Genetic variant(s) of concern (VoC) of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging worldwide due to mutations in the gene encoding spike glycoprotein. We performed comprehensive analyses of spike protein mutations in the significant variant clade of SARS-CoV-2, using the data available on the Nextstrain server. We selected various mutations, namely, A222V, N439K, N501Y, L452R, Y453F, E484K, K417N, T478K, L981F, L212I, N856K, T547K, G496S, and Y369C for this study. These mutations were chosen based on their global entropic score, emergence, spread, transmission, and their location in the spike receptor binding domain (RBD). The relative abundance of these mutations was mapped with global mutation D614G as a reference. Our analyses suggest the rapid emergence of newer global mutations alongside D614G, as reported during the recent waves of COVID-19 in various parts of the world. These mutations could be instrumentally imperative for the transmission, infectivity, virulence, and host immune system’s evasion of SARS-CoV-2. The probable impact of these mutations on vaccine effectiveness, antigenic diversity, antibody interactions, protein stability, RBD flexibility, and accessibility to human cell receptor ACE2 was studied in silico. Overall, the present study can help researchers to design the next generation of vaccines and biotherapeutics to combat COVID-19 infection.

Open access peer-reviewed chapter

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) is a highly profitable fruit crop of Nepal. However, for the past five years, farmers experienced poor productivity partly attributed to the severe infestation of exotic Chinese fruit fly (Bactorcera minax), particularly in Sindhuli and Ramechhap district of Nepal. In this context, we attempted to review on identification, life cycle, and eco-friendly management of Chinese fruit fly. The review is documented based on a field visit and relevant works of literature from Journal articles, books, pamphlets, etc. The Chinese fruit fly has tremendous ability to take a long-range flight, thus, migrated from China to Bhutan and crossing the Indo-Nepal eastern border, finally reached to eastern mid-hills of Nepal. Moderate temperature and low humidity of mid-hills of Nepal are favorable for the exponential growth of the pest. Being sweet orange most preferable commodity, the host range of the fly includes almost all the citrus fruits. The fly has damaged 20-50% of the fruit every year and resulted in a loss of millions of rupees. Therefore various pest management practices can be deployed for sustainable eco-friendly management of the pest. The Chinese fruit fly can be successfully managed by hydrolase protein baits, regular pruning, augmentation of bio-control agents, and using soft systemic insecticides. Various other options for the management of Chinese fruit fly are also discussed with their biological efficacy for the sustainable and eco-friendly management of pests.

The anti-inflammatory activity of a phytocompound (oleuropein [OLP]) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mimicked macrophage model of inflammation demonstrates the importance of PI3K-Akt1 signaling in establishing "immune homeostasis." Here, we present a protocol for the cultivation of in vitro cultures of P. falciparum for carrying out drug sensitivity assays. We describe steps for parasite synchronization, drug treatment, DNA isolation, and starvation-induced autophagy. This protocol provides insights into autophagy and parasite tolerance to drug pressure. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sharma et al.¹.

Deltamethrin is an insecticide used to control harmful agricultural insects that otherwise damage crops and to control vector‐borne diseases. Long‐term exposure to deltamethrin results in the inflammation of the lungs. The present study elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the deltamethrin‐induced lung damage. The lung samples were extracted from the Swiss albino mice following the treatment of low (2.5 mg/kg) and high (5 mg/kg) doses of deltamethrin. The mRNA expression of TCR, IL‐4, and IL‐13 showed upregulation, while the expression of NFAT and FOS was downregulated following a low dose of deltamethrin. Moreover, the expression of TCR was downregulated with the exposure of a high dose of deltamethrin. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry data confirmed the pattern of protein expression for TCR, FOS, IL‐4, and IL‐13 following a low dose of deltamethrin exposure. However, no change was seen in the TCR, NFAT, FOS, JUN, IL‐4, and IL‐13 immunopositive cells of the high‐dose treatment group. Also, ELISA results showed increased expression of IL‐13 in the BAL fluid of animals exposed to low doses of deltamethrin. Overall, the present study showed that deltamethrin exposure induces lung damage and immune dysregulation via dysregulating the NFAT signalling pathway.

Negi S, et al. Immune Netw. 2026 Oct;26(5):e44. https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2026.26.e44