Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in patients with multiple sclerosis in Poland.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that affects mainly young people. It is believed that the autoimmune process observed in the pathogenesis of MS is influenced by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including infectious agents. The results of this study suggest the protective role of Toxoplasma gondii infections in MS. Interestingly, high Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity in MS patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs) was identified. On the other hand, Borrelia infections seem to be positively associated with MS. Although the interpretation of our results is limited by the retrospective nature of the studies, the results strongly indicate that further experimental and clinical studies are needed to explain the role of infectious agents in the development and pathophysiological mechanisms of MS.

The Impact of Intestinal Inflammation on Nematode's Excretory-Secretory Proteome.

Parasitic nematodes and their products are promising candidates for therapeutics against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Two species of nematodes, the hookworm Necator americanus and the whipworm Trichuis suis, are being used in clinical treatment trials of IBD referred to as "helminth therapy". Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a well-known model for human hookworm infections. Excretory-secretory (ES) products of H. polygyrus L4 stage that developed during colitis show a different immunomodulatory effect compared to the ES of H. polgyrus from healthy mice. The aim of the study was to evaluate excretory-secretory proteins produced by H. polygyrus L4 stage males and females that developed in the colitic milieu. Mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins. Blast2GO was used to investigate the functions of the discovered proteins. A total of 387 proteins were identified in the ES of H. polygyrus L4 males (HpC males), and 330 proteins were identified in the ES of L4 females that developed in the colitic milieu (HpC females). In contrast, only 200 proteins were identified in the ES of L4 males (Hp males) and 218 in the ES of L4 females (Hp females) that developed in control conditions. Most of the proteins (123) were detected in all groups. Unique proteins identified in the ES of HpC females included annexin, lysozyme-2, apyrase, and galectin. Venom allergen/Ancylostoma-secreted protein-like, transthyretin-like family proteins, and galectins were found in the secretome of HpC males but not in the secretome of control males. These molecules may be responsible for the therapeutic effects of nematodes in DSS-induced colitis.

Heterogeneity of adherent and non­adherent JAWS II dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in the development of immune responses. DC JAWS II is a murine cell line frequently used in DC studies. These cells are grown in two cell fractions: Adherent and non-adherent. The present study aimed to compare these two fractions in both immature and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated JAWS II cells. The present study analysed the condition, phenotype, antigen uptake capability, signalling properties and the influence on the activity of T cells using flow cytometry, mixed cell reaction and ELISA methods. Adherent immature JAWS II cells exhibited increased endocytosis and decreased activation of the Pi3K signalling pathway. After LPS activation, adherent JAWS II cells exhibited increased expression levels of CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules, increased endocytosis and an elevated ability to induce T cell proliferation, compared with non-adherent cells. These results demonstrated that the two fractions of JAWS II adherent and non-adherent cells exhibited different properties and this should be taken into account in the planning of research.

Nematode-Induced Growth Factors Related to Angiogenesis in Autoimmune Disease Attenuation.

Accumulating data suggest an important role of growth factors in autoimmune diseases and parasitic nematode infections. Nematodes are used in clinical studies of autoimmune diseases and parasite-derived molecules are widely studied for their therapeutic potential in various types of disorders. However, the effect of nematode infection on growth factors in autoimmune disorders has not been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of infection with the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in murine autoimmune models on the production of growth factors. Here, the level of a variety of growth factors related mainly to angiogenesis was evaluated by protein array in the intestinal mucosa of C57BL/6 dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitic mice and in cerebral spinal fluid of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice infected with nematodes. In addition, vessel formation was evaluated in the brains of EAE mice infected with H. polygyrus. A significant influence of nematode infection on the level of angiogenic factors was observed. Parasitic infection of colitic mice resulted in upregulation of mucosal AREG, EGF, FGF-2, and IGFBP-3 in the intestine of the host and better adaptation (infectivity). In EAE mice, infection increased the level of FGF-2 and FGF-7 in CSF. In addition, remodeling of brain vessels was observed, with a higher density of long vessels. Nematode-derived factors are promising tools to fight autoimmune diseases and to study angiogenesis.

The Immune Response to Nematode Infection.

Nematode infection is a major threat to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Nematodes vary in their effect on the host and in the mechanisms underlying immunity but the general features are becoming clear. There is considerable variation among individuals in resistance to infection and much of this variation is due to genetic variation in the immune response. The major histocompatibility complex has a strong influence on resistance to infection but other genes are collectively more important. Resistant individuals produce more IgA, eosinophils, IgE and mast cells than susceptible individuals and this is a consequence of stronger type 2 (Th2) immune responses. A variety of factors promote Th2 responses including genetic background, diet, molecules produced by the parasite and the location of the infection. A variety of cells and molecules including proteins, glycolipids and RNA act in concert to promote responses and to regulate the response. Nematodes themselves also modulate the host response and over 20 parasite-derived immunomodulatory molecules have been identified. Different species of nematodes modulate the immune response in different ways and probably use multiple molecules. The reasons for this are unclear and the interactions among immunomodulators have still to be investigated.

