Lipid Compounds Research Articles

Hippocampus Proteomics and Brain Lipidomics Reveal Network Dysfunction and Lipid Molecular Abnormalities in APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely associated with protein dysfunction and aberrant lipid metabolism in the brain. Our study could be conducive to the discovery of lipid and protein biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy. In our current work, novel quantitative proteomic and lipidomic methods were developed for the characterization of molecular perturbation occurring in the brain in early stage AD mice. For this purpose, we performed a proteomic and lipidomic screening by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Significant changes were detected, including 231 proteins and 11 lipid compounds in the AD mouse brain. Early stage AD disturbed biological pathways implicated in neuroactive ligand-receptor, complement and coagulation cascades, PI3K-Akt signaling and metabolic pathways, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The results in the current study suggest that these significantly altered proteins and lipids may be implicated in early stage AD. Our work raises the possibility of AD diagnosis and therapy by providing new protein targets and lipid biomarkers.

EXCORNSEED EU Project: Separation, Fractionation and Isolation of Biologically Active Natural Substances from Corn Oil and Other Side Streams to Be Used in Food, Specialty Chemicals and Cosmetic Markets

The EXCornsEED project combines science, chemistry, biology, engineering and biotechnology tools and knowledge, to develop and validate an integrated process of innovative and highly sustainable extraction/ purification and concentration technologies being integrated in bio-refineries’ side streams in order to recover, characterise and prepare proteins and other bio-active compounds (i.e. peptides, polyphenols, amino acids, fibres, lipid compounds) as ingredients for food, specialty chemicals and cosmetic market. The approach will be upscaled from lab level (few grams, TRL3) up to industrial pilot level (1t/d capacity, TRL5) considering EU strategies for a bio-based economy to transform traditional bioethanol production into future biorefinery concept as well as circular economy, in order to maximize the utilization of industrial by-products.

Optimization of the Emulsifying Properties of Food Protein Hydrolysates for the Production of Fish Oil-in-Water Emulsions.

The incorporation of lipid ingredients into food matrices presents a main drawback—their susceptibility to oxidation—which is associated with the loss of nutritional properties and the generation of undesirable flavors and odors. Oil-in-water emulsions are able to stabilize and protect lipid compounds from oxidation. Driven by consumers’ demand, the search for natural emulsifiers, such as proteins, is gaining much interest in food industries. This paper evaluates the in vitro emulsifying properties of protein hydrolysates from animal (whey protein concentrate) and vegetal origin (a soy protein isolate). By means of statistical modelling and bi-objective optimization, the experimental variables, namely, the protein source, enzyme (i.e., subtilisin, trypsin), degree of hydrolysis (2–14%) and emulsion pH (2–8), were optimized to obtain their maximal in vitro emulsifying properties. This procedure concluded that the emulsion prepared from the soy protein hydrolysate (degree of hydrolysis (DH) 6.5%, trypsin) at pH 8 presented an optimal combination of emulsifying properties (i.e., the emulsifying activity index and emulsifying stability index). For validation purposes, a fish oil-in-water emulsion was prepared under optimal conditions, evaluating its physical and oxidative stability for ten days of storage. This study confirmed that the use of soy protein hydrolysate as an emulsifier stabilized the droplet size distribution and retarded lipid oxidation within the storage period, compared to the use of a non-hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.

Optimization Growth of Spirulina (Arthrospira) Platensis in Photobioreactor Under Varied Nitrogen Concentration for Maximized Biomass, Carotenoids and Lipid Contents.

Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis (SP) microalgae were cultured in Zarrouk Medium (ZM), containing three nitrogen concentrations (N-limited, N-optimal and Nrich medium) in ten liter-photo-bioreactor (10 L PBR) for 15-days, in order to study changes in lipid compounds (total carotenoids and total lipids and their effect on fatty acid profile). Based on US patent, the yield of bioactive compounds (such as gamma-linolenic acid GLA, C18:3) extracted from microalgae biomass, mainly depends on the extraction processes (1). GLA has much attention with respect to its therapeutic properties such as its ability to decrease blood cholesterol levels. The impact of the addition of N in cultures of S. platensis in terms of growth, biomasses and induced lipid compounds (total carotenoids and total lipid contents and its fatty acid profile), as well as the Sonication (SON) and Microwave (MIC) process as aiding techniques for lipid extraction compared with a Cold Condition (COL), was examined. GC/MS method was used to determine the fatty acid profile of lipid extract of SP cultures. In all S. platensis tested culture, the SP was growing successfully, with varying degrees. In N-rich media, the highest cell growth rate and biomass yield were obtained compared with that recorded in other cultures. Under an N-limited condition, SP had higher Total Carotenoids (TCAR, 45.54 mg/g dw) and total lipid contents (TL, 29.51%± 1.92 g/100g dw) compared with that recorded either in N-rich (11.2 mg/g dw) or in N-optimal (6.23 mg/g dw) cultures. Thus, SP copes with the N -stress by altering the metabolic pathways towards inducing lipid biosynthesis. To maximize the TL and TCAR extraction yields, from N-limited cultures, a set of operating process was applied including the Sonication (SON) and Microwave (MIC), which were used as aiding techniques for lipid extraction compared with the Cold Condition (COL) techniques. The results showed that the extraction efficiency of the S. platensis TL increased in the following order: MIC (29.51%± 1.92) > SON (25.46% ± 1.65> COL (20.43% ±1.43). In a comparative study for its fatty acid profiles (FAPs) among all SP cultures, lipids were analyzed by GC/MS. The predominant fatty acids (>10%, of total FA) were found to be myristic acid (C14:0, MA), palmitic acid (C16:0, PA) and oleic acid (C18:1). The study concluded that the N-limited condition was found to have a strong influence on biomass dry weight and lipid contents and total carotenoids in SP cells compared to either Nrich or N-optimal conditions. The use of sonication and the microwave techniques lead to a great increase in the extraction of lipid contents and in high amount Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) in N-limited cultures, in particular, the omega-6 (ω 6) and omega-3 (ω 3) of the essential C18 fatty acids. It seems that the SP rich in lipid content with a high amount of GLC produced under nitrogen limitation in PBR conditions can be used as a food additive or as a nutritional supplement.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-Based Analysis for Lipophilic Compound Profiling in Plants.

Lipids are fascinating due to their chemical diversity, which is especially vast in the plant kingdom thanks to the high plasticity of the plant biosynthetic machinery. Lipidomic studies aim to simultaneously analyze a large number of lipid compounds of diverse classes in a given sample. The method presented here uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based lipidomic profiling in a relatively fast, robust, and high-throughput manner for high-coverage quantification and annotation of lipophilic compounds. Protocols cover sample preparation, LC-MS-based measurement, and data extraction and annotation. An extensive lipid library for triacylglycerols, galactolipids, and phospholipids is provided. The extended profiling described here could be used in a range of applications and is suitable for integration with other omic datasets. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Basic Protocol 1: Sample preparation and metabolite extraction Basic Protocol 2: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis Basic Protocol 3: Data extraction, annotation, and quantification.

Separation and qualitative study of Ruta graveolens L. essential oil components by prep-GC, GC-QTOF-MS and NMR

In order to solve the problem of inaccuracy of using GC-QTOF-MS combined with NIST14 database in analyzing Ruta graveolens L. essential oil components, systematic isolation and characterization of chemicals from essential oil were carried on. Seventeen compounds which were 3 terpenoids, 8 lipid compounds, 3 alcohol compounds and 3 ketones were separated by preparative GC after dividing the essential oil into 5 groups of fractions by silica gel column. The chemical structures of isolated compounds were identified by GC-QTOF-MS and NMR. Three new in general compounds (50, 53 and 55) were isolated. And proton and carbon spectra of six compounds were provided for the first time. Through separation and structure identification of the compounds, qualitative analysis of total chemical components of the essential oil was increased from 42.0% to 90.3%. This research would be of great significance to application of Ruta graveolens L. essential oil.

