Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 120
Filter
1.
Rev Mal Respir ; 41(4): 289-293, 2024 Apr.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38461089

ABSTRACT

Severe asthma patients with persistent airflow obstruction are characterized by functional obstruction due to mucus plugs containing mucins, fibrin, and eosinophil derived Charcot- Leyden crystals. The molecular mechanisms underlying this endotype are not clearly understood. Developing new models is crucial to respiratory research insofar as critical differences exist between human and rodent airway epithelium. We (and other teams) have shown that it is possible to reconstitute in vitro a complex and functional airway epithelium displaying all the features described in vivo from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC). Our aim is to establish a human in vitro model of severe asthma that will recapitulate airway epithelium remodeling and mucus plugs.


Subject(s)
Asthma , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Humans , Lung , Mucus
3.
Nat Commun ; 10(1): 4779, 2019 10 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31636267

ABSTRACT

Hyperinflammatory syndromes are life-threatening disorders caused by overzealous immune cell activation and cytokine release, often resulting from defects in negative feedback mechanisms. In the quintessential hyperinflammatory syndrome familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), inborn errors of cytotoxicity result in effector cell accumulation, immune dysregulation and, if untreated, tissue damage and death. Here, we describe a human case with a homozygous nonsense R688* RC3H1 mutation suffering from hyperinflammation, presenting as relapsing HLH. RC3H1 encodes Roquin-1, a posttranscriptional repressor of immune-regulatory proteins such as ICOS, OX40 and TNF. Comparing the R688* variant with the murine M199R variant reveals a phenotypic resemblance, both in immune cell activation, hypercytokinemia and disease development. Mechanistically, R688* Roquin-1 fails to localize to P-bodies and interact with the CCR4-NOT deadenylation complex, impeding mRNA decay and dysregulating cytokine production. The results from this unique case suggest that impaired Roquin-1 function provokes hyperinflammation by a failure to quench immune activation.


Subject(s)
Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Adolescent , Animals , Codon, Nonsense , Consanguinity , Cyclosporine/therapeutic use , Eosinophilia/genetics , Eosinophilia/immunology , Homozygote , Humans , Immunophenotyping , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Inducible T-Cell Co-Stimulator Protein/genetics , Inducible T-Cell Co-Stimulator Protein/immunology , Inducible T-Cell Co-Stimulator Protein/metabolism , Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/drug therapy , Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/immunology , Male , Mice , Monocytes/immunology , Receptors, OX40/genetics , Receptors, OX40/immunology , Receptors, OX40/metabolism , Recurrence , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/immunology
4.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol ; 316(3): L456-L469, 2019 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30543305

ABSTRACT

Persistent activation of the transcription factor Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is central to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including those of the lung such as cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite recent advances in treatment, management of the inflammatory component of these diseases still remains suboptimal. A20 is an endogenous negative regulator of NF-κB signaling, which has been widely described in several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and more recently in terms of chronic lung disorders. However, the underlying mechanism for the apparent lack of A20 in CF, COPD, and asthma has not been investigated. Transcriptional regulation of A20 is complex and requires coordination of different transcription factors. In this review we examine the existing body of research evidence on the regulation of A20, concentrating on pulmonary inflammation. Special focus is given to the repressor downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and its nuclear and cytosolic action to regulate inflammation. We provide evidence that would suggest the A20-DREAM axis to be an important player in (airway) inflammatory responses and point to DREAM as a potential future therapeutic target for the modification of phenotypic changes in airway inflammatory disorders. A schematic summary describing the role of DREAM in inflammation with a focus on chronic lung diseases as well as the possible consequences of altered DREAM expression on immune responses is provided.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Inflammation/drug therapy , Lung Diseases/drug therapy , Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3/drug effects , Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3/metabolism , Animals , Chronic Disease/drug therapy , Humans , Inflammation/metabolism , Phenotype
5.
Sci Rep ; 8(1): 13275, 2018 09 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30185803

