Detection of bancroftian filariasis in human blood samples from Sorsogon province, the Philippines by polymerase chain reaction.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for diagnosing Wuchereria bancrofti infection in a small village in the province of Sorsogon, the Philippines. Of 54 night-time blood samples collected, 4 (7.4%) were found to be microfilaremic as determined by combined direct blood film examination and membrane filtration of blood followed by blood film examination. However, utilization of the SspI PCR assay to detect repeated W. bancrofti DNA sequences in human blood doubled the number of microfilaremic individuals to 8 (13.0%). The results of this survey suggest that utilization of diagnostic tools based on microscopy could underestimate the true prevalence of W. bancrofti in the Philippines.

Functional analysis of the simian immunodeficiency virus Vpx protein: identification of packaging determinants and a novel nuclear targeting domain.

The vpx gene products of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and of the closely related simian immunodeficiency viruses from sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) and macaques (SIVmac) comprise a 112-amino-acid virion-associated protein that is critical for efficient virus replication in nondividing cells such as macrophages. When expressed in the absence of other viral proteins, Vpx localizes to the nuclear membrane as well as to the nucleus; however, in the context of virus replication Vpx is packaged into virions via interaction with the p6 domain of the Gag precursor polyprotein (p55(gag)). To identify the domains essential for virion incorporation and nuclear localization, site-directed mutations were introduced into the vpx gene of SIVsmPBj1.9 and functionally analyzed. Our results show that (i) mutation of two highly conserved L74 and I75 residues impaired both virion incorporation and nuclear localization of Vpx; (ii) substitution of conserved H82, G86, C87, P103, and P106 residues impaired Vpx nuclear localization but not virion incorporation; (iii) mutations of conserved Y66, Y69, and Y71 residues impaired virion incorporation but not the translocation of Vpx to the nucleus; and (iv) a mutation at E30 (predicted to disrupt an N-terminal alpha-helix) had no effect on either virion incorporation or nuclear localization of Vpx. Importantly, mutations in Vpx which impaired nuclear localization also reduced virus replication in macaque macrophages, suggesting an important role of the carboxyl terminus of Vpx in nuclear translocation of the viral preintegration complex. Analyzing this domain in greater detail, we identified a 26-amino-acid (aa 60 to 85) fragment that was sufficient to mediate the transport of a heterologous protein (green fluorescent protein [GFP]) to the nucleus. Taken together, these results indicate that virion incorporation and nuclear localization are encoded by two partially overlapping domains in the C-terminus of Vpx (aa 60 to 112). The identification of a novel 26-amino-acid nuclear targeting domain provides a new tool to investigate the nuclear import of the HIV-2/SIV preintegration complex.

Dysregulated expression of the Cd22 gene as a result of a short interspersed nucleotide element insertion in Cd22a lupus-prone mice.

The Cd22 gene encodes a B cell-specific adhesion molecule that modulates B cell Ag receptor-mediated signal transduction, and is allelic to a lupus-susceptibility locus in New Zealand White (NZW) mice. In this study, we show that, in addition to the wild-type transcripts, NZW (Cd22a) mice synthesize aberrant CD22 mRNAs that contain approximately 20-120 nucleotide insertions upstream of the coding region between exons 2 and 3, and/or approximately 100-190 nucleotide deletions of exon 4. Sequence analysis revealed that these aberrant mRNA species arose by alternative splicing due to the presence in the NZW strain of a 794-bp sequence insertion in the second intron, containing a cluster of short interspersed nucleotide elements. Both the presence of sequence insertion and aberrantly spliced mRNAs were specific to mice bearing the Cd22a and Cd22c alleles. Up-regulation of CD22 expression after LPS activation appeared impaired in Cd22a spleen cells (twice lower than in Cd22b B cells). Furthermore, we show that partial CD22 deficiency, i.e., heterozygous level of CD22 expression, markedly promotes the production of IgG anti-DNA autoantibodies in C57BL/6 (Cd22b) mice bearing the Y chromosome-linked autoimmune acceleration gene, Yaa. Taken together, these results suggest that a lower up-regulation of CD22 on activated B cells (resulting from Cd22 gene anomaly in Cd22a mice or from CD22 heterozygosity in mutants obtained by gene targeting) is implicated in autoantibody production, providing support for Cd22a as a possible candidate allele contributing to lupus susceptibility.

Paramyosin is a major target of the human IgA response against Schistosoma japonicum.

Human resistance and susceptibility to schistosomiasis is associated with age and specific antibody isotype responses against worm (SWAP) and egg (SEA) antigens. In a cross-sectional study of 176 individuals infected with Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines, strikingly similar isotype response patterns against SWAP and SEA was observed when compared to other endemic areas. Interestingly, IgA titres to SWAP correlated with older age among S. japonicum-infected individuals (n = 176, P < 0.01), suggesting a role for this isotype in protective immunity. To identify the molecular targets of human IgA, 17 high-IgA/SWAP responders were identified from the said population. IgA antibodies from the majority (14/17) of these individuals recognized a band of 97 kDa (Sj97), comigrating in immunoblots with the myofibrillar protein paramyosin. The antigen was confirmed as paramyosin by expressed sequence tag (EST)-analysis of four clones obtained by screening an adult S. japonicum cDNA library with pooled IgA antisera and mouse antiparamyosin polyclonal antibodies. The identification of paramyosin as a major target of human IgA raises its potential as a vaccine candidate that targets mucosal immune responses. Since this antigen is exposed on the parasite surface only during the lung stages, we propose that human IgA contributes to parasite attrition during schistosome migration in the lungs.

