Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Stages of Infection

Stages of Infection

Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...

Infection

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

Acute Pharyngitis

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Fattening mother's milk with oxytocin.

Science signaling·2026

Same author

In Science Journals.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026

Same author

In Science Journals.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026

Same author

In Science Journals.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026

Same author

RXRα marks the spot for Crohn's disease.

Science signaling·2026

Same author

In Science Journals.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Dazed and confused from infection.

Wei Wong¹

¹Science Signaling, AAAS, Washington, DC 20005, USA.

Science Signaling

|June 22, 2017

Summary

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from specific immune cells impairs learning and memory in infected individuals. This finding highlights a key mechanism behind cognitive deficits during infection.

Area of Science:

Neuroimmunology
Infectious Disease Pathogenesis

Background:

Cognitive impairment, including difficulties with learning and memory, is a common complication of various infections.
The precise molecular mechanisms underlying these neurocognitive deficits remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of specific immune cell populations and their secreted factors in mediating infection-induced cognitive dysfunction.
To identify the cellular source and molecular mediators responsible for learning and memory impairments during infection.

Main Methods:

Flow cytometry was used to identify and quantify circulating monocyte subsets expressing CX3CR1.
ELISA or similar immunoassays were employed to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in relevant biological samples.

More Related Videos

Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster

Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster

Published on: May 13, 2015

A Simple Flow Cytometry Based Assay to Determine In Vitro Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Dengue Virus Using Zika Virus Convalescent Serum

A Simple Flow Cytometry Based Assay to Determine In Vitro Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Dengue Virus Using Zika Virus Convalescent Serum

Published on: April 10, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 28, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster

Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster

Published on: May 13, 2015

A Simple Flow Cytometry Based Assay to Determine In Vitro Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Dengue Virus Using Zika Virus Convalescent Serum

A Simple Flow Cytometry Based Assay to Determine In Vitro Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Dengue Virus Using Zika Virus Convalescent Serum

Published on: April 10, 2018

Behavioral tests assessing learning and memory (e.g., Morris water maze, fear conditioning) were performed in infected animal models.

Main Results:

Circulating monocytes expressing high levels of CX3CR1 (CX₃CR1^high) were identified as a key cellular source of TNF-α during infection.
Elevated levels of TNF-α produced by these monocytes correlated with significant deficits in learning and memory performance.
Experimental reduction of TNF-α activity or depletion of CX₃CR1^high monocytes ameliorated cognitive impairments.

Conclusions:

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secreted by circulating CX₃CR1^high monocytes is a critical mediator of learning and memory problems in infected individuals.
Targeting this specific monocyte-derived cytokine pathway may offer a therapeutic strategy to mitigate cognitive dysfunction associated with infections.