Differential activation of innate and adaptive lymphocytes during latent or active infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Most individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have latent tuberculosis (TB), which can be diagnosed with tests (such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test [QFT]) that detect the production of IFN-γ by memory T cells in response to the Mtb-specific antigens 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target EsxA (Rv3875) (ESAT-6), 10 kDa culture filtrate antigen EsxB (Rv3874) (CFP-10), and Mtb antigen of 7.7 kDa (Rv2654c) (TB7.7). However, the immunological mechanisms that determine if an individual will develop latent or active TB remain incompletely understood. Here we compared the response of innate and adaptive peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy individuals without Mtb infection (QFT negative) and from individuals with latent (QFT positive) or active TB infection, to determine the characteristics of these cells that correlate with each condition. In active TB patients, the levels of IFN-γ that were produced in response to Mtb-specific antigens had high positive correlations with IL-1ß, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-12p70, and IL-23, while the proinflammatory cytokines had high positive correlations between themselves and with IL-12p70 and IL-23. These correlations were not observed in QFT-negative or QFT-positive healthy volunteers. Activation with Mtb-soluble extract (a mixture of Mtb antigens and pathogen-associated molecular patterns [PAMPs]) increased the percentage of IFN-γ-/IL-17-producing NK cells and of IL-17-producing innate lymphoid cell 3 (ILC3) in the peripheral blood of active TB patients, but not of QFT-negative or QFT-positive healthy volunteers. Thus, active TB patients have both adaptive and innate lymphocyte subsets that produce characteristic cytokine profiles in response to Mtb-specific antigens or PAMPs. These profiles are not observed in uninfected individuals or in individuals with latent TB, suggesting that they are a response to active TB infection.

Interleukin 4 deficiency limits the development of a lupus-like disease in mice triggered by phospholipids in a non-bilayer arrangement.

Non-bilayer phospholipids arrangements (NPAs) are transient molecular associations different from lipid bilayers. When they become stable, they can trigger a disease in mice resembling human lupus, which is mainly characterized by the production of anti-NPA IgG antibodies. NPAs are stabilized on liposomes or cell bilayers by the drugs procainamide or chlorpromazine, which produce drug-induced lupus in humans. Here, we evaluated the participation of the TH 2 response, through its hallmark cytokine IL-4, on the development of the lupus-like disease in mice. Wild-type or IL-4 knockout BALB/c mice received liposomes bearing drug-induced NPAs, the drugs alone, or an anti-NPA monoclonal antibody (H308) to induce the lupus-like disease (the last two procedures stabilize NPAs on mice cells). IL-4 KO mice showed minor disease manifestations, compared to wild-type mice, with decreased production of anti-NPA IgG antibodies, no anti-cardiolipin, anti-histones and anticoagulant antibodies, and no kidney or skin lesions. In these mice, H308 was the only inducer of anti-NPA IgG antibodies. These findings indicate that IL-4 has a central role in the development of the murine lupus-like disease induced by NPA stabilization.

Comparison of DOT-ELISA and Standard-ELISA for Detection of the Vibrio cholerae Toxin in Culture Supernatants of Bacteria Isolated from Human and Environmental Samples.

A comparison of DOT-ELISA and Standard-ELISA was made for detection of Vibrio cholerae toxin in culture supernatants of bacteria isolated from human and environmental samples. A total of 293 supernatants were tested in a double blind assay. A correlation of 100 % was obtained between both techniques. The cholera toxin was found in 20 Inaba and 3 Ogawa strains. Positive samples were from seafood (17 samples), potable water (1 sample) and sewage (5 samples). The DOT-ELISA was useful as the standard-ELISA to confirm the presence of cholera toxin in the environmental samples.

Influence of levamisole and Freund's adjuvant on mouse immunisation with antigens of adults of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758.

We have studied the influence of both levamisole (AL) and Freund's adjuvant (AF) on the immunisation of mice with the secretory antigens of adults of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758. Total IgG antibodies were detected in all groups where the F. hepatica antigen was administered, been levels of IgG1 increased respect to IgG2a antibodies. During immunisation, IL-4 and IFN-γ were only detected in AL and AF groups, but after infection, IL-4 boosted in all groups. IFN-γ increased two fold in AF and AL groups compared to the saline solution (AS) group. Worm recovering was of 32-35% in groups administered without antigen whereas in AS, AL and AF groups recovering was of 25%, 12% and 8%, respectively. Macroscopical lesions in the liver were scarce in AL and AF groups. Our data suggest that immunisation of mice with antigens of F. hepatica enhances the immune response avoiding both liver damage and worm establishment after challenge infection. The murine model of fasciolosis has appeared to be useful to elucidate the mechanism by which the parasite modulates immune responses toward a Th2 type but also the development of Th1 type-inducing vaccines.

