Perinatal thymic-derived CD8αß-expressing γδ T cells are innate IFN-γ producers that expand in IL-7R-STAT5B-driven neoplasms.

The contribution of γδ T cells to immune responses is associated with rapid secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Here, we show a perinatal thymic wave of innate IFN-γ-producing γδ T cells that express CD8αß heterodimers and expand in preclinical models of infection and cancer. Optimal CD8αß+ γδ T cell development is directed by low T cell receptor signaling and through provision of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-7. This population is pathologically relevant as overactive, or constitutive, IL-7R-STAT5B signaling promotes a supraphysiological accumulation of CD8αß+ γδ T cells in the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs in two mouse models of T cell neoplasia. Likewise, CD8αß+ γδ T cells define a distinct subset of human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia pediatric patients. This work characterizes the normal and malignant development of CD8αß+ γδ T cells that are enriched in early life and contribute to innate IFN-γ responses to infection and cancer.

HLA-DQA1*04: 01 is related to a higher multiple sclerosis lesion load on T2/Flair MRI sequences / O HLA-DQA1*04: 01 está relacionado com uma alta carga lesional na ressonância magnética em T2/Flair nos pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Background: The genetic predisposition to multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with HLA alleles, especially HLA-DRB1*15:01. Objective: To identify associations between findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic features in a Brazilian cohort of patients with MS. Methods: We retrospectively studied data from 95 consecutive patients with MS. Two independent observers who were blinded to the clinical data identified black holes and enhanced lesions on T1 MRI sequences, and counted and measured contrast-enhanced lesions on T2 and Flair (fluid attenuation inversion recovery) sequences. Cases were classified according to lesion size, number, and volume. The HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DQA1 alleles, and the rs4774, rs3087456, rs6897932, rs731236, and rs1033182 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers using the One Lambda Inc. Kit, Canoga Park, CA, USA. Results: Patients with the HLA-DQA1*04:01 allele had lesion load (adjusted for age, sex, and MS duration) above median compared with patients with other HLA-DQA1 alleles (p=0.02). There were no differences among all the other HLA alleles and single nucleotide polymorphisms and lesion load. Conclusions: The correlation of the HLA-DQA1*04:01 allele with a higher lesion load on T2/Flair MRI sequences suggests that the presence of this allele is associated with the risk of greater MS severity.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A predisposição genética para a esclerose múltipla (EM) está associada a alelos HLA, principalmente o HLA-DRB1*15:01. Objetivo: Identificar associações entre lesões na ressonância magnética e características genéticas em uma coorte brasileira de pacientes com EM. Métodos: Estudamos retrospectivamente os dados de 95 pacientes consecutivos com EM. Dois observadores independentes que desconheciam os dados clínicos identificaram "black holes" e lesões realçadas pelo contraste nas sequências de ressonância magnética T1 e contaram e mediram as lesões nas sequências T2 e FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery). Os casos foram classificados de acordo com tamanho, número e volume da lesão. Os alelos HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 e HLA-DQA1 e os polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único rs4774, rs3087456, rs6897932, rs731236 e rs1033182 foram identificados por amplificação de reação em cadeia da polimerase com iniciadores específicos de sequência usando o kit One Lambda Inc., Canoga Park, CA, EUA. Resultados: Os pacientes com alelo HLA-DQA1*04:01 apresentaram carga de lesão (ajustada para idade, sexo e duração da EM) acima da mediana em comparação com outros pacientes com demais alelos HLA-DQA1 (p=0,02). Não houve diferenças entre todos os outros alelos HLA e polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único e carga lesional. Conclusões: A correlação do alelo HLA-DQA1*04:01 com maior carga de lesão nas sequências de RM em T2 sugere que a presença desse alelo pode estar associada ao risco de maior gravidade da EM.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation among persons living with HIV/AIDS in São Paulo city, Brazil

ABSTRACT Hypovitaminosis D is now considered a pandemic, especially among more vulnerable populations and in HIV-infected subjects, with 80% presenting levels below 30 ng/mL. As there is no consensus on the more adequate dosage needed to correct such deficiency, the objective of this study was to evaluate 25 (OH) vitamin D supplementation in HIV-1 patients deficient of vitamin D. A total of 73 HIV-1-infected patients were included, drawn from a cohort of 435 patients; 37 patients were randomized to the active group, supplemented once a week with 50,000 UI vitamin D by mouth (group 1) and 36 to the placebo group (group 2). The study period ranged from June 2016 to September 2017. Variables involved in vitamin D metabolism and risk factors associated with hypovitaminosis were evaluated. The mean age was 45 years and 31.5 % were women. Vitamin D supplementation was effective in normalizing serum levels after six months in group 1 (mean 35 ng/mL compared to 21 ng/mL for the placebo group; p= 0.04). No patient reached blood levels considered toxic (>100 UI). Efavirenz use can negatively influence vitamin D levels and supplementation is necessary as a likely adjunct to improving CD4+ T cells, resulting in greater effectiveness of the treatment. A weekly oral dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D was sufficient to normalize the vitamin deficiency, safely and with good adherence among persons living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil.