Plant A20/AN1 protein serves as the important hub to mediate antiviral immunity

Using inhibitors targeting different enzymatic steps in the sterol biosynthesis pathway, Podust and colleagues map metabolic intermediates and delineated the biosynthetic routes contributing to Naegleria fowleri sterol homeostasis.

Segmentation of viral genomes allows the exchange of intact genes between related viruses when they coinfect the same cell. In this PLOS Pathogens Pearls article, Anice C. Lowen describes this type of recombination called reassortment. Lowen defines coinfection as a necessary prerequisite for reassortment, and notes the emergence of novel viruses through reassortment

Human infection with the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum produces diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from an influenza-like illness to a cavitary lung disease to life-threatening dissemination. George S. Deepe, Jr. outlines the biology and natural history of H. capsulatum and the role of bird and bat droppings as well as Histoplasma outbreaks. Deepe, Jr. also addresses a spelunker’s concern that leads into the indoors and acquisition of histoplasmosis.