Presence Of Immunoglobulin Research Articles

ANEMIA HEMOLÍTICA IMUNOMEDIADA SECUNDÁRIA A ERLIQUIOSE

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious and contagious disease that can be transmitted to humans and is therefore considered a zoonosis. During the development of the disease, immune- mediated haemolytic anemia occurs, characterized by a decrease in red blood cells due to the action of the phagocytic system in association with the presence of immunoglobulins. This research is based on the relationship between immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and Ehrlichiosis, with the aim of understanding both diseases, relating how they develop in the body, as well as their etiology, symptoms, laboratory changes, treatment and prophylaxis. To achieve this goal, data was collected through bibliographic research, and the results indicated the importance of controlling and preventing the disease through measures linked to the use of ticks and periodic monitoring by the veterinarian, since immune-mediated hemolytic anemia occurs secondary to this hemoparasitosis.

Nutritional and chemical properties and antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried cow, sheep, goat and buffalo colostrums

Colostrum, the first food given to mammals after birth, plays a critical role in newborn nutrition. It is characterized by its high nutrient content, presence of immunoglobulins, and functional compounds. This study collected and freeze-dried colostrum from four different animals (Karayaka sheep, Saanen goats, Danish red cows and buffalo). Chemical and functional properties (total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity), mineral, as well as mineral content, amino acid composition, and fatty acid profile of the dried samples, were determined. Nutritional properties (protein efficiency ratio (PER), biological value (BV) and net protein utilization (NPU)) of powdered colostrum were also determined. It was found that buffalo colostrum had higher fat and protein content, while goat colostrum had high antioxidant activity. Buffalo and goat colostrums had a biological value (BV) of 94.96–97.78. Major minerals were more abundant in cow colostrum and minor minerals were more abundant in sheep colostrum. In terms of essential fatty acids, sheep and goat colostrums stood out. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis of the composition of colostrum from different species sheds light on the different nutrient profiles and potential health benefits and provides a theoretical basis for the development of commercial products from goat, sheep, cow and buffalo colostrum.

Electric Field-Assisted Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Modified QCM Sensor for Enhanced Detection of Immunoglobulin.

In this study, an electric-field-assisted molecularly imprinted polymer (EFAMIP) as an enhanced form of MIP was developed to improve the MIP-modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensors. While exerting a vertical electric field, polymerization of methacrylic acid in the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) as the template was initiated, and later, after the template removal process, the EFAMIPs were obtained. The polymer surface characterization was conducted by using a scanning electron microscope. The impact of electric field direction on IgG binding sites, forming either EFAMIP-Fab or EFAMIP-Fc, was assessed. Next, the static measurement results in liquid for EFAMIP-modified QCM and MIP-modified QCM were compared. While encompassing IgG, EFAMIP-modified QCMs exhibited up to a 113.5% higher frequency shift than typical MIP in time-limited detection. The final frequency shift of EFAMIP, which determines the detection limit of IgG, was improved up to 12.5% compared to typical MIP. Moreover, the EFAMIP-Fab performance was promising for the selective detection of IgG in a solution containing different types of immunoglobulins.

Uptake of extracellular vesicles into immune cells is enhanced by the protein corona.

The influence of a protein corona on the uptake of nanoparticles in cells has been demonstrated in various publications over the last years. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), can be seen as natural nanoparticles. However, EVs are produced under different cell culture conditions and little is known about the protein corona forming on EVs and its influence on their uptake by target cells. Here, we use a proteomic approach in order to analyze the protein composition of the EVs themselves and the protein composition of a human blood plasma protein corona around EVs. Moreover, we analyze the influence of the protein corona on EV uptake into human monocytes and compare it with the influence on the uptake of engineered liposomes. We show that the presence of a protein corona increases the uptake of EVs in human monocytes. While for liposomes this seems to be triggered by the presence of immunoglobulins in the protein corona, for EVs blocking the Fc receptors on monocytes did not show an influence of uptake. Therefore, other mechanisms of docking to the cell membrane and uptake are most like involved, demonstrating a clear difference between EVs and liposomes as technically produced nanocarriers.

