Head of the lab:

RNDr. Jan Ženka, CSc.

Ph.D. Students:

Mgr. Ondřej Uher

Mgr. Andrea Frejlachová

Mgr. Radka Lencová

Research focus:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The incidence of cancer has been steadily rising.

Surgery still plays a dominant role in treatment. Unfortunately, at the time of diagnosis, 30% of people have already metastasised and there is little hope of cure. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have many side effects and their effectiveness is limited. Nowadays, immunotherapy is developing very rapidly, using the patient's own immune system to fight the tumour and offering patients a new chance. However, even this therapy is not easy, as tumours are able to defend themselves against immune attack.

The Tumour Immunotherapy Group at the Department of Medical Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, JU, led by Dr. Ženka, is trying to overcome the aforementioned ability of tumours to defend themselves against the weapons of the immune system. The immunotherapy proposed by Dr. Ženka is based on the activation of immune cells and their targeting of tumors by labeling them with phagocytic receptor ligands.

Dr. Ženka's team is working closely with the laboratories of Professor Karel Pacak and Zhengping Zhuang (NIH, Bethesda, Maryland). 

Head of laboratory

Prof. RNDr. Jan Kopecký, CSc.

Research Scientist:

Mgr. Jaroslava Lieskovská, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students:

Mgr. Zuzana Beránková

Ms. Ritesh Khanna

 Bc. a Ms. students:

Bc. Simona Fišerová

 Hana Šmídová

Research objective:

Our research team is for several years focused on studying the effects of tick saliva and tick salivary components on the function of various types of immune cells. It is believed that immunomodulation of innate immune cells is one of the factors which support transmission and spreading of tick transmitted pathogens, like tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Borrelia spirochetes to host. Our overall aim is to reveal the mechanism behind tick saliva induced immunomodulation of innate immune cells, with focus on dendritic cells.

 Running projects:

Main project of our laboratory is aimed to the analysis of cellular stress pathways induced upon infection by tick-borne encephalitis virus in skin resident cells. We hypothesize that tick saliva and tick salivary components by influencing host cellular stress responses could affect the function of immune cells and consequently pathogen transmission and spreading to host. In TBEV infected dendritic cells and macrophages we determine oxidative stress responses and unfolded protein responses (as reaction to stress on endoplasmic reticulum). We pay attention to processes like apoptosis and autophagy which are often initiated in stressed cells. And finally, as signals called DAMPS (danger associated molecular pattern) are crucial for triggering of adequate immune reaction, interference of tick saliva with DAMPs signaling is currently examined as well (more about the project).

 Collaboration with other laboratories

Laboratory of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan

In collaboration with Dr. Shintaro Kobayashi, an expert in field of autophagy, we solve a part of our main project concerning the importance of autophagy for TBEV replication and function of TBEV- infected macrophages and dendritic cells. The knockdown method of chosen autophagy related genes is utilized.

 Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors and Pathogens, Parasitology Institute, BC CAS ČR

We collaborate with Dr. Ryan Rego on the project devoted to identification of genes required for dissemination of borrelia which differ in their pathogenic potential. Parameters like production of cytokines or reactive oxygen species are being tested.  

 Laboratory of Applied Plasma Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, CB

Within the grant project, managed by Dr. Vítězslav Straňák we test biocompatibility and antibacterial features of plasma prepared thin surfaces containing covered compounds like antibiotics, copper nanoparticles, etc. To do this, the inhibition of survival and growth of tested bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Escherichia coli) as well as formation of bacterial biofilms on thin surfaces are analysed in various time intervals. Surfaces with controlled long-lasting release of antibacterial substance can be utilized in future in human medicine in preparation of various implants.

 Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, CB

In collaboration with Dr. Ján Štěrba we work on the grant project aimed to proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of macrophages and dendritic cells infected by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). We participate mainly on preparation and sorting of cells required for infection.

 Laboratory of vector-host interaction

Within our Department of Medical Biology we collaborate with Dr. Jindřich Chmelař in functional characterization of serpins. We focus on testing of one particular serpin from Ixodes ricinus on cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Tested serpin in in vitro assay inhibits granzyme B, the effector molecule in NK granules.

 Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology, CAS of Czech Republic

Research group of Dr. Pavel Hrouzek focuses on the isolation, preparation and identification of algeal metabolites with potential anti-cancerous effect. We started collaboration with this group recently with the aim to uncover the underlying mechanism of inhibitory effects of chosen metabolites. We will perform the analysis of apoptotic pathways which determine cellular survival and are often deregulated in cancer cells.  

Principal investigator:

RNDr. Jindřich Chmelař, Ph.D.

