Transitional dendritic cells are distinct from conventional DC2 precursors and mediate proinflammatory antiviral responses.

High-dimensional approaches have revealed heterogeneity amongst dendritic cells (DCs), including a population of transitional DCs (tDCs) in mice and humans. However, the origin and relationship of tDCs to other DC subsets has been unclear. Here we show that tDCs are distinct from other well-characterized DCs and conventional DC precursors (pre-cDCs). We demonstrate that tDCs originate from bone marrow progenitors shared with plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). In the periphery, tDCs contribute to the pool of ESAM+ type 2 DCs (DC2s), and these DC2s have pDC-related developmental features. Different from pre-cDCs, tDCs have less turnover, capture antigen, respond to stimuli and activate antigen-specific naïve T cells, all characteristics of differentiated DCs. Different from pDCs, viral sensing by tDCs results in IL-1ß secretion and fatal immune pathology in a murine coronavirus model. Our findings suggest that tDCs are a distinct pDC-related subset with a DC2 differentiation potential and unique proinflammatory function during viral infections.

Enhancement of taste by retronasal odors in patients with Wolfram syndrome and decreased olfactory function.

Wolfram syndrome is a rare disease characterized by diabetes, neurodegeneration, loss of vision, and audition. We recently found, in a young sample of participants (mean age 15 years), that Wolfram syndrome was associated with impairment in smell identification with normal smell sensitivity and whole-mouth taste function. However, these senses were assessed separately, and it is unknown whether smell-taste interactions are altered in Wolfram syndrome, which was the focus of this study. Participants with Wolfram syndrome (n = 36; 18.2 ± 6.8 years) and sex-age-equivalent healthy controls (n = 34) were assessed with a battery of sensory tests. Using sip-and-spit methods, participants tasted solutions containing gustatory and olfactory stimuli (sucrose with strawberry extract, citric acid with lemon extract, sodium chloride in vegetable broth, and coffee) with and without nose clips, and rated perceived taste and retronasal smell intensities using the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale. Participants also completed n-butanol detection thresholds and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Retronasal smell increased taste intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride, and coffee solutions similarly in both groups (P values <0.03). Compared with the control group, participants in the Wolfram group had lower UPSIT scores and reduced smell sensitivity, retronasal intensity, and saltiness (P values <0.03), but rated other taste intensities similarly when wearing the nose clip. Despite impairments in orthonasal smell identification, odor-induced taste enhancement was preserved in participants with Wolfram syndrome who still had some peripheral olfactory function. This finding suggests that odor-induced taste enhancement may be preserved in the presence of reduced olfactory intensity.

A Novel Encochleated Formulation Improves Atovaquone Activity in a Murine Model of Pneumocystis Pneumonia.

Although atovaquone is effective in treating and preventing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), its use is limited by nonlinear absorption and adverse events. The current study was undertaken to examine the activity of encochleated atovaquone (eATQ), a novel lipid-crystal nanoparticle formulation, in a mouse model of PCP. eATQ 100-200 mg was superior to commercially available atovaquone at 14 days in decreasing total Pneumocystis nuclei and asci. eATQ plus anidulafungin reduced nuclei significantly better than commercial atovaquone plus anidulafungin. eATQ is a novel formulation of atovaquone that warrants further evaluation for treatment and prevention of PCP.