ABSTRACT

The airway epithelium regulates responses to aeroallergens, acting as a physical and immunological barrier. In asthma, epithelial barrier function and the expression of adherens junction protein E-cadherin is compromised, but it is unknown whether this is cause or consequence of the disease. We hypothesized that airway epithelial loss of E-cadherin is a critical step in the development of manifestations of asthma. We generated a transgenic mouse model with conditional loss of E-cadherin in lung epithelial cells at birth and onwards. We observed normal lung development at the time of birth in mice lacking E-cadherin in the lung epithelium. However, E-cadherin deficiency led to progressive epithelial damage in mice growing into adulthood, as evidenced by airway epithelial denudation, decreased zonula occludens (ZO)-1 expression, loss of ciliated cells, and enlarged alveolar spaces. In addition, spontaneous goblet cell metaplasia with mucus production was observed. These epithelial changes were accompanied by elevated levels of the epithelial-derived chemokine CCL17, infiltration of eosinophils and dendritic cells, and mucus production. In conclusion, loss of E-cadherin induces features in the lung reminiscent of those observed in asthma, indicating that the disruption of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts may play a key role in the development of asthma manifestations.


Subject(s)
Cadherins/metabolism , Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism , Respiratory Mucosa/pathology , Adherens Junctions/metabolism , Animals , Asthma/metabolism , Cadherins/genetics , Cadherins/physiology , Chemokine CCL17/metabolism , Dendritic Cells/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Eosinophils/metabolism , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Epithelium/metabolism , Goblet Cells/metabolism , Lung/pathology , Metaplasia/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Tight Junctions/metabolism , Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/metabolism
6.
Clin Exp Allergy ; 48(8): 970-980, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29682789

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In humans, both basophils and dendritic cells (DCs) express the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI). OBJECTIVE: To gain more insight into the relation between serum IgE levels and FcεRI expression and IgE binding by DCs and basophils in house dust mite (HDM) allergy and during subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). METHODS: We measured FcεRI, IgE and HDM allergen on DCs (conventional type 2 DCs, cDC2s; plasmacytoid dendritic cells, pDCs) and basophils by flow cytometry in 22 non-allergic vs 52 allergic subjects and upon HDM SCIT in 28 allergic subjects. IgE levels were measured in serum. RESULTS: Serum IgE correlated differentially with FcεRI expression and IgE binding depending on cell type and allergic status. In non-allergic subjects, FcεRI/IgE surface densities increased with serum IgE to a significantly stronger degree on basophils compared to cDC2s. By contrast, in allergic subjects FcεRI/IgE surface densities increased with serum IgE to a slightly stronger degree on cDC2s compared to basophils. In addition, the data set suggests sequential loading of IgE onto FcεRI expressed by these cells (basophils>cDC2s>pDCs). Finally, HDM SCIT induced a temporary increase in serum IgE, which was paralleled by a peak in FcεRI and IgE on DCs, but not on basophils. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides a comprehensive insight into the relation between serum IgE and FcεRI/IgE on basophils and DC subsets. The novel finding that HDM SCIT induces a temporary increase in FcεRI expression on DCs, but not on basophils, can be an incentive for future research on the potential tolerogenic role of IgE/FcεRI signalling in DCs in the setting of allergen immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Basophils/immunology , Basophils/metabolism , Dendritic Cells/immunology , Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Receptors, IgE/genetics , Rhinitis, Allergic/etiology , Rhinitis, Allergic/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Antigens, Dermatophagoides/immunology , Biomarkers , Desensitization, Immunologic , Female , Flow Cytometry , Gene Expression , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Protein Binding , Pyroglyphidae/immunology , Receptors, IgE/metabolism , Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy , Young Adult
7.
Vox Sang ; 112(8): 713-722, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28960367