Multicenter Prospective Phase II Study of Rituximab Combined, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone Followed By Lenalidomide Maintenance (R-VRD) in Patients with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (KMM1803)

Backgroud: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is an indolent B-cell malignancy characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy and lymphoplasmacytic bone marrow infiltration. Recently, the superior efficacy of BTK inhibitors and other novel agents has been established. However, BTK inhibitors has been shown limited efficacy in patients with CXCR4 mutation and MYD88 wild type. Therefore, the importance of chemotherapy which do not contain BTK inhibitors still remain. This study was conducted to estimate the efficacy and safety of the combination of rituximab, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with WM in South Korea. Methods : Between Aug. 2018 and Aug. 2022, a total of 39 patients were included in this study at 12 academic institutes in South Korea. The primary end-point of the study was the median progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary end-points were the overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), minimal residual disease (MRD) achievement and toxicities. Eligible patients were confirmed clinicopathological diagnosis of WM who has Measurable and symptomatic disease meeting at least 1 of the recommendations from the Second International Workshop on Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (IMWWM) for requiring treatment. Pateints who received rituximab treatment within the last 12 months before the first dose of study drug were excluded. Patients received the 28-day cycle of Rituximab (375 mg/m 2 IV on day 1), Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m 2 SC on day 1, 8, 15), Lenalidomide (15 mg per oral day 1-21) and dexamethasone (20 mg iv or oral day 1-4). Enrolled patients were received induction therapy with rituximab and bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone every 4 weeks for 6 cycles and then lenalidomide (10 mg on day 1-21) maintenance for 2 years. All patients were checked MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation at the baseline work up of this study and MRD achievement was checked by MYD88 PCR every 6 months for 3 years. Results : The median (range) age was 65.2 years. Lymphadenopathy were noted around 50%. In this study, MYD88 mutation was noted 74.3% and CXCR4 mutation was noted 20%, respectively. The response rates were following: CR in 4 (13.3%), VGPR in 3 (10.0 %) PR in14 (46.7 %), MR in 3 (10.0%) and < MR in 6 (20.0 %). Overall response rates (≥PR (partial response)) rate was 70.0 % and more than MR were 80%. 2yrs PFS and OS were 56% and 93%, respectively. We are now checking MRD by MYD88 PCR for ongoing patients. The detailed response rates and survival outcomes will be reported soon according to MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation status. And comparison of survival difference according to MRD negativity will be also announced after finishing data collection of MRD. Conclusions: R-VRD regiment could be helpful for MYD88 mutation negative or CXCR4 mutation positive patients. BTK inhibitors show superior response and survival outcomes for patients with MYD88 mutation positive and CXCR4 mutation negative. So, we are supposed that R-VRD could be optional treatment for patients who are not suitable for BTK inhibitors.

Hepatitis E virus as a transfusion transmitted infection-current status

Objectives: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is growing worldwide and presents a new threat to the blood transfusion services across the world. The present review tries to explore how the transfusion medicine community is responding to the threat. Materials and Methods: The major papers and important case reports were culled from PubMed, Science Direct, Embase related to this infection, and transfusion medicine since 2005 were explored and relevant articles were discussed with emphasis on epidemiology, infection, prevalence in donor population, susceptible recipients, prevention, and future development. Results: There are eight genotypes of this virus with different host, transmission biology, and clinical infection. Chronic infections are more common with Genotype 3 and Genotype 4 which are prevalent in Europe and transmitted by pig and meats cooked from this animal. Genotype 5 and 6 has not yet been linked to human transmission. Genotype 1 and Genotype 2 cause epidemic form of this infection and are common in developing countries. Immunosuppressed and chronic liver disease patients get chronic or severe infection. Pregnant ladies develop fulminant hepatitis with high mortality. The virus is transmitted by blood products but severe infection is uncommon. Many European countries, USA, Canada are using Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) based technology to screen their donors as Individual Donor-NAT or Minipool NAT with varying efficiency. Large part of the world as yet has not taken any active measure to contain this infection through transfusion. A vaccine is available, effective but is not widely used as more studies are needed. Cross immunity does happen between genotypes and presence of immunoglobulin G antibody in blood protects against serious infection. Alanine transaminase level corresponds with viremia in asymptomatic but infected individuals. Conclusion: The HEV is an emerging but important threat to transfusion medicine service. Important information regarding this infection is still lacking. However, there is a need to develop robust safety algorithm to counter this threat and make transfusion safer.

Behavior of immunoglobulin G antibodies for SARS-COV-2 in Mexican pediatric patients with comorbidities: a prospective comparative cohort study.

