immune homeostasis and accelerate aging, but its impact on immune repertoire aging is unclear. Here, we analyzed leukocyte DNA from 195 healthy Chinese individuals (25-93 years) and 94 post-COVID-19 cases via CDR3 high-throughput sequencing. Aging correlated with shorter CDR3 sequences, reduced VDJ gene/V-J combination diversity, declining TCR/BCR clonotype counts (179.7/507 per 3 years), expanded hyperexpanded TCR/large BCR clones, and reduced diversity (critical turning point ~60 years). These changes were intensified post-COVID-19, with altered amino acid usage, diminished diversity, and expanded SARS-CoV-2/Mycobacterium tuberculosis-related clones. We developed a LightGBM-based immune repertoire aging clock, validating accelerated biological aging (increased cAgeDiff) and reduced intrinsic capacity in post-COVID-19 individuals. Our findings reveal age-dependent immune repertoire remodeling exacerbated by COVID-19, deepening understanding of immunosenescence and post-viral dysfunction, with potential clinical applications for age-related immune decline and post-COVID-19 syndromes.

Immunology and Microbiology

Molecular Characterisation of Orf Virus in Goats From Eastern Türkiye.

Özbek R et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Background and aim Orf virus (ORFV) is the etiologic agent of infectious ecthyma, a common worldwide disease that occasionally causes zoonotic infections. In this study, we aimed to detect and molecularly characterise circulating ORFV strains in goats from different provinces in eastern Türkiye. Materials and methods Skin lesion samples collected during ORFV outbreaks between 2022 and 2024 were analysed. Following DNA extraction, positive samples identified by real-time PCR were analysed using a multi-locus phylogenetic approach targeting the structural F1L, the major envelope protein B2L, and the virulence-related VIR gene regions. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method, followed by phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood method in MEGA X. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic similarity (95.63% to 99.48%) between the Turkish strains and global isolates from countries such as China, India, Iran, and Malaysia. Notably, while most isolates shared 100% similarity, the isolate from one specific province (Tunceli) exhibited significant nucleotide substitutions and a separate clustering pattern, particularly in the VIR gene. Conclusion The results demonstrate that ORFV strains circulating in Türkiye display close phylogenetic clustering with Asian strains. The study highlights that multi-locus analyses, especially utilising the highly variable VIR gene, are essential for identifying regional genetic heterogeneity and monitoring microbial evolution. These findings provide a pilot reference for future epidemiological surveillance and vaccine development strategies in the region.

Immunology and Microbiology

Identification of SNPs Associated With mRNA Expression Differences of the Complement Receptor Type 1-Like Gene in Landrace Weaned Piglets.

Yin W et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of porcine complement receptor 1-like (CR1-like) gene and its mRNA expression. Methods SNP identification, qRT-PCR absolute quantification, linkage disequilibrium analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed using 392 forty-day-old Landrace weaned piglets. Results 28 SNPs were identified, 4 loci were significantly correlated with CR1-like expression (p Conclusion CR1-like gene polymorphisms regulate its expression via disrupting transcription factor binding, which provides a theoretical basis for porcine disease-resistant breeding.

Immunology and Microbiology

The LAV-BPIFB4-Platelet-CD47 Axis: A Novel Mechanism Associated With Immune Resilience in Longevity.

Ciaglia E et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Long-living individuals (LLIs) possess remarkable genetic resilience, characterized by protective variants that confer immune robustness and resistance to age-related diseases. The longevity-associated variant of BPIFB4 (LAV-BPIFB4), enriched in centenarians, demonstrated pleiotropic benefits including reduced inflammation, cardiovascular protection, and immune system rejuvenation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects remain incompletely understood. Here, we revealed that LAV-BPIFB4 fundamentally reshaped the immune features of platelets to establish enhanced immunomodulatory capacity through CD47 upregulation. Of note, centenarians displayed an elevated percentage of circulating CD47 + reticulated platelets (RPs), a condition mimicked by LAV-BPIFB4 carriers which exhibited significantly elevated CD47 levels both on RPs and mature platelets' surface. In agreement with an early acquirement of CD47 overexpression, MEG-01 megakaryoblastic cells overexpressing LAV-BPIFB4 produced CD47-high platelet-sized particles. Functionally, platelets from LAV carriers suppressed monocyte activation and inflammatory cytokine production through CD47-dependent mechanisms, selectively reducing p38 MAPK activation while leaving NF-κB signaling largely unaffected in response to LPS. rhLAV-BPIFB4 administration in vivo increased CD47 on murine platelets and reduced, ex vivo, LPS-induced monocyte activation, validating cross-species therapeutic potential. Critically, rhLAV-BPIFB4 protein phenocopies genetic effects, rapidly increasing CD47 expression on wild-type platelets through cytoskeleton-dependent trafficking mechanisms and conferring enhanced anti-inflammatory capacity. This might represent a translatable strategy to replicate some of the biological features associated with a longevity-associated variant beyond genetic carriers. Our findings establish the platelet-CD47-monocyte axis as a pivotal pathway for healthy aging and reveal recombinant LAV-BPIFB4 as a promising therapeutic approach for managing inflammaging and cardiovascular disease by harnessing the immune-tuning capacity characteristic of exceptional longevity.

