bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory Effects of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides on Established Th2 Responses
Authors: Kitagaki Kunihiko , Jain Vipul V. , Businga Thomas R. , Hussain Iftikhar , Kline Joel N. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTCpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) are known to induce type 1 T-helper-cell (Th1) responses. We have previously demonstrated that CpG ODNs administered during sensitization prevent Th2-mediated eosinophilic airway inflammation in vivo. We also reported that key Th1 cytokines, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 12 (IL-12), are not necessary for this protection. Recent in vivo data suggest that CpG ODNs might also reverse established pulmonary eosinophilia. In order to clarify how CpG ODNs can inhibit established Th2 responses, we evaluated the cytokine production from splenocytes from antigen- and alum-immunized mice. Restimulation with antigen induced IL-5, which was clearly inhibited by coculture with CpG ODNs in a concentration-dependent manner. CpG ODNs also induced IFN-γ, but in a concentration-independent manner. The inhibition of IL-5 production was not mediated through natural killer cells or via CD8+T lymphocytes. Although IFN-γ plays an important role in inhibition of antigen-induced IL-5 production by CpG ODNs, IFN-γ was not the sole factor in IL-5 inhibition. CpG ODNs also induced IL-10, and this induction correlated well with IL-5 inhibition. Elimination of IL-10 reduced the anti-IL-5 effect of CpG ODNs, although incompletely. This may be because IFN-γ, induced by CpG ODNs, is also inhibited by IL-10, serving as a homeostatic mechanism for the Th1-Th2 balance. Overproduction of IFN-γ was downregulated by CpG ODN-induced IL-10 via modulation of IL-12 production. These data suggest that CpG ODNs may inhibit established Th2 immune responses through IFN-γ and IL-10 production, the latter serving to regulate excessive Th1 bias. These properties of CpG ODNs might be a useful feature in the development of immunotherapy adjuvants against allergic diseases such as asthma.
Identification of Pulmonary T-Lymphocyte and Serum Antibody Isotype Responses Associated with Protection againstRhodococcus equi
Authors: Lopez A. Marianela , Hines Melissa T. , Palmer Guy H. , Alperin Debra C. , Hines Stephen A. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTRhodococcus equiinfects and causes pneumonia in foals between 2 and 4 months of age but does not induce disease in immunocompetent adults, which are immune and remain clinically normal upon challenge. Understanding the protective response againstR. equiin adult horses is important in the development of vaccine strategies, since those mechanisms likely reflect the protective phenotype that an effective vaccine would generate in the foal. Twelve adult horses were challenged with virulentR. equiand shown to be protected against clinical disease. Stimulation of cells obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with eitherR. equior the vaccine candidate protein VapA resulted in significant proliferation and a significant increase in the level of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression by day 7 postchallenge. The levels of interleukin-4 expression were also increased at day 7 postchallenge; however, this increase was not antigen specific. Anamnestic increases in the levels of binding toR. equiand VapA of all immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody isotypes [IgGa, IgGb, IgG(T)] examined were detected postchallenge. The levels ofR. equi- and VapA-specific IgGa and IgGb antibodies, the IgG isotypes that preferentially opsonize and fix complement in horses, were dramatically enhanced postchallenge. The antigen-specific proliferation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells, the levels of IFN-γ expression by these cells, and the anamnestic increases in the levels of opsonizing IgG isotypes are consistent with stimulation of a memory response in immune adult horses and represent correlates for vaccine development in foals.
