Cellular Immune Status Research Articles

Early Phase of Specific Cellular Immune Status Associates with HCV Infection Outcomes in Marmosets.

The major mechanism for determination of HCV infection outcomes has not been fully described, particularly in the early phase of the "window-period" of infection. Based on two groups of marmosets infected with HCV-CE1E2p7/GBV-B chimeric virus (HCV chimera) or GBV-B, the immune mechanism correlating with the different outcomes of virus infections was explored in this study. HCV chimera containing the entire HCV core and envelope proteins (CE1E2p7) and GBV-B RNA were intrahepatically injected into four marmosets in each group, respectively. Blood samples were taken from individual animals in an interval of 2 weeks. Viral load and specific T cell responses were detected in two groups of HCV chimera- and GBV-B-infected marmosets. HCV chimera-infected marmosets appeared to have a virally persistent infection over 6 months post inoculation of the virus. Of these, the specific IFN-γ-secretion T cell response slowly developed over 13 to 19 weeks and was maintained at a relatively low level with 40-70 SFC/106 PBMCs, while the specific Treg cell response was rapidly activated over 3 weeks and was maintained at a high level around 5% among lymphocytes. In contrast, GBV-B-infected marmosets presented spontaneous viral clearance within 6 months; the specific IFN-γ-secretion T cell response was quickly established over 5 to 7 weeks and was maintained at a high level with 50-130 SFC/106 PBMCs, while the specific Treg cell response was inactivated and maintained at a baseline below 3% among lymphocytes. In conclusion, the HCV structural proteins inducing immune suppression in the early phase of HCV infection contributed to the viral persistence, of which the activation of Treg cells might play an important role in the inhibition of an effective T cell antiviral response.

The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the state of cellular immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without relapse

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative study of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the state of cellular immunity, free radical oxidation reactions and antioxidant protection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without relapse. Material and methods. The study was carried out on two groups of patients: the first group basic which included 39 patients with relapsed pulmonary tuberculosis (TBR); 2nd control group 39 patients with non-relapsed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 IL-6), CD-3 lymphocyte content, lymphocyte blast transformation response to phytohemagglutinin and tuberculin, NBT-test, AOPP, SOD, and catalase were determined in patients of both groups and healthy people. Results. In patients with tuberculosis with relapses, compared with patients without relapses, complaints of cough and dyspnea were more often presented, a longer duration of hospitalization, late abacillation. In patients with relapses, a pronounced suppression of the functional and specific activity of lymphocytes and neutrophils was noted, which is confirmed by high levels of lipid peroxidation (Advanced Oxidation Protein Products AORP) and low levels of the antioxidant system (SOD and catalase). The high content of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with relapses indicates a higher activity of the inflammatory process in these patients and corresponds to a low blast formation rate for both phytohemagglutinin and tuberculin. Conclusion. Сhanges in the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the state of cellular immunity and the characteristics of reactions of free radical oxidation and antioxidant protection indicate a higher activity of the inflammatory process in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with relapses compared to patients without relapses, which led to a longer duration of hospitalization, late abacillation.

Clinical Efficacy of Chemotherapy Regimen Combined with Levofloxacin in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complicated with Type-2 Diabetes.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a chemotherapy regimen combined with levofloxacin in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes. Total 80 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes admitted to Baoding People's Hospital from January, 2019 to January, 2022 were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given the conventional 2HRZE/10HRE regimen, while those in the experimental group were given the chemotherapy regimen 2HRZEL/6HRE combined with levofloxacin. Sixty four slice spiral CT was used for chest plain scan before and after treatment, respectively, to evaluate the absorption of lesions based on the range of lung lesions; Venous blood was drawn to detect the changes of oxidative stress indicators, the incidence of adverse drug reactions and the negative conversion rate of sputum tuberculosis bacteria in the two groups. After treatment, the efficacy of the experimental group was 90%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (67.5%), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.01). After treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and other indicators in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (CD3+, p=0.01; CD4+, p=0.01; CD4+/CD8+, p=0.00), while CD8+ did not change significantly (p=0.92); The incidence of adverse reactions was 52.5% in the experimental group and 47.5% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.66); The negative conversion rate of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at one month, three months and six months after treatment, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Chemotherapy combined with levofloxacin is a safe and effective regimen for patients' pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes, boasting a variety of benefits such as improved clinical efficacy, ameliorated cellular immune status, a high negative conversion rate of sputum tuberculosis bacteria, and no significant increase in adverse reactions.

