R. C. Smith

Protection against Clostridioides difficile disease by a naturally avirulent C. difficile strain

This paper shows that an avirulent C. difficile strain, ST1-75, protects mice from virulent strain-induced colitis by outcompeting it through rapid amino acid depletion, suggesting potential as a biotherapeutic for CDI prevention.

TNF signaling mediates cellular immune function and promotes malaria parasite killing in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae

This study identifies a conserved TNF signaling pathway in Anopheles gambiae that regulates immune cell function and limits Plasmodium parasite survival.

Mosquito immune cells enhance dengue and Zika virus dissemination in Aedes aegypti

This study shows mosquito immune cells help spread dengue and Zika viruses in Aedes aegypti, supporting a 'trojan horse' model of virus dissemination.

Comprehensive analyses of a large human gut Bacteroidales culture collection reveal species and strain level diversity and evolution

The paper characterizes a large collection of Bacteroidales isolates from the human gut, revealing genomic and metabolomic diversity and horizontal gene transfer across species.

Tick Innate Immune Responses to Hematophagy and Ehrlichia Infection at Single-Cell Resolution

This study uses single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze hemocyte populations in ticks during hematophagy and Ehrlichia infection, identifying distinct subpopulations and their gene expression changes.

Ehrlichia chaffeensis co-opts phagocytic hemocytes for systemic dissemination in the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum

This study shows granulocytes in the Lone Star tick play dual roles in controlling and facilitating Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection.

Virulence and genomic diversity among clinical isolates of ST1 (BI/NAP1/027) Clostridioides difficile

This study identifies a 69 base-pair deletion in the cdtR gene that attenuates virulence in ST1 C. difficile strains without affecting colonization.

Rickettsia parkeri Hijacks Tick Hemocytes to Manipulate Cellular and Humoral Transcriptional Responses

This study identifies five hemocyte populations in ticks and shows Rickettsia parkeri infects phagocytic hemocytes, altering immune gene expression and phagocytosis.

The PTEX pore component EXP2 is important for intrahepatic development during the Plasmodium liver stage

This study uses a ribozyme-based approach to show EXP2 is essential for Plasmodium liver stage development, highlighting its role in the PTEX translocon at the hepatocyte-parasite interface.

Semi-field and surveillance data define the natural diapause timeline for Culex pipiens across the United States

The paper uses surveillance data to define the diapause timeline for Culex pipiens across the U.S., showing population declines during diapause receptivity and highlighting genetic factors affecting population trends.

Extracellular vesicles secreted by Brugia malayi microfilariae modulate the melanization pathway in the mosquito host

This paper shows that extracellular vesicles from Brugia malayi microfilariae reduce melanization in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by downregulating AAEL002590 and decreasing phenoloxidase activity.

A tiger in the Upper Midwest: Surveillance and genetic data support the introduction and establishment of Aedes albopictus in Iowa, USA

The paper documents the establishment of Aedes albopictus in Iowa, USA, through surveillance and genetic analysis, showing overwintering populations and urban-specific distribution.

Identification of a prostaglandin E2 receptor that regulates mosquito oenocytoid immune cell function in limiting bacteria and parasite infection

This study identifies a prostaglandin E2 receptor in mosquitoes that modulates immune cell function to limit bacterial and Plasmodium infection.

Single-cell analysis of mosquito hemocytes identifies signatures of immune cell sub-types and cell differentiation

The paper uses scRNA-seq to identify immune cell subtypes and differentiation in mosquitoes, defining markers and showing the role of lozenge in oenocytoid fate.

The 20-hydroxyecdysone agonist, halofenozide, promotes anti-Plasmodium immunity in Anopheles gambiae via the ecdysone receptor

This study shows that halofenozide, a 20-hydroxyecdysone agonist, reduces Plasmodium infection in Anopheles gambiae by activating the ecdysone receptor via ultraspiracle, without affecting cellular immunity or AMP production.

20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) primes innate immune responses that limit bacteria and malaria parasite survival in Anopheles gambiae

This study shows that 20-hydroxyecdysone primes immune responses in Anopheles gambiae, reducing bacteria and Plasmodium survival.

Malaria parasite immune evasion and adaptation to its mosquito host is influenced by the acquisition of multiple blood meals

This study shows that additional blood meals affect Plasmodium parasite development differently in Anopheles mosquitoes, influencing oocyst numbers and immune evasion.

Chemical depletion of phagocytic immune cells reveals dual roles of mosquito hemocytes in Anopheles gambiae anti-Plasmodium immunity

This study uses chemical depletion to show mosquito hemocytes have dual roles in anti-Plasmodium immunity: recognizing ookinetes and producing prophenoloxidases to limit oocyst survival.