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Fish & Shellfish Immunology Jan 2024Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is a complex immune mechanism that involves the release of several killing molecules, being perforin (PRF) one of the most important effector...
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is a complex immune mechanism that involves the release of several killing molecules, being perforin (PRF) one of the most important effector players. Perforin is synthesized by T lymphocytes and natural killer cells in mammals and responsible for the formation of pores on the target cell membrane during the killing process. Although perforin has been extensively studied in higher vertebrates, this knowledge is very limited in fish. Therefore, in this study we have identified four prf genes in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and evaluated their mRNA levels. All sea bass prf genes showed the typical and conserved domains of its human orthologue and were closely clustered by the phylogenetic analysis. In addition, all genes showed constitutive and ubiquitous tissular expression, being prf1.9 gene the most highly expressed in immune tissues. Subsequently, in vitro stimulation of head-kidney (HK) cells with phytohemagglutinin, a T-cell activator, showed an increase of all prf gene levels, except for prf1.3 gene. European sea bass HK cells increased the transcription of prf1.2 and prf1.9 during the innate cell-mediated cytotoxic activity against xenogeneic target cells. In addition, sea bass infected with nodavirus (NNV) showed a similar expression pattern of all prf in HK and brain at 15 days post-infection, except for prf1.3 gene and in the gonad. Finally, the use of a polyclonal antibody against PRF1.9 showed an increase of positive cells in HK, brain and gonad from NNV-infected fish. Taken together, the data seem to indicate that all prf genes, except prf1.3, appear to be involved in the European sea bass immunity, and probably in the cell-mediated cytotoxic response, with PRF1.9 playing the most important role against nodavirus. The involvement of the PRFs and the CMC activity in the vertical transmission success of the virus is also discussed.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Bass; Phylogeny; Perforin; Fish Diseases; Mammals
PubMed: 38000653
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109244 -
The Journal of Experimental Medicine Jan 2024Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) is essential for T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-mediated signal transduction. Here, we report two siblings homozygous...
Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) is essential for T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-mediated signal transduction. Here, we report two siblings homozygous for a novel LCK variant (c.1318C>T; P440S) characterized by T cell lymphopenia with skewed memory phenotype, infant-onset recurrent infections, failure to thrive, and protracted diarrhea. The patients' T cells show residual TCR signal transduction and proliferation following anti-CD3/CD28 and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. We demonstrate in mouse models that complete (Lck-/-) versus partial (LckP440S/P440S) loss-of-function LCK causes disease with differing phenotypes. While both Lck-/- and LckP440S/P440S mice exhibit arrested thymic T cell development and profound T cell lymphopenia, only LckP440S/P440S mice show residual T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the intestinal disease in the LckP440S/P440S mice is prevented by CD4+ T cell depletion or regulatory T cell transfer. These findings demonstrate that P440S LCK spares sufficient T cell function to allow the maturation of some conventional T cells but not regulatory T cells-leading to intestinal inflammation.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Animals; Mice; CD28 Antigens; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck); Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Inflammation; Lymphopenia
PubMed: 37962568
DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230927 -
EcoHealth Sep 2023Characterizing spatial differences in wildlife immunity is the first step to identify environmental drivers of host defense and disease risks. The house sparrow (Passer...
Characterizing spatial differences in wildlife immunity is the first step to identify environmental drivers of host defense and disease risks. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a model system for ecoimmunology, but spatial differences in immunity have been largely restricted to the invasive range of this global species. We provide an initial test of spatial variation in immune response to phytohemagglutinin in the native range, finding that birds from Romania have greater inflammatory responses than birds from Egypt. Future broad surveys across the house sparrow native range could contextualize these differences and determine underlying drivers.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Sparrows; Romania
PubMed: 37936004
DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01652-9 -
Poultry Science Dec 2023This study aimed to evaluate the immunity of chickens up to 35 d subjected to posthatch fasting and supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A total of 320...