Taste and Smell Function in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

Survivors of head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) frequently complain of taste dysfunction long after radiation therapy is completed, which contradicts findings from most sensory evaluation studies that predict dysfunction should resolve few months after treatment. Therefore, it remains unclear whether taste and smell function fully recovers in HNSCC survivors. We evaluated HNSCC survivors (n = 40; age 63 ± 12 years, mean ± standard deviation) who received radiation therapy between 6 months and 10 years before recruitment and compared their responses to those of a healthy control group (n = 20) equivalent in age, sex, race, smoking history, and body mass index. We assessed regional (tongue tip) and whole-mouth taste intensity perception using the general Labeled Magnitude Scale and smell function using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). To determine possible differences between groups in retronasal smell perception, we used solutions of sucrose with strawberry extract, citric acid with lemon extract, sodium chloride in vegetable broth, and caffeine in coffee and asked participants to rate perceived smell and taste intensities with and without nose clips. We found groups had similar UPSIT and taste intensity scores when solutions were experienced in the whole mouth. However, HNSCC survivors were less likely to identify low concentrations of bitter, sweet, or salty stimuli in the tongue tip relative to healthy controls. Our findings suggest persistent and subtle localized damage to the chorda tympani or to the taste buds in the fungiform papillae of HNSCC survivors, which could explain their sensory complaints long after completion of radiotherapy.

Cytokine-Mediated Systemic Adverse Drug Reactions in a Drug-Drug Interaction Study of Dolutegravir With Once-Weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine.

Background: Once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 3 months is a treatment option in persons with human immunodeficiency virus and latent tuberculosis infection. This study aimed to examine pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between this regimen and dolutegravir, a first-line antiretroviral medication. Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence, drug-drug interaction study in healthy volunteers. Subjects received oral dolutegravir 50 mg once daily alone (days 1-4) and concomitantly with once-weekly isoniazid 900 mg, rifapentine 900 mg, and pyridoxine 50 mg (days 5-19). Dolutegravir concentrations were measured on days 4, 14, and 19, and rifapentine, 25-desacetyl-rifapentine, and isoniazid concentrations were measured on day 19. Cytokines and antidrug antibodies to isoniazid and rifapentine were examined at select time points. Results: The study was terminated following the development of flu-like syndrome and elevated aminotransferase levels in 2 of 4 subjects after the third isoniazid-rifapentine dose. Markedly elevated levels of interferon-γ, CXCL10, C-reactive protein, and other cytokines were temporally associated with symptoms. Antidrug antibodies were infrequently detected. Dolutegravir area under the curve (AUC) was decreased by 46% (90% confidence interval, 27-110%; P = .13) on day 14. Rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine levels on day 19 were comparable to reference data, whereas isoniazid AUCs were approximately 67%-92% higher in the subjects who developed toxicities. Conclusions: The combined use of dolutegravir with once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine resulted in unexpected and serious toxicities that were mediated by endogenous cytokine release. Additional investigations are necessary to examine the safety and efficacy of coadministering these medications. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT02771249.

Differential Influence of the Antiretroviral Pharmacokinetic Enhancers Ritonavir and Cobicistat on Intestinal P-Glycoprotein Transport and the Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Disposition of Dabigatran.

Dabigatran etexilate (DE) is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) probe substrate, and its active anticoagulant moiety, dabigatran, is a substrate of the multidrug and toxin extrusion protein-1 (MATE-1) transporter. The antiretroviral pharmacokinetic enhancers, ritonavir and cobicistat, inhibit both these transporters. Healthy volunteers received single doses of DE at 150 mg alone, followed by ritonavir at 100 mg or cobicistat at 150 mg daily for 2 weeks. DE was then given 2 h before ritonavir or cobicistat. One week later, DE was given simultaneously with ritonavir or cobicistat. No significant increases in dabigatran pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure or thrombin time (TT) measures were observed with the simultaneous administration of ritonavir. Separated administration of ritonavir resulted in a mean decrease in dabigatran PK exposure of 29% (90% confidence interval [CI], 18 to 40%) but did not significantly change TT measures. However, cobicistat increased dabigatran PK exposure (area under the concentration-versus-time curve from time zero to infinity and maximum plasma concentration) by 127% each (90% CI, 81 to 173% and 59 to 196%, respectively) and increased TT measures (33% for the area-under-the-effect curve from time zero to 24 h [90% CI, 22 to 44%] and 51% for TT at 24 h [90% CI, 22 to 78%]) when given simultaneously with dabigatran. Similar increases were observed when cobicistat was administered separately by 2 h from the administration of dabigatran. In all comparisons, no significant increase in the dabigatran elimination half-life was observed. Therefore, it is likely safe to coadminister ritonavir with DE, while there is a potential need for reduced dosing and prudent clinical monitoring with the coadministration of cobicistat due to the greater net inhibition of intestinal P-gp transport and increased bioavailability. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01896622.).