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interventions to prevent and detect bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) have reduced, but not eliminated the sepsis risk. Standardized bacterial strains are needed to validate detection and pathogen reduction technologies in PCs. Following the establishment of the First International Reference Repository of Platelet Transfusion-Relevant Bacterial Reference Strains (the 'repository'), the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation (ECBS) endorsed further repository expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen bacterial strains, including the four repository strains, were distributed from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) to 14 laboratories in 10 countries for enumeration, identification and growth measurement on days 2, 4 and 7 after low spiking levels [10-25 colony-forming units (CFU)/PC bag]. Spore-forming (Bacillus cereusPEI-B-P-07-S, Bacillus thuringiensisPEI-B-P-57-S), Gram-negative (Enterobacter cloacaePEI-B-P-43, Morganella morganiiPEI-B-P-74, PEI-B-P-91, Proteus mirabilisPEI-B-P-55, Pseudomonas fluorescensPEI-B-P-77, Salmonella choleraesuisPEI-B-P-78, Serratia marcescensPEI-B-P-56) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureusPEI-B-P-63, Streptococcus dysgalactiaePEI-B-P-71, Streptococcus bovisPEI-B-P-61) strains were evaluated. RESULTS: Bacterial viability was conserved after transport to the participating laboratories with one exception (M. morganiiPEI-B-P-74). All other strains showed moderate-to-excellent growth. Bacillus cereus, B. thuringiensis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. fluorescens, S. marcescens, S. aureus and S. dysgalactiae grew to >106 CFU/ml by day 2. Enterobacter cloacae, P. mirabilis, S. epidermidis, S. bovis and S. pyogenes achieved >106 CFU/ml at day 4. Growth of S. choleraesuis was lower and highly variable. CONCLUSION: The WHO ECBS approved all bacterial strains (except M. morganiiPEI-B-P-74 and S. choleraesuisPEI-B-P-78) for repository enlargement. The strains were stable, suitable for spiking with low CFU numbers, and proliferation was independent of the PC donor.


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets/microbiology , Blood Safety/standards , Platelet Transfusion , Biological Specimen Banks , Escherichia coli/growth & development , Humans , Klebsiella pneumoniae/growth & development , Reference Standards , Staphylococcus aureus/growth & development , Staphylococcus epidermidis/growth & development , World Health Organization
8.
Sci Rep ; 7(1): 5986, 2017 07 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28729715

ABSTRACT

Due to their capacity to skew T cell responses towards Th1 oriented immunity, oligonucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG) have emerged as interesting adjuvants for vaccination. Whereas the signalling pathways in response to CpG mediated TLR9 activation have been extensively documented at the level of the individual cell, little is however known on the precise identity of the innate immune cells that govern T cell priming and polarisation to CpG adjuvanted protein antigens in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that optimal induction of Th1 oriented immunity to CpG adjuvanted protein vaccines requires the coordinated actions of conventional DCs and of monocytes. Whilst conventional DCs were required for antigen presentation and initial T cell priming, monocytes constitute the main source of the Th1 polarising cytokine IL-12.


Subject(s)
Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Immunity, Cellular , Inflammation/pathology , Interleukin-12/biosynthesis , Monocytes/pathology , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/pharmacology , Th1 Cells/immunology , Vaccines/immunology , Animals , Antigen Presentation/drug effects , Antigen-Presenting Cells/drug effects , Antigen-Presenting Cells/metabolism , Antigens/metabolism , Antigens, Ly/metabolism , Cell Movement/drug effects , Dendritic Cells/drug effects , Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Immunity, Cellular/drug effects , Lymph Nodes/drug effects , Lymph Nodes/metabolism , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Monocytes/drug effects , Monocytes/metabolism , Phenotype , Receptors, CCR2/metabolism , Vaccination
10.
Avian Pathol ; 46(4): 434-441, 2017 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28290220