This study aimed to evaluate the immunity of chickens up to 35 d subjected to posthatch fasting and supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A total of 320 chicks were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (0 or 12 h of fasting × 0.000 or 0.025% CLA in a prestarter diet), totaling 4 treatments (No-F-12 h; F-12 h; No-CLA; CLA) with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The relative weights (% body weight) of the spleen and bursa were determined 12 h posthatch (Post-12 h) and then weekly. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were measured by ELISA in the yolk sac contents Post-12 h and in the serum weekly. Hypersensitivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) inoculation was evaluated by toe-web swelling response on d 13 and 34, 4 times a day (after 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h inoculation, respectively, PHA-3 h, PHA-6 h, PHA-12 h, and PHA-24 h). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05). F-12h reduced the Post-12 h relative weight of the spleen, and CLA reduced the relative weight of the bursa at this stage and at 28 d. At 13 d, F-12 h reduced PHA-3 h, whereas PHA-12 h was increased by CLA. At 34 d, CLA reduced PHA-3 h. A greater reaction was observed in the No-F-12 h-CLA chicks, for the PHA-24 h. In the Post-12 h evaluation, F-12h reduced, whereas CLA increased NDV-specific IgY titers in the yolk sac. No-F-12 h-No-CLA chicks had the lowest serum titers. At 21 d, F-12 h-CLA chicks exhibited the highest serum titers. Titers were higher in the F-12 h-No-CLA chicks, when compared to other treatments. At 28 d, fasting reduced the titers. In conclusion, F-12 h and CLA accelerated the transfer of immunoglobulins from the yolk sac to the serum. F-12 h impairs cellular immunity, whereas CLA favors it.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; Immunity, Humoral; Diet; Fasting; Animal Feed
PubMed: 37926012
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103167 -
International Journal of Biometeorology Jan 2024An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on broiler chicken production performance, blood haematological profile,...
An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on broiler chicken production performance, blood haematological profile, biochemical profile, and carcass traits under heat stress conditions. A total of 192-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with six replicates of eight each (4 × 6 × 8). Four corn-based dietary treatments were formulated: T (control diet), T (T + AA at 200 mg/kg), T (T + AA at 400 mg/kg), and T (T + AA at 600 mg/kg) for a period of 42 days. Despite the high temperature and humidity, the 600 mg AA supplemental groups (T) gained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more body weight and had a higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group (T). After 28 days of feeding the three AA-supplemented diets, antibody titres (humoral immune response) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). The response to intradermally injected phyto-haemagglutinin (PHA-P), an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was found to be increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the 400 and 600 mg AA-supplemented groups after 35 days. Higher levels of AA (T) supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved haematological values such as haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), and differential leukocyte count (DLC), heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) in comparison to the control group (T). The supplemented group improved the serum biochemical profile of the birds, with an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total serum protein, albumin, and globulin and a decrease in serum cholesterol and corticosterone levels in the T group compared to the control group. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) was gradually elevated after increasing the ascorbic acid concentration (P ≤ 0.05) at 14 and 21 days. As a result, it can be concluded that supplementing ascorbic acid at 600 mg/kg is beneficial for improving the performance, immunity, and blood haematological biochemical profile and upregulating the HSP-70 gene of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.
Topics: Animals; Animal Feed; Ascorbic Acid; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Heat-Shock Response
PubMed: 37897559
DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02568-3 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Different communities around the world traditionally use L. for medicinal purposes, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties; it is...
Different communities around the world traditionally use L. for medicinal purposes, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties; it is used as an ingredient in teas or herbal medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and immunological disorders. Several studies have been conducted that prove the immunomodulatory properties of this plant; however, it is not known whether the immunomodulatory properties of are mediated by its ability to modulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages (MØs) and dendritic cells (DCs) (through polarization or the maturation state, respectively). Different polar and non-polar extracts and fractions were prepared from the aerial part of . Their cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects were first tested on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively, via an MTT assay. Then, the non-cytotoxic plant extracts and fractions that showed the highest immunomodulatory activity were selected to evaluate their effects on human MØ polarization and DC maturation (cell surface phenotype and cytokine secretion) through multiparametric flow cytometry. Finally, the chemical compounds of the extract that showed the most significant immunomodulatory effects on human APCs were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The petroleum ether extract and the ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions obtained from showed low cytotoxicity and modulated the PHA-stimulated proliferation of PBMCs. Furthermore, the petroleum ether extract induced M2 polarization or a hybrid M1/M2 phenotype in MØs and a semi-mature status in DCs, regardless of exposure to a maturation stimulus. The immunomodulatory activity of the non-polar (petroleum ether) extract of on human PBMC proliferation, M2 polarization of MØs, and semi-mature status in DCs might be attributed to the low-medium polarity components in the extract, such as phytosterol terpenes and fatty acid esters.
