Sofia Viana

Prof. Sofia Viana

IPC-ESTSC and iCBR-FMUC
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

15Years (2012-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 July 2019 in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Rosa FernandesRosa Fernandes
Rosa Fernandes
Sofia VianaSofia Viana
Sofia Viana
SNSara Nunes
Sara Nunes
Flávio ReisFlávio Reis
Flávio Reis


15 March 2024 in Frontiers in Immunology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CFCarolina Ferreira
Carolina Ferreira
PVPedro Vieira
Pedro Vieira
HSHelena Sá
Helena Sá
JMJoão Malva
João Malva
MCMiguel Castelo-Branco
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Sofia VianaSofia Viana
Sofia Viana
Mounting evidence progressively appreciates the vital interplay between immunity and metabolism in a wide array of immunometabolic chronic disorders, both autoimmune and non-autoimmune mediated. The immune system regulates the functioning of cellular metabolism within organs like the brain, pancreas and/or adipose tissue by sensing and adapting to fluctuations in the microenvironment’s nutrients, thereby reshaping metabolic pathways that greatly impact a pro- or anti-inflammatory immunophenotype. While it is agreed that the immune system relies on an adequate nutritional status to function properly, we are only just starting to understand how the supply of single or combined nutrients, all of them termed immunonutrients, can steer immune cells towards a less inflamed, tolerogenic immunophenotype. Polyphenols, a class of secondary metabolites abundant in Mediterranean foods, are pharmacologically active natural products with outstanding immunomodulatory actions. Upon binding to a range of receptors highly expressed in immune cells (e.g. AhR, RAR, RLR), they act in immunometabolic pathways through a mitochondria-centered multi-modal approach. First, polyphenols activate nutrient sensing via stress-response pathways, essential for immune responses. Second, they regulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) balance in immune cells and are well-tolerated caloric restriction mimetics. Third, polyphenols interfere with the assembly of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contact sites, inhibiting its activation while improving mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Finally, polyphenols impact chromatin remodeling and coordinates both epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming. This work moves beyond the well-documented antioxidant properties of polyphenols, offering new insights into the multifaceted nature of these compounds. It proposes a mechanistical appraisal on the regulatory pathways through which polyphenols modulate the immune response, thereby alleviating chronic low-grade inflammation. Furthermore, it draws parallels between pharmacological interventions and polyphenol-based immunonutrition in their modes of immunomodulation across a wide spectrum of socioeconomically impactful immunometabolic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes (type 1 and 2) or even Alzheimer’s disease. Lastly, it discusses the existing challenges that thwart the translation of polyphenols-based immunonutritional interventions into long-term clinical studies. Overcoming these limitations will undoubtedly pave the way for improving precision nutrition protocols and provide personalized guidance on tailored polyphenol-based immunonutrition plans.

20 July 2020 in Obesity Reviews
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
IPInês Preguiça
Inês Preguiça
AAAndré Alves
André Alves
SNSara Nunes
Sara Nunes
Rosa FernandesRosa Fernandes
Rosa Fernandes
PGPedro Gomes
Pedro Gomes
Flávio ReisFlávio Reis
Flávio Reis

1 October 2013 in Neuroscience
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ESEdna Soares
Edna Soares
RPR.D. Prediger
R.D. Prediger
SNSara Nunes
Sara Nunes
ACA.A. Castro
A.A. Castro
Sofia VianaSofia Viana
Sofia Viana
FPFrederico Pereira
Frederico Pereira

11 February 2024 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Filipa Mascarenhas-MeloFilipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
MDMariana Diaz
Mariana Diaz
MGMaria Beatriz S. Gonçalves
Maria Beatriz S. Gonçalves
PVPedro Vieira
Pedro Vieira
VBVictoria Bell
Victoria Bell
Francisco VeigaFrancisco Veiga
Francisco Veiga
Biological therapies have transformed high-burden treatments. As the patent and exclusivity period for biological medicines draws to a close, there is a possibility for the development and authorization of biosimilars. These products boast comparable levels of safety, quality, and effectiveness to their precursor reference products. Biosimilars, although similar to reference products, are not identical copies and should not be considered generic substitutes for the original. Their development and evaluation involve a rigorous step-by-step process that includes analytical, functional, and nonclinical evaluations and clinical trials. Clinical studies conducted for biosimilars aim to establish similar efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity, rather than demonstrating a clinical benefit, as with the reference product. However, although the current knowledge regarding biosimilars has significantly increased, several controversies and misconceptions still exist regarding their immunogenicity, extrapolation, interchangeability, substitution, and nomenclature. The development of biosimilars stimulates market competition, contributes toward healthcare sustainability, and allows for greater patient access. However, maximizing the benefits of biosimilars requires cooperation between regulators and developers to ensure that patients can benefit quickly from access to these new therapeutic alternatives while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Recognizing the inherent complexities of comprehending biosimilars fully, it is essential to focus on realistic approaches, such as fostering open communication between healthcare providers and patients, encouraging informed decision-making, and minimizing risks. This review addresses the regulatory and manufacturing requirements for biosimilars and provides clinicians with relevant insights for informed prescribing.