ABSTRACT

Despite the widespread and successful use of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can seriously injure the reproductive tract of egg-laying hens, leading to rapid egg-drop and poor shell quality. Few published studies investigated local NDV-specific immune response in the reproductive tract after ND vaccination of hens. The present study investigated, for the first time, local NDV-specific antibody-mediated immunity in segments of the oviduct during the laying period. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) White Leghorn chickens were immunized following an ND vaccination programme applied in the field, which combined ND-attenuated vaccine (inoculated subcutaneously at one day, 2 weeks and 11 weeks of age) with inactivated vaccine (inoculated intramuscularly at 17 weeks). The infundibulum, magnum, isthmus and uterus (segments of the reproductive tract) were harvested at 28 weeks and 32 weeks of age (during the laying period). Supernatant from ex vivo tissue culture was collected and tested by: (i) haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, (ii) commercial IDVet ND-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and (iii) NDV-specific IgG, IgM and IgA in-house ELISAs. For all sampling time points and oviduct segments, all samples were positive for commercial ND-ELISA and in-house ELISA-IgG. However, six of these ELISA-IgG positive samples yielded negative results when submitted to the HI test. Interestingly, NDV-specific IgM and IgA were detected frequently in the infundibulum and magnum as compared to the isthmus and uterus. These results show that the antibody immune response in the oviduct was induced by the timing of attenuated and inactivated ND vaccinations.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/physiology , Chickens , Genitalia, Female/immunology , Newcastle Disease/prevention & control , Newcastle disease virus/immunology , Viral Vaccines/immunology , Animals , Antibody Specificity , Female , Oviposition , Poultry Diseases/prevention & control , Poultry Diseases/virology , Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms , Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology , Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology
11.
Mucosal Immunol ; 10(4): 831-844, 2017 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28198365

ABSTRACT

Our understanding of conventional dendritic cell (cDC) development and the functional specializations of distinct subsets in the peripheral tissues has increased greatly in recent years. Here, we review cDC development from the distinct progenitors in the bone marrow through to the distinct cDC subsets found in barrier tissues, providing an overview of the different subsets described in each location. In addition, we detail the transcription factors and local signals that have been proposed to control this developmental process. Importantly, despite these significant advances, numerous questions remain to be answered regarding cDC development. For example, it remains unclear whether the different subsets described, such as the CD103+CD11b+ and CD103-CD11b+ cDCs in the intestines, truly represent different populations or rather distinct developmental or activation stages. Furthermore, whether distinct progenitors exist for these cDC subsets remains to be determined. Thus in the last part of this review we discuss what we believe will be the main questions facing the field for the coming years.


Subject(s)
Bone Marrow Cells/physiology , Dendritic Cells/physiology , Animals , Antigens, CD/metabolism , CD11b Antigen/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Humans , Integrin alpha Chains/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism
12.
Med Vet Entomol ; 31(1): 97-101, 2017 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27753116

ABSTRACT

The expression of allergen genes in house dust mites is influenced by temperature and relative humidity, but little is known of the impacts of other environmental factors that may alter the repertoire of allergens released by mites in home microhabitats. Bioassays were conducted in concave microscope slides in combination with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to analyse gene expression of 17 allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae) exposed to three chemical stressors that can be present in domestic environments. Short-term exposure (5-12 days) to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) (1 µg/cm2 ), bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (0.1 µg/cm2 ) and benzyl benzoate (3.2 µg/cm2 ), at concentrations exceeding those expected in homes, had no significant effect on allergen transcription. A significant increase in the transcription of allergens Der p 3, Der p 8 and Der p 21 was observed only after exposing mites to a higher concentration of DEPs (10 µg/cm2 ) over a whole generation. In combination, the present results suggest that the analysed factors have low impact on allergen production. The methodology described here offers a sound and rapid approach to the broad-spectrum study of factors affecting allergen-related mite physiology, and allows the simultaneous screening of different factors in a relatively short period with consideration of the full spectrum of allergen genes.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Allergens/genetics , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/drug effects , Gene Expression/drug effects , Insecticides/analysis , Lipopolysaccharides/physiology , Allergens/metabolism , Animals , Benzoates/analysis , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/genetics , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/metabolism , Particulate Matter/analysis , Vehicle Emissions/analysis
13.
Avian Dis ; 60(1 Suppl): 202-9, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27309056