Unique Epitope of Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus Gag Protein Spans the Cleavage Site between p16
MA
and p2L
Authors: Lu Ming , Zheng Ling , Mitchell Kathy , Kapil Sanjay , Wood Charles , Minocha Harish 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and Jembrana disease virus (JDV) are closely related bovine lentiviruses that are difficult to distinguish by presently available diagnostic methods. Recently, in our laboratory, a monoclonal antibody (MAb; MAb 10H1) against the BIV Gag protein identified a differential epitope, located at the 6.4-kDa N terminus of a 29-kDa Gag capsid protein, which was absent in JDV. To define the essential amino acids of the epitope, a series of primers within the 163 bp of DNA corresponding to the 6.4-kDa protein were designed. The full-length 163-bp DNA fragment and the smaller DNA fragments with deletions were amplified by PCR and then cloned into pQE32 vectors for protein expression studies. The expressed proteins were analyzed with MAb 10H1 by Western blotting. The differential epitope has been narrowed to a 26-amino-acid region (R121 to R146), which includes 6 residues of p16
MA
(where MA represents the matrix protein) and 20 residues of p2L. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the putative 26-amino-acid epitope blocked MAb 10H1 binding to the expressed peptide. These experiments revealed that the epitope spans the cleavage site between p16
MA
and p2L and presumably will be valuable in distinguishing the two viruses.
NK Cells Mediate Increase of Phagocytic Activity but Not of Proinflammatory Cytokine (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, and IL-12) Production Elicited in Splenic Macrophages by Tilorone Treatment of Mice during Acute Systemic Candidiasis
Authors: Gaforio José Juan , Ortega Elena , Algarra Ignacio , Serrano María José , Alvarez de Cienfuegos Gerardo 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTThe participation of NK cells in the activation of splenic macrophages or in resistance to systemic candidiasis is still a matter of debate. We had previously reported that there is a correlation between natural killer cell activation and resistance to systemic candidiasis. In those experiments we had used tilorone to boost NK cell activity in mice. Here we show a mechanism elicited by tilorone in splenic macrophages which could explain their effect on mouse survival during acute disseminatedCandida albicansinfection. The results demonstrate that tilorone treatment elicits, by a direct effect, the production of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and IL-12) by splenic macrophages. In addition, it increases the capacity of splenic macrophages to phagocytizeC. albicansthrough activation of NK cells. We also demonstrate that the presence of NK cells is essential for maintaining a basal level of phagocytic activity, which characterizes splenic macrophages of naïve control mice. The results demonstrate that it is possible to identify two phenotypically and functionally peculiar cell populations among splenic macrophages: (i) cells of the “stimulator/secretor phenotype,” which show high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II surface expression, are poorly phagocytic, and synthesize the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12, and (ii) cells of the “phagocytic phenotype,” which express low levels of MHC class II molecules, are highly phagocytic, and do not secrete proinflammatory cytokines.
Celiac Disease and Immunoglobulin A Deficiency: How Effective Are the Serological Methods of Diagnosis?
Authors: Kumar V. , Jarzabek-Chorzelska M. , Sulej J. , Karnewska Krystyna , Farrell T. , Jablonska S. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is 10 to 15 times more common in patients with celiac disease (CD) than in healthy subjects. Serological tests have become the preferred methods of diagnosing CD in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. However, commercially available serological methods are limited in that they detect only the IgA isotype of antibodies (with the exception of IgG gliadin assays); hence, IgA-deficient patients with CD may yield false-negative serology. Fifteen pediatric patients with CD and 10 IgA-deficient pediatric patients without CD were examined for IgA and IgG antibodies to endomysium, gliadin, and tissue transglutaminase. Twenty-five specimens from patients with IgA deficiency were examined. Fifteen were from patients with CD, and 10 were patients without CD. All 15 IgA-deficient patients with CD were positive for endomysium antibodies of the IgG isotype and for IgG gliadin antibodies. All but one of the IgA-deficient patients with CD were also positive for IgG tissue transglutaminase antibodies. None of the IgA-deficient patients without CD were positive for any of the antibody markers. All the specimens examined were also negative for IgA-specific antibodies to endomysium, gliadin, and tissue transglutaminase. IgG-specific antibody tests for endomysium, gliadin, and tissue transglutaminase are useful for the identification of IgA-deficient patients with CD. IgG antibody tests along with tests routinely being used in clinical laboratories can reliably detect all active patients with CD. In addition, the levels of these CD-specific IgG antibodies could be used to monitor patient dietary compliance.
