R. Planes

Leishmania infantum-exploited Nrf2 transcription factor as a virulence process to escape macrophage-driven ferroptosis-like leishmanicidal process

This study identifies Nrf2 as a key factor in Leishmania infantum infection by protecting macrophages from ferroptosis-like cell death, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for visceral leishmaniasis.

EEF2-inactivating toxins engage the NLRP1 inflammasome and promote epithelial barrier disruption upon Pseudomonas infection

This paper shows that Pseudomonas aeruginosa's Exotoxin A activates the NLRP1 inflammasome via EEF2 inactivation, causing epithelial damage and pyroptosis, and identifies ZAK as a key sensor in this process.

SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein (E) binds and activates TLR2: A novel target for COVID-19 interventions

This study shows the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein E binds to TLR2, activates NF-κB, and stimulates CXCL8 production, suggesting E as a target for COVID-19 interventions.

Caspase-1-driven neutrophil pyroptosis promotes an incomplete NETosis upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

This study shows that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in neutrophils, leading to incomplete NETosis and promoting bacterial spread.

Outer membrane vesicles produced by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli block autophagic flux and exacerbate inflammasome activation

The paper shows that OMVs from pathogenic E. coli block autophagic flux and enhance inflammasome activation, contributing to disease severity.

Phospholipid peroxidation fuels ExoU phospholipase-dependent cell necrosis and supports Pseudomonas aeruginosa-driven pathology

This study identifies phospholipid peroxidation as a mechanism enhancing ExoU phospholipase activity, leading to cell necrosis and supporting Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis.

SARS-CoV-2 replication triggers an MDA-5-dependent interferon production which is unable to efficiently control replication

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 triggers MDA-5-dependent interferon production in human cells, but this response fails to control viral replication.

Irgm2 and Gate-16 cooperatively dampen targeting of caspase-11 to Gram-negative bacterial products

This study identifies Irgm2 and Gate-16 as cooperative regulators that dampen non-canonical inflammasome activation by reducing caspase-11 targeting to intracellular bacteria.

Type-3 Secretion System-induced pyroptosis protects Pseudomonas against cell-autonomous immunity

This study shows that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses its Type-3 Secretion System to induce macrophage pyroptosis, escaping immune trapping, while T3SS-deficient strains are captured by inflammasome-mediated immunity.