Immunology and Microbiology

Rapid Respiratory Microbiological Point-of-Care Testing and Antibiotic Use in Primary Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Hay AD et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Importance Most antibiotic prescribing takes place in primary care, driving antimicrobial resistance, a top-10 threat to global public health. There is considerable international interest in whether rapid multiplex microbiological point-of-care testing (RM-POCT) can safely reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care. Objective To investigate whether the use of a RM-POCT can safely reduce same-day antibiotic prescribing for children and adults presenting to primary care with respiratory infections. Design, setting, and participants This parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted at 16 general practices in Southwest England between December 2022 and April 2024. Patients were eligible if they were aged 12 months or older, presented with any clinician-diagnosed acute (≤21 days) respiratory tract infection, and the patient or clinician believed antibiotic treatment was, or might be, necessary. Participants were randomized (1:1) to RM-POCT or usual care. The research team, including those conducting statistical analyses, were unaware of group allocation. Data were analyzed from November 21, 2024, to March 13, 2025. Intervention Patients in the intervention group were tested with RM-POCT to indicate the presence or absence of 19 respiratory viral pathogens and 4 atypical bacteria in approximately 45 minutes. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was same-day antibiotic prescribing. The safety outcome was patient-reported symptom severity on days 2 to 4. Results Among 552 included patients (mean [SD] age, 40.0 [21.2] years; 349 [63%] female), 276 were randomized to the intervention group and 276 to usual care. Primary outcome data were available for all participants, and safety outcome data were available in 216 intervention participants (78%) and 203 usual care participants (74%). Same-day antibiotics were prescribed to 124 participants (45%) in each group (odds ratio [OR], 1.00 [95% CI, 0.71 to 1.41]; P > .99). Prespecified subgroup analyses showed evidence of differentially reduced antibiotic prescribing in participants from whom a virus was detected (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.20 to 0.63]; P for interaction Conclusions and relevance In this randomized clinical trial among patients with respiratory tract infections being considered for antibiotic treatment in primary care, use of an RM-POCT did not reduce same-day antibiotic prescribing or worsen patient outcomes. Trial registration isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN16039192.

Immunology and Microbiology

Advances in the Study of Endometrial Receptivity and Glucose Metabolism Mechanisms in Insulin Resistance.

Huang SY et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Introduction Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the important pathologic bases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and an important factor contributing to infertility. In patients with PCOS, IR acts not only on insulin-sensitive tissues, such as skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver, but also on the ovaries and endometrium. Localised endometrial IR is closely associated with impaired endometrial receptivity, and proper glucose metabolism is a key factor for embryo implantation. Methods This paper describes the signalling pathways of endometrial glucose metabolism and the transcription factors regulated by endometrial glucose metabolism signalling pathways. Results The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanism of endometrial glucose uptake in local IR and find key intersections in this mechanism. For example, Foxo1, as the intersection of the Insulin Receptor Substrate-Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase-Protein Kinase B-Glucose Transporters (IRS-PI3K-Akt-GLUTs) pathway and the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate- Protein Kinase A- Calcium ion (cAMP-PKA-Ca 2+ ) pathway, and as an important biomarker for evaluating endometrial receptivity. It is of great significance for studying the improvement of endometrial receptivity. Conclusions This article summarises the therapeutic approaches targeting insulin resistance and the enhancement of endometrial receptivity based on the above pathways, so as to provide references and suggestions for future therapeutic strategies.

Immunology and Microbiology

Identification of proteins exhibiting in vitro RNA chaperone activity through gradient profiling in the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi.

Van Gundy T et al. · Jun 18, 2026

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play key roles in regulating gene expression across all domains of life. However, relatively few RBPs have been discovered and characterized in Borrelia ( Borreliella ) burgdorferi , the causative agent of Lyme disease. We utilized gradient profiling to identify putative RBPs that co-sediment with small RNAs (sRNAs) and nascent mRNAs. The previously hypothetical proteins BB0749, BB0713 and BB0796, as well as the chemotaxis-related protein CheY2 and the flagella-associated protein FlgV demonstrated RNA unwinding (structural remodeling), RNA annealing, and strand displacement activity. Moreover, in vivo co-IP assays demonstrated BB0749 binds RNA in B. burgdorferi .

Immunology and Microbiology