bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin 8 Secretion from Monocytes of Subjects Heterozygous for the ΔF508 Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene Mutation Is Altered
Authors: Zaman Munir M. , Gelrud Andres , Junaidi Omer , Regan Meredith M. , Warny Michel , Shea Julie C. , Kelly Ciaran , O'Sullivan Brian P. , Freedman Steven D. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit an excessive host inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine (i) whether interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion is increased from monocytes from subjects heterozygous as well as homozygous for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations and (ii) whether this is due to increased cell surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptors or, alternatively, increased activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). The basal level of IL-8 secretion was higher from monocytes from CF patients than from monocytes from healthy controls (
P
= 0.02) and obligate heterozygotes (parents of the CF patients). The 50% effective concentrations for LPS-induced IL-8 production for monocytes from both CF patients and obligate heterozygotes were 100-fold lower than those for monocytes from healthy controls (
P
< 0.05). No differences in the levels of IL-1β production were seen between these groups. Expression of the LPS surface receptors CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 were not different between CF patients and healthy controls. In contrast, phosphorylation of the MAPKs p38 and ERK occurred at lower doses of LPS in monocytes from patients heterozygous and homozygous for CFTR mutations. These results indicate that a single allelic CFTR mutation is sufficient to augment IL-8 secretion in response to LPS. This is not a result of increased LPS receptor expression but, rather, is associated with alterations in MAPK signaling.
Serological Response to
Pasteurella multocida
NanH Sialidase in Persistently Colonized Rabbits
Authors: Sanchez Susan , Mizan Shaikh , Quist Charlotte , Schroder Patricia , Juneau Michelle , Dawe Donald , Ritchie Branson , Lee Margie D. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Pasteurella multocida
is a mucosal pathogen that colonizes the upper respiratory system of rabbits. Respiratory infections can result, but the bacteria can also invade the circulatory system, producing abscesses or septicemia.
P. multocida
produces extracellular sialidase activity, which is believed to augment colonization of the respiratory tract and the production of lesions in an active infection. Previously, it was demonstrated that some isolates of
P. multocida
contain two unique sialidase genes,
nanH
and
nanB
, that encode enzymes with different substrate specificities (S. Mizan, A. D. Henk, A. Stallings, M. Meier, J. J. Maurer, and M. D. Lee, J. Bacteriol. 182:6874-6883, 2000). We developed a recombinant antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the NanH sialidase of
P. multocida
and demonstrated that rabbits that were experimentally colonized with
P. multocida
produce detectable anti-NanH immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG in serum, although they demonstrated no clinical signs of pasteurellosis. In addition, clinically ill pet rabbits infected with
P. multocida
possessed IgM and/or IgG antibody against NanH. The NanH ELISA may be useful for the diagnosis of
P. multocida
infections in sick rabbits as well as for screening for carriers in research rabbit colonies.
Regeneration and Tolerance Factor Prevents Bystander T-Cell Death Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Derks Richard A. , Beaman Kenneth D. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is characterized by a depletion of T cells. This depletion is caused both by the virus-induced death of infected T cells and by the death of uninfected cells (bystander depletion) by a mechanism which is largely uncharacterized. Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) is a subunit of the vacuolar ATPase and a protein that is involved with activation and apoptosis. Anti-RTF antibodies mediate apoptosis in T lymphocytes. When anti-RTF was added to lymphocytes from an HIV-positive individual, they underwent larger amounts of apoptosis than cells taken from healthy controls. When lymphocytes were examined by Western blotting, those from HIV-positive individuals exhibited increased levels of expression of the 50-kDa protein (P< 0.001). A 70-kDa protein was the predominant form of RTF in uninfected control lymphocytes, being expressed in 100% of individuals studied. The expression of the 50-kDa protein in HIV-positive individuals correlated with decreased absolute CD4 counts with a sensitivity of 92% and a positive predictive value of 86%. When uninfected lymphocytes were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, no RTF was detected during early stimulation but a 50-kDa protein was expressed during late stimulation. When the susceptibilities of the lymphocytes to anti-RTF-induced apoptosis were measured, they correlated with the size of the RTF protein expressed. The cells were not susceptible to apoptosis when the 70-kDa RTF was present but were susceptible when the 50-kDa RTF was present. We propose that the increase in the levels of the 50-kDa RTF on cells from HIV-positive individuals is important in preventing the cell from undergoing apoptosis.