Linkage of a major quantitative trait locus to Yaa gene-induced lupus-like nephritis in (NZW x C57BL/6)F1 mice.

In the present study, we mapped the major quantitative trait loci (QTL) differing between the NZW and C57BL/6 inbred strains of mice by making use of (NZW x C57BL/6.Yaa)F1 mice, a model in which the lupus-like autoimmune syndrome observed in male mice is associated with the presence of an as yet unidentified Y chromosome-linked autoimmune acceleration gene, Yaa. Linkage analysis of 126 C57BL/6 x (NZW x C57BL/6.Yaa)F1 backcross males provided evidence for a major QTL on chromosome 7 controlling both the severity of glomerulonephritis and the production of IgG anti-DNA autoantibody and retroviral gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes. Two additional QTL of C57BL/6 origin on chromosome 17 had no apparent individual effects, but showed strong epistatic interaction with chromosome 7 QTL for disease severity and anti-DNA autoantibody production. Our data also identified on chromosome 13 a QTL of NZW origin with a major effect on the level of gp70, and showing an additive effect with the chromosome 7 QTL on the level of gp70 immune complexes. Our study thus provides a model to dissect the complex genetic interactions that result in manifestations of murine lupus-like disease.

Identification of the Schistosoma japonicum 22.6-kDa antigen as a major target of the human IgE response: similarity of IgE-binding epitopes to allergen peptides.

Human resistance to reinfection with Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium correlates with elevated IgE titers against worm antigens (soluble worm antigen preparation, SWAP). In S. mansoni infection, low levels of reinfection following chemotherapy are associated with the recognition of a cloned tegumental protein Sm22.6. Because of potential species-specific differences in resistance to schistosomes, we attempted to identify Schistosoma japonicum antigens recognized by human IgE. Following a survey of 176 infected individuals in Leyte, Philippines, we show that IgE antibodies from the majority of older, high-IgE/SWAP responders recognize antigens in the 22 (Sj22)-, 45-, 78- and 97-kDa range in SWAP. Limited IgE cross-reactivity between Sj22 and Sm22 was observed following a comparison of Filipino IgE responses to these antigens. The antigen was cloned from an adult S. japonicum lambda-ZAP cDNA library (Mindoro strain) by immunoscreening with pooled high-titer IgE antisera and a rabbit anti-Sj22 polyclonal antibody. The deduced amino acid sequence of the identified cDNA clone, MJ-1, showed significant homology to Sm22.6 (74%) and Sj22.6 (99%). Although the molecular sequence of Sj22.6 has already been reported, this is the first demonstration of its recognition by human IgE, thereby strengthening its potential as a vaccine candidate. Using an overlapping peptide approach, four IgE-binding epitopes were identified in Sj22.6, two of which exhibited similarities to known IgE-binding epitopes from codfish (Gad c 1) and beta-lactoglobulin-related allergens. These findings suggest that allergy and protective immunity to helminth infection may be linked by the structural similarities of epitopes recognized by human IgE.

Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in the Philippines, 1985 to 1997: transmission of subtypes B and E and potential emergence of subtypes C and F.

The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in the Philippines from 1985 to 1997 was investigated following subtyping of 54 (33 women, 21 men) prospectively collected clinical specimens using the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). In contrast with other Asian countries, subtype B accounted for most (70%) of the infections in the population studied, among female commercial sex workers (CSWs, 18 of 28), overseas contract workers (OCWs, 7 of 10), and men who have sex with men (MSM, 8 of 10). However, although viral specimens from HIV-seropositive persons diagnosed before 1993 (n = 16) were all of subtype B, diagnoses in more recent years (1993-present, n = 38) indicate the existence of subtypes E (29%), F (8%), and C (5%) in the population. Since its estimated introduction in the early 1990s, subtype E has accounted for 60% of the infections among female CSWs diagnosed after 1992 (n = 15). This genotype distribution shift occurred in parallel with a shift in transmission focus from the U.S. military bases to the the Philippine national capital region. So far, both events appear to have had no significant effect on the stability of HIV-1 transmission in the country. The recent identification of non-B subtypes in the Philippines may present novel insights on the dynamics of HIV-1 transmission in a high-risk but low-HIV prevalence setting in Asia.

