Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm, released upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the cell surface. They can transport nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids for intercellular communication and activate signaling pathways in target cells. In cancers, exosomes may participate in growth and metastasis of tumors by regulating the immune response, blocking the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and promoting angiogenesis. They are also involved in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Exosomes in liquid biopsies can be used as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of cancers. Because of their amphipathic structure, exosomes are natural drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy.

Background: ROP18 is a Toxoplasma secreted Ser/Thr protein kinase important for acute virulence. Results: ROP18 phosphorylates host p65 at Ser-468 and target this protein to the ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Conclusion: ROP18 inhibits the host NF-B pathway by promoting p65 degradation. Significance: These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism by which type I strain manipulates the host immune system to facilitate infection.

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3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.

Background Vaginal dysbiosis characterized by depleted lactobacilli is usually correlated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical carcinogenesis, but the effect of the Lactobacillus genus and represented species on this process remains unclear. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to February 15, 2019. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effect model and Review Manager (version 5.3) for Mac. Results Eleven studies comprising 1230 cases were included. Lactobacillus spp. was associated with the decreased detection of high-risk subtype (hr)HPV infection (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.48–0.87, I2 = 6%), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.34–0.83, I2 = 0%), and cervical cancer (CC) (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04–0.36, I2 = 0%). At the level of Lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus crispatus, but not Lactobacillus iners, was correlated with the decreased detection of hrHPV infection (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.31–0.79, I2 = 10%) and CIN (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29–0.88, I2 = 0%). Conclusions Cervicovaginal Lactobacillus spp. is associated with the decreased detection of hrHPV infection, CIN, and CC; L. crispatus may be the critical protective factor.