BACKGROUND: Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are CD1d-restricted T cells, which respond rapidly to antigen recognition and promote development of anti-tumor immunity in many tumor models. Surprisingly, we previously found that mice deficient in iNKT cells...
The DNA damage response (DDR) is an essential signaling pathway that detects DNA lesions, which constantly occur upon either endogenous or exogenous assaults, and maintains genetic integrity. An infection by an invading pathogen is one such assault, but how bacteria impact the cellular DDR is poorly documented. Here, we report that infection with Listeria monocytogenes induces host DNA breaks. Strikingly, the signature response to these breaks is only moderately activated. We uncover the role of the listerial toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) in blocking the signaling response to DNA breaks through degradation of the sensor Mre11. Knocking out or inactivating proteins involved in the DDR promotes bacterial replication showing the importance of this mechanism for the control of infection. Together, our data highlight that bacterial dampening of the DDR is critical for a successful listerial infection.
Ascel Samba-Louaka, Jorge M Pereira, Marie-Anne Nahori, Veronique Villiers, Ludovic Deriano, Mélanie A Hamon and Pascale Cossart
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Telomere dysfunction promotes genomic instability and carcinogenesis via inappropriate end-to-end chromosomal rearrangements, or telomere fusions. Previous work indicates that the DNA Damage Response (DDR) factor 53BP1 promotes the fusion of telomeres rendered...
High-dose rate electronic brachytherapy (EBT) using surface applicators allows for convenient hypofractionated treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). However, EBT delivers a higher surface dose as compared to commonly used superficial x-ray or electron...
Treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in cosmetically sensitive locations can be challenging. Methods of treatment include different modalities of RT (orthovoltage x-rays, electron-beam RT, high-dose rate [HDR] brachytherapy) and surgical excision, all of...
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) unless location or comorbidities mandate noninvasive modalities like radiation. Electrons are commonly used worldwide to treat skin cancers; however, there has been a recent increase in use of...
To report a single-institutional experience with the use of orthovoltage radiation for head and neck non-melanoma cutaneous skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC, squamous cell carcinoma - SCC, and non-invasive squamous cell carcinoma - SCC in situ) and to compare...
Skin cancer of the head and neck comprise a heterogeneous mix of tumors with differing treatment response and outcomes depending upon histology. We present a large retrospective analysis of these tumors treated in a single institution over a 21-year period. We present...
PURPOSE: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the commonest cancer in humans. NMSC treatment currently includes surgery, radiation therapy, and topical approaches. The objective was to analyze and compare the outcomes, toxicity, and cosmesis of NMSC treated by two...