Topics: Humans; Bidens; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Solvents; Macrophages; Phenotype; Dendritic Cells
PubMed: 37894572
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207094 -
International Immunopharmacology Dec 2023We had previously reported significant association of immunoectoenzyme CD26 expression on donor harvest with acute Graft-versus-Host-Disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic stem...
Low levels of CD26 on certain cellular subtypes of donor harvest is associated with better clinical outcomes post allogeneic stem cell transplantation through regulation of NF-κB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
BACKGROUND
We had previously reported significant association of immunoectoenzyme CD26 expression on donor harvest with acute Graft-versus-Host-Disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) patients. The current study was aimed at analysing CD26 signaling pathway molecules and understanding their impact on immune reconstitution and clinical outcomes post-ASCT.
SUBJECTS AND METHODOLOGY
The study cohort included 26 transplant donors/patients who underwent reduced intensity (n = 21), myeloablative (n = 4) and non-myeloablative (n = 1) ASCT for hematological malignancies. Donors were matched related donors (n = 19) and haploidentical donors (n = 7). Surface expression of CD26, CD73 and ADA, and various immune cell subtypes were assessed by multicolour-flow cytometry. Soluble CD26 (sCD26) and cytokine levels were measured in plasma samples by ELISA and Multiplex Luminex assay, respectively. Immune cells from healthy individuals were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence or absence of CD26 inhibitor. Effect of CD26 inhibition on NF-κB localization in PHA stimulated cells was analysed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Pro-inflammatory cytokines from the culture supernatants were detected with Cytometric bead array flow cytometry. Association of all measured markers with clinical outcomes was evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.
RESULTS
CD26 surface expression on PBSC donor harvest cells showed increased risk of chronic GVHD (cGVHD, p = 0.055). Amongst the various immune cell subtypes, decreased B cells in harvest showed significant association with aGVHD (p = 0.022) whereas increased myeloid dendritic cells and CD3T cells at Day100 in peripheral blood of transplant recipients correlated with cGVHD (p = 0.046) and aGVHD (p = 0.035), respectively. Further, high sCD26 in transplant recipients at Day100 exhibited association with reduced event-free survival (EFS) (p = 0.011). Higher CD26 expression on more & less mature NK cells, naïve & post-switched memory B cells and Treg cells in the donor harvest (p < 0.05) led to lower EFS in transplant recipients. Mechanistically, CD26 inhibitor caused dose-dependent reduction in CD26 enzyme activity and in pro-inflammatory cytokine production in post mitogen-stimulated T cell cultures.
CONCLUSION
Our study has implicated that lower CD26 expression on immune cell subtypes of the donor stem cell harvest is associated with reduced risk of GVHD and better survival. The underlying mechanism was found to be through NF-κB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Based on these observations, chemically designed or natural resources-based CD26 inhibitors can be explored further in clinical trials for improving ASCT outcomes.
Topics: Humans; NF-kappa B; Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4; Cytokines; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Graft vs Host Disease; Tissue Donors
PubMed: 37890379
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111054 -
Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical... 2023Many natural products have immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanism of immunomodulatory activities are poorly understood.
BACKGROUND
Many natural products have immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanism of immunomodulatory activities are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the influence of bovine colostrum products, a whey product, or their combinations with other natural products on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells' (PBMC) ability to produce cytokines upon activation.
METHODS
PBMCs were pretreated with ultrafiltered colostrum, nano-filtered bovine colostrum, egg yolk extract, a botanical blend, colostrum + egg yolk extract, colostrum + egg yolk + botanical blend, and fermented whey and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or phytohemagglutinin. Cytokine production was measured by the Luminex assay.