Antioxidant and cellular immune response to acute hypoxia stress in the ark shell (Anadara broughtonii)

In this work we studied antioxidant status and cellular immunity of ark shells (A. broughtonii) to determine the range of the adaptive potential to hypoxia. For this, the effects of 24 h and 72 h periods of exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration 1.5–1.9 mg O2 L−1 were assessed. Hypoxia was not associated with changes in hemocyte morphology as well as with shifts in hemolymph cellular composition. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by hemocytes decreased following the 24 h exposure period but recovered after 72 h of hypoxia. Hypoxia contributed more to reduced phagocytosis and mitochondrial membrane potential of hemocytes. In gills, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was suppressed upon exposure to hypoxia but the expression levels of the appropriate genes were stable. Metabolic depression state appeared to be the main driver for reduced cellular immune status and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in ark shells. Overall, ark shells demonstrated stability of functional state upon exposure to hypoxia and stabilization of cellular immune parameters under prolonged incubation to low dissolved oxygen concentrations.

The effect of functional bars on the biochemical parameters of blood during physical exertion

Currently, the fast pace of life, changes in consumers’ habits, and the trend toward a healthy lifestyle around the world create the need for new healthy foods for immediate consumption. In this regard, the production of snacks with high nutritional value, as well as giving them functional properties through the use of various types of raw materials, seems promising. The choice of components following the physiological needs of various population groups in snack production allows getting new specialized food products, which improves people's quality of life and health. The most promising is the production of functional snack bars by combining vegetable and dairy raw materials. It is promising to use mare’s milk as a dairy raw material. The clinical efficacy of the new fruit-protein bars based on mare’s milk (FBBs) was tested on 25 volunteers aged 25-35 years for 60 days. The control group consisted of 15 people who received two KDV fruit and nut bars for 60 days, the nutritional and energy value of which was comparable to the snacks studied. Before and after taking snacks, blood biochemical and immunological parameters were evaluated. The results indicate a positive effect of new snacks based on mare’s milk on performance indicators, the state of cellular immunity, blood parameters, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. There is a decrease in fat mass, intracellular and extracellular fluid levels, and a reducing the number of final and intermediate lipid peroxidation products. The blood level of haemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets, hematocrit, and all classes of immunoglobulins increased. Specialized functional protein bars, enriched with dry mare’s milk, can be recommended to various categories of the population experiencing intensive physical activity and psychoemotional stress to increase their adaptive capabilities and performance.

Plasma Soluble Podoplanin as a Biomarker of Hypercoagulability and Cellular Immunity Status in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Podoplanin (PDPN) is known to play a role in thrombosis, metastasis of tumor cells, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune response. The present study aim to evaluate the clinical significance of soluble PDPN (sPDPN) in hypercoagulability and cellular immune status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine plasma sPDPN levels, and T-lymphocyte distribution was determined using flow cytometry. The levels of sPDPN were markedly higher in the NSCLC group than control group, and sPDPN was higher in patients with advanced-stage and with distant metastases. The high-sPDPN group had lower absolute numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio than low-sPDPN group. Correlation analysis indicated that sPDPN was positively linked to platelet (r = 0.50, P < .001), D-dimer (r = 0.52, P < .001), and fibrinogen (r = 0.37, P < .001); and inversely correlated with CD3+ (r = -0.37, P < .001), CD4+ (r = -0.44, P < .001), and CD4+/CD8+ (r = -0.37, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that sPDPN (odds ratio [OR] = 2.293; 95% CI, 1.559-3.373) and tumor stage (OR = 15.857; 95% CI, 1.484-169.401) were separate risk indicators for hypercoagulability. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) indicated that sPDPN had high diagnostic values for hypercoagulability in NSCLC patients. In conclusion, plasma sPDPN was not only linked to hypercoagulability, but it may also be an indicator of the body's cellular immune status in NSCLC patients.