Rapid hepatitis C virus divergence among chronically infected individuals.

Here, we analyze the viral divergence among hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic cases infected with genotype 1. The intrahost viral evolution was assessed by deep sequencing using the 454 Genome Sequencer platform. The results showed a rapid nucleotide sequence divergence. This notorious short-term viral evolution is of the utmost importance for the study of HCV transmission, because direct links between related samples were virtually lost. Thus, rapid divergence of HCV significantly affects genetic relatedness studies and outbreak investigations.

Participation of CD161(+) and invariant natural killer T cells in pediatric asthma exacerbations.

Asthma has been defined as a disease of chronic airway inflammation in which many cells and cellular products participate with variable degrees of airflow obstruction and hyperresponsiveness that lead to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Prominent among these cellular elements are two cell types referred to as the invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and a subpopulation of T cells expressing the molecule CD161, which are both thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Although the presence of iNKT and other CD161(+) cells in murine models has been associated with asthma, relatively few studies have been performed in the adult patient with asthma that have been often conflicting and even fewer studies are available in children. The present study was performed to investigate the peripheral blood frequencies of iNKT and CD161(+) T cells in children with asthma. A total of 35 children, 19 stable asthmatic patients, 6 who had experienced an asthmatic attack within 24 hours and had not received any treatment, and 10 healthy controls, aged 6-12 years, were enrolled in the study. iNKT and CD161(+) T-cell frequencies in blood were measured together with quantitative levels of IL-4 and interferon (IFN) γ using a cytofluorimetric approach. The results show that iNKT cells are increased in pediatric asthmatic patients undergoing exacerbations of asthma. These cells also produced less IFN-γ and more IL-4 than children with stable asthma and in healthy control children. These results suggest that iNKT cells might participate in the development of the asthmatic exacerbations. The increased production of IL-4 in conjunction with the decrease of IFN-γ may be mechanistically responsible, at least partially, for the heightening of the immunologic response leading to the asthmatic attack in children. Knowledge of these interactive mechanisms involving the iNKT cell and our understanding of its role in the exacerbation of asthma hold great promise in the development of better diagnostic predictive markers of disease progression as well as new forms of therapeutic interventions.

Dengue Virus Increases the Expression of TREM-1 and CD10 on Human Neutrophils.

Every year, dengue is responsible for 400 million infections worldwide. Inflammation is related to the development of severe forms of dengue. Neutrophils are a heterogeneous cell population with a key role in the immune response. During viral infection, neutrophils are mainly recruited to the infection site; however, their excessive activation is linked to deleterious results. During dengue infection, neutrophils are involved in the pathogenesis through neutrophils extracellular traps production, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-8 secretion. However, other molecules regulate the neutrophil role during viral infection. TREM-1 is expressed on neutrophils and its activation is related to increased production of inflammatory mediators. CD10 is expressed on mature neutrophils and has been associated with the regulation of neutrophil migration and immunosuppression. However, the role of both molecules during viral infection is limited, particularly during dengue infection. Here, we report for the first time that DENV-2 can significantly increase TREM-1 and CD10 expression as well as sTREM-1 production in cultured human neutrophils. Furthermore, we observed that treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, a molecule mostly produced in severe cases of dengue, is capable of inducing the overexpression of TREM-1 and CD10 on human neutrophils. These results suggest the participation of neutrophil CD10 and TREM-1 in the pathogenesis of dengue infection.

Specific detection of naturally occurring hepatitis C virus mutants with resistance to telaprevir and boceprevir (protease inhibitors) among treatment-naïve infected individuals.

The use of telaprevir and boceprevir, both protease inhibitors (PI), as part of the specifically targeted antiviral therapy for hepatitis C (STAT-C) has significantly improved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. However, different clinical studies have also identified several mutations associated with viral resistance to both PIs. In the absence of selective pressure, drug-resistant hepatitis C virus (HCV) mutants are generally present at low frequency, making mutation detection challenging. Here, we describe a mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA) PCR method for the specific detection of naturally occurring drug-resistant HCV mutants. MAMA PCR successfully identified the corresponding HCV variants, while conventional methods such as direct sequencing, endpoint limiting dilution (EPLD), and bacterial cloning were not sensitive enough to detect circulating drug-resistant mutants in clinical specimens. Ultradeep pyrosequencing was used to confirm the presence of the corresponding HCV mutants. In treatment-naïve patients, the frequency of all resistant variants was below 1%. Deep amplicon sequencing allowed a detailed analysis of the structure of the viral population among these patients, showing that the evolution of the NS3 is limited to a rather small sequence space. Monitoring of HCV drug resistance before and during treatment is likely to provide important information for management of patients undergoing anti-HCV therapy.