RESULTS
All study products demonstrated immunomodulatory properties by regulating cytokines production by activated PBMCs. Ultrafiltered colostrum alone displayed the highest immune stimulatory activity. It stimulated proinflammatory cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide-activated PBMCs and suppressed cytokine production by phytohemagglutinin-activated cells. Other study products mainly suppressed cytokine release by both cell types. The immunomodulatory properties depended upon the dose of the products used in the study.
CONCLUSIONS
All tested products modulated innate and adaptive immune cell activities. Most of the products demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, except ultrafiltered colostrum, which stimulated the lipopolysaccharide-activated PBMC production of inflammatory cytokines. These products can be potentially used to support overall immune health.
PubMed: 37885900
DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100720 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not curative due to the existence of cellular reservoirs of latent HIV-1 that persist during therapy. Current research efforts to cure...
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not curative due to the existence of cellular reservoirs of latent HIV-1 that persist during therapy. Current research efforts to cure HIV-1 infection include "shock and kill" strategies to disrupt latency using small molecules or latency-reversing agents (LRAs) to induce expression of HIV-1 enabling cytotoxic immune cells to eliminate infected cells. The modest success of current LRAs urges the field to identify novel drugs with increased clinical efficacy. Aminobisphosphonates (N-BPs) that include pamidronate, zoledronate, or alendronate, are the first-line treatment of bone-related diseases including osteoporosis and bone malignancies. Here, we show the use of N-BPs as a novel class of LRA: we found in assays using primary cells from ART-suppressed people living with HIV-1 that N-BPs induce HIV-1 from latency to levels that are comparable to the T cell activator phytohemagglutinin (PHA). RNA sequencing and mechanistic data suggested that reactivation may occur through activation of the activator protein 1 signaling pathway. Stored samples from a prior clinical trial aimed at analyzing the effect of alendronate on bone mineral density, provided further evidence of alendronate-mediated latency reversal and activation of immune effector cells. Decay of the reservoir measured by IPDA was however not detected. Our results demonstrate the novel use of N-BPs to reverse HIV-1 latency while inducing immune effector functions. This preliminary evidence merits further investigation in a controlled clinical setting possibly in combination with therapeutic vaccination.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Virus Activation; Virus Latency; Alendronate; HIV Seropositivity
PubMed: 37744358
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219250 -
Animal Biotechnology Nov 2024The current study was performed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive lignans derived from sesame and black seed on...
Evaluation the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive compounds on immunological response, intestinal traits and MUC-2 gene expression in broiler Japanese quails ().
The current study was performed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive lignans derived from sesame and black seed on immunological response, intestinal traits and Mucin gene expression in broiler quails. Three hundred and fifty (one days-old) quails were allotted to seven dietary treatments with five replicates as an experimental randomized design study. Treatments were basal diet as a control, control +100 and +200 mg of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone per each kg of diet respectively. At 35 d of age, two quails from each pen were chosen, weighted, slaughtered, eviscerated and lymphoid organ relative weights were measured. Anti-body titers against Newcastle disease (ND), Sheep red blood cell (SRBC), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccination were determined. The serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum antioxidant activates such as superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPX), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined. The cell mediated immunity by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) challenges were assessed. The microflora populations of ileum, morphological traits of jejunum and mucin gene expression were analyzed. Data showed that the lymphoid organ (thymus, spleen and Bursa) relative weights and antibody titer against HI, AI, SRBC and IB vaccination were increased compared to the control ( ≤ 0.05). Serum activities of ALP, ALT and AST were decreased under influences of dietary treatments ( ≤ 0.05). The serum antioxidant activates of GPX,SOD,CAT and TAC were increased and Increasing in mean skin thickness after DNCB challenge and decrease wing web swelling response to PHA mitojen injection were observed ( ≤ 0.05). and colonies were decrease and colonies increased instead ( ≤ 0.05). The villus height and surface, crypt depth and goblet cells density were increased compared to the control ( ≤ 0.05). The expression of MUC gene increased under influnces of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone supplemented diets ( ≤ 0.05).
Topics: Animals; Sheep; Coturnix; Vitamin E; Antioxidants; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Lignans; Superoxide Dismutase; Gene Expression; Mucins; Animal Feed; Dioxoles; Benzoquinones
PubMed: 37729462
DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2259437