ABSTRACT

A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 (clade 2.3.4.4) virus, circulating in Asia (South Korea, Japan, and southern China) since the beginning of 2014, reached the European continent in November 2014. Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Hungary confirmed H5N8 infection of poultry farms of different species and of several wild bird species. Unlike the Asian highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1, this HP H5N8 also went transatlantic and reached the American West Coast by the end of 2014, affecting wild birds as well as backyard and commercial poultry. This strain induces high mortality and morbidity in Galliformes, whereas wild birds seem only moderately affected. A recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) vector vaccine expressing the H5 gene of a clade 2.2 H5N1 strain (rHVT-H5) previously demonstrated a highly efficient clinical protection and reduced viral excretion against challenge with Asian HP H5N1 strains of various clades (2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.1.1, 2.1.3, 2.1.3.2, and 2.3.2.1) and was made commercially available in various countries where the disease is endemic. To evaluate the protective efficacy of the rHVT-H5 vaccine against the first German H5N8 turkey isolate (H5N8 GE), a challenge experiment was set up in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, and the clinical and excretional protection was evaluated. SPF chickens were vaccinated subcutaneously at 1 day old and challenged oculonasally at 4 wk of age with two viral dosages, 10(5) and 10(6) 50% egg infective doses. Morbidity and mortality were monitored daily in unvaccinated and vaccinated groups, whereas viral shedding by oropharyngeal and cloacal routes was evaluated at 2, 5, 9, and 14 days postinoculation (dpi). Serologic monitoring after vaccination and challenge was also carried out. Despite its high antigenic divergence of the challenge H5N8 strain, a single rHVT-H5 vaccine administration at 1 day old resulted in a full clinical protection against challenge and a significant reduction of viral shedding in the vaccinated birds.


Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype/immunology , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Influenza in Birds/immunology , Animals , Chickens/immunology , Chickens/virology , Europe , Galliformes/immunology , Galliformes/virology , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Genetic Vectors/metabolism , Herpesvirus 1, Meleagrid/genetics , Herpesvirus 1, Meleagrid/metabolism , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype/genetics , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Influenza Vaccines/genetics , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/virology , Vaccination , Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage , Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics , Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
14.
Avian Dis ; 60(1 Suppl): 322-8, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27309074

ABSTRACT

Due to their probable role in the spread of Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, and in order to explore its implication in the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus epidemiology, mute swans represent one particular wild bird species specifically targeted in the avian influenza (AI) surveillance elaborated in Belgium. A total of 640 individual mute swans have been sampled during a 4-yr AI surveillance program (2007-2010) to determine the AI seroprevalence and viroprevalence in this species; all were analyzed through age, temporal, and habitat (flowing and stagnant water) factors. Using a nucleoprotein (NP)-based ELISA, a global antibody prevalence of 35% has been found and was characterized by two peaks in the winter and the summer that might be indicative of a greater LPAI virus circulation in the autumn than in the spring. A significantly higher antibody prevalence was detected in adult swans (53.8%) as compared to juveniles (15.5%). In contrast, a low prevalence of infection (2.7%) was found, mainly in juvenile mute swans and only during the autumn migration period. Interestingly, an impact of water habitat was observed based on the comparison of the antibody prevalence and prevalence of infection from swan populations living on stagnant water vs. flowing water, suggesting that stagnant water provides a more-favorable environment for LPAI persistence and transmission.


Subject(s)
Anseriformes/growth & development , Anseriformes/virology , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza in Birds/virology , Animals , Anseriformes/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Belgium/epidemiology , Ecosystem , Female , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/classification , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza in Birds/blood , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Male , Prevalence , Seasons , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Virulence
15.
Avian Dis ; 60(1 Suppl): 387-93, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27309083