Importance of TGFß in Cancer and Nematode Infection and Their Interaction-Opinion.

Historically, there has been little interaction between parasitologists and oncologists, although some helminth infections predispose to the development of tumours. In addition, both parasites and tumours need to survive immune attack. Recent research suggests that both tumours and parasites suppress the immune response to increase their chances of survival. They both co-opt the transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) signalling pathway to modulate the immune response to their benefit. In particular, there is concern that suppression of the immune response by nematodes and their products could enhance susceptibility to tumours in both natural and artificial infections.

Nematode galectin binds IgE and modulates mast cell activity.

Mast cell degranulation is the major mechanism influencing establishment and survival of the abomasal nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta and probably many other gastrointestinal nematodes. Host galectins-3 and -9 have been shown to bind IgE and positively and negatively influence mast cell degranulation. As incoming nematodes produce large amounts of galectin, we hypothesised that nematode galectin competes with host galectin and inhibits mast cell degranulation. ELISA was used to show that nematode galectin reduced total IgE activity. Galectin also reduced the binding of sheep IgE to the surface of a mast cell line and decreased the release of LCT-4 and Beta hexosaminidase but not MMP-9. These results indicate that nematode galectin influences mast cell degranulation and identify a potential immunomodulatory mechanism used by nematodes to enhance their establishment and survival.

Reduced Expression of PD-1 in Circulating CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs Is an Early Feature of RRMS.

Altered regulatory T cell (Treg) function could contribute to MS. The expression of activating and inhibitory receptors influences the activity of Tregs. Our aim was to investigate T cell phenotypes in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients at an early phase of the disease. We examined the influence of demographic parameters on the distribution of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subclasses by generalized linear modeling. We also studied the expression of the following markers-CTLA-4, GITR, PD-1, FoxP3, Helios, CD28, CD62L, CD103-on T cell subsets from peripheral blood with a 14-color flow cytometry panel. We used an antibody array to define the profiles of 34 Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in the serum. Expression of PD-1 and GITR on CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs was decreased in RRMS patients. The proinflammatory factors IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-17F, TGFß-1, TGFß-3, IL-1SRII, IL-12 p40, sgp130, IL-6sR were significantly increased in RRMS patients. Therefore, a deficiency of PD-1 and GITR immune checkpoints on CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs is a feature of RRMS and might underlie impaired T cell control.

Galectins - Important players of the immune response to CNS parasitic infection.

Galectins are a family of proteins that bind ß-galactosides and play key roles in a variety of cellular processes including host defense and entry of parasites into the host cells. They have been well studied in hosts but less so in parasites. As both host and parasite galectins are highly upregulated proteins following infection, galectins are an area of increasing interest and their role in immune modulation has only recently become clear. Correlation of CNS parasitic diseases with mental disorders as a result of direct or indirect interaction has been observed. Therefore, galectins produced by the parasite should be taken into consideration as potential therapeutic agents.

The production of excretory-secretory molecules from Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri fourth stage larvae varies between mixed and single sex cultures.

BACKGROUND: Excretory-secretory (ES) products are crucial in maintaining helminths in the host. Consequently, the proteins of ES are potential vaccine molecules and potential therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases. Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, a gastrointestinal parasite of mice, is a model of hookworm infection in humans. ES produced by both sexes of H. polygyrus bakeri L4 stage cultured separately shows different immunomodulatory properties than ES obtained when both sexes are cultured together. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify and compare the excretory-secretory molecules from single-sex and mixed cultures. METHODS: The composition of ES of male and female L4 stage nematodes in the presence (cultured together) or absence (cultured alone) of the opposite sex was examined. Proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. The functions of identified proteins were explored with Blast2GO. RESULTS: A total of 258 proteins derived from mixed larval culture in the presence of sex pheromones were identified, 160 proteins from pure female cultures and 172 from pure male cultures. Exposure of nematodes to the sex pheromones results in abundant production of proteins with immunomodulatory properties such as Val proteins, acetylcholinesterases, TGF-ß mimic 9 and HpARI. Proteins found only in ES from mixed larval cultures were TGF-ß mimics 6 and 7 as well as galectin. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the opposite sex strongly influences the composition of ES products, probably by chemical (pheromone) communication between individuals. However, examination of the composition of ES from various conditions gives an opportunity for searching for new potentially therapeutic compounds and anthelminthics as well as components of vaccines. Manipulation of the nematode environment might be important for the studies on the immunomodulatory potential of nematodes.