Essential oils microemulsions prepared with high-frequency ultrasound: physical properties and antimicrobial activity.

Essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria due to the effects of their major components. The direct application of EOs may present a rapid volatilization of its components and can decrease their effectiveness. Encapsulation by means of emulsification can provide protection to lipid compounds on a microscale. The aim of this study was to characterize microemulsions of cinnamon essential oil (CEO), oregano essential oil (OEO), and rosemary essential oil (REO) prepared by high-frequency ultrasound and evaluate their antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The microemulsions (oil-in-water, O/W) of EOs were prepared using high-frequency ultrasound, applying a wave amplitude of 84µm for 15min (REO and CEO) or 30min (OEO). The antimicrobial activity was determined by inoculating 108CFU/mL of bacteria. Nonsurvival of the bacteria was confirmed by plate count in tryptic soy agar, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The microemulsions exhibited droplet size diameters of 1.98 to 5.46µm, showing high encapsulation efficiencies (79.91-81.97%) and low separation rates (2.50-6.67%). The MIC and MBC for the microemulsions for both bacteria were 20-75% less than values obtained for the non-encapsulated EOs. This study demonstrates that high-frequency ultrasound is a suitable technique for obtaining stable microemulsions to deliver natural antimicrobials that can be applied to control bacteria of high relevance in food safety.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of soft wheat and oat bran on the Algerian market

Background: Rich in dietary fibers and beneficial to health, wheat and oats have been a popular part of the human diet. The whole grain is rich in protein, lipid, starch and phenolic compounds concentrated at the level of the peripheral layer of the bran. Aims: The natural compounds and the antioxidant potential of two different species of soft wheat and oat bran on the Algerian market have been studied in this work. Wheat bran was furnished by Azzouz’s Cereal and Dried Vegetable Cooperative (CCLS) being the most commercialized oat bran in Algeria. Material and Methods: Some parameters and bran biochemical compounds such as proteins, cellulose, ash content, phenolics, and antioxidant potential (DPPH) were determined using different techniques and methods (infra-red approach spectrophotometer, and flame spectrophotometer). Results: The results obtained showed that studied soft wheat bran was rich in protein (17.36%). Concerning cellulose, a high value was recorded for this bran variety 11.3%, which was lower for oat bran (2.7%). The maximum concentration of potassium and sodium was observed in the soft wheat bran variety; 3.16 mg/L, 30.36 mg/L respectively. The levels of the phenolic compounds were 0.720 ± 0.050 mg EAG / g and 1.101 ± 0.01mg EAG / g for the oat bran and the soft wheat bran respectively. These results underline that both studied brans contain significant levels of compounds essential for consumer needs. Conclusions: The studied soft wheat bran variety is considered to be an important source of phytonutrients. Keywords: Wheat, oat, antioxidants, radical scavenging, phenolic contents.

The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Prostaglandin D2-Induced Neuritogenesis in Motor Neuron-Like NSC-34 Cells.

Prostaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds derived from arachidonic acid. Our previous study has found that prostaglandin E2 promotes neurite outgrowth in NSC-34 cells, which are a model for motor neuron development. However, the effects of other prostaglandins on neuronal differentiation are poorly understood. The present study investigated the effect of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) on neuritogenesis in NSC-34 cells. Exposure to PGD2 resulted in increased percentages of neurite-bearing cells and neurite length. Although D-prostanoid receptor (DP) 1 and DP2 were dominantly expressed in the cells, BW245C (a DP1 agonist) and 15(R)-15-methyl PGD2 (a DP2 agonist) had no effect on neurite outgrowth. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that PGD2 was converted to 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) under cell-free conditions. Exogenously applied 15d-PGJ2 mimicked the effect of PGD2 on neurite outgrowth. GW9662, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor–gamma (PPARγ) antagonist, suppressed PGD2-induced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2 increased the protein expression of Islet-1 (the earliest marker of developing motor neurons), and these increases were suppressed by co-treatment with GW9662. These results suggest that PGD2 induces neuritogenesis in NSC-34 cells and that PGD2-induced neurite outgrowth was mediated by the activation of PPARγ through the metabolite 15d-PGJ2.