The State of Cellular Immunity in Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

The main feature of infectious mononucleosis in children is the defeat of the immune system, primarily the T-cell link. Undoubtedly, the low number of CD4 + lymphocytes is associated with reduced resistance to secondary infections. This requires an inadequate immunological response and leads to the chronicity of infectious processes.

Primary Invasive Cutaneous Fusariosis in Patients with STAT3 Hyper-IgE Syndrome.

Dominant negative (DN) mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are known to cause hyper-IgE syndrome, a rare primary immunodeficiency. STAT3 DN patients are prone to develop fungal infections, including chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis due to impaired IL-17-mediated immunity, and pulmonary aspergillosis. Despite having preserved phagocyte functions, STAT3 DN patients present connective tissue abnormalities and a defect in the immunological skin barrier. Fusarium species are ubiquitous molds, whose potential to infect humans depends on the host's innate and cellular immune status. Our aim was to describe four STAT3 DN patients with fusariosis confined to the skin. Medical records were reviewed and summarized. Four patients, aged 4, 11, 30, and 33years, presented with chronic skin lesions which started in the extremities. Two patients had remote lesions, and none had systemic involvement. Skin biopsies showed mycelial threads with deep inflammatory-occasionally granulomatous-infiltrates, reaching the dermis; cultures grew Fusarium solani. Response to treatment was heterogeneous, often requiring multimodal therapies, including topical antifungal preparations. In this work, we describe primary invasive cutaneous fusariosis as a syndromic entity in four STAT3 DN patients.

Gut Microbiome, Metabolome and Immune Changes in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Introduction. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of multi-factorial disorders, in which the clonal expansion of somatically mutated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells plays a crucial role. The influence of the bone marrow microenvironment, including inflammatory and metabolic dysbalances, on disease propagation becomes increasingly recognized. Although changes in gut microbiome have been described in various cancer types, its role in MDS has not been sufficiently elucidated yet. Due to its interconnection with carcinogenesis in solid tumours, systemic inflammation and metabolism, the gut microbiome could possibly play a role in MDS development as well. The goal of our study is to describe the composition of the gut microbiome in MDS patients (pts) and its association with inflammatory-metabolic parameters. Methods. We analysed faecal samples from 16 pts with untreated MDS or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (median age: 66,5 years [41-81], m/f=13/3) and healthy donors (n=8, median age: 60,5 years [54-70], m/f=3/5). Exclusion criteria were antibiotic treatment within the last 4 weeks, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and other malignant disorders. Gut microbial taxonomic profiles were generated from the frozen faecal samples using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. For bioinformatic analysis, MapSeq was used. Statistical analysis included diversity analysis (observed microbial richness and Shannon index, differences assessed by Wilcoxon tests); differences in gut microbiome composition were visualized using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) in which differences were assessed by PERMANOVA. We performed flow cytometry to assess the cellular immune status including B-, T- and NK-cell populations, T/NK-subpopulations and expression of checkpoint molecules. Each parameter was analysed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Metabolite concentrations in plasma and urine were measured using NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate analysis of metabolic parameters was performed as a principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), to evaluate the possible discrimination of the two groups. Results. Ten MDS pts were referred to the low-risk group (low and intermediate 1 according to IPSS), 5 pts - high-risk (intermediate 2 and high), in one patient information was not available. All but one patient carried at least one MDS-typical somatic mutation (median: 3 [1-6]). According to cytogenetic analysis 2 pts belong to "very good" prognostic risk, 7 - "good", 4 - "intermediate", 2 - "very bad", in 1 patient the information was not available. The median time from the diagnosis to faecal sampling was 19 months [1-205]. Microbiome composition showed statistically significant differences between MDS and healthy subjects (p<0.05, R2=0.079, PERMANOVA). Gut microbial diversity and richness (the number of genera observed per patient), was lower in MDS, although not reaching statistical significance in this small cohort. Time from MDS diagnosis until faecal sampling did not have an impact on the microbial diversity. Pts with high-risk MDS tended to have the lowest gut microbial diversity and richness compared to pts in the low-risk group, both according to IPSS and IPSS-R scores. Flow cytometry revealed that pts with MDS had reduced numbers of B-lymphocytes (CD19+: 56 vs 184/µL in MDS and healthy, accordingly, p<0.01), increased number of T effector memory cells (0.06 vs 0/µL, p<0.05) and PD-L2 expression on T-lymphocytes (MFI: 150 vs 86, p<0.01), reflecting prolonged inflammatory stimulation. In addition, we observed reduced NK-cell activity, demonstrated by the reduction of the activating receptors on NK cells (NKp30: 92.9 vs 99.05 %CD56dim, p<0.05; DNAM-1: 86.8 vs 97 %CD56bright, p<0.01). PCA applied to plasma and urine metabolites allowed us to separate MDS from healthy counterparts. Further separation was accomplished using a supervised approach with PLS-DA, which highlighted the separation of the groups due to high VIP scores of the parameters, mostly affecting lipid metabolism. Conclusions. We have demonstrated broad, statistically significant changes in microbiome, metabolome and immunome of pts with MDS. Whether these are cause or consequence of the disease development remains to be elucidated.