Scientists:

RNDr. Helena Langhansová, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students:

Mgr. Adéla Chlastáková

Mgr. Jan Kotál

Students:

Bc. Hana Pechová

Monika Ederová

Lucie Hrubcová

Research aim:

We study the processes that occur at the interface between vector and its host. Our model is the tick Ixodes ricinus and mouse (Mus musculus). We study this interaction at molecular level, i.e. we investigate specific molecules, which are secreted via tick saliva into the host and are responsible for the modulation of host immune reaction and other defensive mechanisms, such as hemostasis. We employ reverse genetics approach. It means that in order to learn about the exact function of a given salivary protein, we first prepare this protein in recombinant form and we test it in in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation or even disease. We are using also bioinformatics tools, such as 3D modeling and phylogenetics. Our ongoing projects are focused on SERPINS - the largest superfamily of serine protease inhibitors.

Current projects

Serpins from the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus and their role in the vector-host interaction 

The tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important pathogen vector in Europe. Among transmitted pathogens, Tick-borne encephalitis virus and Borrelia spirochetes are the most dangerous to human health. Tick saliva contains hundreds of different proteins that disrupt almost all host's defense mechanisms. Serpins form a specific group of tick salivary proteins due to their mode of action and pluripotency in their activities. Our research aims at the functional, biochemical and structural characterization of serpins in ticks.

Billy V., Lhotská Z., Jirků M., Kadlecová O., Frgelecová L., Parfrey L.W., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2021): Blastocystis colonization alters the gut microbiome and, in some cases, promotes faster recovery from induced colitis. Front Microbiol 12: 641483.

Breinlinger S., Phillips T.J., Haram B.N., Mareš J., Martínez Yerena J.A., Hrouzek P., Sobotka R., Henderson W.M., Schmieder P., Williams S.M., Lauderdale J.D., Wilde H.D., Gerrin W., Kust A., Washington J.W., Wagner C., Geier B., Liebeke M., Enke H., Niedermeyer T.H.J., Wilde S.B. (2021): Hunting the eagle killer: A cyanobacterial neurotoxin causes vacuolar myelinopathy. Science 371: eaax9050.

Chlastáková A., Kotál J., Beránková Z., Kaščáková B., Martins L.A., Langhansová H., Prudnikova T., Ederová M., Kutá Smatanová I., Kotsyfakis M., Chmelař J. (2021): Iripin-3, a new salivary protein isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks, displays immunomodulatory and anti-hemostatic properties in vitro. Front Immunol 12: 626200.

De Gasparo R., Pedotti M., Simonelli L., Nickl P., Muecksch F., Cassaniti I., Percivalle E., Lorenzi J.C.C., Mazzola F.., Magri D., Michalčíková T., Haviernik J., Hönig V., Mrázková B., Poláková N., Fořtová A., Turečková J., Iatsiuk V., Di Girolamo S., Palus M., Žudová D., Bednář P., Buková I., Bianchini F., Mehn D., Nencka R., Straková P., Pavliš O., Rozman J., Gioria S., Sammartino J.C., Giardina F., Gaiarsa S., Pan-Hammarstrom Q., Barnes C.O. Bjorkman P.J., Calzolai L., Piralla A., Baldanti F., Nussenzweig, M.C., Bieniasz P.D., Hatziioannou R., Procházka J., Sedláček R., Robbiani D.F., Růžek D., Varani L. (2021): Bispecific IgG neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants and prevents escape in mice. Nature 593: 424-428.

Hájek J., Bieringer S., Voráčová K., Macho M., Sauray K., Delawská K., Divoká P., Fišer R., Mikušová G., Cheel J., Fewer D.P., Vu D.L., Paichlová J., Riepl H., Hrouzek P. (2021): Semi-synthetic puwainaphycin/minutissamide cyclic lipopeptides with improved antifungal activity and limited cytotoxicity. RSC Adv 11: 30873-30886.

Jirků M., Lhotská Z., Frgelecová L., Kadlecová O., Petrželková K.J., Morien E., Jirků-Pomajbíková K. (2021): Helminth interactions with bacteria in the host gut are essential for its immunomodulatory effect. Microorganisms 9: 226.

Jmel M. A., Aounallah H., Bensaoud C., Mekki I., Chmelař J., Faria F., M´ghirbi Y., Kotsyfakis M. (2021): Insights into the role of tick salivary protease inhibitors during ectoparasite-host crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 22: 892.

Kaščáková B., Kotál J., Martins L.A., Beránková Z., Langhansová H., Calvo E., Crossley J. A., Havlíčková P., Dyčka F., Prudnikova T., Kutý M., Kotsyfakis M., Chmelař J., Kutá Smatanová I. (2021): Structural and biochemical characterization of the novel serpin Iripin-5 from Ixodes ricinus. Acta Cryst D77: 1183-1196.