Efavirenz but Not Atazanavir/Ritonavir Significantly Reduces Atovaquone Concentrations in HIV-Infected Subjects.

BACKGROUND: The current study was conducted to determine if efavirenz (EFV) or atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r)-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) impacted steady-state atovaquone plasma concentrations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients receiving treatment doses of atovaquone. METHODS: Thirty HIV-infected volunteers were recruited, 10 taking no cART and 10 each taking cART that included EFV or ATV/r. Subjects were randomly assigned to atovaquone 750 mg twice daily (BID) for 14 days followed by atovaquone 1500 mg BID for 14 days, or vice-versa, with a washout period in between. On day 14 of each phase, blood was sampled for pharmacokinetic studies, and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUCτ) and average concentration (C avg) were calculated and compared using an unpaired t test. RESULTS: Twenty-nine subjects completed both dosing cohorts. Subjects receiving EFV-based cART had 47% and 44% lower atovaquone AUCτ than subjects not receiving cART at atovaquone doses of 750 mg BID and 1500 mg BID, respectively (P≤ .01). Only 5 of 10 subjects receiving EFV-based cART plus atovaquone 750 mg BID had an atovaquone C avg>15 µg/mL, which has previously been associated with successful treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecipneumonia. AUCτ and Cavg did not significantly differ for concurrent ATV/r for 750 mg BID or 1500 mg BID when compared to the group not receiving cART. Nine of 10 subjects not receiving cART, 8 of 10 subjects receiving ATV/r, and 2 of 10 subjects receiving EFV in combination with atovaquone 750 mg BID achieved an atovaquone C avg>18.5 µg/mL, a concentration that has previously been associated with successful treatment of Toxoplasmaencephalitis (TE). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the currently recommended dose of atovaquone 750 mg BID for treatment of mild to moderate PCP may not be adequate in patients receiving concurrent EFV. Furthermore, doses lower than the currently recommended dose of 1500 mg BID may achieve plasma concentrations adequate to treat TE in HIV-infected patients not receiving EFV. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01479361.

Severe spinal cord injury in craniocervical dislocation. Case-based update.

BACKGROUND: Craniocervical distraction injuries, including atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) and atlanto-ocipital dislocation (AOD), are often associated with severe spinal cord involvement with high morbidity and mortality rates. Many patients with these injuries die at the accident scene, but advances in emergency resuscitation and transport permit that many patients arrive alive to hospitals. DISCUSSION: Children with craniocervical distraction injuries usually present with a severe cranioencephalic traumatism that is the most relevant lesion at admission. After resuscitation and hemodynamic stabilization, the spinal cord damage appears as the main lesion. Apnea and quadriparesis, or quadriplegia, are usually present at the onset. Early diagnosis and management perhaps decrease life-threatening manifestations of the spinal lesion. But even so, the primary spinal cord insult is often irreversible and precludes obtaining a satisfactory functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the findings of four children with craniocervical distraction injuries (AOD and AAD) who presented with severe spinal cord damage. All patients were admitted with respiratory distress or apnea together with significant brain injuries. The medical records pertaining to these patients are summarized in regard to clinical features, management, and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of timely and aggressive management, craniocervical injuries with spinal cord involvement continue to have a dismal prognosis. Outcome is closely related to the severity of the initial brain and spinal cord damage and is nearly always fatal in cases of complete spinal cord transection. Priority should be given to life-threatening complications. Ethic issues on indications for surgery deserve a detailed discussion with the children's parents.

Elevated levels of enteric IgA in an unimmunised mouse model of Hyper IgM syndrome derived from gut-associated secondary lymph organs even in the absence of germinal centres.