Adaptive humoral immune response and cellular immune status in cancer patients and patients under immunosuppression vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2

ABSTRACT Background Patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. They may not develop protective immune responses following vaccination. We investigated patients’ cellular and humoral immune response after two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Research design and methods Subjects were stratified into subgroups according to therapy and grade of immunosuppression at time of vaccination. Results Antibody titers were compared to healthy controls. 32/122 (26%) did not develop detectable antibody titers. Of these, 22 (66.6%) had active therapy. Patients showed significant lower antibody titers compared to controls (median 790 vs. 3923 AU/mL, p = 0.026). Patients with active therapy had significant lower antibody titers compared to those without (median 302 vs. 3952 U/L P < 0.001). B-cell count was lower in the group without antibody titers (median 29.97 vs. 152.8; p = 0.002). 100% of patients under anti-CD20 therapy had no detectable antibody titer, followed by anti-TNF (66%), BTK inhibitors (50%), ruxolitinib (35.5%), TKI (14.2%), and lenalidomide (12.5%). Anti-CD20 therapy, ruxolitinib, BTK inhibitors, and anti-CD38 therapy presented significant lower antibody titers compared to controls. Conclusions Patients undergoing therapy for cancer or autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of insufficient humoral immune response following COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, alterations in the B-cell compartment correlate with lower antibody titers.

Necroptosis-Related LncRNA Signatures for Prognostic Prediction in Uterine Corpora Endometrial Cancer

Necroptosis is one of the common modes of apoptosis, and it has an intrinsic association with cancer prognosis. However, the role of the necroptosis-related long non-coding RNA LncRNA (NRLncRNAs) in uterine corpora endometrial cancer (UCEC) has not yet been fully elucidated at present. Therefore, the present study is designed to investigate the potential prognostic value of necroptosis-related LncRNAs in UCEC. In the present study, the expression profiles and clinical data of UCEC patients were downloaded from TCGA database to identify the differentially expressed NRLncRNAs associated with overall survival. A LncRNA risk model was constructed via Cox regression analysis, and its prognostic value was evaluated. We have also further evaluated the relationships between the LncRNA features and the related cellular function, related pathways, immune status, and immune checkpoints m6A-related genes. Seven signatures, including PCAT19, CDKN2B-AS1, LINC01936, LINC02178, BMPR1B-DT, LINC00237, and TRPM2-AS, were established to assess the overall survival (OS) of the UCEC in the present study. Survival analysis and ROC curves indicated that the correlated signature has good predictable performance. The normogram could accurately predict the overall survival of the patients with an excellent clinical practical value. Enrichment analysis of gene sets indicated that risk signals were enriched in several immune-related pathways. In addition, the risk characteristics were significantly correlated with immune cells, immune function, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and some m6A-related genes. This study has identified seven necroptosis-related LncRNA signatures for the first time, providing a valuable basis for a more accurate prognostic prediction of UCEC.