Kotál J., Buša M., Urbanová V., Řezáčová P., Chmelař J., Langhansová H., Sojka D., Mareš M., Kotsyfakis M. (2021): Mialostatin, a novel midgut cystatin form Ixodes ricinus ticks: Crystal structure and regulation of host blood digestion. Int J Mol Sci 22: 5371.

Kotál J., Polderdijk S. G. I., Langhansová H., Ederová M., Martins L.A., Beránková Z., Chlastáková A., Hajdušek O., Kotsyfakis M., Huntington J.A., Chmelař J. (2021): Ixodes ricinus salivary serpin Iripin-8 inhibits the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and complement. Int J Mol Sci 22: 9480.

Kron V., Verner M., Pesl L., Smetana P., Kadlec J., Martiník D. (2021): Cholesterol and glucose profiles according to different fasting C-peptide levels: a cross-sectional analysis in a healthy cohort from the Czech Republic. J Appl Biomed 19: 220-227.

Kuzma M., Hájek J., Hrouzek P., Gardiner A.T., Lukeš M., Moos M., Šimek P., Koblížek M., Nupur (2021): Structure elucidation of the novel carotenoid gemmatoxanthin from the photosynthetic complex of Gemmatimonas phototrophica AP64. Sci Rep 11: 15964.

Lookian P.P., Zhao D., Medina R., Wang H., Ženka J., Gilbert M.R., Pacák K., Zhuang Z. (2021): Mannan-BAM, TLR ligands, anti-CD40 antibody (MBTA) vaccine immunotherapy: A review of current evidence and applications in glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 22: 3455.

Martins L.A., Bensaoud C., Kotál J., Chmelař J., Kotsyfakis M. (2021): Tick salivary gland transcriptomics and proteomics. Parasite Immunol 43: e12807.

Rindoš M., Kučerová L., Rouhová L., Sehadová H., Šerý M., Hradilová M., Koník P., Žurovec M. (2021): Comparison of silks from Pseudoips prasinana and Bombyx mori shows molecular convergence in fibroin heavy chains bud large differences in other silk components. Int J. Mol Sci 22: 8246.

Rouhová L., Kludkiewicz B., Sehadová H., Šerý M., Kučerová L., Koník P., Žurovec M. (2021): Silk of the common clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, a cosmopolitan pest belonging to the basal ditrysian moth line. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 130: 103527.

Rusanov A.L., Kozhin P.M., Tikhonova O.V., Zgoda V.G., Loginov D.S., Chlastáková A., Selinger M., Štěrba J., Grubhoffer L., Luzgina N.G. (2021): Proteome profiling of PMJ2-R and primary peritoneal macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 22: 6323.

Saha S., Bulzu P.A., Urajová P., Mareš J., Konert G., Câmara Manoel J., Macho M., Ewe D., Hrouzek P., Masojídek J., Ghai R., Saurav K. (2021): Quorum-sensing signals from epibiont mediate the induction of novel microviridins in the mat-forming cyanobacterial genus Nostoc. mSphere 14: e0056221.

Sehadová H., Závodská R., Rouhová L., Žurovec M., Šauman I. (2021): The role of Filippi's glands in the silk moths cocoon construction. Int J Mol Sci 22:13523.

Sehadová H., Závodská R., Žurovec M., Šauman I. (2021): The Filippi's glands of giant silk moths: to be or not to be? Insects 12:1040.

Uher O., Caisová V., Paďouková L., Kvardová K., Masáková K., Lencová R., Frejlachová A., Skaličková M., Venhauerová A., Chlastáková A., Hansen P., Chmelař J., Kopecký J., Zhuang Z., Pacák K., Ženka J. (2021): Mannan-BAM, TLR ligands, and anti-CD40 immunotherapy in established murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma: understanding therapeutic potentials and limitations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 70: 3303-3312.

Uher O., Huynh T.T., Zhu B., Horn L. A., Caisová V., Hadrava Váňová K., Medina R., Wang H., Palena C., Chmelař J., Zhuang Z., Ženka J., Pacák K. (2021): Identification of immune cell infiltration in murine pheochromocytoma during combined mannan-BAM, TLR ligand, and anti-CD40 antibody-based immunotherapy. Cancers 13: 3942.

Weinbergerová B., Mayer J., Kabut T., Hrabovský Š., Procházková J., Král Z., Herout V., Pacasová R., Zdražilová-Dubská L., Husa P., Bednář P., Růžek D., Lengerová M. (2021): Successful early treatment combining remdesivir with high-titer convalescent plasma among COVID-19-infected hematological patients. Hematol Oncol 39: 715-720.

Weyda F., Kodrík D. (2021): New fuctionally ultrastructural details of the honey bee stinger tip: serrated edge and pitted surface. J Apic Res 60: 875-878.