The role of level and function of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in Cardiovascular Diseases

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a set of particles with heterogeneous structures that have different functions due to various compounds including surface charge, size, lipid, and protein compounds. Several prospective epidemiological studies have demonstrated that there is a clear inverse relationship between serum HDL concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, despite this relationship, clinical evidence has only challenged the usefulness of higher levels of HDL-C in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and have proven that the structure of HDL is altered and loosed function. Therefore, extensive research is needed to identify new agents and biomarkers to improve HDL function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Given that the most important function of HDL is to transfer excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and macrophage cells through a receptor called ABCA1 and direct it to the liver, plays an important role in protecting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This molecule can provide a strong protective effect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals with intermittent inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory oxidized lipids in the intima layer of arteries. There is an inverse relationship between the ability to efflux cholesterol and the prevalence of CVD. The ability to remove cholesterol from macrophages by HDL, it is a crucial criterion for determining HDL performance, and it has a strong inverse relationship with carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery stenosis in angiography independent of HDL level. Key Words: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Disease; High Density Lipoprotein; Lipoprotein

Enantioselective effects of imazethapyr residues on Arabidopsis thaliana metabolic profile and phyllosphere microbial communities

Imazethapyr (IM) is a widely used acetolactate synthase-inhibiting chiral herbicide. It has long-term residuals that may be absorbed by the human body through the edible parts of plants, such as vegetable leaves or fruits. Here, we selected a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to determine the effects of R-IM and S-IM on its leaf structure, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolites, as well as the structures of microorganisms in the phyllosphere, after 7 days of exposure. Our results indicated enantiomeric differences in plant growth between R-IM and S-IM; 133 µg/kg R-IM showed heavier inhibition of photosynthetic efficiency and greater changes to subcellular structure than S-IM. R-IM and S-IM also had different effects on metabolism and leaf microorganisms. S-IM mainly increased lipid compounds and decreased amino acids, while R-IM increased sugar accumulation. The relative abundance of Moraxellaceae human pathogenic bacteria was increased by R-IM treatment, indicating that R-IM treatment may increase leaf surface pathogenic bacteria. Our research provides a new perspective for evaluating the harmfulness of pesticide residues in soil, phyllosphere microbiome changes via the regulation of plant metabolism, and induced pathogenic bacterial accumulation risks.

Gene editing particle system as a therapeutic approach for drug-resistant colorectal cancer

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway plays an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Anti-EGFR drugs based on antibodies have been widely used for treating CRC through inducing the cell death pathway. However, the majority of CRC patients will inevitably develop drug-resistance during anti-EGFR drug treatment, which is mainly caused by a point mutation in the KRAS oncogene. We developed a nanoliposomal (NL) particle containing the Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) complex (Cas9-RNP), for genomic editing of the KRAS mutation. The NL particle is composed of bio-compatible lipid compounds that can effectively encapsulate Cas9-RNP. By modifying the NL particle to include the appropriate antibody, it can specifically recognize EGFR expressing CRC and effectively deliver the gene-editing complexes. The conditions of NL treatment were optimized using a KRAS mutated CRC in vivo mouse model. Mice with KRAS-mutated CRC showed drug resistance against cetuximab, a therapeutic antibody drug. After treating the mice with the KRAS gene-editing NL particles, the implanted tumors showed a dramatic decrease in size. Our results demonstrated that this genomic editing complex has great potential as a therapeutic carrier system for the treatment of drug-resistant cancer caused by a point mutation.

