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10/27/2025

pearls

Cellular and molecular keys to entry: Mechanisms mediating Orthoflavivirus infection of the mosquito midgut

This article reviews how Orthoflaviviruses such as dengue, Zika and West Nile infect mosquito midguts, focusing on early molecular events that shape vector competence. The authors discuss candidate viral receptors, midgut cell-type specificity, the infection-enhancing role of NS1, and Wolbachia-mediated inhibition. These insights identify early infection stages as potential targets for disrupting virus transmission.

Image credit: ppat.1013617

Cellular and molecular keys to entry: Mechanisms mediating Orthoflavivirus infection of the mosquito midgut

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Current Issue October 2025

11/11/2025

research article

Dengue virus NS1 protein does not activate TLR4 and has a modest effect on endothelial monolayer integrity compared to TNF

This study shows that dengue virus NS1, whether recombinant or secreted from infected cells, does not activate TLR4 and has only a modest effect on endothelial monolayer integrity. The authors find that TNF from infected macrophages, not NS1, is the main factor disrupting endothelial barriers, supporting a key role for TNF in dengue-associated vascular leak.

Image credit: ppat.1013695

Dengue virus NS1 protein does not activate TLR4 and has a modest effect on endothelial monolayer integrity compared to TNF

10/23/2025

research article

Cryptosporidium oocyst wall proteins are true components of the oocyst wall and COWP8 is not required for parasite transmission

Here, the authors show that all nine Cryptosporidium oocyst wall proteins (COWPs) are true wall components, with COWPs 2-4 marking the suture where sporozoites emerge. COWP6 and COWP8 are expressed in female parasites within wall-forming bodies. Parasites lacking cowp8 form normal, infectious oocysts with typical strength, indicating COWP8 is not required for oocyst formation or transmission.

Image credit: ppat.1013561

Cryptosporidium oocyst wall proteins are true components of the oocyst wall and COWP8 is not required for parasite transmission

10/30/2025

review

The exploitation of nutrient metals by bacteria for survival and infection in the gut

This review discusses how hosts, gut microbes, and pathogens compete for the essential metals iron, zinc, manganese and copper. It highlights host nutritional immunity and bacterial countermeasures such as uptake, storage, efflux, and siderophores, and suggests that targeting metal competition could help prevent or treat enteric infections.

The exploitation of nutrient metals by bacteria for survival and infection in the gut

Image credit: ppat.1013580

10/22/2025

research article

Pathogenicity and transmission of Morganella morganii in honey bees

The authors identify Morganella morganii as a virulent bacterium transmitted between honey bees and Varroa destructor mites. As few as 215 cells cause over 30% mortality in pupae and adults. A fluorescently tagged strain showed transmission occurs only via mite feeding, suggesting that this pathogen may contribute to winter colony losses.

Pathogenicity and transmission of Morganella morganii in honey bees

Image credit: ppat.1013613

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PLOS Pathogens | ISSN: 1553-7374 (online)