You C., Jirků M., Corcoran D.L., Parker W., Jirků-Pomajbíková K. (2021): Altered gut ecosystems plus the microbiota`s potential for rapid evolution: A recipe for inevitable change with unknown consequences. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 19: 5969-5978.

Zabelina V., Takasu Y., Sehadová H., Yonemura N., Nakajima K., Sezutsu H., Šerý M., Žurovec M., Sehnal F., Tamura T. (2021): Mutation in Bombyx mori fibrohexamerin (P25) gene causes reorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum in posterior silk gland cells and alters morphology of fibroin secretory globules in the silk gland lumen. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 135: 103607.

Aounallah H., Bensaoud C., M´ghirbi Y., Faria F., Chmelař J., Kotsyfakis M. (2020): Tick salivary compounds for targeted immunomodulatory therapy. Front Immunol 11: 583845.

Dvořáček J., Sehadová H., Weyda F., Tomčala A., Hejníková M., Kodrík D. (2020): First comprehensive study of a giant among the insects, Titanus giganteus: Basic facts from its biochemistry, physiology, and anatomy. Insects 11: 120.

Herbrík A., Corretto E., Chroňáková A., Langhansová H., Petrásková P., Hrdý J., Čihák M., Krištůfek V., Bobek J., Petříček M., Petříčková K. (2020): A human lung-associated Streptomyces sp. TR1341 produces various secondary metabolites responsible for virulence, cytotoxicity and modulation of immune response. Front Microbiol 10: 3028.

Jirků M., Kuchta R., Gricaj E., Modrý D., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2020): Canine thelaziosis in the Czech Republic: The northernmost autochthonous occurrence of the eye nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet et Henry, 1910 in Europe. Folia Parasitol 67: 2020.010.

Kotsarenko K., Věchtová P., Lieskovská J., Fűssy Z., Cabral-de-Mello D.C., Rego R.O.M., Alberdi P., Collins M., Bell-Sakyi L., Štěrba J., Grubhoffer L. (2020): Karyotype changes in long-term cultured tick cell lines. Sci Rep 10: 13443.

Kust A., Řeháková K., Vrba J., Maicher V., Mareš J., Hrouzek P., Chiriac M.C., Benedová Z., Tesařová B., Saurav K. (2020): Insight into unprecedented diversity of cyanopeptides in eutrophic ponds using an MS/MS networking approach. Toxins 12: 561.

Lhotská Z., Jirků M., Hložková O., Brožová K., Jirsová D., Stensvold C.R., Kolísko M., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2020): A study on the prevalence and subtype diversity of the intestinal protist Blastocystis sp. in a gut-healthy human population in the Czech Republic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 10: 544335.

Liu Y., Pang Y., Zhu B., Uher O., Caisová V., Huynh T., Taieb D., Hadrava Váňová K., Ghayee H.K., Neužil J., Levine M., Yang C., Pacák K. (2020): Therapeutic targeting of SDHB-mutated pheocromocytoma/paraganglioma with pharmacologic ascorbic acid. Clin Cancer Res 26: 3868-3880.

Martins L.A., Kotál J., Bensaoud C., Chmelař J., Kotsyfakis M. (2020): Small protease inhibitors in tick saliva and salivary glands and their role in tick-host-pathogen interactions. Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteom 1868: 140336.

Medina R., Wang H.R., Caisová V., Cui J., Indig, I.H., Uher O., Ye J., Nwankwo A., Sanchez V., Wu T.X., Nduom E., Heiss J., Gilbert M.R., Terabe M., Ho W., Ženka J., Pacák K., Zhuang Z.P. (2020): Induction of immune response against metastatic tumors via vaccination of mannan-BAM, TLR ligands, and anti-CD40 antibody (MBTA). Adv Ther 3: 2000044.

Pleštilová L., Okrouhlík J., Burda H., Sehadová H., Valesky E.M., Šumbera R. (2020): Functional histology of the skin in the subterranean African giant mole-rat: thermal windows are determined solely by pelage characteristics. Peer J 8: e8883.

Rusanov A.L., Stepanov A.A., Zgoda V.G., Kaysheva A.L., Selinger M., Mašková H., Loginov D., Štěrba J., Grubhoffer L., Luzgina N.G. (2020): Proteome dataset of mouse macrophage cell line infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus. Data Brief 28: 105029.

Saha S., Esposito G., Urajová P., Mareš J., Ewe D., Caso A., Macho M., Delawská K., Kust A., Hrouzek P., Juráň J., Constatino V., Saurav K. (2020): Discovery of unusual cyanobacterial tryptophan-containing anabaenopetins by MS/MS-based molecular networking. Molecules 25: 3786.