Interleukin-4 protects against a genetically linked lupus-like autoimmune syndrome.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) provides support for humoral immune responses through upregulation of T helper (Th) type 2 cell differentiation, but it is not known whether IL-4 promotes antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we show that the constitutive expression of an IL-4 transgene by B cells completely prevents the development of lethal lupus-like glomerulonephritis in the (NZW x C57BL/6.Yaa)F1 murine model of SLE. This was associated with marked changes in the serum levels of IgG subclasses, rather than in the total levels of anti-DNA antibodies, with a lack of IgG3, a decrease of IgG2a, and an increase in IgG1 subclasses, and by a strong reduction in the serum levels of gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes. This effect of the transgene appears to result from a modulation of the Th1 versus Th2 autoimmune response, since the protected mice displayed comparably modified IgG2a and IgG3 antibody response against exogenous T cell-dependent antigen, but not against T cell-independent antigens. Thus, IL-4 prevents the development of this lupus-like autoimmune disease, most likely by downregulating the appearance of Th1-mediated IgG subclasses of autoantibodies such as the IgG3 autoantibodies which have been shown to be especially nephritogenic.

T helper cell subsets in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

It has been established that CD4+ T cells play an essential role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since CD4+ T cells differentiate upon activation into two defined subsets, TH1 and TH2, differing in their capacities of cytokine production with distinct immunopathological consequences, it becomes important to understand the respective roles of TH subsets in the pathogenesis of SLE. Our analysis on 4 different substrains of autoimmune-prone MRL mice revealed that the progression of SLE in these mice is correlated with an enhanced expression of interferon-gamma (a TH1 type cytokine regulating the production of IgG2a and IgG3) vs interleukin-4 (IL-4; a TH2 type cytokine regulating the production of IgG1), in parallel with an increased production of IgG2a and IgG3 autoantibodies over IgG1. In addition, studies on lupus-prone mice expressing an IL-4 transgene have shown that the constitutive expression of IL-4, biasing autoimmune responses towards a TH2 phenotype, inhibits the development of lupus nephritis. These results suggest that the development and progression of murine lupus is determined by the type of TH responses (either acceleration by TH1 responses or protection by TH2 responses) inducing the generation of more or less pathogenic autoantibodies. In fact, murine IgG3 has been shown to be extremely nephritogenic, generating "wire-loop" lupus-like glomerular lesions, because of their cryoglobulin activity associated with a unique physicochemical property of IgG3 constant region. Our results underline the importance in the pathogenesis of SLE of the qualitative aspects of autoantibody responses controlled by subpopulations of TH cells.

Comparison of azelastine and chlorpheniramine in the treatment of mastocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Azelastine, a novel antiallergic medication, was compared with chlorpheniramine maleate for efficacy and safety in the treatment of systemic mastocytosis. METHODS: Fifteen subjects with mastocytosis participated in a double-blind, randomized, three-period, crossover trial, which compared an azelastine regimen of 4 mg or 8 mg every 12 hours with a chlorpheniramine regimen of 12 mg every 12 hours. Response to therapy was assessed by daily symptom scores, extinction dilution skin tests, plasma histamine levels, and global evaluations. RESULTS: Subjects' mean wheal area responses provoked by histamine or morphine sulfate were significantly lowered by azelastine when compared with chlorpheniramine. Plasma histamine levels in subjects receiving azelastine or chlorpheniramine were not significantly different. There were no significant differences between azelastine and chlorpheniramine in individual symptom scores or global evaluations except that azelastine at both doses significantly relieved pruritus and at 4 mg significantly relieved abdominal pain and that chlorpheniramine was associated with less fatigue in comparison to azelastine at 8 mg. CONCLUSIONS: It thus appears that azelastine is superior to chlorpheniramine in suppressing skin responses to histamine and morphine sulfate and in suppressing pruritus in patients with mastocytosis. However, when all parameters are considered, neither drug is clearly superior for the treatment of patients with mastocytosis.

[Assessment of third-degree congenital atrioventricular block by ergometric tests]. / Avaliação do bloqueio atrioventricular do 3 degrees. grau congênito pelo teste ergométrico.

PURPOSE: To analyse the use of the exercise testing as the method of initial evaluation, following a prognostic indicative of patients with congenital complete heart block. METHODS: Five patients were analysed (3 men and 2 woman) with ages between 7 and 34 years (mean = 22.8). The patients were submitted to a treadmill exercise testing using the Bruce protocol 1 and symptom limited. RESULTS: In all patients the atrial frequency increased from a median of 74.40 bpm in the basal to 155.20 bpm in the maximum effort; the atrial chronotropism was a little below that calculated based on the age of the patients. The median of the ventricular frequency in the maximum effort was 94.80 bpm, very different from that foreseen and showing a deficit of ventricular chronotropism. The median consumption of oxygen was 35.68ml0(2)/Kg/min. In one patients (20%) there was not any change in the ventricular frequency with the effort, in 3 (60%) complex ventricular arrhythmia arise during the effort and in one (20%) a definitive ventricular pacemaker was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise testing is a simple method of initial evaluation, providing information as chronotropism, functional capacity and the presence of arrhythmias, that can be very useful in the evaluation of prognostic. The presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias during the exercise is indicative of a more regular follow-up.