ABSTRACT

Active monitoring of avian influenza (AI) viruses in wild birds was initiated in Belgium in 2005 in response to the first highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks occurring in Europe. In Belgium, active wild bird surveillance that targeted live-ringed and hunter-harvested wild birds was developed and maintained from 2005 onward. After one decade, this program assimilated, analyzed, and reported on over 35,000 swabs. The 2009-2014 datasets were used for the current analysis because detailed information was available for this period. The overall prevalence of avian influenza (AI) in samples from live-ringed birds during this period was 0.48% whereas it was 6.12% in hunter-harvested samples. While the ringing sampling targeted a large number of bird species and was realized over the years, the hunting sampling was mainly concentrated on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) during the hunting season, from mid-August to late January. Even when using just AI prevalence for live-ringed A. platyrhynchos during the hunting season, the value remained significantly lower (2.10%) compared to that detected for hunter-harvested mallards. One explanation for this significant difference in viroprevalence in hunter-harvested mallards was the game restocking practice, which released captive-bred birds in the wild before the hunting period. Indeed, the released game restocking birds, having an AI-naïve immune status, could act as local amplifiers of AI viruses already circulating in the wild, and this could affect AI epidemiology. Also, the release into the wild of noncontrolled restocking birds might lead to the introduction of new strains in the natural environment, leading to increased AI presence in the environment. Consequently, the release of naïve or infected restocking birds may affect AI dynamics.


Subject(s)
Anseriformes/virology , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza in Birds/virology , Animals , Animals, Wild/classification , Animals, Wild/virology , Anseriformes/classification , Belgium , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/classification , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics , Seasons
16.
Allergy ; 71(11): 1513-1525, 2016 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26970340

ABSTRACT

MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy; EU FP7-CP-IP; Project No: 261357; 2010-2015) has proposed an innovative approach to develop early indicators for the prediction, diagnosis, prevention and targets for therapy. MeDALL has linked epidemiological, clinical and basic research using a stepwise, large-scale and integrative approach: MeDALL data of precisely phenotyped children followed in 14 birth cohorts spread across Europe were combined with systems biology (omics, IgE measurement using microarrays) and environmental data. Multimorbidity in the same child is more common than expected by chance alone, suggesting that these diseases share causal mechanisms irrespective of IgE sensitization. IgE sensitization should be considered differently in monosensitized and polysensitized individuals. Allergic multimorbidities and IgE polysensitization are often associated with the persistence or severity of allergic diseases. Environmental exposures are relevant for the development of allergy-related diseases. To complement the population-based studies in children, MeDALL included mechanistic experimental animal studies and in vitro studies in humans. The integration of multimorbidities and polysensitization has resulted in a new classification framework of allergic diseases that could help to improve the understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of allergy as well as to better manage allergic diseases. Ethics and gender were considered. MeDALL has deployed translational activities within the EU agenda.


Subject(s)
Hypersensitivity/diagnosis , Hypersensitivity/therapy , Precision Medicine/methods , Systems Biology/methods , Disease Management , European Union , Health Policy , Humans , Hypersensitivity/etiology , Hypersensitivity/prevention & control , Immunization , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Inventions , Prognosis , World Health Organization
17.
Mucosal Immunol ; 9(4): 999-1014, 2016 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26376363

ABSTRACT

Immunity to Influenza A virus (IAV) is controlled by conventional TCRαß(+) CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes, which mediate protection or cause immunopathology. Here, we addressed the kinetics, differentiation, and antigen specificity of CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative (DN) T cells. DNT cells expressed intermediate levels of TCR/CD3 and could be further divided in γδ T cells, CD1d-reactive type I NKT cells, NK1.1(+) NKT-like cells, and NK1.1(-) DNT cells. NK1.1(-) DNT cells had a separate antigen-specific repertoire in the steady-state lung, and expanded rapidly in response to IAV infection, irrespectively of the severity of infection. Up to 10% of DNT cells reacted to viral nucleoprotein. Reinfection experiments with heterosubtypic IAV revealed that viral replication was a major trigger for recruitment. Unlike conventional T cells, the NK1.1(-) DNT cells were in a preactivated state, expressing memory markers CD44, CD11a, CD103, and the cytotoxic effector molecule FasL. DNT cells resided in the lung parenchyma, protected from intravascular labeling with CD45 antibody. The recruitment and maintenance of CCR2(+) CCR5(+) CXCR3(+) NK1.1(-) DNT cells depended on CD11c(hi) dendritic cells (DCs). Functionally, DNT cells controlled the lung DC subset balance, suggesting they might act as immunoregulatory cells. In conclusion, we identify activation of resident memory NK1.1(-) DNT cells as an integral component of the mucosal immune response to IAV infection.


