In this article, I briefly describe the distribution of the normal flora in the skin, eye, and respiratory tract. Our body naturally harbors many microorganisms that live without causing harm. The skin, eyes, and respiratory tract each have their special environments where different types of normal flora thrive. Normal Flora The human body is home … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe endotoxins and associated virulence determinants in bacterial pathogenesis. Endotoxins and various bacterial virulence factors contribute to the development and severity of infectious diseases. This article highlights their mechanisms of action, effects on the host’s physiological systems, and their role in enhancing bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Endotoxin Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharide … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe some bacterial exotoxins and their pathogenic effects. Bacterial Exotoxins Some microorganisms produce poisonous substances called toxins, which play a key role in disease causation. The potency of these toxins can be measured in several ways, most commonly using LD₅₀ (lethal dose 50), the amount that kills 50% of test animals, … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe archaebacteria and their unique adaptations. Archaebacteria are ancient microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments such as high heat, salinity, and acidity. They include methanogens, halophiles, and thermoacidophiles, each adapted with unique metabolic and structural features for survival. Their remarkable enzymes and resilience make them vital to understanding early life … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe various immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. These therapies focus on stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapies work by generating signals or immune cells that direct the body’s defense mechanisms toward effectively targeting and eliminating tumors. Toward Immunotherapy There are many therapies adapted for … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe tumor immune escape mechanisms and apoptotic resistance. Tumor cells evade immune surveillance and resist apoptosis through multiple interconnected mechanisms, promoting survival and progression. Understanding these strategies is essential for advancing effective cancer immunotherapies. The Dual Role of Immune Response The immune system operates through a delicate balance of activating … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe quantitative cell analysis using flow cytometry. Flow Cytometry Flow cytometry, first developed in the early 1980s by Leonore Herzenberg and colleagues, quickly emerged as a powerful analytical tool in cell biology and immunology. One of its earliest and most significant applications was the analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the conventional imaging techniques based on immunofluorescence. These techniques use fluorescently labeled antibodies to visualize specific proteins or other biomolecules within cells and tissues. These methods provide valuable insights into cellular structure, localization of molecules, and biological processes under a microscope. Fluorescence-Based Antibody Imaging Techniques Fluorescence microscopy allows precise … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the role of the invariant chain in guiding the transport of class-II MHC molecules from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to late endosomes. It plays a role in immune defense. The Invariant Chain: An essential chaperone in antigen presentation The immune system functions through a finely tuned interplay of molecules … Read more >>
In this article, I provide a brief description of G proteins, which play crucial roles in various signaling processes. However, defects in G proteins lead to the development of many diseases. G Proteins Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) are a group of proteins that function as molecular switches within cells. They help transmit signals from … Read more >>