The interaction of host and nematode galectins influences the outcome of gastrointestinal nematode infections.

Galectins are a family of proteins that bind ß-galactosides and play key roles in a variety of cellular processes including host defence. They have been well studied in hosts but less so in gastrointestinal nematodes. Both host and parasite galectins are present in the gastrointestinal tract following infection. Parasite galectins can both bind antibody, especially highly glycosylated IgE and be bound by antibody. Parasite galectins may act as molecular sponges that soak up antibody. Host galectins promote mast cell degranulation while parasite galectins inhibit degranulation. Host and parasite galectins can also bind mucins and influence mucus viscosity. As the protective response against gastrointestinal nematode infection is partly dependent on IgE mediated mast cell degranulation and mucus, the interactions between host and parasite galectins play key roles in determining the outcome of infection.

Effects of Different Media on Human T Regulatory Cells Phenotype.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Functional and quantitative Treg cell defects have been identified in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, Tregs are a major pharmaceutical target for these disorders. In the last decades, studies have been mainly focused on the identification and experimental understanding of the activity of Tregs and their mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study describes how overnight storage of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in different media (PBS pH 7.3, PBS pH 7.3 containing 0.5% BSA, RPMI 1640 and RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS) affects the viability and expression of the commonly used markers for Tregs identification: CD25, CD127, CTLA-4, GITR, PD-1, FoxP3 and Helios. RESULTS: Incorrectly selected storage conditions (temperature, time, medium) may affect the expression of surface and intracellular markers, thus, compromising the quality of the obtained results. CONCLUSION: Appropriate protocols of cell isolation and storage are important for providing appropriate conditions for cell growth. This is crucial when analyzing small cell populations like Tregs.

Both the microbiome and the macrobiome can influence immune responsiveness in psoriasis.

It is debatable whether intestinal dysbiosis in autoimmune disease is a cause or a consequence of chronic inflammation, but it is known that intestinal dysbiosis in the course of the disease is accompanied by an increased number of pro-inflammatory lymphocytes in the Th17 population. Yet, little is known about the systemic implications of skin and even the intestinal microbiome for skin immunity and pathogenesis in psoriasis, which the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the Caucasian population. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is multifactorial with notable contributions from genetics and environmental factors (e.g. diet, drugs and infection). This article describes alterations in the microbiome and macrobiome, which are involved in immune regulation. The composition of the gut microbiome can dramatically affect immune development and affect susceptibility to diseases, especially autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis. Understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis induced by the micro- and macrobiome may prove crucial for innovative future solutions in skin disease treatment.

Immunomodulatory potential of nematodes against dendritic cells is dependent on intestinal inflamation.

The mouse intestinal parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus demonstrates adaptation to the inflammatory milieu as a result of colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Nematodes from mice with colitis had different effects on dendritic cells than nematodes from mice without colitis. Immature JAWSII cells pre-exposed to L4 stage H. polygyrus from DSS-treated mice were adoptively transferred to mice with induced colitis. After two days, a higher disease activity index, macroscopic damage score and colon histology score were observed. MLN T cells isolated nine days after transfer demonstrated proinflammatory IFN-γ and IL-17 production. Transfer of JAWSII stimulated with male or female L4 larvae from a control invasion resulted in a slight improvement of colitis; in addition, dendritic cells exposed to H. polygyrus female L4 larvae, provoked migration of CD8+CD25+ T cells from MLN to the colon. Nematodes from an inflammatory environment changed cytokine production by dendritic cells. Inflammatory milieu changing nematode immunomodulatory activity affects dendritic cell functions, which offers new insight into the helminth-host relationship.

Cytokines and Transgenic Matrix in Autoimmune Diseases: Similarities and Differences.

Autoimmune diseases are increasingly recognized as disease entities in which dysregulated cytokines contribute to tissue-specific inflammation. In organ-specific and multiorgan autoimmune diseases, the cytokine profiles show some similarities. Despite these similarities, the cytokines have different roles in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Altered levels or action of cytokines can result from changes in cell signaling. This article describes alterations in the JAK-STAT, TGF-ß and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a special focus on T cells in preclinical models and in patients afflicted with these chronic inflammatory diseases.

Intestinal Nematode Infection Affects Metastasis of EL4 Lymphoma Cells.

An effective host immune system prevents the growth of most cancer cells. However, as intestinal nematodes are able to induce both immunotolerance and immunosuppression in the host, it is possible that their presence could allow co-occurring cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize. Our findings indicate that previous, subsequent or concurrent intestinal nematode infection affects the formation of lung metastatic nodules in mice experimentally infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus. In addition, pre-infection with nematodes renders mice resistant to metastasis development in lungs, with the inoculated EL4 cancer cells being located mainly in mesenteric lymph nodes. The present paper discusses the nematode-induced mechanisms which may influence the metastatic process.