Influence of genital Mycoplasmosis in cows on indicators of cellular immunity of their offspring

Obtaining healthy offspring with good productive qualities is an urgent task in the conditions of modern animal husbandry. Any diseases of pregnant animals affect the fetus to varying degrees. In this regard, of particular interest is the study of the state of cellular immunity of calves in the presence of genital mycoplasmosis in their mothers. Studies were carried out on 7–9-day old calves obtained from cows with genital mycoplasmosis and healthy cows. The presence of genital mycoplasmosis was confirmed by a PCR test for Mycoplasma spp., followed by serological identification of M. bovigenitalium. In calves, the absolute content of lymphocytes, the relative and absolute content of T- and B-lymphocytes were determined. The results of the study show that genital mycoplasmosis in mother cows leads to a deficiency of cellular immunity in their calves, which is manifested by a significant decrease in both the absolute and relative content of lymphocytes, as well as an imbalance in their subpopulations.

Effects From Dietary Addition of Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., or Gracilaria sp. Powder on Immune Status in Broiler Chickens.

Algae are innovative and significant nutrient sources with various health benefits when used as additives in animal feed. The study aims to examine the effect of different inclusions of three algae species, Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., and Gracilaria sp. on the immune response of broiler chickens, as measured by the cellular immune response, humoral immune response, intestinal microbial counts, hindgut acidosis, and hematological measures. Here is a list of the seven experimental treatments (TRT). TRT 1 was the control group without algae; TRT 2 was supplemented with Sargassum sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 3 with Sargassum sp. at 2% of the diet; TRT 4 with Spirulina sp. at 5% of the diet; TRT 5 with Spirulina sp. at 7.5% of the diet; TRT 6 with Gracilaria sp. at 0.5% of the diet; and TRT 7 Gracilaria sp. at 1% of the diet. Each treatment involved five replicates with 17 broiler chickens each, and the analyses were triplicated. The results showed that including algae in the feed ration of broiler chickens induces a higher cellular response than the control group, represented by T-cell response in the wattle area (P = 0.037). Sargassum sp. at 1 and 2% enhanced IgA antibody titers significantly and Gracilaria sp. at 5% enhanced IgY antibody titers, P = 0.045 and P = 0.030, respectively. All algal inclusions inhibited the growth of Salmonella sp. and improved LAB counts in the intestine of broilers, excepting the Gracilaria sp. at 0.5%, where LAB counts were similar to the control group. The E. coli counts decreased numerically but not significantly. Blood lymphocytes were enhanced while white blood cells (WBC) and heterophils were decreased as a results of algal inclusions. In conclusion, supplementing broiler chickens with algae could enhance their cellular and humoral immune status and promote healthy microflora in their guts.

Low Serum Calcium Concentration in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Accompanied by the Enhanced Peripheral Cellular Immunity

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the relationship between serum calcium concentration and peripheral lymphocyte status/Th1/Th2 cytokine levels in SLE patients, and the effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) on the calcium concentration and immune cell activation.MethodsThe peripheral blood TBNK lymphocyte subsets and Th1/Th2 cytokines in SLE patients with low or normal serum calcium concentration and healthy people were analyzed and compared retrospectively. Peripheral white blood cells (PWBCs) from SLE patients or healthy people were stimulated with PMA or GCs in vitro to test their extracellular calcium concentration and CD8+ T cell activation.ResultsThe percentages of CD8+ T in SLE patients increased, but the increase of the number of CD8+ T cells only occurred in the SLE patients with low serum calcium concentration, and the number of CD45hiCD8+ T cells also increased, suggesting that SLE patients with hypocalcemia tend to possess an enhanced cellular immunity. The results of Th1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood showed that the levels of serum IL-2, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-γ in SLE patients with hypocalcemia were significantly increased. Although the serum levels of TNF-α in SLE patients were –similar to that in healthy people, it was significantly higher than that in SLE patients with normal serum calcium. When comparing the results of Th1/Th2 cytokines in two times of one patient, the serum levels of TNF-α in SLE patients increased while serum calcium levels decreased. The in vitro experiments showed that the decrease of serum calcium concentration in SLE patients was affected by the immune cell activation and the application of GCs, but GCs did not promote the immune cell activation.ConclusionsLow serum calcium may make SLE patients in an enhanced cellular immune status and GCs aggravates the decrease of serum calcium levels but has no role on the immune cell activation. It suggests that hypocalcemia possibly promotes the disease activity of SLE patient, which should be paid attention to clinically.