Salát J., Mikulášek K., Larralde O., Pokorná Formanová P., Chrdle A., Haviernik J., Elsterová J., Teislerová D., Palus M., Eyer L., Zdráhal Z., Petřík J., Růžek D. (2020): Tick-borne encephalitis virus vaccines contain non-structural protein 1 antigen and may elicit NS1-specifric antibody responses in vaccinated individuals. Vaccines 8: 81.

Sehadová H., Guerra P. A., Šauman I., Reppert S. M. (2020): A re-evaluation of silk measurement by the Cecropia caterpillar (Hyalophora cecropia) during cocoon construction reveals use of a silk odometer that is temporally regulated. PLoS One 15: e0228453.

Sehadová H., Takasu Y., Žaloudíková A., Lin Y., Šauman I., Sezutsu H., Rouhová L., Kodrík D., Žurovec H. (2020): Functional Analysis of adipokinetic hormone signaling in Bombyx mori. Cells 9: 2667.

Shaik H.A., Mishra A., Sehadová H., Kodrík D. (2020): Responses of sericotropin to toxic and pathogenic challenges: possible role in defense of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 227: 108633.

Troullinaki M., Chen L. Vitt A., Pyrina I., Phieler J., Kourtzelis I., Chmelař J., Sprott D., Gercken B., Koutsilieris M., Chavakis T., Chatzigeorgiou A. (2020): Robo4-mediated pancreatic endothelial integrity decreases inflammation and islet destruction in autoimmune diabetes. FASEB J 34: 3336-3346.

Vaidulych, M., Pleskunov P., Kratochvíl J., Mašková H., Kočová P., Nikitin D., Hanuš J., Kylián O., Štěrba J., Biederman H., Choukourov A. (2020): Convex vs. concave surface nano-curvature of Ta₂O₅ thin films for tailoring the osteoblast adhesion. Surf Coat Technol 393: 125805.

Weyda F., Kodrík D. (2020): New fuctionally ultrastructural details of the honey bee stinger tip: serrated edge and pitted surface. J Apic Res 59.

Barčák D., Yoneva A., Sehadová H., Oros M., Gustinelli A., Kuchta R. (2019): Complex insight on microanatomy of larval “human broad tapeworm” Dibothriocephalus latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea). Parasit Vectors 12: 408.

Bertolini E., Schubert F.K., Zanini D., Sehadová H., Helfrich-Förster C., Menegazzi P. (2019): Life at high latitudes does not require circadian behavioral rhythmicity under constant darkness. Curr Biol 29: 3928-3936.

Caisová V., Li L., Gupta G., Jochmanová I., Jha A., Uher O., Huynh T.T., Miettinen M., Pang Y., Abunimer L., Niu G., Chen X., Ghayee H.K., Taïeb D., Zhuang Z., Ženka J., Pacák K. (2019): The significant reduction or complete eradication of subcutaneous and metastatic lesions in a pheochromocytoma mouse model after immunotherapy using mannan-BAM, TLR ligands, and anti-CD40. Cancers 11: 654.

Carreras-González A., Barriales D., Palacios A., Montesinos-Robledo M., Navas N., Azkargorta M., Peña-Cearra, Tomás-Cortázar J., Escobes I., Pascual-Itoiz M.A., Hradiská J., Kopecký J., Gil-Carton D., Prados-Rosales R., Abecia L., Atondo E., Martín I., Pellón A., Elortza F., Rodríguez H., Anguita J. (2019): Regulation of macrophage activity by surface receptors contained within Borrelia burgdorferi-enriched phagosomal fractions. PLoS Pathog 15: e1008163.

Chmelař J., Kotál J., Kovaříková A., Kotsyfakis M. (2019): The use of tick salivary proteins as novel therapeutics. Front Physiol 76: 2003-2013.

Hönig V., Palus M., Kašpar T., Zemanová M., Majerová K., Hofmannová L., Papežík P., Sikutová S., Rettich F., Hubálek Z., Rudolf I., Votýpka J., Modrý D., Růžek D. (2019): Multiple lineages of Usutu virus (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) in blackbirds (Turdus merula) and mosquitoes (Culex pipiens, Cx. modestus) in the Czech Republic (2016-2019). Microorganisms 7: 568.

Hönig V., Švec P., Marek L., Mrkvička T.,Zubriková D., Wittmann M., Masař O., Szturcová D., Růžek D., Pfister K., Grubhoffer L. (2019): Model of risk of exposure to Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis virus-infected ticks in the border area of the Czech Republic (South Bohemia) and Germany (Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate). Int J Environ Res Public Health 16: 10.3390/ijerph16071173.

Kotál J., Stergiou N., Buša M., Chlastáková A., Beránková Z., Řezáčová P., Langhansová H., Schwarz A., Calvo E., Kopecký J., Mareš M., Schmitt E., Chmelař J., Kotsyfakis M. (2019): The structure and function of Iristatin, a novel immunosuppressive tick salivary cystatin. Cell Moll Life Sci 76: 2003-2013.