Measurement of Immunoglobulin Concentrations in the Feces of Healthy Dogs
Authors: Peters I. R. , Calvert E. L. , Hall E. J. , Day M. J. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTSelective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency in humans and may be associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease. This observation has led to the suggestion that the high susceptibility of German shepherd dogs (GSD) to chronic enteropathies is related to a deficiency in mucosal IgA production. Relative deficiencies of IgA has been reported in the serum, saliva, tears, and feces of GSD both with and without alimentary disease; however, the findings of different studies are not consistent. The aim of this study was to confirm whether a relative deficiency of IgA exists in the feces of GSD. Feces were collected from healthy GSD (n= 209), Labrador retrievers (n= 96), beagles (n= 19), and miniature schnauzers (n= 32). Fecal IgA, IgM, and IgG were measured by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Fecal IgG concentrations in the four breed groups were not significantly different. IgA concentrations were significantly greater in miniature schnauzers than in GSD (P= 0.0003) and Labradors (P= 0.0004) but not significantly different from those in beagles. IgM concentrations were significantly greater in miniature schnauzers than in GSD (P< 0.0001), Labradors (P< 0.0001), and beagles (P= 0.0098). These findings do not support the hypothesis that GSD have a relative deficiency in fecal IgA. The differences in immunoglobulin concentrations measured from a single defecation, between individuals of the same breed and between breeds, as well as the lack of an internal control molecule, make the determination of a normal reference range for all dogs impossible. Therefore, the usefulness of fecal immunoglobulin quantification for the assessment of intestinal immunoglobulin secretion in dogs is limited.
Antigen Recognition by Serum Antibodies in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Experimentally Infected withMycobacterium bovis
Authors: Waters W. R. , Palmer M. V. , Bannantine J. P. , Whipple D. L. , Greenwald R. , Esfandiari J. , Andersen P. , McNair J. , Pollock J. M. , Lyashchenko K. P. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTWhite-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have emerged as reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis in northern America. For tuberculosis surveillance of deer, antibody-based assays are particularly attractive because deer are handled only once and immediate processing of the sample is not required. Sera collected sequentially from 25Mycobacterium bovis-infected and 7 noninfected deer were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting, and multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA) for immunoglobulin specific toM. bovisantigens. Various routes of experimentalM. bovisinfection, such as intratonsillar inoculation (n= 11), aerosol (n= 6), and exposure to infected deer (in contact,n= 8), were studied. Upon infection, specific bands of reactivity at ∼24 to 26 kDa, ∼33 kDa, ∼42 kDa, and ∼75 kDa toM. boviswhole-cell sonicate were detected by immunoblot. Lipoarabinomannan-specific immunoglobulin was detected as early as 36 days postchallenge, and responses were detected for 94% of intratonsillarly and “in-contact”-infected deer. In MAPIA, sera were tested with 12 native and recombinant antigens coated on nitrocellulose. All in-contact-infected (8 of 8) and 10 of 11 intratonsillarly infected deer produced antibody reactive with one or more of the recombinant/native antigens. Responses were boosted by injection of tuberculin for intradermal tuberculin skin testing. Additionally, three of six deer receiving a very low dose ofM. bovisvia aerosol exposure produced antibody specific to one or more recombinant proteins.M. boviswas isolated from one of three nonresponding aerosol-challenged deer. Of the 12 antigens tested, the most immunodominant protein was MPB83; however, a highly sensitive serodiagnostic test will likely require use of multiple antigens.
Effect of Photopheresis on Lymphocyte Population in Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ernerudh J. , Ludvigsson J. , Berlin G. , Samuelsson U. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

In recent years photopheresis has been claimed to be an effective form of immunomodulation. It has also been shown to have an effect on the disease process at the onset of type 1 diabetes. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study, we analyzed if the effect of photopheresis in children with newly diagnosed diabetes is related to changes in the balance of lymhocyte populations. We also analyzed if lymphocyte subsets were related to recent infection, mild or aggressive disease manifestations, heredity, or gender. Nineteen children received active treatment with photopheresis, while 21 children received sham pheresis (placebo group). No influence of a history of previous infection, heredity, or certain clinical parameters on lymphocyte subsets was found. At the onset of type 1 diabetes, girls showed a higher proportion and a larger number of T cells (CD3
+
) and T-helper cells (CD4
+
) and a higher proportion of naïve CD4
+
CD45RA
+
cells. In the placebo group, an increase in the number of subsets with the activated phenotype in both the CD4 (CD29
+
) and the CD8 (CD11a
+
) compartments was noted during the course of the study. These changes did not occur in the photopheresis group. No relation between lymphocyte subsets and clinical outcome was found 1 year after the treatment with photopheresis. In conclusion, we found no major effect of photopheresis on lymphocyte populations in a group of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. However, in the placebo group the proportions of activated CD4 and CD8 cells increased over time. Since these changes did not occur in the actively treated group, our findings suggest that photopheresis may have some suppressive effects.
Analysis of Eight Commercial Enzyme Immunoassay Tests for Detection of Antibodies to
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
in Human Serum
Authors: Talkington Deborah F. , Shott Susan , Fallon Michael T. , Schwartz Stephanie B. , Thacker W. Lanier 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is an important etiologic agent of primary atypical pneumonia in children and adults. The diagnosis of
M. pneumoniae
infection is commonly confirmed through serologic testing. In this study, we used paired sera from 51 patients (all with confirmed
M. pneumoniae
infection and positive complement fixation [CF] titers) to compare the results of eight enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) available commercially in the United States. We compared two single-use EIAs and six plate-type EIAs. Results from acute-phase sera ranged from only 7 (14%) positive by ImmunoWELL (GenBio) immunoglobulin M (IgM) EIA to 23 (45%) positive by Zeus IgG EIA. When both the acute-phase and convalescent-phase serum samples were examined, positive results ranged from 20 (39%) by the ImmunoWELL (GenBio) IgM assay to 45 (88%) positive by the Remel IgG-IgM EIA. In this study, the single-use EIAs by Remel and Meridian were more reliable than were the plate-type EIAs. Among the plate-type EIAs, the Zeus and DiaSorin assays (which detect antibodies to protein antigens) were more sensitive than the ImmunoWELL assay (which detects antibodies to glycolipid antigens). In general, IgG EIAs on convalescent-phase sera were more concordant with one another than were IgM EIAs with one another. Scatter plot analysis of convalescent-phase sera showed that, as the CF titer dropped, the IgM assays identified fewer positive convalescent-phase sera. In contrast, the IgG assays provided fairly consistent positive results for convalescent-phase sera with CF titers of 64 and above. Results of individual tests and overall limitations of serodiagnostics for
M. pneumoniae
infections are discussed.
Occurrence and Potential Diagnostic Applications of Serological Cross-Reactivities between
Brucella
and Other Alpha-Proteobacteria
Authors: Delpino M. Victoria , Fossati Carlos A. , Baldi Pablo C. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Agrobacterium
,
Sinorhizobium
, and
Ochrobactrum
are genera closely related to
Brucella
but, in contrast to the latter, are not pathogenic for humans and animals. We studied by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the reactivities of brucellosis sera against cytosolic (CYT) and membrane (MA) antigens from these nonpathogenic bacteria, and we evaluated the potential usefulness of these cross-reactions for the diagnosis of brucellosis in humans, sheep, cows, and dogs. Canine infection by
Brucella canis
was detected with high specificity by CYT antigen-based ELISAs (96% for
Agrobacterium
, 96% for
Sinorhizobium
, and 91% for
Ochrobactrum
), while sensitivity was variable (58% for
Agrobacterium
, 88% for
Sinorhizobium
, and 84% for
Ochrobactrum
). In addition, it was possible to diagnose canine disease shortly after exposure to the pathogen (15 days). Similar results for canine brucellosis were obtained with MA antigens. In contrast, normal sera from humans, sheep, and cattle reacted strongly with all the antigens (CYT and MA antigens from the three bacteria), producing high cutoff values and, consequently, low sensitivities. While for some host species the reactivity patterns of normal sera by Western blotting were similar to those produced with sera from infected individuals, the reactivity pattern of bovine sera against
Sinorhizobium meliloti
antigens exhibited some differential bands for the two groups of sera. These results show that crude fractions from nonpathogenic alpha-proteobacteria can be used to diagnose canine brucellosis but may need to be further separated into simpler fractions to have diagnostic usefulness in ovine, bovine, or human infection. By reducing the biosafety requirements, the use of antigens derived from these nonpathogenic bacteria would simplify the production of diagnostic kits for brucellosis, especially in settings where biosafety level-3 facilities are scarce or absent.
Analysis of Amino Acid Sequence Variations and Immunoglobulin E-Binding Epitopes of German Cockroach Tropomyosin
Authors: Jeong Kyoung Yong , Lee Jongweon , Lee In-Yong , Ree Han-Il , Hong Chein-Soo , Yong Tai-Soon 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTThe allergenicities of tropomyosins from different organisms have been reported to vary. The cDNA encoding German cockroach tropomyosin (Bla g 7) was isolated, expressed, and characterized previously. In the present study, the amino acid sequence variations in German cockroach tropomyosin were analyzed in order to investigate its influence on allergenicity. We also undertook the identification of immunodominant peptides containing immunoglobulin E (IgE) epitopes which may facilitate the development of diagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies based on the recombinant proteins. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis with mouse anti-recombinant German cockroach tropomyosin serum was performed to investigate the isoforms at the protein level. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) was applied to examine the sequence diversity. Eleven different variants of the deduced amino acid sequences were identified by RT-PCR. German cockroach tropomyosin has only minor sequence variations that did not seem to affect its allergenicity significantly. These results support the molecular basis underlying the cross-reactivities of arthropod tropomyosins. Recombinant fragments were also generated by PCR, and IgE-binding epitopes were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera from seven patients revealed heterogeneous IgE-binding responses. This study demonstrates multiple IgE-binding epitope regions in a single molecule, suggesting that full-length tropomyosin should be used for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents.
Interleukin-15 Enhances Cytotoxicity, Receptor Expression, and Expansion of Neonatal Natural Killer Cells in Long-Term Culture
Authors: Choi Sunwoong S. , Chhabra Vaninder S. , Nguyen Quoc H. , Ank Bonnie J. , Stiehm E. Richard , Roberts Robert L. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTNewborn infants have a higher susceptibility to various pathogens due to developmental defects in their host defense system, including deficient natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, the effects of interleukin-15 (IL-15) on neonatal NK cells was examined for up to 12 weeks in culture. The cytotoxicity of fresh neonatal mononuclear cells (MNC) as assayed by K562 cell killing is initially much less than that of adult MNC but increases more than eightfold after 2 weeks of culture with IL-15 to a level equivalent to that of adult cells. This high level of cytotoxicity was maintained for up to 12 weeks. In antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays using CEM cells coated with human immunodeficiency virus gp120 antigen, IL-15 greatly increased ADCC lysis by MNC from cord blood. IL-15 increased expression of the CD16+CD56+NK markers of cord MNC fivefold after 5 weeks of incubation. Cultures of neonatal MNC with IL-15 for up to 10 weeks resulted in a unique population of CD3−CD8+CD56+cells (more than 60%), which are not present in fresh cord MNC. These results show that IL-15 can stimulate neonatal NK cells and sustain their function for several weeks, which has implications for the clinical use of IL-15.
Different Methods of Identifying New Antigenic Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 and E7 Proteins
Authors: Nakagawa Mayumi , Kim Kevin H. , Moscicki Anna-Barbara 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common cause of sexually transmitted viral infection and is the main cause of cervical cancer. Identification of HPV T-cell epitopes would be instrumental not only in our understanding of the protective immune response but also in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. In contrast to viruses which cause systemic infection, identification of HPV epitopes is technically challenging because HPV causes a localized mucosal infection and the frequency of pathogen-specific T lymphocytes in peripheral blood is expected to be low. Here we describe three new antigenic epitopes (E7 7-15 [TLHEYMLDL], E6 52-61 [FAFRDLCIVY], and E7 79-87 [LEDLLMGTL]) of HPV 16 E6 and E7 proteins which have oncogenic activities. E7 7-15 was identified among peptides previously shown to bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2.1 molecule, but it was found likely to be restricted by the HLA-B48 molecule. E6 52-61 (likely to be restricted by HLA-B57) and E7 79-87 (likely to be restricted by HLA-B60) were detected, based on the magnitude of the T-cell immune responses, in another individual. In particular, T-cell clones specific for the E6 52-61 epitope were isolated effectively by magnetically selecting them based on gamma interferon secretion. This is an efficient method of identifying new epitopes of antigens for which the number of specific T lymphocytes in the circulation is expected to be small, and it should be widely applicable in identifying new T-cell epitopes.
Prospective Study of Serological Conversion as a Risk Factor for Development of Leprosy among Household Contacts
Authors: Douglas J. T. , Cellona R. V. , Fajardo T. T. , Abalos R. M. , Balagon M. V. F. , Klatser P. R. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Although the prevalence of leprosy has declined over the years, there is no evidence that incidence rates are falling. A method of early detection of those people prone to develop the most infectious form of leprosy would contribute to breaking the chain of transmission. Prophylactic treatment of serologically identified high-risk contacts of incident patients should be an operationally feasible approach for routine control programs. In addition, classification of high-risk household contacts will allow control program resources to be more focused. In this prospective study, we examined the ability of serology used for the detection of antibodies to phenolic glycolipid I of
Mycobacterium leprae
to identify those household contacts of multibacillary leprosy patients who had the highest risk of developing leprosy. After the start of multidrug therapy for the index case, a new case of leprosy developed in one in seven of the 178 households studied. In households where new cases appeared, the seropositivity rates were significantly higher (
P
< 0.001) than those in households without new cases. Seropositive household contacts had a significantly higher risk of developing leprosy (relative hazard adjusted for age and sex [aRH], 7.2), notably multibacillary leprosy (aRH = 24), than seronegative contacts.
Increased Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines following Infection with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Thanawongnuwech Roongroje , Thacker Brad , Halbur Patrick , Thacker Eileen L. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTInduction of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) (α and β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) was assessed following experimental infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and/orMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeby using in vivo and in vitro models. The in vivo model consisted of pigs infected with PRRSV and/orM. hyopneumoniaeand necropsied at 10, 28, or 42 days postinfection. Pigs infected with both pathogens had a greater percentage of macroscopic lung lesions, increased clinical disease, and slower viral clearance than pigs infected with either pathogen alone. The pigs infected with both PRRSV andM. hyopneumoniaehad significantly increased levels of mRNA for many proinflammatory cytokines in PAMs collected by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at all necropsy dates compared to those in uninfected control pigs. Increased levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α proteins in BAL fluid, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, confirmed the increased cytokine induction induced by the pathogens. An in vitro model consisted ofM. hyopneumoniae-inoculated tracheal ring explants cultured with PRRSV-infected PAMs. PAMs were harvested at 6 or 15 h postinfection with either or both pathogens. The in vitro study detected increased IL-10 and IL-12 mRNA levels in PAMs infected with PRRSV at all time periods. In addition, IL-10 protein levels were significantly elevated in the culture supernatants in the presence ofM. hyopneumoniae-inoculated tracheal ring explants. The increased production of proinflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro associated with concurrentM. hyopneumoniaeand PRRSV infection may play a role in the increased rates of pneumonia associated with PRRSV infection. The increased levels of IL-10 may be a possible mechanism that PRRSV andM. hyopneumoniaeuse to exacerbate the severity and duration of pneumonia induced by PRRSV and modulate the respiratory immune response.