Introduction: Patients with Human Hyper IgM syndromes (HIGM) developed pulmonary and gastrointestinal infections since infancy and most patients have mutations in the CD40 ligand (CD40L) gene. Most HIGM patients compared to healthy subjects have higher/similar IgM and lower IgG, and IgA serum concentrations but gut antibody concentrations are unknown. CD40L on activated T-cells interacts with CD40 on B-cells, essential for the formation of germinal centres (GCs) inside secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), where high-affinity antibodies, long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells, and memory B-cells, are produced. C57BL6-CD40 ligand deficient mice (C57BL6-cd40l -/-), are a model of HIGM, because serum immunoglobulin concentrations parallel levels observed in HIGM patients and have higher faecal IgA concentrations. In mice, TGFß and other cytokines induce IgA production. Aims: To compare and evaluate B-cell populations and IgA-producing plasma cells in peritoneal lavage, non-gut-associated SLOs, spleen/inguinal lymph nodes (ILN), and gut-associated SLOs, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN)/Peyer´s patches (PP) of unimmunised C57BL6-cd40l -/- and C57BL6-wild-type (WT) mice. Material and methods: Peritoneal lavages, spleens, ILN, MLN, and PP from 8-10 weeks old C57BL6-cd40l -/- and WT mice, were obtained. Organ cryosections were analysed by immunofluorescence and B-cell populations and IgA-positive plasma cell suspensions by flow cytometry. Results: In unimmunised WT mice, GCs were only observed in the gut-associated SLOs, but GCs were absent in all C57BL6-cd40l -/- SLOs. PP and MLN of C57BL6-cd40l -/- mice exhibited a significantly higher number of IgA-producing cells than WT mice. In the spleen and ILN of C57BL6-cd40l- /- mice IgA-producing cells significantly decreased, while IgM-positive plasma cells increased. C57BL6-cd40l -/- B-1 cells were more abundant in all analysed SLOs, whereas in WT mice most B-1 cells were contained within the peritoneal cavity. C57BL6-cd40l -/- B-cells in MLN expressed a higher TGFß receptor-1 than WT mice. Mouse strains small intestine microvilli (MV), have a similar frequency of IgA-positive cells. Discussion: Together our results confirm the role of PP and MLN as gut inductive sites, whose characteristic features are to initiate an IgA preferential immune response production in these anatomical sites even in the absence of GCs. IgA antibodies play a pivotal role in neutralising, eliminating, and regulating potential pathogens and microorganisms in the gut.

Recycling of memory B cells between germinal center and lymph node subcapsular sinus supports affinity maturation to antigenic drift.

Infection or vaccination leads to the development of germinal centers (GC) where B cells evolve high affinity antigen receptors, eventually producing antibody-forming plasma cells or memory B cells. Here we follow the migratory pathways of B cells emerging from germinal centers (BEM) and find that many BEM cells migrate into the lymph node subcapsular sinus (SCS) guided by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). From the SCS, BEM cells may exit the lymph node to enter distant tissues, while some BEM cells interact with and take up antigen from SCS macrophages, followed by CCL21-guided return towards the GC. Disruption of local CCL21 gradients inhibits the recycling of BEM cells and results in less efficient adaption to antigenic variation. Our findings thus suggest that the recycling of antigen variant-specific BEM cells and transport of antigen back to GC may support affinity maturation to antigenic drift.

Enhanced BCR signaling inflicts early plasmablast and germinal center B cell death.

It is still not clear how B cell receptor (BCR) signaling intensity affects plasma cell (PC) and germinal center (GC) B cell differentiation. We generated Cγ1 Cre/wt Ptpn6 fl/fl mice where SHP-1, a negative regulator of BCR signaling, is deleted rapidly after B cell activation. Although immunization with T-dependent antigens increased BCR signaling, it led to PC reduction and increased apoptosis. Dependent on the antigen, the early GC B cell response was equally reduced and apoptosis increased. At the same time, a higher proportion of GC B cells expressed cMYC, suggesting GC B cell-Tfh cell interactions may be increased. GC B cell numbers returned to normal at later stages, whereas affinity maturation was suppressed in the long term. This confirms that BCR signaling not only directs affinity-dependent B cell selection but also, without adequate further stimulation, can inflict cell death, which may be important for the maintenance of B cell tolerance.

