ABSTRACT
Apicomplexan protozoa, which are a group of specialized intracellular parasitic protozoa, infect humans and other animals and cause a variety of diseases. The lack of research on the interaction mechanism between Apicomplexan protozoa and their hosts is a key factor restricting the development of new drugs and vaccines. In the early stages of infection, cell apoptosis is inhibited by Apicomplexan protozoa through their interaction with the host cells; thereby, the survival and reproduction of Apicomplexan protozoa in host cells is promoted. In this review, the key virulence proteins and pathways are introduced regarding the inhibition of cell apoptosis by the interaction between the protozoa and their host during the early stage of Apicomplexan protozoa infection. It provides a theoretical basis for the development of drugs or vaccines for protozoal diseases.
ABSTRACT
Growing evidence suggests that microbes can influence the onset of cancer and its consequent development. By researching samples from patients afflicted by cervical cancer, we aimed to explore the associated dynamics and prognostic value of intratumoral levels of F. nucleatum. We used qPCR to analyze tumor tissues obtained from 112 cervical cancer patients in order to characterize the levels and influences of intratumoral levels of the F. nucleatum. Especially for recurrent tissues, there was a distinct observation of higher levels of F. nucleatum in cervical cancer. Patients with high burdens of F. nucleatum intratumoral infiltration exhibited correspondingly poor rates of both overall survival and progression-free survival. Measures of the levels of F. nucleatum were found to have been reliable independent prognostic factors that could predict rates of PFS for afflicted patients (HR = 4.8, 95%CI = 1.2-18.6, P = 0.024). Notably, the levels ofF. nucleatum were positively correlated with tumor differentiation. Cancer cells from patients with relatively high levels of F. nucleatum were observed to possess the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We propose that F. nucleatum might be one potential cervical cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and these findings will help to provide a sound rationale and merit for further study of this bacterium.