Koubová J., Jehlík T., Kodrík D., Sábová M., Šima P., Sehadová H., Závodská R., Frydrychová Čapková R. (2019): Telomerase activity is upregulated in the fat bodies of prediapause bumblebee queens (Bombus terrestris). Insect Biochem Mol Biol 115: 103241.

Kratochvíl J., Kahoun D., Kylián O., Štěrba J., Kretková T., Kousal J., Hanuš J., Vaclová J., Prysiazhnyi V., Sezemský P., Fojtíková P., Lieskovská J., Langhansová H., Krakovský I., Straňák V. (2019): Nitrogen enriched C:H:N:O thin films for improved antibiotics doping. Appl Surf Sci 494: 301-308.

Krejčová G., Danielová A., Nedbalová P., Kazek M., Strych L., Chawla G., Tennessen J.M., Lieskovská J., Jindra M., Doležal T., Bajgar A. (2019): Drosophila macrophages switch to aerobic glycolysis to mount effective antibacterial defense. Elife 8: e50414.

Řežábková L., Brabec J., Jirků M., Dellerba M., Kuchta R., Modrý D., Parker W., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2019): Genetic diversity of the potentially therapeutic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea). Parasitol Int 71: 121-125.

Selinger M., Tykalová H., Štěrba J., Věchtová P., Vavrušková Z., Lieskovská J., Kohl A., Schnettler E., Grubhoffer L. (2019): Tick-borne encephalitis virus inhibits rRNA synthesis and host protein production in human cells of neural origin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 13: e0007745.

Sobotková K., Parker W., Levá J., Růžková J., Lukeš J., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2019): Helminth therapy – from the parasite perspective. Trends Parasitol 35: 501-515.

Uher O., Caisová V., Hansen P., Kopecký J., Chmelař J., Zhuang Z., Ženka J., Pacák K. (2019): Coley´s immunotherapy revived: Innate immunity as a link in priming cancer cells for an attack by adaptive immunity. Semin Oncol 46: 385-392.

Bezawork-Geleta A., Wen H., Dong L., Yan B., Vider J., Boukalová S., Krobová L., Váňová K., Zobalová R., Sobol M., Hozák P., Novais S.M., Caisová V., Abaffy P., Naraine R., Pang Y., Zaw T., Zhang P., Šindelka R., Kubišta M., Zuryn S., Molloy M.P., Berridge M.V., Pacák K., Rohlena J., Park S., Neužil J. (2018): Alternative assembly of respiratory complex II connects energy stress to metabolic checkpoints. Nat Commun 9: 2221.

Caisová V., Uher O., Nedbalová P., Jochmanová I., Kvardová K., Masáková K., Krejčová G., Paďouková L., Chmelař J., Kopecký J., Ženka J. (2018): Effective cancer immunotherapy based on combination of TLR agonists with stimulation of phagocytosis. Int Immunopharmacol 59: 86-96.

Frutos E., Karlík M., Jiménez J.A., Langhansová H., Lieskovská J., Polcar T. (2018): Development of new β/α″-Ti-Nb-Zr biocompatible coating with low Young's modulus and high toughness for medical applications. Mater Des 142: 44-55.

Hartmann D., Šíma R., Konvičková J., Perner J., Kopáček P., Sojka D. (2018): Multiple legumain isoenzymes in ticks. Int J Parasitol 48: 167-178.

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Kratochvíl J., Kahoun D., Štěrba J., Langhansová H., Lieskovská J., Fojtíková P., Hanuš J., Kousal J., Kylián O., Straňák V. (2018): Plasma polymerized C:H:N:O thin films for controlled release of antibiotic substances. Plasma Process Polym 15: 1700160.

Kratochvíl J., Štěrba J., Lieskovská J., Langhansová H., Kuzminova A., Khalakhan I., Kylián O., Straňák V. (2018): Antibacterial effect of Cu-C:F nanocomposites deposited on PEEK substrates. Mater Lett 230: 96-99.

Lieskovská J., Páleníková J., Langhansová H., Chmelař J., Kopecký J. (2018): Saliva of Ixodes ricinus enhances TBE virus replication in dendritic cells by modulation of pro-survival Akt pathway. Virology 514: 98-105.

Pang Y., Lu Y., Caisová V., Liu Y., Bullová P., Huynh T.T., Zhou Y., Yu D., Fryšák Z., Hartmann I., Taïeb D., Pacák K., Yang C. (2018): Targeting NAD+/PARP DNA repair pathway as a novel therapeutic approach to SDHB-mutated cluster I pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Clin Cancer Res 24: 3423-3432.