Robust Plasma Cell Response to Skin-Inoculated Dengue Virus in Mice.

Dengue is a worldwide expanding threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) infection. To date, no specific treatment or effective vaccine is available. Antibodies produced by plasma cells (PCs) might be involved concomitantly in protection and severe dengue immunopathology. Although a massive appearance of PCs has been reported during acute DENV infection in humans, this response has been poorly characterized. Here, we show the dynamic of PC generation in immune-competent mice cutaneously inoculated with DENV compared with two control experimental groups: mice inoculated with inactivated DENV or with PBS. We found that PC numbers increased significantly in the skin-draining lymph node (DLN), peaking at day 10 and abruptly decreasing by day 14 after DENV inoculation. Class-switched IgG+ PCs appeared from day 7 and dominated the response, while in contrast, the frequency of IgM+ PCs decreased from day 7 onwards. Even though the kinetic of the response was similar between DENV- and iDENV-inoculated mice, the intensity of the response was significantly different. Interestingly, we demonstrated a similar PC response to virus antigens (E and prM) by ELISPOT. In situ characterization showed that PCs were distributed in the medullary cords and in close proximity to germinal centers (GCs), suggesting both an extrafollicular and a GC origin. Proliferating PCs (Ki-67+) were found as early as 3-day postinoculation, and in-depth analysis showed that these PCs were in active phases of cell cycle during the kinetic. Finally, we found a progressive appearance of high-affinity neutralizing DENV-specific IgG further supporting GC involvement. Of note, these antibodies seem to be highly cross-reactive, as a large proportion recognizes Zika virus (ZIKV). The strong PC response to skin-inoculated DENV in this work resembles the findings already described in humans. We consider that this study contributes to the understanding of the in vivo biology of the humoral immune response to DENV in an immunocompetent murine model.

Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma of the spine in a child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Originally described by Dahlin et al. in 1984, fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma (FCM) constitutes a rare bone tumor of children and adolescents that mainly affects the long bones. A spinal location of this tumor is exceptional. Only two previous instances of vertebral FCM have been reported in the current literature, and both occurred in young adults. REPORT OF THE CASE: We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with backache caused by a neoplasm that involved the Th12 vertebra treated with tumor excision. Histopathological diagnosis was confirmatory of FCM. During a follow-up period of 2 years, there was no evidence of disease progression. Our patient, thus, represents the first case of FCM occurring in a child. CONCLUSIONS: Given the rarity of spinal FCM, there are no guidelines about its management. However, treatment of this neoplasm seems to be mainly surgical aiming at total removal of the lesion, if feasible, as FCM may recur locally.

Taste and smell function in Wolfram syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by insulin-dependent diabetes, optic nerve atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Although olfactory dysfunction, a classical clinical marker of neurodegenerative processes, has been reported in Wolfram syndrome, its use as a clinical marker in Wolfram is limited due to data scarcity. In addition, it is unknown whether Wolfram syndrome affects the sense of taste. METHODS: Smell and taste perception were assessed in participants with Wolfram syndrome (n = 40) who were 15.1 ± 6.0 years of age (range: 5.1-28.7 years) and two sex- and age-matched control groups: one group with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D; n = 25) and a healthy control group (HC; n = 29). Smell sensitivity was assessed by measuring n-butanol detection thresholds and smell identification by using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Taste function was assessed using NIH Toolbox, which includes the assessment of sucrose (sweet) taste preference, and perceived intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride (salty), and quinine hydrochloride (bitter) both in the tip of the tongue (regional test) and the whole mouth. RESULTS: Smell sensitivity was not significantly different among groups; however, smell identification was impaired in Wolfram syndrome, as reflected by significantly lower UPSIT scores in Wolfram syndrome compared to HC and T1D (P < 0.001). Compared to participants in the control groups, participants with Wolfram syndrome had a blunted perception of sweetness and saltiness when taste stimuli were applied regionally (P < 0.05), but differences in perceived intensity were no longer significant among groups when taste stimuli were tasted with the whole mouth. Groups preferred similar sucrose concentrations. CONCLUSION: Wolfram syndrome was associated with olfactory dysfunction. However, the olfactory dysfunction was qualitative (related to smell identification) and not secondary to olfactory insensitivity or diabetes, suggesting is arising from dysfunction in central olfactory brain regions. In contrast to olfaction, and despite decreased perception of taste intensity in the anterior tongue, the sense of taste was overall well-conserved in individuals with Wolfram syndrome. Future longitudinal studies of taste and smell perception in Wolfram syndrome will be important to determine the use of the chemical senses as clinical markers of disease progression.