Conformational Dependence and Conservation of an Immunodominant Epitope within the
Babesia equi
Erythrocyte-Stage Surface Protein Equi Merozoite Antigen 1
Authors: Cunha Cristina W. , Kappmeyer Lowell S. , McGuire Travis C. , Dellagostin Odir A. , Knowles Donald P. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

Equi merozoite antigen 1 (EMA-1) is an immunodominant
Babesia equi
erythrocyte-stage surface protein. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), based on inhibition of monoclonal antibody (MAb) 36/133.97 binding to recombinant EMA-1 by equine anti-
B. equi
antibodies, detects horses infected with strains present throughout the world. The objectives of this study were to define the epitope bound by MAb 36/133.97 and quantify the amino acid conservation of EMA-1, including the region containing the epitope bound by MAb 36/133.97. The alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence of full-length EMA-1 (Florida isolate) with 15 EMA-1 sequences from geographically distinct isolates showed 82.8 to 99.6% identities (median, 98.5%) and 90.5 to 99.6% similarities (median, 98.9%) between sequences. Full-length and truncated recombinant EMA-1 proteins were expressed and tested for their reactivities with MAb 36/133.97. Binding required the presence of amino acids on both N- and C-terminal regions of a truncated peptide (EMA-1.2) containing amino acids 1 to 98 of EMA-1. This result indicated that the epitope defined by MAb 36/133.97 is dependent on conformation. Sera from persistently infected horses inhibited the binding of MAb 36/133.97 to EMA-1.2 in a competitive ELISA, indicating that equine antibodies which inhibit binding of MAb 36/133.97 also recognize epitopes in the same region (the first 98 residues). Within this region, the deduced amino acid sequences had 85.7 to 100% identities (median, 99.0%), with similarities of 94.9 to 100% (median, 100%). Therefore, the region which binds to both MAb 36/133.97 and inhibiting equine antibodies has a median amino acid identity of 99.0% and a similarity of 100%. These data provide a molecular basis for the use of both EMA-1 and MAb 36/133.97 for the detection of antibodies against
B. equi
.
Primary Role of Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-1β in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hypoglycemia in Mice
Authors: Oguri Senri , Motegi Katsutoshi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Endo Yasuo 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTWithin a few hours of its injection into mice, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces hypoglycemia and the production of various cytokines. We previously found that interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induce hypoglycemia and that the minimum effective dose of IL-1α or IL-1β is about 1/1,000 that of TNF-α. In the present study, we examined the contribution made by IL-1 to the hypoglycemic action of LPS. Nine other cytokines tested were all inactive at inducing hypoglycemia. LPS produced hypoglycemia in mice deficient in either IL-1α or IL-1β but not in mice deficient in both cytokines (IL-1α and -1β knockout [IL-1α/β KO] mice). IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α induced hypoglycemia in IL-1α/β KO mice, as they did in normal control mice. The LPS-induced elevation of serum cortisol was weaker in IL-1α/β KO mice than in control mice, and, in the latter, serum cortisol was markedly raised while blood glucose was declining. IL-1α decreased blood glucose both in NOD mice (which have impaired insulin production) and in KK-Ay mice (insulin resistant). These results suggest that (i) cortisol may not be involved in mediating the resistance of IL-1α/β KO mice to the hypoglycemic action of LPS, (ii) as a mediator, IL-1 is a prerequisite for the hypoglycemic action of LPS, (iii) IL-1α and IL-1β perform mutual compensation, and (iv) IL-1 plays a role as the primary stimulator of the many anabolic reactions required for the elaboration of immune responses against infection.