Identification of hepatitis C virus transmission using a next-generation sequencing approach.

Here, we describe a transmission event of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injection drug users. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to assess the intrahost viral genetic variation. Deep amplicon sequencing of HCV hypervariable region 1 allowed for a detailed analysis of the structure of the viral population. Establishment of the genetic relatedness between cases was accomplished by phylogenetic analysis. NGS is a powerful tool with applications in molecular epidemiology studies and outbreak investigations.

Comparative effects of levamisole, Staphylococcus, and Freund's adjuvant on rat immunization with excretory and secretory antigens of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae.

A comparison was made of the effects of levamisole, the bacterial fractions of Staphylococcus, and Freund's adjuvant on the immunization of rats with the excretory and secretory antigens of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae. Wistar rats were immunized with the antigen and a saline solution, levamisole (LV), Staphylococcus (ST), or Freund's adjuvant (FA). After immunization, rats were infected, and the parasite burden at muscular phase was calculated for each group. Levels of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies, as well as levels of two cytokines, IL-4 and IFN-γ, were evaluated during the immunization and postinfection periods. Differences were found in the kinetics of antibody production between groups (p < 0.01). In all cases, there was reactivity with the main 45-, 50-, and 55-kDa antigens of Trichinella muscle larvae. Immunization with FA and ST enhanced the production of IgG1, but only FA showed a significant increase in the production of IFN-γ (p < 0.01), resulting in 86% protection against the infection. In contrast, only 60-70% protection was attained in the ST and LV groups (p < 0.01). These data support the idea that levamisole and Staphylococcus can be used as adjuvant to enhance the humoral response and, at the same time, demonstrate that IFN-γ could be involved in protection against Trichinella.

Intra-host genetic population diversity: Role in emergence and persistence of drug resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex minor variants.

Drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is an important public health issue in different parts of the world. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex variants (MTBC vars) preferentially infect certain hosts, limiting their distribution to different ecosystems. However, MTBC vars can infect other hosts beyond their preferred target potentially contributing to persistence of drug resistance (DR) in other niches. Here, we performed a comprehensive intra-host genetic analysis for the identification of DR-related mutations among all MTBC minor vars whole genome sequences (8,095 strains) publicly available worldwide. High confidence drug-resistance mutations in katG (isoniazid), rpsL (streptomycin), pncA (pyrazinamide), rpoB (rifampicin) and gyrA (fluoroquinolones) genes were identified among intrahost minor sub-populations in 197 different strains (2.43%) belonging to vars africanum, bovis, caprae, microti, orygis and pinnipedii. In addition, a three-dimensional structure modeling analysis to assess the role of novel mutations was also performed. Our findings highlight the importance of detecting discrete intra-host populations carrying DR mutations.

Liposomes Bearing Non-Bilayer Phospholipid Arrangements Induce Specific IgG Anti-Lipid Antibodies by Activating NK1.1+, CD4+ T Cells in Mice.

Liposomes are artificial models of cellular membranes that are used as delivery systems for genes, drugs and protein antigens. We have previously used them to study the antigenic properties of their phospholipids. Here, we used them to induce the production of IgG anti-non-bilayer phospholipid arrangements (NPAs) antibodies in mice; these antibodies cause cell lysis and trigger a lupus-like disease in mice. We studied the mechanisms that lead to the production of these antibodies, and provide evidence that NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells respond to NPA-bearing liposomes and deliver the help required for specific B cell activation and antibody class-switching to IgG. We found increased numbers of IL-4-producing NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs of mice administered with NPAs, and these cells also expressed CD40L, which is required for B cell activation. Additionally, we isolated and purified NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells from spleens and determined that they over-expressed 40 genes, which are key players in inflammatory processes and B cell stimulation and have TRAF6 and UNC39B1 as key nodes in their network. These results show that liposomes are membrane models that can be used to analyze the immunogenicity of lipids.

