Groundbreaking research from ISSHID 2019 reveals unexpected allies in the fight against infectious diseases
In the intricate world of infectious diseases, human ingenuity continually evolves to combat microscopic adversaries. The International Science Symposium on HIV and Infectious Diseases (ISSHID 2019), held in Chennai, India, served as a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge research where traditional wisdom meets modern technology.
From the depths of the ocean to the human genome, scientists are exploring unprecedented avenues to tackle some of humanity's most persistent health challenges. This article delves into the fascinating research presented at this symposium, revealing how marine organisms might hold keys to cancer treatment, why certain genetic mutations may protect against heart disease, and how dangerous viruses can be weaponized against themselves.
Approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV globally in 2018, with 1.7 million new infections and 770,000 AIDS-related deaths that year 3 .
These discoveries represent the vanguard of our fight against infectious diseases, demonstrating that solutions often come from the most unexpected places.
The symposium highlighted several pioneering studies exploring natural resources for therapeutic applications. Researchers from the Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology presented fascinating findings on how extracts from Sargassum species (brown algae) can stimulate cytokine production in human immune cells 1 .
Studies investigating the MYBPC3Δ25bp mutation in the South Indian population revealed that individuals with heterozygous expression of this mutation appeared to have protection against developing rheumatic heart disease (RHD) following streptococcal infections 1 .
Research on Chandipura virus (CHPV), a rhabdovirus that typically causes fever and neurological symptoms in children, demonstrated its potential as an oncolytic agent—a virus that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells 1 .
| Research Focus | Key Finding | Potential Application |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Algal Extracts | Stimulate IL-2 and IL-21 cytokine production | Cancer immunotherapy |
| MYBPC3Δ25bp Mutation | Heterozygous form protects against RHD | Genetic screening for disease risk |
| Chandipura Virus | Selectively kills cancer cells | Oncolytic virotherapy for glioblastoma |
| CTLA-4 +49A/G Polymorphism | May influence RHD severity | Personalized treatment approaches |
| BKV Salivary Detection | Found in HIV+ and HIV- children | Monitoring immunosuppression status |
One of the most comprehensively documented studies presented at the symposium investigated the effects of marine algal extracts on human immune function 1 . The research team followed a meticulous multi-step process to transform raw marine material into scientifically valuable data.
Researchers collected marine algae (Sargassum species) from their natural habitat and prepared crude extracts using standard extraction procedures. They then analyzed the phytochemical composition of these extracts using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS).
The team obtained Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from human blood samples using a density gradient centrifugation method with Histopaque. PBMCs include various critical immune cells such as lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells) and monocytes.
The isolated PBMCs were treated with different marine algal crude extracts and three purified compounds (labeled C1, C2, and C3). After 12 hours of stimulation, the cells were stained with a Th1/Th2/Th17/Th21 multiplex cytokine bead array kit.
The percentage of cytokine stimulation was analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry. Finally, the researchers conducted MTT assays to ensure that the observed immune effects weren't simply due to cellular toxicity from the extracts.
The findings from this marine research were particularly compelling. Among several cytokines screened, IL-2 and IL-21 were significantly stimulated by aqueous extracts and two purified compounds (C1 and C2) 1 . These specific cytokines play crucial roles in regulating immune responses:
Promotes the expansion and activation of T-cells, which are critical for anti-tumor immunity.
Enhances the activity of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, both of which can recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Perhaps equally important was the finding that none of the extracts showed toxicity to human cells at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml, suggesting a potentially favorable safety profile for future therapeutic development 1 .
| Treatment | IL-2 Stimulation | IL-21 Stimulation | Other Cytokines | Toxicity (MTT Assay) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqueous Extract | Significant | Significant | Minimal | Non-toxic up to 10 mg/ml |
| Compound C1 | Significant | Significant | Minimal | Non-toxic up to 10 mg/ml |
| Compound C2 | Significant | Significant | Minimal | Non-toxic up to 10 mg/ml |
| Compound C3 | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Non-toxic up to 10 mg/ml |
| Control | Baseline | Baseline | Baseline | N/A |
"If natural compounds from marine algae can stimulate the body's own production of these cytokines, it might lead to more targeted, less toxic treatment approaches for cancer immunotherapy."
Behind every groundbreaking discovery lies an array of sophisticated tools and reagents that make the research possible. The marine algae study utilized several crucial laboratory materials that represent the standard toolkit for immunology and drug discovery research 1 :
| Reagent/Technique | Function | Research Application |
|---|---|---|
| Histopaque | Density gradient medium | Isolation of PBMCs from whole blood |
| Th1/Th2/Th17/Th21 CBA Kit | Multiplex bead-based immunoassay | Simultaneous measurement of multiple cytokines |
| Flow Cytometry | Laser-based technology | Analysis of cellular characteristics and protein expression |
| GCMS | Analytical technique | Identification of chemical compounds in complex mixtures |
| MTT Assay | Colorimetric method | Assessment of cell viability and cytotoxicity |
| TLC | Chromatographic technique | Separation and analysis of mixture components |
These tools represent the intersection of biology, chemistry, and technology that defines modern biomedical research. Each plays a critical role in transforming raw natural materials into scientifically validated potential therapies.
The research presented at ISSHID 2019 doesn't exist in isolation but contributes to a larger global effort to combat infectious diseases and their complications. The symposium occurred against a backdrop of significant progress and challenges in HIV management worldwide.
While antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable chronic condition for many, challenges remain—including the need for more effective prevention strategies, treatments with fewer side effects, and ultimately, a cure.
The International Science Symposium on HIV and Infectious Diseases (ISSHID 2019) offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of medical research—where traditional knowledge systems intersect with cutting-edge technology, where genetic insights guide personalized treatments, and where nature's diversity provides unprecedented therapeutic opportunities.
The marine algae research exemplifies how bioprospecting in Earth's least-explored environments (our oceans) might yield solutions to some of our most challenging medical problems.
Research on the Chandipura virus demonstrates how seemingly dangerous pathogens can be transformed into medical allies—a reminder that in science, context is everything.
"The oceans, our genes, and even viruses themselves are gradually revealing their secrets, offering new weapons in humanity's eternal fight against disease."
As these research avenues continue to develop, we move closer to a future where infectious diseases and their complications can be managed more effectively, with fewer side effects, and with therapies tailored to individual genetic makeups. The proceedings of ISSHID 2019 represent not just a collection of abstract findings, but stepping stones toward that future—a testament to human ingenuity in its perpetual struggle against microscopic adversaries.