Růžková J., Květoňová D., Jirků M., Lhotská Z., Stensvold C.R., Parfrey L.W., Jirků Pomajbíková K. (2018): Evaluating rodent experimental models for studies of Blastocystis ST1. Exp Parasitol 191: 55-61.

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Xin M., Štěrba J., Shaliutina-Kolesova A., Dzyuba B., Lieskovská J., Boryshpolets S., Siddique M.A.M., Kholodnyy V., Lebeda I., Linhart O. (2018): Protective role of antifreeze proteins on sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) sperm during cryopreservation. Fish Physiol Biochem 44: 1527-1533.

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Elsterová J., Palus M., Širmarová J., Kopecký J., Niller H.H., Růžek D. (2017): Tick-borne encephalitis virus neutralization by high dose intravenous immunoglobulin. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 8: 253-258.

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Caisová V., Vieru A., Kumžáková Z., Glaserová S., Husníková H., Vácová N., Krejčová G., Paďouková L., Jochmanová I., Wolf K.I., Chmelař J., Kopecký J., Ženka J. (2016): Innate immunity based cancer immunotherapy: B16-F10 murine melanoma model. BMC Cancer 16: 940.

Černý J., Selinger M., Palus M., Vavrušková Z., Tykalová H., Bell-Sakyi L., Štěrba J., Grubhoffer L., Růžek D. (2016): Expression of a second open reading frame present in the genome of tick-borne encephalitis virus strain Neudoerfl is not detectable in infected cells. Virus Genes 52: 309-316.

Elsterová J., Palus M., Širmarová J., Kopecký J., Niller H.H., Růžek D. (2016): Tick-borne encephalitis virus neutralization by high dose intravenous immunoglobulin. In press.

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Eyer L., Šmídková M., Nencka R., Neča J., Kastl T., Palus M., De Clercq E., Růžek D. (2016): Structure-activity relationships of nucleoside analogues for inhibition of tick-borne encephalitis virus. Antiviral Res 133: 119-129.

Chmelař J., Chatzigeorgiou A., Chung K.J., Prucnal M., Voehringer D., Roers A., Chavakis T. (2016): No role for mast cells in obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. Front Immunol 7: 524.

Chmelař J., Kotál J., Karim S., Kopáček P., Francischetti I.M., Pedra J.H., Kotsyfakis M. (2015): Sialomes and mialomes: A system-biology view of tick tissues and tick-host interactions. Trends Parasitol 32: 242-254.

Chmelař J., Kotál J., Kopecký J., Pedra J.H., Kotsyfakis M. (2016): All for one and one for all on the tick-host battlefield. Trends Parasitol, 32: 368-377.

Valdés J.J., Gil V.A., Butterill P.T., Růžek D. (2016): An all-atom, active site expoloration of antiviral drugs that target Flaviviridae polymerases. J Gen Virol 97: 2552-2565.

Waldmannová E., Caisová V., Fáberová J., Sváčková P., Kovářová M., Sváčková D., Kumžáková Z., Jačková A., Vácová N., Nedbalová P., Horká M., Kopecký J., Ženka J. (2016): The use of Zymosan A and bacteria anchored to tumor cells for effective cancer immunotherapy: B16-F10 murine melanoma model. Int Immunopharmacol 39: 295-306.

Wang X., Shaw D.K., Sakhon O.S., Snyder G.A., Sundberg E.J., Santambrogio L., Sutterwala F.S., Dumler J.S., Shirey K.A., Perkins D.J., Richard K., Chagas A.C., Calvo E., Kopecký J., Kotsyfakis M., Pedra J.H. (2016): The tick protein sialostatin L2 binds to annexin A2 and inhibits NLRC4-mediated inflammasome activation. Infect Immun 84: 1796-1805.

Zouharová D., Lipenská I., Fojtíková M., Kulich P., Neča J., Slaný M., Kovařčík K., Turánek-Knötigová P., Hubatka F., Celechovská H., Mašek J., Koudelka S., Procházka L., Eyer L., Plocková J., Bartheldyová E., Miller A.D., Růžek D., Raška M., Janeba Z., Turánek J. (2016): Antiviral activities of 2,6-diaminopurine-based acyclic nukleoside phosphonates against herpesviruses: In vitro study results with pseudorabies virus (PrV, SuHV-1). Vet Microbiol 184: 84-93.

Bílý T., Palus M. Eyer L., Elsterová J., Vancová M., Růžek D. (2015): Electron tomography analysis of tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in human neurons. Sci Rep 5: 10745.