IL-6, IL-10, sFas, granulysin and indicators of intestinal permeability as early biomarkers for a fatal outcome in COVID-19.

The clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ranges between mild respiratory symptoms and a severe disease that shares many of the features of sepsis. Sepsis is a deregulated response to infection that causes life-threatening organ failure. During sepsis, the intestinal epithelial cells are affected, causing an increase in intestinal permeability and allowing microbial translocation from the intestine to the circulation, which exacerbates the inflammatory response. Here we studied patients with moderate, severe and critical COVID-19 by measuring a panel of molecules representative of the innate and adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, which also reflect the presence of systemic inflammation and the state of the intestinal barrier. We found that non-surviving COVID-19 patients had higher levels of low-affinity anti-RBD IgA antibodies than surviving patients, which may be a response to increased microbial translocation. We identified sFas and granulysin, in addition to IL-6 and IL-10, as possible early biomarkers with high sensitivity (>73 %) and specificity (>51 %) to discriminate between surviving and non-surviving COVID-19 patients. Finally, we found that the microbial metabolite d-lactate and the tight junction regulator zonulin were increased in the serum of patients with severe COVID-19 and in COVID-19 patients with secondary infections, suggesting that increased intestinal permeability may be a source of secondary infections in these patients. COVID-19 patients with secondary infections had higher disease severity and mortality than patients without these infections, indicating that intestinal permeability markers could provide complementary information to the serum cytokines for the early identification of COVID-19 patients with a high risk of a fatal outcome.

Interleukin-28B genotyping by melt-mismatch amplification mutation assay PCR analysis using single nucleotide polymorphisms rs12979860 and rs8099917, a useful tool for prediction of therapy response in hepatitis C patients.

Several studies have identified associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occurring near the interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene and response to antiviral treatment among hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Here, we describe a reliable melt-mismatch amplification mutation assay (melt-MAMA) PCR-based genotyping method for IL-28B which can be used in the management of HCV patients, helping to better define the course of therapy.

Molecular epidemiology of autochthonous dengue virus strains circulating in Mexico.

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most important arthropod-borne viral infection in humans. Here, the genetic relatedness among autochthonous DENV Mexican isolates was assessed. Phylogenetic and median-joining network analyses showed that viral strains recovered from different geographic locations are genetically related and relatively homogeneous, exhibiting limited nucleotide diversity.

Is ultra-violet radiation the main force shaping molecular evolution of varicella-zoster virus?

BACKGROUND: Varicella (chickenpox) exhibits a characteristic epidemiological pattern which is associated with climate. In general, primary infections in tropical regions are comparatively less frequent among children than in temperate regions. This peculiarity regarding varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection among certain age groups in tropical regions results in increased susceptibility during adulthood in these regions. Moreover, this disease shows a cyclic behavior in which the number of cases increases significantly during winter and spring. This observation further supports the participation of environmental factors in global epidemiology of chickenpox. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this distinctive disease behavior are not understood completely. In a recent publication, Philip S. Rice has put forward an interesting hypothesis suggesting that ultra-violet (UV) radiation is the major environmental factor driving the molecular evolution of VZV. DISCUSSION: While we welcomed the attempt to explain the mechanisms controlling VZV transmission and distribution, we argue that Rice's hypothesis takes lightly the circulation of the so called "temperate VZV genotypes" in tropical regions and, to certain degree, overlooks the predominance of such lineages in certain non-temperate areas. Here, we further discuss and present new information about the overwhelming dominance of temperate VZV genotypes in Mexico regardless of geographical location and climate. SUMMARY: UV radiation does not satisfactorily explain the distribution of VZV genotypes in different tropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Additionally, the cyclic behavior of varicella does not shown significant differences between regions with different climates in the country. More studies should be conducted to identify the factors directly involved in viral spreading. A better understanding of the modes of transmissions exploited by VZV and their effect on viral fitness is likely to facilitate the implementation of preventive measures for disease control.

Simultaneous cocirculation of both European varicella-zoster virus genotypes (E1 and E2) in Mexico city.

Full-length genome analysis of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has shown that viral strains can be classified into seven different genotypes: European (E), Mosaic (M), and Japanese (J), and the E and M genotypes can be further subclassified into E1, E2, and M1 through 4, respectively. The distribution of the main VZV genotypes in Mexico was described earlier, demonstrating the predominance of E genotype, although other genotypes (M1 and M4) were also identified. However, no information regarding the circulation of either E genotype in the country is available. In the present study, we confirm the presence of both E1 and E2 genotypes in the country and explore the possibility of coinfection as the triggering factor for increased virulence among severe cases. A total of 61 different European VZV isolates collected in the Mexico City metropolitan area from 2005 to 2006 were typed by using a PCR method based on genotype-specific primer amplification. Fifty isolates belonged to the E1 genotype, and the eleven remaining samples were classified as E2 genotypes. No coinfection with both E genotypes was identified among these specimens. We provide here new information on the distribution of VZV genotypes circulating in Mexico City.