Germinal Center Cells Turning to the Dark Side: Neoplasms of B Cells, Follicular Helper T Cells, and Follicular Dendritic Cells.

Gaining knowledge of the neoplastic side of the three main cells-B cells, Follicular Helper T (Tfh) cells, and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) -involved in the germinal center (GC) reaction can shed light toward further understanding the microuniverse that is the GC, opening the possibility of better treatments. This paper gives a review of the more complex underlying mechanisms involved in the malignant transformations that take place in the GC. Whilst our understanding of the biology of the GC-related B cell lymphomas has increased-this is not reviewed in detail here-the dark side involving neoplasms of Tfh cells and FDCs are poorly studied, in great part, due to their low incidence. The aggressive behavior of Tfh lymphomas and the metastatic potential of FDCs sarcomas make them clinically relevant, merit further attention and are the main focus of this review. Tfh cells and FDCs malignancies can often be misdiagnosed. The better understanding of these entities linked to their molecular and genetic characterization will lead to prediction of high-risk patients, better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments based on molecular profiles.

Cutaneous Dengue Virus Inoculation Triggers Strong B Cell Reactions but Contrastingly Poor T Cell Responses.

Dengue is a global health problem without current specific treatment nor safe vaccines available. While severe dengue is related to pre-existing non-neutralizing dengue virus (DENV) antibodies, the role of T cells in protection or pathology is unclear. Using cutaneous DENV infection in immunocompetent mice we previously showed the generation of PNA+ germinal centers (GCs), now we assessed the activation and proliferation of B and T cells in draining lymph nodes (DLNs). We found a drastic remodelling of DLN compartments from 7 to 14 days post-infection (dpi) with greatly enlarged B cell follicles, occupying almost half of the DLN area compared to ~24% in naïve conditions. Enormous clusters of proliferating (Ki-67+) cells inside B follicles were found 14 dpi, representing ~33% of B cells in DLNs but only ~2% in non-infected mice. Inside GCs, we noticed an important recruitment of tingle body macrophages removing apoptotic cells. In contrast, the percentage of paracortex area and total T cells decreased by 14-16 dpi, compared to controls. Scattered randomly distributed Ki-67+ T cells were found, similar to non-infected mice. CD69 expression by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was minor, while it was remarkable in B cells, representing 1764.7% of change from basal levels 3 dpi. The apparent lack of T cell responses cannot be attributed to apoptosis since no significant differences were observed compared to non-infected mice. This study shows massive B cell activation and proliferation in DLNs upon DENV infection. In contrast, we found very poor, almost absent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses.

Langerhans Cells From Mice at Birth Express Endocytic- and Pattern Recognition-Receptors, Migrate to Draining Lymph Nodes Ferrying Antigen and Activate Neonatal T Cells in vivo.