Responses of Endoscopy Patients in Ladakh, India, to
Helicobacter pylori
Whole-Cell and CagA Antigens
Authors: Romero-Gallo Judith , Pérez-Pérez Guillermo I. , Novick Richard P. , Kamath Patrick , Norbu Tsering , Blaser Martin J. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

Although
Helicobacter pylori
is a cosmopolitan colonizer of the human stomach, the responses among persons in remote populations from whom
H. pylori
was cultured have not been studied. We report on studies of 189 persons in the Ladakh region of India in whom serum immunoglobulin G responses to
H. pylori
whole-cell and CagA antigens were measured.
H. pylori
was isolated from 68 of these patients. An
H. pylori
whole-cell antigen derived from Ladakhi strains outperformed a similar antigen from U.S. strains, as determined by antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In total, 95% of the population was seropositive, including individuals responding only to the CagA antigen. Correlation with culture results showed that these were true positives and, therefore, that the
H. pylori
whole-cell serology was falsely negative in some cases. In addition to establishing a collection of
H. pylori
isolates from a remote area in the world, we show that use of
H. pylori
whole-cell and CagA serology together increases the sensitivity for the detection of colonization.
Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Villamil L. , Tafalla C. , Figueras A. , Novoa B. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTIn the present work, the effects of several lactic acid bacteria on the immune response of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) macrophages have been studied both in vitro and in vivo. Out of six lactic acid bacterial strains tested, only heat-killedLactococcus lactissignificantly increased the turbot head kidney macrophage chemiluminescent (CL) response after 24 h of incubation. Nitric oxide (NO) was also significantly enhanced by this bacterium after 72 h of incubation with either viable (103and 106cells/ml) or heat-killed (106cells/ml) bacteria. ViableLeuconostoc mesenteroides(106cells/ml) was also capable of significantly increasing NO production. SinceL. lactisproved to be the strain with more effects on the host immune function, further in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted with this bacterium. The in vitro capacity ofL. lactisto adhere to turbot intestinal mucus was positively confirmed. When orally administered,L. lactissignificantly increased the macrophage CL response and the serum NO concentration after 7 days of daily administration. The antibacterial effect of the extracellular products from the six LAB strains against the fish-pathogenic bacteriumVibrio anguillarumwas also demonstrated in vitro.
Patterns of Cytokines and Soluble Cellular Receptors in the Sera of Children with Acute Chagas' Disease
Authors: Moretti Edgardo , Basso Beatriz , Cervetta Liliana , Brigada Ana , Barbieri Gustavo 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

Cytokines and soluble cellular receptors are involved in inflammatory processes and probably in the pathogenesis of parasite and bacterial diseases. In a previous study, we reported increased levels of soluble receptors of interleukin-2 (sIL2-R) in children with acute Chagas' disease, one of the main parasitic infections that is endemic in Latin America. We sought to analyze the pattern of different cytokines and soluble receptors in the sera of children with chagasic infection. Children with acute and indeterminate stages of Chagas' disease, as well as nonchagasic children, were studied. Sera were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, sIL-2R, and the soluble receptors of CD8 and CD4 (sCD8 and sCD4). sIL-2R and sCD8 showed the highest levels in serum in acutely infected children, decreasing after specific antiparasite therapy. Chronic children showed a pattern similar to the one of nonchagasic children. Although they were not statistically significant, TNF-α, IL-6, and sCD4 showed a tendency to reach high levels in the acutely infected group, whereas IL-2, IL-8, and IL-12 did not reveal changes with respect to the noninfected children. In summary, we report here the patterns of cytokines and soluble receptors in in the sera of children infected with
Trypanosoma cruzi
; we found significantly increased levels of sIL-2R and sCD8 in acute infection that decreased after therapy, and high levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and sCD4 in some of the acute patients. The measurement of sIL-2R and sCD8 may provide a useful tool in the follow-up of children with Chagas' disease.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities and Serotype Distribution of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates from a Low Socioeconomic Area in Lima, Peru
Authors: Cullotta Anna R. , Kalter H. D. , Delgado Jose , Gilman Robert H. , Facklam Richard R. , Velapatino Billie , Coronel Jorge , Cabrera Lilia , Urbina M. 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates were obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs taken from children living in a low socioeconomic area of Lima, Peru, to determine the rates of antimicrobial resistance and serotype distribution. A total of 146 nasopharyngeal isolates were collected from children from 3 to 38 months of age. Twenty-one clinical laboratory isolates from both sterile and nonsterile sites were obtained from a local hospital. Isolates with reduced susceptibilities to penicillin represented 15.1 and 42.9% of the nasopharyngeal and clinical isolates, respectively. For neither group of isolates did penicillin MICs exceed 1.5 μg/ml, indicating only intermediate resistance. Thirty-two different serotypes were identified from the 146 nasopharyngeal isolates. The serotypes of the clinical isolates were represented among those 32 types. Isolates with reduced susceptibility to multiple antimicrobial agents were present in both settings. These findings indicate some of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance in the region as well as a slightly different serotype distribution pattern from those of other South American countries. The 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccines would only have a limited effect, providing coverage for about half of all isolates. Increasing rates of resistance in Peru necessitate an awareness of antimicrobial treatment practices and vaccination strategies.
Comparative Study of the Presence of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Clinically Definite and Monosymptomatic Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sriram Subramaniam , Yao Song-yi , Stratton Charles , Calabresi Peter , Mitchell William , Ikejima Hideaki , Yamamoto Yoshimasa 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACT

There is considerable controversy concerning the evidence for the presence of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of both multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and patients with other neurological diseases (OND). In order to clarify this issue, the laboratories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the University of South Florida (USF) examined the reproducibility of their respective PCR assays for the detection of
C. pneumoniae
DNA in the CSF of a common group of MS patients and OND controls. The two laboratories used different DNA extraction and PCR techniques in order to determine the prevalence of the
C. pneumoniae
genome in both monosymptomatic and clinically definite MS patients as well as in OND controls. In clinically definite MS patients, the VUMC and USF detection rates were 72 and 61%, respectively, and in patients with monosymptomatic MS, the VUMC and USF detection rates were 41 and 54%, respectively. The PCR signal was positive for 7% of the OND controls at VUMC and for 16% at USF. These studies confirm our previous reports concerning the high prevalence of
C. pneumoniae
in the CSF of MS patients. The presence of
C. pneumoniae
in patients with monosymptomatic MS would also suggest that infection with the organism occurs early in the course of the disease.
Efficiency of Reconstitution of Immunoglobulin G from Blood Specimens Dried on Filter Paper and Utility in Herpes Simplex Virus Type-Specific Serology Screening
Authors: Hogrefe Wayne R. , Ernst Carolyn , Su Xin 
Published: November 2002

ABSTRACTThe performance of studies using sera from remote locations is greatly facilitated if whole-blood samples dried on filter paper are shown to be compatible with the serologic assay being employed. Since dried blood samples do not require immediate refrigeration, occupy little space, and are easily transported, they may be used for evaluating the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 in geographic locations where laboratory resources are limited. We evaluated the utility of dried blood samples for the detection of type-specific HSV antibodies. The efficiency of using immunoglobulin G (IgG) eluted from dried blood samples was found to be consistent with measurement of IgG concentrations in most corresponding serum samples. The ratio of the mean IgG concentration for all dried blood samples to the mean IgG concentration for the corresponding sera was 1:29. When the 1:29 ratio was applied to each of the 22 pairs of samples, there was a deviation of less than 15% between concentrations in the dried blood sample and in the corresponding serum sample in 19 of the pairs. No positive or negative bias was detected for the IgG eluted from dried blood. The presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies was determined in the paired dried blood and serum samples, and no differences in the HSV serostatuses were detected for 43 of the 44 pairs. One pair's serostatus varied, with the serum sample being weakly positive for HSV-1 and the dried blood sample results being equivocal. The detection of HSV antibodies was generally consistent for dried blood samples stored frozen for over 1 year or at room temperature for 30 days, although decreased reactivities were found in a few samples.