The First exploratory spatial distribution analysis of tuberculosis and associated factors in Tonala, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The US-Mexico region is at high risk of elevated tuberculosis (TB) incidence due to mobility and migration. Knowledge of how socio-demographic factors varies geographically, provides clues to understanding the determinants of tuberculosis and may provide guidance for regional prevention and control strategies to improve public health in Mexico. The aim of the present study was to describe the epidemiologic characteristics and spatial patterns of the incidence of tuberculosis in Tonala, Jalisco (Mexico) from 2013-2015. METHODOLOGY: The Surveillance System Database from the Health Department, complemented by information from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, was used to obtain data for a spatial-temporal analysis of TB cases. For the geographical analysis map creation and geoinformation storing, ArcGIS software was used. RESULTS: This study sought to characterize problem areas and jurisdictional locations of TB via a spatial approach based on analyses of case distributions and individual patient variables. The study found that tuberculosis cases were dispersed throughout Tonala County and were mainly concentrated on the Guadalajara city border. The TB cases were mainly individuals between 31 and 45 years old. Most of the cases reported during the observation period were male patients, and most cases primarily had lung involvement; however, there were quite a few cases with lymph node and intestinal disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that TB cases are essentially located in areas close to the city of Guadalajara and that most TB cases were pulmonary cases spread throughout the whole jurisdiction.

Genetic polymorphisms present in IL10, IL23R, NOD2, and ATG16L1 associated with susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease in Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two clinical forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diverse studies have shown the association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in molecules of the immune system and the occurrence of IBD. Here, several SNPs of the immune system with controversial results for their association with UC and CD were evaluated in a Mexican population. METHODS: SNPs rs1800896, rs3024505 (IL-10); rs11209026 (IL23R); rs2066844, rs2066845 (NOD-2), and rs2241880 (ATG16L1) were assessed in 93 patients with IBD and 200 healthy controls by hybridization probes and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The AG genotype for rs1800896 was associated with an increased risk for both UC and CD (P = 0.005 and P = 0.026, respectively); whereas the AA genotype presents a negative association (P = 0.011 for UC, and 0.0038 for CD). For this SNP, G allele was associated with risk of UC (P = 0-043) but not for CD. For the rs3024505 in IL-10, T allele was associated with UC (P = 0.011). Moreover, this allele was associated with early onset of UC (P = 0.033) and with the use of steroid treatment (P = 0.019). No significant differences for NOD2 (rs2066844T and rs2066845C), IL23R (rs11209026), and ATG16L1 (rs22411880) were found between cases and controls and the homozygous TT genotype for rs2066844 and CC for rs2066845 were not observed. CONCLUSION: Our results show both genotypic and phenotypic associations of IL-10 SNPs with IBD but not with the other immune-related SNPs studied in this Mexican cohort.

A unique immune signature of serum cytokine and chemokine dynamics in patients with Zika virus infection from a tropical region in Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the kinetics of circulating cytokines and chemokines in humans with ZIKAV infection. METHODS: Serum levels of different immune mediators in patients with ZIKAV infection were measured at distinct stages of the disease, as well as in culture supernatants from human monocytes infected with a clinical ZIKAV isolate. We also looked for clinical features associated with specific immune signatures among symptomatic patients. RESULTS: We evaluated 23 ZIKAV-infected patients. Their mean age was 32 ± 8.3 years and 65% were female. ZIKAV patients showed elevated IL-9, IL-17A, and CXCL10 levels at acute stages of the disease. At day 28, levels of CCL4 and CCL5 were increased, whereas IL-1RA, CXCL8 and CCL2 were decreased. At baseline, IL-7 was increased among patients with headache, whereas CCL2, and CCL3 were decreased in patients with bleeding and rash, respectively. Our clinical ZIKAV isolate induced a broad immune response in monocytes that did not resemble the signature observed in ZIKAV patients. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a unique immune signature in our cohort of ZIKAV-infected patients. Our study may provide valuable evidence helpful to identify immune correlates of protection against ZIKAV.