Antigen capturing at the periphery is one of the earliest, crucial functions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to initiate immune responses. Langerhans cells (LCs), the epidermal APCs migrate to draining lymph nodes (DLNs) upon acquiring antigens. An arsenal of endocytic molecules is available to this end, including lectins and pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). However, cutaneous LCs are poorly defined in the early neonatal period. We assessed endocytic molecules expression in situ: Mannose (CD206)-, Scavenger (SRA/CD204)-, Complement (CD2l, CDllb)-, and Fc-Receptors (CD16/32, CD23) as well as CD1d, CD14, CD205, Langerin (CD207), MHCII, and TLR4 in unperturbed epidermal LCs from both adult and early neonatal mice. As most of these markers were negative at birth (day 0), LC presence was revealed with the conspicuous, epidermal LC-restricted ADPase (and confirmed with CD45) staining detecting that they were as numerous as adult ones. Unexpectedly, most LCs at day 0 expressed CD14 and CD204 while very few were MHCII+ and TLR4+. In contrast, adult LCs lacked all these markers except Langerin, CD205, CD11b, MHCII and TLR4. Intriguingly, the CD204+ and CD14+ LCs predominant at day 0, apparently disappeared by day 4. Upon cutaneous FITC application, LCs were reduced in the skin and a CD204+MHCII+FITC+ population with high levels of CD86 subsequently appeared in DLNs, with a concomitant increased percentage of CD3+CD69+ T cells, strongly suggesting that neonatal LCs were able both to ferry the cutaneous antigen into DLNs and to activate neonatal T cells in vivo. Cell cycle analysis indicated that neonatal T cells in DLNs responded with proliferation. Our study reveals that epidermal LCs are present at birth, but their repertoire of endocytic molecules and PRRs differs to that of adult ones. We believe this to be the first description of CDl4, CD204 and TLR4 in neonatal epidermal LCs in situ. Newborns' LCs express molecules to detect antigens during early postnatal periods, are able to take up local antigens and to ferry them into DLNs conveying the information to responsive neonatal T cells.

A Low Cost Antibody Signal Enhancer Improves Immunolabeling in Cell Culture, Primate Brain and Human Cancer Biopsy.

The use of antibodies to identify neuronal receptors, neurotransmitters, cytoskeletal elements or pathologic protein aggregates, ion channels, adhesion molecules or other cell-type specific markers, is common practice in neuroscience. Antibody detection systems are often based on confocal, epifluorescence or brightfield microscopy. Three types of technical issues can interfere with immunolabeling: low abundance of the target protein, low specific affinity of the antibody and/or signal background sometimes related to tissue fixation. Here, giving tribute to Professor Miledi's mentorship, we propose the application of an antibody signal enhancer (ASE) solution based on glycine, hydrogen peroxide and a detergent mix as a simple, low cost, protocol variation that significantly and specifically improves the signal to noise ratio during immunostaining experiments. We describe three new settings in which ASE improves the detection of a variety of antibodies applied on long-time stored non-human primate brain sections, cell culture monolayers and on squamous carcinomas retrieved from cervical cancer patients. The significant improvement of ASE over optimized immunohistochemical protocols used in clinical practice (i.e. cancer detection) combined with its simplicity and low cost makes it an attractive method for biomedical applications.

Cervical extramedullary mass lesion due to chronic CSF overshunting: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Several emerging clinical and neuroimaging conditions due to CSF intracranial hypotension have been documented. Recently, a few instances of a severe form of cervical myelopathy due to CSF overshunting have also been reported. Patients with this type of cervical myelopathy usually evolve with marked clinical manifestations of spinal cord involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article, we report a 20-year-old girl, previously given a ventriculoperitoneal shunt at age 6 years, who presented with neck pain after a whiplash injury. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervical extramedullary mass that mimicked a cervical extradural hematoma. Further neuroimaging studies demonstrated that it corresponded to an engorged cervical epidural venous plexus that we attributed to chronic CSF overdrainage. After expectant management, the patient experienced a total recovery of her symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this condition occurring in an asymptomatic patient. Our aim in reporting this patient is twofold: (1) to warn the clinician about these neuroimaging findings that may mimic a cervical extradural hematoma and (2) to illustrate that engorged cervical epidural plexus may occur in patients in the absence of clinical manifestations of myelopathy. Recognition of this entity is important to distinguish it from a mass lesion in which a surgical intervention might be indicated.