DDX58 Is Associated With Susceptibility to Severe Influenza Virus Infection in Children and Adolescents

Construction of Immune-Related Diagnostic Model for Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Active Tuberculosis

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), and the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI) remains challenging.

Methods

Gene expression files were downloaded from the GEO database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The ssGSEA algorithm was applied to assess the immunological characteristics of patients with LTBI and TB. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, protein-protein interaction network, and the cytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape were used to identify the real hub genes. Finally, a diagnostic model was constructed using real hub genes and validated using a validation set.

Results

Macrophages and natural killer cells were identified as important immune cells strongly associated with TB. In total, 726 mRNAs were identified as DEGs. MX1, STAT1, IFIH1, DDX58, and IRF7 were identified as real hub immune-related genes. The diagnostic model generated by the five real hub genes could distinguish active TB from healthy controls or patients with LTBI.

Conclusion

Our study may provide implications for the diagnosis and drug development of M. tb infections.

Physiological functions of RIG-I-like receptors

RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are crucial for pathogen detection and triggering immune responses and have immense physiological importance. In this review, we first summarize the interferon system and innate immunity, which constitute primary and secondary responses. Next, the molecular structure of RLRs and the mechanism of sensing non-self RNA are described. Usually, self RNA is refractory to the RLR; however, there are underlying host mechanisms that prevent immune reactions. Studies have revealed that the regulatory mechanisms of RLRs involve covalent molecular modifications, association with regulatory factors, and subcellular localization. Viruses have evolved to acquire antagonistic RLR functions to escape the host immune reactions. Finally, the pathologies caused by the malfunction of RLR signaling are described.

SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant clearance delayed in breakthrough cases with elevated fasting blood glucose

Background

Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a dominant variant worldwide. However, the risk factors for Omicron variant clearance are yet unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors for early viral clearance of Omicron variant in patients with a history of inactivated vaccine injection.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data from 187 patients were collected retrospectively during the Omicron variant wave.

Results

73/187 and 114/187 patients were administered two and three doses of vaccine, respectively. The median duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity was 9 days, and the difference between patients with two and three vaccine injections was insignificant (P = 0.722). Fever was the most common symptom (125/187), and most patients (98.4%) had a fever for < 7 days. The RNA was undetectable in 65/187 patients on day 7. Univariable logistic analysis showed that baseline glucose, uric acid, lymphocytes count, platelet count, and CD4⁺ T lymphocyte count were associated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positivity on day 7. Multivariable analysis showed that glucose ≥ 6.1 mmol/L and CD4⁺T lymphocytes count were independent risk factors for RNA positivity on day 7. 163/187 patients had an undetectable RNA test on day 14, and uric acid was the only independent risk factor for RNA positivity. Moreover, baseline glucose was negatively correlated with uric acid and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell count, while uric acid was positively correlated with CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell count.

Conclusions

Omicron variant clearance was delayed in breakthrough cases with elevated fasting blood glucose, irrespective of the doses of inactivated vaccine.