More than two years after the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) there is a great lack of information. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) have been related with disease severity. Patients with comorbidities could develop more severe infection; however, the evaluation of the humoral response in pediatric population are needed especially in patients with comorbidities. Our aim was to describe the behavior of IgG in pediatric patients and to know if there is a difference between patients with comorbidities. A prospective comparative cohort study was carried out in a single center from June 2020 to January 2021, with a follow-up of 6 months. The study included all the subjects with confirmatory test for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 month to 17 years 11 months, the follow-up of the disease's evolution and measurement of IgG antibodies was collected. We obtained the clinical data, and comorbidities like arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, the initial symptoms were recorded as well as the evolution regarding the severity of COVID-19 and the need for hospitalization, intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. The follow up was carried out through medical consultation with an appointment every month that included direct interrogation, examination, and peripheral blood collection for the IgG quantification. The antibodies detection was done through peripheral blood and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. A total of 237 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-COV-2 were included, of which 147 presented IgG antibodies (62%), 112 (76%) without comorbidity and 35 (24%) with comorbidities, by the sixth month only 2.7% continue with positive antibody measurements. Patients with comorbidities reach higher IgG levels than patients without comorbidities the basal titters were: 5.17 for patients without comorbidities vs. 6.96 for the group with comorbidities (P<0.001). We found an association between the presence of comorbidities and high levels of IgG units in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Additionally, patients with more severe course of the disease have higher levels of IgG and by the third month less than 35% have immunity.

Complement-directed therapy for cold agglutinin disease: sutimlimab

ABSTRACT Introduction Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemia defined as a distinct, low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder and characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that recognize the ‘I’ antigen on red blood cell membranes. Hemolysis in CAD is mediated by activation of the classical complement pathway by IgM–antigen complexes. Sutimlimab directly targets classical complement pathway activation and has been shown to be generally well tolerated with rapid and sustained effects on hemoglobin levels, hemolytic markers, and fatigue in patients with CAD. Areas covered This review will outline the drug profile of sutimlimab and summarize the key efficacy and safety data focusing on the Phase 3 studies that formed the basis of the approval of sutimlimab in patients with CAD in the US, the EU, and Japan. Expert opinion Sutimlimab provides patients with an approved therapeutic option that can be used as part of a holistic approach to CAD management. The beneficial effects of sutimlimab go beyond rapid inhibition of hemolysis and include sustained meaningful improvements in fatigue and quality-of-life measures. Further, real-world evidence of the effectiveness and safety of sutimlimab in CAD and cold agglutinin syndrome will be assessed via the CADENCE registry.

First description of congenital toxoplasmosis after maternal coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: a case report

BackgroundCongenital toxoplasmosis can be associated with serious clinical consequences from fetus to adulthood. Hence, early detection is required to minimize severe sequelae through appropriate therapy. We describe the first case of a congenital toxoplasmosis after maternal coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the challenging serological diagnosis of the disease in this context.Case presentationA Caucasian boy was born at 27 weeks 2 days of gestation by cesarean section due to maternal COVID-19-related respiratory failure. Postpartum serological screening of the mother revealed a previously unrecognized active Toxoplasma gondii infection. The premature child initially tested negative for anti- Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin A and M antibodies 1, 2 and 4 weeks after birth, whereas immunoglobulin G antibodies were only weakly positive with no evidence of child-specific production. Neither neurological nor ophthalmological abnormalities were detected. Approximately 3 months after birth, serological testing indicated a congenital toxoplasmosis by presence of immunoglobulin A and M, in combination with a child-specific immunoglobulin G synthesis. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid was tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii DNA. Although no clinical manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis were detected, an antiparasitic therapy was initiated to minimize the risk of late sequelae. There were no hints for a transplacental transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.ConclusionThis case raises the awareness of possible coinfections with the risk of transplacental transmission in cases of maternal coronavirus disease 2019. The report emphasizes the need for screening vulnerable patients for toxoplasmosis in general and especially in the context of pregnancy. It becomes evident that prematurity can complicate the serological diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis due to a delayed antibody response. Repeated testing is recommended to carefully monitor children at risk and especially those with a history of preterm birth.

Seroprevalence of Hantavirus in Forestry Workers, Northern France, 2019-2020.