Uji Aktivitas Sitotoksik dan Antibakteri Ekstrak Daun Tumbuhan Rengas (Gluta renghas L)

Generally, Gluta renghas L. is known because of its very toxic latex which can cause hard irritations to skin. Although, rengas latex has efficacy as an antibacterial agent. Related to previous research, it has been reported that there are urisol, rengol, glutarengol, laccol, and thitsiol in rengas latex. The woody trunk was reported to contain flavonoid, benzenoid, lipid, and steroid compounds. The leaves, were reported shows that the leaves of G. renghas contain an anticholinesterase substance and can be reduced the rate of hydrolysis of acetylcholine. Extraction of rengas leaves has been carried out. It has been shown phenols, steroids, and coumarins compounds in methanol extract, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and alkaloids compounds in ethyl acetate extract, steroids and alkaloids compounds in hexane extract. In the present, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity have been tested. The results show that the great cytotoxicity activity by ethyl acetate extracts which have an LC50 value is 123,718 µg/mL (R2 0.9822), while the great antibacterial activity shown by methanol extract 1,000 µg/mL with a diameter of inhibition zone 19.02 mm (S. aureus) and 16.06 mm (E. coli).Â

Influence of the endocannabinoid system on memory processes

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system, which consists of the endocannabinoids (EC) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and the enzymes that regulate their production and degradation. AEA and 2-AG are lipid compounds derived presynaptically from the degradation of membrane phospholipids and act as key modulators on synaptic transmission. This article presents accumulated data on the mechanisms by which ECS affects learning and memory. Substances that modulate the activity of ECS have impact on different phases of memory formation through direct and indirect influences. Studies show contradictory results on the role of the ECS in learning and memory processes.

Assessment of the molecular composition of humic acid as an indicator of soil carbon levels by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis

Long-term stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in the carbon cycle. Hence, understanding biogeochemical mechanisms of soil C sequestration is crucial to control its release to the atmosphere. This study aims at investigating the biogeochemical mechanisms of soil C sequestration. An exploratory assessment was carried out on the information about the soil C levels provided by the molecular composition of humic acids (HAs) analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). Significant PLS forecasting model for total soil C was obtained using as descriptors the 131 compounds in common in all the HAs detected by FTICR-MS, and its variable importance for projection (VIP) was plotted in the space defined by their atomic ratios using van Krevelen diagrams. The results indicated that significant relationship exists between the HAs molecular composition and the soil organic C levels. The VIP values for the different groups of compounds illustrate how HA contains information about the amounts of C stored in the soil: the HAs in the soils with high levels of organic C have significantly (P < 0.1) higher proportions of unsaturated lipid and lignin-derived compounds; on the other side, low soil organic C levels are associated to HAs with comparatively high proportions of saturated lipid compounds.

The Biology of Prostaglandins and Their Role as a Target for Allergic Airway Disease Therapy

Prostaglandins (PGs) are a family of lipid compounds that are derived from arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenase pathway, and consist of PGD2, PGI2, PGE2, PGF2, and thromboxane B2. PGs signal through G-protein coupled receptors, and individual PGs affect allergic inflammation through different mechanisms according to the receptors with which they are associated. In this review article, we have focused on the metabolism of the cyclooxygenase pathway, and the distinct biological effect of each PG type on various cell types involved in allergic airway diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Complete metabolic study by dibutyl phthalate degrading Pseudomonas sp. DNB-S1.

