Microbial challenges to the host initiate an array of defense processes through the activation of innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity consists of sensors or pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that are expressed on immune and non-immune cells and sense conserved pathogen-derived molecules or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in various compartments of the host cells. Recognition of the PAMPs by PRRs triggers antimicrobial effector responses via the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. Several families of PRRs, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and DNA sensors and their respective PAMPs have been well studied in innate immunity and host defense. Here, we review the recent findings on bacterial recognition by TLRs and NLRs and the signaling pathways activated by these sensors.

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Cathelicidins are an ancient class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with broad spectrum bactericidal activities. In this study, we investigated the diversity and biological activity of cathelicidins of buffalo, a species known for its disease resistance. A series of new homologs of cathelicidin4 (CATHL4), which were structurally diverse in their antimicrobial domain, was identified in buffalo. AMPs of newly identified buffalo CATHL4s (buCATHL4s) displayed potent antimicrobial activity against selected Gram positive (G+) and Gram negative (G-) bacteria. These peptides were prompt to disrupt the membrane integrity of bacteria and induced specific changes such as blebing, budding, and pore like structure formation on bacterial membrane. The peptides assumed different secondary structure conformations in aqueous and membrane-mimicking environments. Simulation studies suggested that the amphipathic design of buCATHL4 was crucial for water permeation following membrane disruption. A great diversity, broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, and ability to induce an inflammatory response indicated the pleiotropic role of cathelicidins in innate immunity of buffalo. This study suggests short buffalo cathelicidin peptides with potent bactericidal properties and low cytotoxicity have potential translational applications for the development of novel antibiotics and antimicrobial peptidomimetics.

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Development process of any system is dynamic in nature and depends on large number of parameters. This study attempted to capture latest dynamics of development of districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh in respect of three dimensions- Agriculture, Social and Infrastructure. Techniques adopted by Narain et al. (1991) have been used in addition to Principal component and factor analysis. Ranking seems to very close to ground reality and provides useful information for further planning and corrective measures for future development of Eastern UttarPradesh’s Districts. The Composite Indices (C.I.) of development in respect of 18 developmental indicators for the total 28 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh have been estimated for the year 2010-2011. The district Barabanki was showed a higher level of development (C.I. =0.10) in Agricultural development compared to Social development (C.I.=1.12) and Infrastructural development (C.I. =0.89) followed by the district Ambedkar nagar (Agricultural, C.I. =0.52), (Social, C.I. =1.12) and (Infrastructure, C.I. =0.89). District Allahabad secured first position in the Social development (C.I. =0.81) and second in Infrastructural development (C.I. =0.34) as compared to Agriculture (C.I. =0.93). District Varanasi was the most developed district in Infrastructure (C.I. =0.10) as compared to Agriculture (C.I.=0.96) and Social (C.I. =0.96). As per findings of the study, the two districts Mau and Jaunpur were down in their ranking and the districts Chandauli and Maharajganj improved their ranking.