We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) among forestry workers in northern France, and to explore sociodemographic risk factors. We conducted a random cross-sectional seroprevalence survey among 1777 forestry workers in 2019-2020. The presence of immunoglobulin G against PUUV antigens in serum was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed using immunofluorescence assay. Poisson regression models were used to explore factors associated with seropositivity. Weighted seroprevalence was 5% (3-6) in northeastern France, 4% (2-6) in north central France, and 1% in two regions located in the center of the country (Auvergne and Limousin). There were no seropositive workers detected in northwestern France. Seropositivity was associated with age, sex, and cumulative seniority in the forestry sector. Seroprevalence was highest in known endemic areas of the northeast and lowest in the northwest. Nevertheless, we found serological evidence of PUUV infection in two regions located in the center of the country, suggesting circulation of the virus in these regions, previously thought to be non-endemic.

Type 2 helper T cells convert into Interleukin-13-expressing follicular helper T cells after antigen repriming

Anaphylaxis caused by allergen sensitization and vaccination is a serious health concern. The severity of anaphylaxis is associated with the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind to allergens with a high affinity. Here, we report the development of a unique Interleukin-13 (IL-13)-producing follicular helper T (TFH) cell subset, designated TFH2 cells, which is tightly associated with the production of high-affinity IgE antibodies. TFH2 cells had a transcriptionally hybrid phenotype between TH2 and TFH cells, which express GATA-binding protein 3 (Gata3) and B-cell/CLL lymphoma 6 (BCL-6), respectively. Adaptive transfer experiments demonstrated that type 2 helper T (TH2) cells were capable of differentiating into TFH2 cells upon secondary antigen stimulation. The type 2 TFH (TFH2) conversion process was entirely attenuated in T cell-specific deficient mice of Bcl6 (Bcl6f/f cd4-cre; Bcl6ΔT). Moreover, the transfer of IL-13 defective TH2 cells partially inhibited IgE responses and significantly decreased the high-affinity IgE, even though TFH development was intact. Therefore, IL-13 from TFH2 cells controlled the selective enrichment of IgE+ B-cells with a high affinity for allergens. A previously undefined unique TFH subset, TFH2, likely contributes to IgE responses. This suggests that the accumulation of antigen-specific TH2 cells in human patients with allergies is a high-risk factor for IgE-dependent allergic diseases.

Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia, Acute Pericarditis with Cardiac Tamponade as Presenting Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- A Rare Case Report

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that affects mostly young women in which tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes cause damage to organs and tissues. SLE is characterised by aberrant immunological responses that result in the release of higher levels and immunogenic nucleic acids, proteins, and other self-antigens. Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) is a condition in which antibodies against red blood cells are present. It is classified as a warm and cold antibody AIHA. The causes of warm antibody AIHA are autoimmune illnesses, infections, or even malignancy. The presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies can indicate warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (warm agglutinin anaemia), which is characterised by fatigue and other constitutional symptoms. Although, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia can be a component of the SLE spectrum, warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia as the first manifestation of SLE is exceedingly rare. This case report describes a case of a 23-years-old female who presented to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness and chest pain. After evaluation she was found to have pericardial tamponade and AIHA. Pericardiocentesis was done and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of SLE. She was treated with injectable methylprednisolone, injectable antibiotics, Tab. hydroxychloroquine, Tab. febuxostat ,Tab. colchicine, oral antidiuretic, oral levothyroxine and other supportive management. The lack of unambiguous pathognomonic characteristics or tests, coupled with the variable presentation of SLE, makes diagnosis tricky. Overall, AIHA can be an initial presentation as well as a part of other disease processes, emphasising the significance of a comprehensive work in patients with AIHA.

Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia, Acute Pericarditis with Cardiac Tamponade as Presenting Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- A Rare Case Report

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that affects mostly young women in which tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes cause damage to organs and tissues. SLE is characterised by aberrant immunological responses that result in the release of higher levels and immunogenic nucleic acids, proteins, and other self-antigens. Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) is a condition in which antibodies against red blood cells are present. It is classified as a warm and cold antibody AIHA. The causes of warm antibody AIHA are autoimmune illnesses, infections, or even malignancy. The presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies can indicate warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (warm agglutinin anaemia), which is characterised by fatigue and other constitutional symptoms. Although, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia can be a component of the SLE spectrum, warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia as the first manifestation of SLE is exceedingly rare. This case report describes a case of a 23-years-old female who presented to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness and chest pain. After evaluation she was found to have pericardial tamponade and AIHA. Pericardiocentesis was done and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of SLE. She was treated with injectable methylprednisolone, injectable antibiotics, Tab. hydroxychloroquine, Tab. febuxostat ,Tab. colchicine, oral antidiuretic, oral levothyroxine and other supportive management. The lack of unambiguous pathognomonic characteristics or tests, coupled with the variable presentation of SLE, makes diagnosis tricky. Overall, AIHA can be an initial presentation as well as a part of other disease processes, emphasising the significance of a comprehensive work in patients with AIHA.

