Tim E. Sparer
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Bridging the gap: Connecting the immunomodulatory effect of Human Cytomegalovirus’ viral protein vCXCL-1 on neutrophil-mediated regulation of monocytes 2702 Open
Description Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality within the immunocompromised population. To cause dissemination and disease during reactivation or primary infection, HCMV has evolved a variety of immuno…
View article: A TLR7/9-IFNα-LDHB axis drives vital NET release and compromises antibacterial defense in lupus
A TLR7/9-IFNα-LDHB axis drives vital NET release and compromises antibacterial defense in lupus Open
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are susceptible to bacterial infections, but the underlying dysfunction remains unclear. We found that Staphylococcus aureus triggers mitochondria-dependent suicidal NETosis via lactate sens…
Common Chemical Plasticizer Di(2-Ethhylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure Exacerbates Coxsackievirus B3 Infection Open
Di(2-ethhylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plastic rubberizer. DEHP leaches from plastic matrices and is under increasing scrutiny as numerous studies have linked it to negative human health manifestations. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB) is a…
Cek1 regulates ß(1,3)-glucan exposure through calcineurin effectors in Candida albicans Open
In order to successfully induce disease, the fungal pathogen Candida albicans regulates exposure of antigens like the cell wall polysaccharide ß(1,3)-glucan to the host immune system. C . albicans covers (masks) ß(1,3)-glucan with a layer …
Possible Cross-Reactivity of Feline and White-Tailed Deer Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Open
We report cross-reactive antibodies from prepandemic cats and postpandemic South Carolina white-tailed deer that are specific for that SARS-CoV RBD. There are several potential explanations for this cross-reactivity, each with important im…
Possible Cross Reactivity of Feline and White-tailed Deer Antibodies Against the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Open
In late 2019, a novel coronavirus began circulating within humans in central China. It was designated SARS-CoV-2 because of its genetic similarities to the 2003 SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Now that SARS-CoV-2 has spread worldwide, there i…
View article: MCMV Centrifugal Enhancement: A New Spin on an Old Topic
MCMV Centrifugal Enhancement: A New Spin on an Old Topic Open
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen infecting a majority of people worldwide, with diseases ranging from mild to life-threatening. Its clinical relevance in immunocompromised people and congenital infections have made tre…
View article: Activation of Cph1 causes ß(1,3)-glucan unmasking in Candida albicans and attenuates virulence in mice in a neutrophil-dependent manner
Activation of Cph1 causes ß(1,3)-glucan unmasking in Candida albicans and attenuates virulence in mice in a neutrophil-dependent manner Open
Masking the immunogenic cell wall epitope ß(1,3)-glucan under an outer layer of mannosylated glycoproteins is an important virulence factor deployed by Candida albicans during infection. Consequently, increased ß(1,3)-glucan exposure (unma…
Pathways That Synthesize Phosphatidylethanolamine Impact Candida albicans Hyphal Length and Cell Wall Composition through Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Mechanisms Open
Candida albicans is a leading cause of systemic bloodstream infections, and synthesis of the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is required for virulence. The psd1 Δ/Δ psd2 Δ/Δ mutant, which cannot synthesize PE by the cytidine dip…
The Human Cytomegalovirus Chemokine vCXCL-1 Modulates Normal Dissemination Kinetics of Murine Cytomegalovirus <i>In Vivo</i> Open
An adequate in vivo analysis of HCMV’s viral chemokine vCXCL-1 has been lacking. Here we generate recombinant MCMVs expressing vCXCL-1 to study vCXCL-1 function in vivo using MCMV as a surrogate. We demonstrate that vCXCL-1 increases MCMV …
Anticytomegalovirus Peptides Point to New Insights for CMV Entry Mechanisms and the Limitations of <i>In Vitro</i> Screenings Open
In the absence of an effective vaccine to prevent HCMV infections, alternative interventions must be developed. Prevention of viral entry into susceptible cells is an attractive alternative strategy. Here we report that heparan sulfate-bin…
Exposure of Candida albicans β (1,3)-glucan is promoted by activation of the Cek1 pathway Open
Candida albicans is among the most common causes of human fungal infections and is an important source of mortality. C. albicans is able to diminish its detection by innate immune cells through masking of β (1,3)-glucan in the inner cell w…
There Is Always Another Way! Cytomegalovirus’ Multifaceted Dissemination Schemes Open
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpes virus that is a significant pathogen within immune compromised populations. HCMV morbidity is induced through viral dissemination and inflammation. Typically, viral dissemination is thought to fol…
There's Always Another Way! Cytomegalovirus’ Multifaceted Dissemination Schemes Open
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpes virus that is a significant pathogen within immune compromised populations. HCMV morbidity is induced through viral dissemination and inflammation. Typically, viral dissemination is thought to fol…
Candida albicans Cannot Acquire Sufficient Ethanolamine from the Host To Support Virulence in the Absence of <i>De Novo</i> Phosphatidylethanolamine Synthesis Open
Candida albicans mutants for phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase ( cho1 ΔΔ) and PS decarboxylase ( psd1 ΔΔ psd2 ΔΔ) are compromised for virulence in mouse models of systemic infection and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Both of these enzymes…
Pancreatic islet inflammation: an emerging role for chemokines Open
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes exhibit features of inflammation associated with alterations in pancreatic islet function and mass. These immunological disruptions, if unresolved, contribute to the overall pathogenesis of disease onset. Th…