Supply of Antioxidants vs. Recruit Firefighters' Cellular Immune Status: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Parallel-Group Trial.

Background: Physical exercise can affect the immune system. We studied the effect of antioxidants on hematological and immune biomarkers after heavy training. Methods: 24 well-trained and well-fed male firefighters were randomly divided into supplemented and placebo groups, and tested for immunology-related variables using venous blood samples in the fasting state, pre- (M1) and post- (M2) five weeks of daily micronutrient supplementation (15 mg of beta-carotene, 200 mg of vitamin C, 136 mg of vitamin E, 200 μg of selenium, 15 mg of zinc, 100 mg of magnesium). Total leukocytes and a differential count for five populations were determined using standard procedures (MAXM—Beckman Coulter Diagnostics; Brea, CA, USA). Lymphocyte subsets were determined through immunophenotyping. Results: Although all values were within the normal range for healthy adults and athletes in the supplemented group (SG), mean CD3+CD8+, CD8+ and CD16+CD56+ decreased (p < 0.05; small to moderate effects), while mean CD4+, CD19+ and CD4+/CD8+ increased (p < 0.05; small effects) after five-weeks. Regarding the placebo group (PG), higher total leukocyte count (p < 0.05; trivial effect) and natural killer cells percentage (CD16+CD56+; p < 0.05; moderate effect) were observed when comparing M1 and M2. Conclusions: Antioxidants supplementation did not alter well-fed male firefighters recruit firefighters’ immune cell response during the five-week physical training program.

STATE OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN PREGNANT SOWS

Under the conditions of the pig-breeding complex, the state of cellular immunity in sows during the fetal period of gestation was studied. With the onset of gestation (days 38-40), the animals showed a decrease in non-specific cellular protection, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of circulating active phagocytes, their absorption activity on days 38-40 of gestation, the functional reserve of cells on days 38-40 and 78-81 and suppression of T-cell immunity, manifested by a significant increase in the content of T-lymphocytes-suppressors, a decrease in the number of T-helper cells and the immunoregulatory index. With an increase in the gestation period in animals, the activation of cellular and humoral immunity associated with the body response to the introduction of antiviral vaccines was recorded, that was manifested by an increase in the count of T- and B-lymphocytes, T-helper cells, a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes-suppressors and an increase in the immunoregulatory index.

Clinical characteristics and cellular immunity in children with rotavirus infection

Objective. To determine clinical course and state of cellular immunity in young children with rotavirus infection.Children characteristics and research methods. The scientists examined children without infectious pathology and with rotavirus infection (20 patients in each group) using general clinical methods. Rotavirus infection was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction and immunochromatography. Cellular immunity parameters were determined by flow cytometry.Results. All the children under observation had a moderate form of the disease with symptoms of exsicosis of the II degree. Changes in the immune status were mainly of a regulatory, adaptive nature, which contributed to the favorable course of rotavirus infection in children, however, the dynamics of the number of cells expressing Toll-like receptors indicates the immunosuppressive properties of rotavirus.Conclusion. Currently, rotavirus infection in young children is typical with watery diarrhea as the most pronounced and long-lasting clinical symptom. Shifts in immunogram indices in general indicate a deficiency of the cellular link of immunity and a violation of its regulation with simultaneous activation of the immune system in an effort to achieve the eradication of the rotavirus with immunosuppressive properties.

Humoral immune response following prime and boost BNT162b2 vaccination in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.

ObjectivesPeople living with HIV (PLWH) with low CD4 T‐cell counts may be at a higher risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes and in need of efficient vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends prioritizing PLHIV for COVID‐19 vaccination. Data on immune responses after messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination in PLHIV in relation to CD4 counts are scarce. We aimed at assessing the humoral immune response in PLHIV after mRNA vaccination against COVID‐19.MethodsWe examined a cohort of PLHIV after prime (n = 88) and boost (n = 52) vaccination with BNT162b2. We assessed levels of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike (S) protein‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgA and circulating neutralizing antibodies in plasma and correlated results to the cellular immune status. BNT162b2‐vaccinated health care workers served as controls.ResultsAll PLWH had a viral load of ≤ 200 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and 96.5% had a viral load of < 50 copies/mL. Anti‐S IgG and neutralizing antibody responses after BNT162b2 priming were significantly lower in PLHIV having a CD4:CD8 T‐cell ratio of < 0.5. However, we observed robust humoral immunity in the majority of PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of CD4 T‐cell nadir, current CD4 count or CD4:CD8 ratio after full BNT162b2 vaccination. Nevertheless, HIV‐negative controls produced significantly higher mean anti‐S IgG concentrations with less variability.ConclusionsThe majority of PLWH mounted robust responses after complete BNT162b2 vaccination but overall amounts of antibodies directed against the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain were variable. The impact on clinical efficacy remains unclear.

Predictive Value of Immune Cell Functional Assay for Non-Cytomegalovirus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

IntroductionImmune cell functional assay (ImmuKnow®) is a non-invasive method that measures the state of cellular immunity in immunosuppressed patients. We studied the prognostic value of the assay for predicting non-cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in lung transplant recipients. MethodsA multicenter prospective observational study of 92 patients followed up from 6 to 12 months after transplantation was performed. Immune cell functional assay was carried out at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. ResultsTwenty-three patients (25%) developed 29 non-CMV infections between 6 and 12 months post-transplant. At 6 months, the immune response was moderate (ATP 225–525ng/mL) in 14 (15.2%) patients and low (ATP<225ng/mL) in 78 (84.8%); no patients had a strong response (ATP≥525ng/mL). Only 1 of 14 (7.1%) patients with a moderate response developed non-CMV infection in the following 6 months compared with 22 of 78 (28.2%) patients with low response, indicating sensitivity of 95.7%, specificity of 18.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.9% (AUC 0.64; p=0.043). Similar acute rejection rates were recorded in patients with mean ATP≥225 vs. <225ng/mL during the study period (7.1% vs. 9.1%, p=0.81). ConclusionAlthough ImmuKnow® does not seem useful to predict non-CMV infection, it could identify patients with a very low risk and help us define a target for an optimal immunosuppression.

Direct immunofluorescence and immune function in patients with oral lichen planus

Background/PurposeDirect immunofluorescence and immune function and patients with oral lichen planusThe etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP) is unknown, our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic value of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and to investigate the immune functions in OLP.Materials and methodsWe enrolled 65 patients with suspected lesions of OLP and 47 controls. In all participants, clinical and serologic testing were conducted. The histopathologic and DIF tests were conducted in 65 patients. The severity of OLP was evaluated by reticular/hyperkeratotic, erosive/erythematous, ulcerative (REU) scoring system.ResultsBy hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and DIF examination, 71.2% (42/59) were diagnosed as OLP, 28.8% (17/59) were diagnosed as non-OLP. DIF demonstrated 64.3% positive reactivity with 2 distinct distribution patterns and 8 staining patterns. Compared to the controls, serum IgA in OLP was higher (P < 0.01), and serum CD3+ cells, IgM, IgE, C3 and C4 were lower (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis in OLP revealed correlations between REU score and IgM, IgA of DIF (r = 0.54, P = 0.026; and r = 0.56, P = 0.020, respectively), between serum IgG and IgG of DIF (r = 0.51, P = 0.038), between serum CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, IgM in DIF (r = −0.50, P = 0.048; and r = −0.54, P = 0.031, respectively), between serum CD8+ and IgM, IgA in DIF (r = 0.52, P = 0.038; and r = −0.50, P = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionA combination of H&E test and DIF is useful for the diagnosis of OLP. Compared to controls, immune changes happen to patients with OLP. There are significant associations between the OLP lesions and general cellular and humoral immune status, localized humoral immune response.