Subject(s)
Dendritic Cells/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology , Lung/immunology , Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology , Animals , Antigens, Viral/immunology , CD11c Antigen/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Cell Movement , Cells, Cultured , Immunity, Mucosal , Immunologic Memory , Lung/pathology , Lymphocyte Activation , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
18.
J Gen Virol ; 96(10): 2999-3009, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26297666

ABSTRACT

West Nile virus (WNV) occurs as a population of genetic variants (quasispecies) infecting a single animal. Previous low-resolution viral genetic diversity estimates in sampled wild birds and mosquitoes, and in multiple-passage adaptation studies in vivo or in cell culture, suggest that WNV genetic diversification is mostly limited to the mosquito vector. This study investigated genetic diversification of WNV in avian hosts during a single passage using next-generation sequencing. Wild-captured carrion crows were subcutaneously infected using a clonal Middle-East WNV. Blood samples were collected 2 and 4 days post-infection. A reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR approach was used to amplify the WNV genome directly from serum samples prior to next-generation sequencing resulting in an average depth of at least 700 × in each sample. Appropriate controls were sequenced to discriminate biologically relevant low-frequency variants from experimentally introduced errors. The WNV populations in the wild crows showed significant diversification away from the inoculum virus quasispecies structure. By contrast, WNV populations in intracerebrally infected day-old chickens did not diversify from that of the inoculum. Where previous studies concluded that WNV genetic diversification is only experimentally demonstrated in its permissive insect vector species, we have experimentally shown significant diversification of WNV populations in a wild bird reservoir species.


Subject(s)
Crows/virology , Genetic Variation , West Nile Fever/virology , West Nile virus/classification , West Nile virus/isolation & purification , Animals , Chickens , Disease Models, Animal , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Molecular Sequence Data , RNA, Viral/genetics , Reverse Transcription , Sequence Analysis, DNA , West Nile virus/genetics
19.
Allergy ; 70(8): 973-84, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25932997

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asthma, rhinitis and eczema often co-occur in children, but their interrelationships at the population level have been poorly addressed. We assessed co-occurrence of childhood asthma, rhinitis and eczema using unsupervised statistical techniques. METHODS: We included 17 209 children at 4 years and 14 585 at 8 years from seven European population-based birth cohorts (MeDALL project). At each age period, children were grouped, using partitioning cluster analysis, according to the distribution of 23 variables covering symptoms 'ever' and 'in the last 12 months', doctor diagnosis, age of onset and treatments of asthma, rhinitis and eczema; immunoglobulin E sensitization; weight; and height. We tested the sensitivity of our estimates to subject and variable selections, and to different statistical approaches, including latent class analysis and self-organizing maps. RESULTS: Two groups were identified as the optimal way to cluster the data at both age periods and in all sensitivity analyses. The first (reference) group at 4 and 8 years (including 70% and 79% of children, respectively) was characterized by a low prevalence of symptoms and sensitization, whereas the second (symptomatic) group exhibited more frequent symptoms and sensitization. Ninety-nine percentage of children with comorbidities (co-occurrence of asthma, rhinitis and/or eczema) were included in the symptomatic group at both ages. The children's characteristics in both groups were consistent in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: At 4 and 8 years, at the population level, asthma, rhinitis and eczema can be classified together as an allergic comorbidity cluster. Future research including time-repeated assessments and biological data will help understanding the interrelationships between these diseases.


Subject(s)
Asthma/epidemiology , Asthma/immunology , Eczema/epidemiology , Eczema/immunology , Rhinitis, Allergic/epidemiology , Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology , Age Distribution , