bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in interleukin‐12‐producing ability by monocytes and their relevance to allergic diseases
Authors: Itazawa T. , Adachi Y. , Okabe Y. , Hamamichi M. , Adachi Y. S. , Toyoda M. , Morohashi M. , Miyawaki T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground The T helper type‐2 (Th2)‐dominated situation can be observed in allergic diseases such as asthma or atopic dermatitis. A reduced ability to produce IL‐12, which is a key cytokine for the induction of Th1 responses, has been proposed to lead to aberrant Th2 development in these disease conditions.Objective This study was intended to examine how IL‐12‐producing ability might associate with allergic diseases as a function of age.Methods IL‐12 production by monocytes at various ages was assessed in patients with bronchial asthma and/or atopic dermatitis (n = 100) in comparison with non‐allergic control subjects (n = 144). Whole blood cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after priming with IFN‐γ, then intracellular cytokine expression of IL‐12 and IL‐8 as a control cytokine of CD14‐positive cells was assessed by flow cytometric analysis.Results In the control subjects, the ability of monocytes to produce IL‐12 was negligible at birth and gradually increased with advancing age, whereas IL‐8 production was intense throughout the human life. At more than 7 years of age, IL‐12 production of patients with allergic diseases was significantly lower compared with that of control subjects. The unexpected finding was that infants and children below 6 years of age with allergic diseases tended to produce more IL‐12 compared with age‐matched controls. In this young group, it was noted that enhanced IL‐12 production by monocytes was especially observed in allergic patients with specific IgE antibodies against some food allergens. Significant inverse relationships between serum IgE levels and IL‐12‐producing ability were found in the teenage and adult groups, but not in the younger children.Conclusion IL‐12 appeared to play different roles in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases between younger and older ages.
Peptide mapping of immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G immunodominant epitopes of an allergenic Blomia tropicalis paramyosin, Blo t 11
Authors: Ramos J. D. A. , Cheong N. , Lee B. W. , Chua K. Y. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground The identification of immunodominant peptides containing the IgE and IgG epitopes on allergen molecules is an important step in understanding the interaction of the allergen with the immune system and, thus, essential for the development of effective immunotherapeutic and diagnostic reagents. The present study aimed to map the IgE and IgG immunodominant peptides of Blomia tropicalis (Bt) allergen Blo t 11, a high molecular weight allergen homologous to paramyosin, exhibiting important allergenic activity.Methods Eleven overlapping fragments of Blo t 11 cDNA gene were expressed as glutathione s‐transferase (GST) fusion peptides, which were affinity‐purified using the glutathione‐Sepharose column. Human IgE and IgG immunodominant peptides were determined by dot blot immunoassay using crude Bt extract‐positive sera from asthmatic patients. Evaluation of allergenicity, specific hIgG subclass analysis, and cross‐ and self‐inhibition studies were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results Blo t 11 contains multiple IgE and IgG immunodominant peptides scattered throughout the molecule. The dominant IgE and IgG peptides were mapped at amino acid positions 336–557 and 698–875, respectively. An immunodominant peptide (fD) registered a higher percentage of IgE and IgG reactivity compared to the rFL‐Blo t 11. Significant serum levels of Blo t 11‐ and fD‐specific IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4, but not IgG3 were detected in the Bt extract‐positive sera tested. Cross‐inhibition study revealed the rFL‐Blo t 11 was significantly inhibited by fD.Conclusion The IgE and IgG immunodominant peptides of Blo t 11 have been mapped. Our data suggest that utilization of Blo t 11 fragment(s) or chimeric fusion fragments containing IgE and IgG epitopes could be a better alternative in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for mite allergy.
Par j 1 and Par j 2, the major allergens from Parietaria judaica pollen, have similar immunoglobulin E epitopes
Authors: Asturias J. A. , Gómez‐Bayón N. , Eseverri J. L. , Martínez A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground Parietaria judaica is the main cause of allergy in Mediterranean countries. The major allergens from P. judaica pollen, Par j 1 and Par j 2, have amino acid sequence identity of 45% and contain eight cysteine residues involved in disulphide bonds that compact the structure.Objective The aim of the study was to identify IgE‐binding epitopes on Par j 1 and Par j 2, the major allergens from P. judaica pollen and correlate them with the three‐dimensional structure of the proteins.Methods Overlapping peptides representing the complete length of Par j 1 and Par j 2 were synthesized on a cellulose‐derivatized membrane. Sera from 17 P. judaica‐allergenic patients were used to identify IgE‐binding epitopes. Homology modelling of the three dimensional structure of both allergens was generated using the Swiss‐Model software on the basis of previously reported crystal structures.Results Five and eight IgE‐binding epitopes were identified on Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens, respectively. Both proteins belonged to the non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (ns‐LTP) family and therefore a three‐dimensional model of both allergens was constructed on the basis of the maize ns‐LTP crystal structure. Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens have three similar allergenic epitopes with high homology and identical conformation.Conclusion Three similar IgE‐epitopes of major allergens from P. judaica have been described. They could be good candidates for designing of IgE haptens as therapeutic agents with reduced anaphylactic side‐effects or for developing hypoallergenic variants of these major allergens.
Prevalence of occupational allergy due to live fish bait
Authors: Siracusa A. , Marcucci F. , Spinozzi F. , Marabini A. , Pettinari L. , Pace M. L. , Tacconi C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground Larvae of insects and worms, used as live fish bait (LFB), are a common source of allergy in anglers and occupationally exposed workers, but the prevalence and predictors have not yet been investigated.Objective This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of occupational allergy in workers exposed to LFB.Methods We assessed the prevalence of sensitization to LFB and work‐related symptoms (WRS) in 76 workers occupationally exposed to it. All workers completed a case history questionnaire and underwent skin prick tests (SPT) for common aeroallergens and bluebottle (Calliphora vomitoria), bee moth (Galleria mellonella), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and gusano rojo (Cilecomadia moorei). Specific IgE were tested in 64 subjects. Two‐thirds of the workers had a high level of LFB exposure.Results Sensitization to LFB was found in 24 workers (31.6%). Seven subjects (9.2%) reported WRS (asthma in 3, rhinoconjunctivitis in 5, and contact urticaria in 1), and 5 were positive for SPT and serum IgE to one or more LFB extracts. One was also exposed to LFB while fishing. Sensitization to LFB extracts and WRS were strongly associated (Odds Ratio = 6.6, P < 0.05). The 7 subjects with WRS had been exposed longer than asymptomatic subjects with positive skin tests to LFB (P < 0.05). No differences in sex, age, smoking habit, duration or level of exposure, and atopy were detected in symptomatic or in sensitized subjects, compared with normal workers.Conclusion Sensitization to LFB and WRS are relatively frequent in occupationally exposed workers. No associated factors of occupational allergy to LFB could be detected.
Restricted genetic defects underlie human complement C6 deficiency
Authors: DRAGON-DUREY M A , FREMEAUX-BACCHI V , BLOUIN J , BARRAUD D , FRIDMAN W H , KAZATCHKINE M D 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYComplement C6 homozygous deficiency (C6D) has been rarely observed in Caucasians but was reported at higher prevalence among African-Americans. We report on the molecular basis of C6D in seven unrelated black individuals of North or Central Africa descent who live in France. These patients have presented Neisseria meningitidis infection (four cases), focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis with hyalinosis (one case), systemic lupus erythematosus (one case) or Still's disease (one case). All patients exhibited undetectable antigenic C6 by using a sensitive ELISA assay. An additional four cases of complete C6 deficiency with no associated disease have been characterized after family studies. Exons 6, 7 and 12 have been described recently as the location of molecular defects on the C6 gene in randomly chosen black Americans. Genomic DNA from the seven patients were subjected to direct polymerase chain reaction amplification of these three exons. Nucleotide sequencing analysis of the amplified DNA fragments revealed a homozygous single-base deletion (1936delG) in exon 12 in three cases and four compound heterozygous deletions for a single base in exon 7 (1195delC) or in exon 6 (878delA) associated with the same deletion in exon 12 (1936delG). Our observations further establish the restricted pattern of genetic defects associated with homozygous C6 complement deficiency in individuals of African descent.
Preserved immune system in long-term asymptomatic vertically HIV-1 infected children
Authors: RESINO S , CORREA R , BELLÓN J M , MUÑOZ-FERNÁNDEZ M Á 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to study immune system status in long-term asymptomatic (LTA) HIV-1-infected children. A cross-sectional study was used, involving HIV-1-infected children over 7 years of age who were rated into two groups according to their clinical and immunological classification: (a) LTA: 7 asymptomatic HIV-1-infected children in A1; (b) Rapid progressor (RP): 14 age-matched C3 HIV-1-infected children. The control group consisted of 17 age-matched uninfected children. The characterization of CD4+ T-cell subsets was determined by three-colour flow cytometry. The proliferative response and cytokine production by activated peripheral blood T-cells were also measured. IL-7 levels were measured in serum. Thymic production of T-cells was quantified by TCR rearrangement excision circles (TRECs). The LTA children showed similar proliferative responses to PHA, PWM and anti-CD3+ anti-CD28, but lower responses to tetanus toxoid and streptokinase, in comparison with the controls but always higher responses in comparison with the RP group. The production of TNF-α and IFN-γ was similar in the LTA and control groups, and both were higher than the levels in the RP group. The LTA group showed a lower percentage of memory CD4+ T-cells (CD4+ CD45RO+, CD4+ CD45RA-CD62L+) than the control and RP groups. The LTA group also showed lower percentages of CD4+ CD7- cells than the controls. As for naïve CD4+ T-cells (CD4+ CD45RA+ CD62L+), CD4+ CD45RA+ and CD4+ CD62L+ cells, the LTA group showed higher values than the control and RP groups. The LTA group showed higher percentages of CD4+ HLA-DR+ CD38+ than the controls, but lower values than the RP group. In contrast, the LTA group had percentages of CD4+ HLA-DR-CD38+ T-cells higher than both the control and RP groups, whereas CD4+ CD38+ levels were only higher in the LTA group in comparison with the controls. CD4+ HLA-DR+ CD38- and CD4+ HLA-DR+ cell numbers were lower in the LTA group in comparison with the RP group. We found almost normal values of TRECs and IL-7 in the LTA group, but lower values in the RP group. Moreover, we found an inverse relation between TREC levels and IL-7 in plasma from HIV-infected children. Asymptomatic HIV-1 infected children have a well preserved immune system similar to that of control uninfected children in spite of HIV-infection for more than 7 years. Moreover, our results identified new markers of HIV disease, such as TRECs and IL-7, that could be used to monitor disease.
Virus load correlates inversely with the expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation markers in HIV-1-infected/AIDS patients showing MHC-unrestricted CTL-mediated lysis
Authors: SINDHU S T A K , AHMAD R , BLAGDON M , AHMAD A , TOMA E , MORISSET R , MENEZES J 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYCytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are key players to suppress viral load (VL) but CTL responses become compromised with progression of HIV-infection/AIDS. Some progressors develop MHC-unrestricted CTL with anti-CD4+ cytocidal activity. Immune activation status of these CTL and its significance in disease progression are unknown. To determine the relationship between VL and T cell activation, a cross-sectional study was carried out using blood samples from 13 HIV-1-infected/AIDS patients at various stages of progression and seven age-matched seronegative controls. We examined expression of HLA-DR and CD38 activation markers on purified CTL. MHC-unrestricted killing by these CTL was also evaluated against uninfected, allogeneic CD4+ T cells as well as several human cell lines. The expression of activation markers correlated inversely (rs = − 0·91, P &lt; 0·0001) with VL of the subjects. CTL effectors of these patients killed targets expressing or lacking CD4+, independently of MHC class I recognition. Interestingly, the patients with higher VL showed an increased number of γδTCR-bearing CTL in blood and their MHC-unrestricted killing activity was blocked significantly (P &lt; 0·01) by γδTCR-specific monoclonal antibody. CD3+ T counts of these patients were also consistently subnormal. Inverse correlation between VL and CD8+ T cell activation markers seems to be an indicator of CTL-associated immunopathogenesis in HIV patients with elevated γδCTL in the peripheral blood.
A set of recombinant antigens from Echinococcus granulosus with potential for use in the immunodiagnosis of human cystic hydatid disease
Authors: VIRGINIO V G , HERNÁNDEZ A , ROTT M B , MONTEIRO K M , ZANDONAI A F , NIETO A , ZAHA A , FERREIRA H B 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY
Several recombinant clones expressing antigens from Echinococcus granulosus were isolated previously from a parasite cDNA library using cystic hydatid disease (CHD) patients’ sera or rabbit hyperimmune antiserum against a lipoproteic fraction from bovine cyst fluid. Six of these antigens were expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant proteins were tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific IgG with a panel of sera from patients with surgically confirmed (n = 58) or immunologically diagnosed (n = 71) CHD. Sera from clinically normal individuals (n = 203) and sera from individuals with other helminthic infections (n = 65) were assayed for the assessment of specificity. A cut-off value was determined by receiver-operating-characteristic plots for each antigen. A recombinant antigen B subunit (AgB8/2) presented the highest sensitivity (93·1%), considering the group of sera from patients with CHD surgically confirmed, and specificity (99·5%) and is proposed as the basis for an immunodiagnostic test. The other recombinant antigens tested presented sensitivities between 58·6% and 89·7%, and three of them were considered of complementary value. In subclass-specific ELISA, different IgG isotypes showed dominance in the response for each of the recombinant antigens. There was a clear predominance of IgG4 response for all antigens tested, indicating that this would be the subclass of choice to be assessed for these recombinant proteins.
Quantification of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase gene induction in atopic and non-atopic monocytes after ligation of the high-affinity receptor for IgE, FcɛRI and interferon-γstimulation
Authors: VON BUBNOFF D , BEZOLD G , MATZ H , HANAU D , De La SALLE H , BIEBER T 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYAntigen-presenting cells (APCs) are crucial in regulating the outcome of T cell responses. Certain APCs are able to down-regulate T cell proliferation in vitro by inducing the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) upon interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation. IDO is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan. A lack of extracellular tryptophan creates environments in which cells become starved for this amino acid. The high-affinity receptor for IgE, FcɛRI, is the principal receptor for the binding of specific IgE in type I-mediated allergies. We demonstrated recently that IDO is overexpressed in FcɛRI-stimulated monocytes. In the present study, we performed quantification of IDO gene induction after treatment of atopic (FcɛRIhigh) and non-atopic (FcɛRIlow/–) monocytes with IgE/anti-IgE and IFN-γ. By quantitative PCR ELISA, we found IDO molecule induction in atopic monocytes was enhanced about 50-fold over non-atopic monocytes after ligation of FcɛRI. Stimulation with IFN-γ at a concentration of 100 U/ml in culture medium caused an increase in IDO gene copy numbers in atopics of about fourfold over that of non-atopics. This comparative quantification study demonstrates clearly the regulation of IDO gene expression by FcɛRI and discloses differences thereof in atopic and non-atopic cells upon inflammatory stimuli.
Expression of CD80 on Kupffer cells is enhanced in cadaveric liver transplants
Authors: KWEKKEBOOM J , KUIJPERS M A , BRUYNEEL B , MANCHAM S , DE BAAR-HEESAKKERS E , IJZERMANS J N M , BOUMA G J , ZONDERVAN P E , TILANUS H W , METSELAAR H J 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYIn experimental animals inhibition of T cell co-stimulation immediately after organ transplantation effectively prevents rejection. We investigated whether the expression of co-stimulatory molecules is enhanced in cadaveric liver transplants, whether their expression is influenced by the transplantation procedure, and whether variation in expression between liver transplants is related to the occurrence of acute rejection. Expression of CD80, CD86 and the macrophage marker CD68 were determined by immunohistochemistry in biopsies from 40 clinical liver transplants obtained at different time-points during the transplantation procedure, and in normal liver tissue obtained from 10 human livers. Expression of CD80 and CD86 on Kupffer cells was graded by comparison with CD68-staining. In a subgroup CD80 and CD86 mRNA was quantified by real-time detection polymerase chain reaction. CD86 was expressed in all liver transplants and normal livers on the majority of Kupffer cells. CD80 was absent or sporadically expressed in normal liver tissue, but in 18 of 40 liver transplants at least one-quarter of Kupffer cells expressed CD80. CD80- and CD86-mRNA and protein expression in liver transplants did not change during the warm ischaemic and reperfusion phases of the transplantation procedure. CD80-expression on Kupffer cells varied strongly between individual donor livers; this variation was, however, not significantly related to the occurrence of acute rejection after transplantation. In conclusion, in nearly half of cold-preserved cadaveric liver transplants an increased proportion of Kupffer cells express CD80 at the time of transplantation in comparison with normal liver tissue. The expression was not further induced by warm ischaemia and reperfusion. However, the observed variation in CD80-expression between liver transplants is not a accurate predictive measure for acute rejection.
Specific stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute myocarditis by peptide-bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a naturally occurring autologous hapten
Authors: CICEK G , SCHILTZ E , STAIGER J , NEUMANN F-J , MELCHERS I , BRANDSCH R 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe tryptic FAD-peptide carrying the flavin in 8α-(N3)histidyl linkage as natural hapten was isolated by HPLC from the bacterial enzyme 6-hydroxy-d-nicotine oxidase. The same flavin protein linkage is found in the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit, the predominant flavoprotein with covalently bound FAD in mitochondria of cardiomyocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from four patients with acute myocarditis, seven patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and from four healthy control individuals. The response of PBMC to the FAD-peptide was evaluated by measuring proliferation ([3H]-dThd incorporation) and cytokine secretion [interferon (IFN)-γ]. PBMC from all patients with acute myocarditis showed positive responses to the FAD-peptide, in contrast to PBMC from patients with DCM or control individuals. Following the recovery of the patients from the acute inflammation of the heart, PBMC no longer exhibited a proliferation response to the FAD-peptide. A chemically synthesized FAD-free peptide with identical amino acid sequence induced no response of PBMC. The results are consistent with a recall response by activated T cells, specific for the normally cryptic mitochondrial flavin-hapten, which may be liberated following cardiomyocyte destruction during the inflammation of the heart.
Myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Authors: DARMOCHWAL-KOLARZ D , ROLINSKI J , TABARKIEWICZ J , LESZCZYNSKA-GORZELAK B , BUCZKOWSKI J , WOJAS K , OLESZCZUK J 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe aim of our study was to estimate the populations of peripheral blood myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells (CD1c+, BDCA-2+) and the CD1c+ : BDCA-2+ ratio in normal pregnant women and in patients with pre-eclampsia. Fifteen women in the first, second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy, and 25 patients with pre-eclampsia were included in the study. The dendritic cells were isolated from peripheral blood, stained with monoclonal antibodies against blood dendritic cell antigens (anti-CD1c, anti-BDCA-2) and estimated using the flow cytometric method. CD1c+ and BDCA-2+ dendritic cells were present in women during all trimesters of physiological pregnancy and in pre-eclamptic patients. It was observed that the numbers of dendritic cells were significantly lower in the second trimester when compared with the first and third trimesters of normal pregnancy. Furthermore, in the second trimester, CD1c+ : BDCA-2+ ratio was higher than in the other trimesters of physiological pregnancy. All populations of dendritic cells and CD1c+ : BDCA-2+ ratio did not differ in the first and third trimesters of normal pregnancy. The percentage of BDCA-2+ dendritic cells was significantly lower in pre-eclampsia in comparison with healthy women in the third trimester of physiological pregnancy, while CD1c+ : BDCA-2+ ratio was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic patients when compared with control groups. We concluded that dendritic cells may be involved in the immune regulation during physiological pregnancy. CD1c+ and BDCA-2+ cells can influence the Th2 phenomenon which is observed during physiological pregnancy. Furthermore, it seems possible that lower BDCA-2+ cells percentage and higher CD1c+ : BDCA-2+ ratio can be associated with increased Th1-type immunity in patients with pre-eclampsia.