Virulence traits and novel drug delivery strategies for mucormycosis post-COVID-19: a comprehensive review

The comprehensive insights into the B-cells-mediated immune response against COVID-19 infection amid the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2

The antibody-mediated immune response is crucial for the development of protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system is critical because new variants emerge as a result of the virus's ongoing evolution. Understanding the function of B cells in the SARS-CoV-2 infection process is critical for developing effective and long-lasting vaccines against this virus. Triggered by the innate immune response, B cells transform into memory B cells (MBCs). It is fascinating to observe how MBCs provide enduring immune defence, not only eradicating the infection but also safeguarding against future reinfection. If there is a lack of B cell activation or if the B cells are not functioning properly, it can lead to a serious manifestation of the disease and make immunisation less effective. Individuals with disruptions in the B cells have shown increased production of cytokines and chemokines, resulting in a poor prognosis for the disease. Therefore, we have developed an updated review article to gain insight into the involvement of B cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The discussion has covered the generation, functioning, and dynamics of neutralising antibodies (nAbs). Furthermore, we have emphasised immunotherapeutics that rely on nAbs.

Crosstalk between ROS-inflammatory gene expression axis in the progression of lung disorders

A significant number of deaths and disabilities worldwide are brought on by inflammatory lung diseases. Many inflammatory lung disorders, including chronic respiratory emphysema, resistant asthma, resistance to steroids, and coronavirus-infected lung infections, have severe variants for which there are no viable treatments; as a result, new treatment alternatives are needed. Here, we emphasize how oxidative imbalance contributes to the emergence of provocative lung problems that are challenging to treat. Endogenic antioxidant systems are not enough to avert free radical-mediated damage due to the induced overproduction of ROS. Pro-inflammatory mediators are then produced due to intracellular signaling events, which can harm the tissue and worsen the inflammatory response. Overproduction of ROS causes oxidative stress, which causes lung damage and various disease conditions. Invasive microorganisms or hazardous substances that are inhaled repeatedly can cause an excessive amount of ROS to be produced. By starting signal transduction pathways, increased ROS generation during inflammation may cause recurrent DNA damage and apoptosis and activate proto-oncogenes. This review provides information about new targets for conducting research in related domains or target factors to prevent, control, or treat such inflammatory oxidative stress-induced inflammatory lung disorders.

Unveiling Green Synthesis and Biomedical Theranostic paradigms of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) - A state-of-the-art comprehensive update

The advancements in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and healthcare are propelling the field of theranostics, which combines therapy and diagnostics, to new heights; emphasizing the emergence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as versatile theranostic agents. This comprehensive update offers a holistic perspective on recent developments in the synthesis and theranostic applications of SeNPs, underscoring their growing importance in nanotechnology and healthcare. SeNPs have shown significant potential in multiple domains, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, wound healing, and cytoprotective therapies. The review highlights the adaptability and biocompatibility of SeNPs, which are crucial for advanced disease detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment. Special emphasis is placed on advancements in green synthesis techniques, underscoring their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits in biosensing, diagnostics, imaging and therapeutic applications. Additionally, the appraisal scrutinizes the progressive trends in smart stimuli-responsive SeNPs, conferring their role in innovative solutions for disease management and diagnostics. Despite their promising therapeutic and prophylactic potential, SeNPs also present several challenges, particularly regarding toxicity concerns. These challenges and their implications for clinical translation are thoroughly explored, providing a balanced view of the current state and prospects of SeNPs in theranostic applications.

Therapeutic implications of quercetin and its derived-products in COVID-19 protection and prophylactic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel human coronavirus, which has triggered a global pandemic of the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge human health worldwide. The virus conquers human cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor-driven pathway by mostly targeting the human respiratory tract. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid widely represented in the plant kingdom. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that quercetin and its derivatives have various pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-microbial, antiviral, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective effects, because it is a potential treatment for severe inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, it is the main life-threatening condition in patients with COVID-19. This article provides a comprehensive review of the primary literature on the predictable effectiveness of quercetin and its derivatives docked to multi-target of SARS-CoV-2 and host cells via in silico and some of validation through in vitro, in vivo, and clinically to fight SARS-CoV-2 infections, contribute to the reduction of inflammation, which suggests the preventive and therapeutic latency of quercetin and its derived-products against COVID-19 pandemic, multisystem inflammatory syndromes (MIS), and long-COVID.

Comprehensive Review on the Virulence Factors and Therapeutic Strategies with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence against Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, a rare but deadly fungal infection, was an epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in cases (COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, CAM) is attributed to excessive steroid and antibiotic use, poor hospital hygiene, and crowded settings. Major contributing factors include diabetes and weakened immune systems. The main manifesting forms of CAM─cutaneous, pulmonary, and the deadliest, rhinocerebral─and disseminated infections elevated mortality rates to 85%. Recent focus lies on small-molecule inhibitors due to their advantages over standard treatments like surgery and liposomal amphotericin B (which carry several long-term adverse effects), offering potential central nervous system penetration, diverse targets, and simpler dosing owing to their small size, rendering the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier via passive diffusion facilitated by the phospholipid membrane. Adaptation and versatility in mucormycosis are facilitated by a multitude of virulence factors, enabling the pathogen to dynamically respond to various environmental stressors. A comprehensive understanding of these virulence mechanisms is imperative for devising effective therapeutic interventions against this highly opportunistic pathogen that thrives in immunocompromised individuals through its angio-invasive nature. Hence, this Review delineates the principal virulence factors of mucormycosis, the mechanisms it employs to persist in challenging host environments, and the current progress in developing small-molecule inhibitors against them.

The emergence and implications of SARS-CoV-2 omicron subvariant BA.2.86 on global health

The SARS-CoV-2 subvariant BA.2.86 'Pirola', first identified in Denmark in August 2023, has manifested with a significantly mutated spike protein profile, suggesting a heightened ability to evade vaccine-induced and infection-induced antibodies. This article outlines the epidemiological spread, immune response implications, and global responses to BA.2.86. Preliminary observations indicate community transmissions of the subvariant, even among those previously infected or vaccinated. Notably, the BA.2.86 infection has shown a potential to amplify antibody responses. The variant's emergence has evoked memories of the Omicron variant's rise in late 2021, though global immunity levels might modulate the impact of BA.2.86 impact differently. Continuous genomic surveillance, coupled with integrated diagnostic and epidemiological strategies, proves crucial in early detection and management. The emergence of BA.2.86 reaffirms the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, adaptability, and global collaboration.