Chmelař J., Kotál J., Karim S., Kopáček P., Francischetti I.M., Pedra J.H., Kotsyfakis M. (2015): Sialomes and mialomes: A system-biology view of tick tissues and tick-host interactions. Trends Parasitol, doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.10.002. [Epub ahead of print]

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Eyer L., Valdés J.J., Gil V.A., Nencka R., Hřebabecký H., Šála M., Salát J., Černý J., Palus M., De Clercq E., Růžek D. (2015): Nucleoside inhibitors of tick-borne encephalitis virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 59: 5483-5493.

Formanová P., Černý J., Bolfíková-Černá B., Valdés J.J., Kozlová I., Dzhioev Y., Růžek D. (2015): Full genome sequences and molecular characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains isolated form human patients. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 6: 38-46.

Hönig V., Švec P., Halas P., Vavrušková Z., Tykalová H., Kilian P., Vetišková V., Dorňáková V., Štěrbová J., Šimonová Z., Erhart J., Štěrba J., Golovchenko M., Rudenko N., Grubhoffer L. (2015): Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in South Bohemia (Czech Republic): Spatial variability in Ixodes ricinus abundance, Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus prevalence. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 6: 559-567.

Klein M., Brühl T.J., Staudt V., Reuter S., Grebe N., Gerlitzki B., Hoffmann M., Bohn T., Ulges A., Stergiou N., de Graaf J., Löwer M., Taube C., Becker M., Hain T., Dietzen S., Stassen M., Huber M., Lohoff M., Chagas A.C., Andersen J., Kotál J., Langhansová H., Kopecký J., Schild H., Kotsyfakis M., Schmitt E., Bopp T. (2015): Tick salivary sialostatin L represses the initiation of immune responses by targeting IRF4-dependent transcription in murine mast cells. J Immunol 195: 621-631.

Kodrík, D., Stašková T., Jedličková V., Weyda F., Závodská R., Pflegerová J. (2015): Molecular characterization, tissue distribution, and ultrastructural localization of adipokinetic hormones in the CNS of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus (Heteropetra, Insecta). Gen Comp Endocr 210: 1-11.

Kotál J., Langhansová H., Lieskovská J., Andersen J.F, Francischetti I.M., Chavakis T., Kopecký J., Pedra J.H., Kotsyfakis M., Chmelař J. (2015): Modulation of host immunity by tick saliva. J Proteomics 128: 58-68.

Langhansová H., Bopp T., Schmitt E., Kopecký J. (2015): Tick saliva increases production of three chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a histamine-releasing cytokine. Parasite Immunol 37: 92-96.

Lieskovská J., Páleníková J., Langhansová H., Chagas A.C., Calvo E., Kotsyfakis M., Kopecký J. (2015): Tick sialostatins L and L2 differentially influence dendritic cell responses to Borrelia spirochetes. Parasite Vector 8: DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0887-1.

Lieskovská J., Páleníková J., Širmarová J., Elsterová J., Kotsyfakis M., Chagas A.C., Calvo E., Růžek D., Kopecký J. (2015): Tick salivary cystatin sialostatin L2 suppresses IFN responses in mouse dendritic cells. Parasite Immunol 37: 70-78.

Páleníková J., Lieskovská J., Langhansová H., Kotsyfakis M., Chmelař J., Kopecký J. (2015): Ixodes ricinus salivary serpin IRS-2 affects Th17 differentiation via inhibition of the interleukin-6/STAT-3 signaling pathway. Infect Immun 83: 1949-1956.

Palus M., Formanová P., Salát J., Žampachová E., Elsterová J., Růžek D. (2015): Analysis of serum levels of cytokines chemokines, growth factors, and monoamine neurotransmitters in patients with tick-borne encephalitis: Identification of novel inflammatory markers with implications for pathogenesis. J Med Virol 87: 885-892.

Procházka A., Dammer J., Weyda F., Sopko V., Beneš J., Zeman J., Jandejsek I. (2015): Biological object recognition in µ-radiography images. J Inst 10: C03023.

Strnad M., Elsterová J., Schrenková J., Vancová M., Rego R.O., Grubhoffer L., Nebesářová J. (2015): Correlative cryo-fluorescence and cryo-scanning electron microscopy as a straightforward tool to study host-pathogen interactions. Sci Rep doi: 10.1038/srep18029.

Weisheit S., Villar M., Tykalová H., Popara M., Loecherbach J., Watson M., Růžek D., Grubhoffer L., de la Fuente J., Fazakerley J.K., Bell-Sakyi L. (2015): Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes ricinus tick cell lines respond to infection with tick-borne encephalitis virus: transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Parasit Vectors, doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-1210-x.

Weyda F., Pflegerová J., Stašková T., Tomčala A., Prenerová E., Zemek R., Volter L., Kodrík D. (2015): Ultrastructural and biochemical comparison of summer active and summer diapausing pupae of the horse chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Eur J Entomol 112: 197-203.