A novel system to culture human intestinal organoids under physiological oxygen content to study microbial-host interaction

Antimicrobial peptides in nematode secretions - Unveiling biotechnological opportunities for therapeutics and beyond

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic nematodes threaten food security and affect human health and animal welfare globally. Current anthelmintics for use in humans and livestock are challenged by continuous re-infections and the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance, underscoring an urgent need to identify novel control targets for therapeutic exploitation. Recent evidence has highlighted the occurrence of complex interplay between GI parasitic nematodes of humans and livestock and the resident host gut microbiota. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found within nematode biofluids have emerged as potential effectors of these interactions. This review delves into the occurrence, structure, and function of nematode AMPs, highlighting their potential as targets for drug discovery and development. We argue that an integrated approach combining advanced analytical techniques, scalable production methods, and innovative experimental models is needed to unlock the full potential of nematode AMPs and pave the way for the discovery and development of sustainable parasite control strategies.

Physiologically relevant coculture model for oral microbial-host interactions

Understanding microbial-host interactions in the oral cavity is essential for elucidating oral disease pathogenesis and its systemic implications. In vitro bacteria-host cell coculture models have enabled fundamental studies to characterize bacterial infection and host responses in a reductionist yet reproducible manner. However, existing in vitro coculture models fail to establish conditions that are suitable for the growth of both mammalian cells and anaerobes, thereby hindering a comprehensive understanding of their interactions. Here, we present an asymmetric gas coculture system that simulates the oral microenvironment by maintaining distinct normoxic and anaerobic conditions for gingival epithelial cells and anaerobic bacteria, respectively. Using a key oral pathobiont, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as the primary test bed, we demonstrate that the system preserves bacterial viability and supports the integrity of telomerase-immortalized gingival keratinocytes. Compared to conventional models, this system enhanced bacterial invasion, elevated intracellular bacterial loads, and elicited more robust host pro-inflammatory responses, including increased secretion of CXCL10, IL-6, and IL-8. In addition, the model enabled precise evaluation of antibiotic efficacy against intracellular pathogens. Finally, we validate the ability of the asymmetric system to support the proliferation of a more oxygen-sensitive oral pathobiont, Porphyromonas gingivalis. These results underscore the utility of this coculture platform for studying oral microbial pathogenesis and screening therapeutics, offering a physiologically relevant approach to advance oral and systemic health research.

Neonatal microbiome in the multiomics era: development and its impact on long-term health

The neonatal microbiome has been the focus of considerable research over the past two decades and studies have added fascinating information in terms of early microbial patterns and how these relate to various disease processes. One difficulty with the interpretation of these relationships is that such data is associative and provides little in terms of proof of causality or the underpinning mechanisms. Integrating microbiome data with other omics such as the proteome, inflammatory mediators, and the metabolome is an emerging approach to address this gap. Here we discuss these omics, their integration, and how they can be applied to improve our understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease. IMPACT: This review introduces the concept of multiomics in neonatology and how emerging technologies can be integrated improve understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease. We highlight considerations for performing multiomic research in neonates and the need for validation in separate cohorts and/or relevant model systems. We summarise how the use of multiomics is expanding and lay out steps to bring this to the clinic to enable precision medicine.

Advancements in Microphysiological systems: Exploring organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies in drug development -focus on pharmacokinetics related organs

This study explored the evolving landscape of Microphysiological Systems (MPS), with a focus on organoids and organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technologies, which are promising alternatives to animal testing in drug discovery. MPS technology offers in vitro models with high physiological relevance, simulating organ function for pharmacokinetic studies. Organoids composed of 3D cell aggregates and OoCs mimicking in vivo environments based on microfluidic platforms represent the forefront of MPS. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of their application in studying the gut, liver, and kidney and their challenges in becoming reliable alternatives to in vivo models. Although MPS technology is not yet fully comparable to in vivo systems, its continued development, aided by in silico, automation, and AI approaches, is anticipated to bring about further advancements. Collaboration across multiple disciplines and ongoing regulatory discussions will be crucial in driving MPS toward practical and ethical applications in biomedical research and drug development.