Oleocanthal supplemented diet improves renal damage and endothelial dysfunction in pristane-induced systemic lupus erythematosus in mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan disorder with a deregulated immune-inflammatory response. Nutritional therapy has been considered a promising approach to SLE management. Oleocanthal (OLE), the main extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)-derived secoiridoid, has shown to regulate the immune-inflammatory response in various disease contexts; however, its possible beneficial effects on SLE remain unclear. This study sought to evaluate the effects of OLE enriched diet on renal damage and aortic endothelial dysfunction in murine pristane-induced SLE, focusing on the action mechanisms and signaling pathways involved. BALB/c mice were injected with pristane and fed with OLE supplemented diet (0.01 % (w/w)) for six months. Levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes. Presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM immune complexes were examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Thoracic aortas were used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. Western blotting was employed to detect signaling pathways and oxidative-inflammatory-related mediators. Dietary OLE supplementation reduced Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines production and alleviated renal damage by decreasing immunoglobulin complexes deposition, and inflammation-mediating enzymes expression. The mechanisms underlying these protective effects could be related to the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Haem oxygenase 1 (Nrf-2/HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), signal transducer and transcription activator of transcription (STAT-3), inflammasome and, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Also, dietary OLE improved aortic endothelial dysfunction and vascular reactivity, normalizing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1) overexpression. This study shows the immunomodulatory effects of OLE in an in vivo model of SLE by improving renal damage and regulating aortic endothelial dysfunction. These preliminary results provide OLE as a new therapeutic strategy in SLE management.

Roles of osteoclast-associated receptor in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a member of the leukocyte receptor complex (LRC)-encoded protein family, which is characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains. OSCAR recognizes collagen and was first identified as a co-stimulatory receptor that is needed for complete osteoclast differentiation. However, it is now clear that OSCAR is also expressed by multiple immune cells that participate in many innate and adaptive immune cell activities. We also showed recently that chondrocytes express OSCAR. Our and other studies suggest that OSCAR participates in the pathogenesis of two common joint diseases, namely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, OSCAR promotes osteoclast formation and therefore bone erosion in RA while in OA, it triggers chondrocyte death, thereby inducing cartilage fragility. Significantly, blocking the interaction of OSCAR with its collagen ligand can markedly reduce these activities in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this novel approach may have therapeutic potential for joint diseases.

The role of serological and molecular testing in the diagnostics and transfusion treatment of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterised by haemolysis associated with the presence of immunoglobulins and/or components of the complement system on red blood cells (RBCs). It is classified into warm or cold antibody-mediated AIHA according to the temperature at which autoantibodies bind optimally to RBCs. Clinicians should be familiar with the procedural tests used for a complete laboratory investigation of AIHA. Good collaboration between clinicians and laboratory specialists with correct sample handling and an exact diagnostic work-up is extremely important for the correct classification and proper therapeutic management of AIHA. Specialised serological test procedures are very complex. Problems with serological testing may be excluded with the molecular testing, which has now become a gold standard to predict a patient's phenotype in order to secure the right antigen-matched blood for AIHA patients. More recently, genotyping has been used instead of serological typing and complex adsorption tests. This paper offers a description of various tests for differentiating between types of AIHA. A diagnostic algorithm and the problems of laboratory investigation are also presented, and an application of molecular methods for the blood group typing in AIHA is elaborated.

Novel Antibody-Peptide Binding Assay Indicates Presence of Immunoglobulins against EGFR Phospho-Site S1166 in High-Grade Glioma.

We investigated the feasibility of detecting the presence of specific autoantibodies against potential tumor-associated peptide antigens by enriching these antibody–peptide complexes using Melon Gel resin and mass spectrometry. Our goal was to find tumor-associated phospho-sites that trigger immunoreactions and raise autoantibodies that are detectable in plasma of glioma patients. Such immunoglobulins can potentially be used as targets in immunotherapy. To that aim, we describe a method to detect the presence of antibodies in biological samples that are specific to selected clinically relevant peptides. The method is based on the formation of antibody–peptide complexes by mixing patient plasma with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) derived peptide library, enrichment of antibodies and antibody–peptide complexes, the separation of peptides after they are released from immunoglobulins by molecular weight filtration and finally mass spectrometric quantification of these peptides. As proof of concept, we successfully applied the method to dinitrophenyl (DNP)-labeled α-casein peptides mixed with anti-DNP. Further, we incubated human plasma with a phospho-peptide library and conducted targeted analysis on EGFR and GFAP phospho-peptides. As a result, immunoaffinity against phospho-peptide GSHQIS[+80]LDNPDYQQDFFPK (EGFR phospho-site S1166) was detected in high-grade glioma (HGG) patient plasma but not in healthy donor plasma. For the GFAP phospho-sites selected, such immunoaffinity was not observed.

Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection Status Among the Current RT-PCR-Positive Individuals Affected During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Infections in Chennai, India.

India witnessed a very strong second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during March and June 2021. Newly emerging variants of concern can escape immunity and cause reinfection. We tested newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases during the second wave in Chennai, India for the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to estimate the extent of re-infection. Of the 902 unvaccinated COVID-19 positive individuals, 53 (26.5%) were reactive for IgG antibodies and non-reactive for Immunogobulin M (IgM) antibodies. Among the 53 IgG-positive individuals, the interval between symptom onset (or last contact with the known case in case of asymptomatic) was <5 days in 29 individuals, ≥5 days in 11 individuals, while 13 asymptomatic individuals did not know their last contact with a positive case. The possible re-infections ranged between 3.2% (95% CI: 2.2–4.5%) and 4.3% (95% CI: 3.4–6.2%). The findings indicate that re-infection was not a major reason of the surge in cases during second wave. The IgG seropositivity among recently diagnosed unvaccinated COVID-19 patients could provide early indications about the extent of re-infections in the area.

Atypical presentation of an atypical pneumonia: a case report

BackgroundNeurologic impediments occur in only 0.1% of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Although direct intracerebral infection can occur in these patients, autoimmune-mediated reactions secondary to molecular mimicry are the most common pathophysiology of such neurological complications. These complications include immune-mediated encephalitis, peripheral neuritis such as Guillain–Barré syndrome, and many others. Miller Fisher syndrome is a one of the variants of Guillain–Barré syndrome that has been rarely linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. It is a condition classically characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, areflexia, and ataxia. Most patients with Miller Fisher syndrome will have positive anti-ganglioside GQ1b antibodies found in their serum, making this autoantibody a very useful serological confirmation parameter. We report a case of a Miller Fisher syndrome in a woman with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such cases have been only rarely described in literature.Case presentationA 35-year-old Chinese woman presented with sudden onset of double vision and ataxia 5 days after fever and mild flu symptoms. Her Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen was positive with 1 over 2560 titer of total mycoplasma antibody and presence of immunoglobulin M antibody, suggesting acute infection, and her nerve conduction study revealed mild sensory axonal polyneuropathy with segmental demyelination. the Miller Fischer syndrome variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome secondary to Mycoplasma pneumonia was suspected and later confirmed by presence of serum anti-GQ1b autoantibody. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin 0.4 g/kg once daily for 5 days.ConclusionsThe objective of this report is to share a case of an uncommon neurological complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, to increase the level of suspicion among clinicians that Miller Fischer syndrome can occur as an atypical presentation of an atypical pneumonia.

Correlation of COVID-19 Severity and Immunoglobulin Presence Against Spike and Nucleocapsid Proteins in SARS-CoV-2.

Data on the human immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins have been applied to vaccine development and diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but little research has been done on the relationship between the human immune response and COVID-19 severity. We herein sought to determine whether there is a correlation between the immunoglobulin level and COVID-19 severity. Clinical samples were collected from 102 patients with COVID-19. Of these, 65 and 37 patients had mild and severe symptoms, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, spike (S) protein, and synthetic peptides covering N and S as antigens was performed to measure the IgM and IgG levels. The correlation between the immunoglobulin level and COVID-19 severity was then analyzed. A significant difference in the level of IgG antibodies against N and of IgM antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the S protein was observed between patients with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 symptoms, and the level of IgG antibodies against N was found to be higher in patients with severe symptoms whereas the level of IgM antibodies against the S peptides was higher in patients with nonsevere symptoms. The level of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins might correlate with COVID-19 severity. If so, this fact may be useful for predicting the prognosis of the disease and in determining the appropriate treatment with greater precision.