The primary purpose of this study was to systematically explore the complete metabolic pathway and tolerance mechanism of strain DNB-S1 to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and the effect of DBP on energy metabolism of DNB-S1. Here, DNB-S1, a strain of Pseudomonas sp. that was highly effective in degrading DBP, was identified, and differentially expressed metabolites and metabolic networks of DBP were studied. The results showed that the differentially expressed metabolites were mainly aromatic compounds and lipid compounds, with only a few toxic intermediate metabolites. It speculated that phthalic acid, salicylic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoate acid, 3-Carboxy-cis, cis-muconate, fumarypyravate were intermediate metabolites of DBP. Their up-regulation indicated that there were two metabolic pathways in the degradation of DBP (protocatechuate pathway and gentisate pathway), which had been verified by peak changes at 290nm, 320nm, 330nm, and 375nm in the enzymatic method. Also, aspartate, GSH, and other metabolites were up-regulation, indicating that DNB-S1 had a high tolerance to DBP and maintained cell homeostasis, which was also one of the essential reasons to ensure the efficient degradation of DBP. Altogether, this study firstly proposed two pathways to degrade DBP and comprehensively explored the effect of DBP on the metabolic function of DNB-S1, which enriched the study of microbial metabolism of organic pollutants, and which provided a basis for the application of metabolomics.

The Role of level and function of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in Cardiovascular Diseases

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a set of particles with heterogeneous structures that have different functions due to various compounds including surface charge, size, lipid, and protein compounds. Several prospective epidemiological studies have demonstrated that there is a clear inverse relationship between serum HDL concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, despite this relationship, clinical evidence has only challenged the usefulness of higher levels of HDL-C in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and have proven that the structure of HDL is altered and loosed function. Therefore, extensive research is needed to identify new agents and biomarkers to improve HDL function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Given that the most important function of HDL is to transfer excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and macrophage cells through a receptor called ABCA1 and direct it to the liver, plays an important role in protecting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This molecule can provide a strong protective effect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals with intermittent inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory oxidized lipids in the intima layer of arteries. There is an inverse relationship between the ability to efflux cholesterol and the prevalence of CVD. The ability to remove cholesterol from macrophages by HDL, it is a crucial criterion for determining HDL performance, and it has a strong inverse relationship with carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery stenosis in angiography independent of HDL level. Key Words: High Density Lipoprotein; Cardiovascular Disease; Atherosclerosis; Lipoprotein

The Role of level and function of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in Cardiovascular Diseases

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a set of particles with heterogeneous structures that have different functions due to various compounds including surface charge, size, lipid, and protein compounds. Several prospective epidemiological studies have demonstrated that there is a clear inverse relationship between serum HDL concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, despite this relationship, clinical evidence has only challenged the usefulness of higher levels of HDL-C in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and have proven that the structure of HDL is altered and loosed function. Therefore, extensive research is needed to identify new agents and biomarkers to improve HDL function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Given that the most important function of HDL is to transfer excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and macrophage cells through a receptor called ABCA1 and direct it to the liver, plays an important role in protecting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This molecule can provide a strong protective effect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals with intermittent inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory oxidized lipids in the intima layer of arteries. There is an inverse relationship between the ability to efflux cholesterol and the prevalence of CVD. The ability to remove cholesterol from macrophages by HDL, it is a crucial criterion for determining HDL performance, and it has a strong inverse relationship with carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery stenosis in angiography independent of HDL level. Key Words: High Density Lipoprotein; Cardiovascular Disease; Atherosclerosis; Lipoprotein

Steryl Glycosides in Fungal Pathogenesis: An Understudied Immunomodulatory Adjuvant.

Invasive fungal infections pose an increasing threat to human hosts, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In response to the increasing morbidity and mortality of fungal infections, numerous groups have shown great strides in uncovering novel treatment options and potential efficacious vaccine candidates for this increasing threat due to the increase in current antifungal resistance. Steryl glycosides are lipid compounds produced by a wide range of organisms, and are largely understudied in the field of pathogenicity, especially to fungal infections. Published works over the years have shown these compounds positively modulating the host immune response. Recent advances, most notably from our lab, have strongly indicated that steryl glycosides have high efficacy in protecting the host against lethal Cryptococcal infection through acting as an immunoadjuvant. This review will summarize the keystone studies on the role of steryl glycosides in the host immune response, as well as elucidate the remaining unknown characteristics and future perspectives of these compounds for the host–fungal interactions.