The intestinal milieu influences the immunoproteome of male and female Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri L4 stage.

The gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri shows enhanced survival in mice with colitis. As the antibody response plays an important role in antiparasitic immunity, antibodies against male and female L4 H. polygyrus were examined in mice with and without colitis. Levels of specific antibodies in the mucosa and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunogenic proteins of male and female parasites were identified using 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The function of identified proteins was explored with Blast2Go. Nematodes in mice with colitis induced higher levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG1) and IgA, a lower level of IgE in the small intestine and a higher level of IgE in serum against female L4. Infected mice with colitis recognized 12 proteins in male L4 and 10 in female L4. Most of the recognized proteins from male L4 were intermediate filament proteins, whereas the proteins from female L4 were primarily actins and galectins. Nematodes from mice with colitis were immunogenically different from nematodes from control mice. This phenomenon gives new insights into helminth therapy as well as host-parasite interactions.

Role of l-arginine and CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in immunosuppression induced by Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous population of monocyte and granulocyte progenitors that are highly suppressive against T cells. In BALB/c mice infected with a nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, we studied the dynamics of MDSCs, identified as CD11b+Gr-1+, induction in different tissues along with the development of parasite infection. We observed that MDSC-like cells are induced both by larvae and adult stages of H polygyrus bakeri. Gr-1+ cells of suppressive phenotype are recruited in the bone marrow, peripheral blood and peritoneal cavity during histotropic phase of infection and are present at that time in the intestine wall, where worms reside. Later, during intestinal phase, suppressive Gr-1+ cells increased in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. l-arginine metabolism was important for the protective immunity, and parasite-induced Gr-1+ cells showed elevated arginase-1 and iNOS expression. Inhibition of arginase-1 and l-arginine administration caused reduced level of infection that coincided with weaker suppressive phenotype of Gr-1+ cells. We identified that l-arginine pathway activation and induction of MDSC-like cells characterize immunosuppressive state during H polygyrus bakeri infection in mice. Our findings confirm the role of MDSCs in parasitic infections and point l-arginine pathway as a potential target for immunomodulation during nematode infections.

Acanthamoeba - pathogen and vector of highly pathogenic bacteria strains to healthy and immunocompromised individuals.

Acanthamoeba is a free-living protist pathogen, which is present in every place on Earth. 50 to 100 percent of the adult population has serum antibodies, specific for Acanthamoeba antigens. Acanthamoeba is an etiological agent of keratitis and encephalitis diagnosed in human. Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in healthy persons and may lead to visual impairment and blindness, because corneal infection with this parasite fails to induce cell-mediated immune response due to the absence of resident antigen-presenting cells in the cornea. Systemic immunization with Acanthamoeba antigens induces Th1 cell-mediated immunity and serum IgG antibody, but do not prevent the development of keratitis. Immunization via mucosal surfaces stimulates IgA antibodies in tears and protects against the development of keratitis. Amoebae feed mainly on bacteria, fungi, and algae. By transferring intracellular bacteria, amoeba contributes to the spread of diseases dangerous to humans. Some microorganisms have evolved to become resistant to protist, since they are not internalized or able to survive, grow, and exit free-living protists after internalization. In many cases, the bacteria inside living amoebae survive longer, and multiply better, showing higher virulence. There is a hypothesis, which assumes that Acanthamoeba and symbiontic bacteria survive and multiply better in moist soil, rich in nitrogen compounds, particularly in the vicinity of the root systems of Alnus glutinosa, infected with nitrogen-fixing bacteria Frankia alni. Impact of soil environment created by nitrogen-fixing bacterium Frankia alni on specific relations between protists Acanthamoeba and highly pathogenic bacteria strains in Alnus glutinosa habitats in Poland continue to be established.

Effects of intestinal nematode treatment on CD11b activation state in an EAE mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by episodic neurologic dysfunction arising as a consequence of perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and demyelination in the CNS. Leukocyte integrins, which are responsible for migration through the endothelial, play key roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Intestinal infection of mice with Heligmosomoides polygyrus appears to target CD11b (integrin αM), which is highly expressed on myeloid cells and is critical for their migration and function. H. polygyrus infection induces suppression of ongoing experimental EAE and extensive infiltration of CD11b+ cells to the CNS. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize the phenotype and activity of CD11b+ cells accompanying the tissue phase infection of L4 H. polygyrus in EAE mice. It was found that the cells displayed a CD11b+ state with a distinct phenotype characterised by the expression of co-stimulatory CD80/CD86, CD40, MHCII, F4/80 and the mannose receptor CD206. This activation state illustrates the heterogeneity of CD11b+ cells in EAE mice following nematode invasion; these may have important consequences for understanding the effects of CD11b integrin, which is involved in the downregulation of neuroinflammatory disorders.