Common differences: the ability of inflammasomes to distinguish between self and pathogen nucleic acids during infection

The innate immune system detects the presence of pathogens based on detection of non-self. In other words, most pathogens possess intrinsic differences that can distinguish them from host cells. For example, bacteria and fungi have cell walls comprised of peptidoglycan and carbohydrates (like mannans), respectively. Germline encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and C-type lectin receptor (CLR) family have the ability to detect such unique pathogen associated features. However, some TLRs and members of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR), NOD-like receptor (NLR), or AIM2-like receptor (ALR) family can sense pathogen invasion based on pathogen nucleic acids. Nucleic acids are not unique to pathogens, thus raising the question of how such PRRs evolved to detect pathogens but not self. In this chapter, we will examine the PRRs that sense pathogen nucleic acids and subsequently activate the inflammasome signaling pathway. We will examine the selective mechanisms by which these receptors distinguish pathogens from “self” and discuss the importance of such pathways in disease development in animal models and human patients

Autoinflammatory diseases

This book discusses the role of the microbiome in rheumatic diseases and details its implications for patient treatment. Recently, with technological advances, there has been significant research into the microbiome. This has enabled us to more profoundly understand its role in our immune system maturation as well as the role played by microorganisms in autoimmunity and the deeply related rheumatic diseases. This book comprehensively explains the emerging microbiome research through the interrelationships of biomedical sciences, including: immunology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and, with special emphasis, the clinical aspect of rheumatology. It examines the interplay between infectious organisms and major autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis, and explains how to apply that knowledge to diagnostic techniques and treatment decisions. The international team of expert authors provides insight into current therapies and future interventions specifically targeting the microbiota and explores the impact of our deeper understanding on enhancing personalized medicine. The Microbiome in Rheumatic Diseases and Infection is an essential resource for rheumatologists, pediatricians, internists, microbiologists, and critical care providers caring for children and adults with rheumatic diseases. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018. All Rights Reserved

Beliefs in a Just World, Subjective Well-Being and Attitudes Towards Refugees Among Refugee Workers

Previous research has shown that the belief that the world is fair to the self (BJW-self) is positively related to indices of subjective well-being, whereas the belief that the world is fair to others (BJW-others) is positively related to harsher social attitudes. The present study aims to investigate the relation between these two forms of beliefs in a just world and the subjective well-being and social attitudes of people working with refugees. A sample of 253 refugee workers completed measures of BJW-others, BJW-self, perceived stress, life satisfaction, attitudes towards refugees and empathy for refugees. We found that refugee workers with stronger BJW-self reported experiencing less stress and more life satisfaction. Stronger BJW-others, however, predicted harsher attitudes towards refugees while controlling for BJW-self. These findings highlight the important function that justice beliefs play in the subjective well-being and social attitudes of refugee workers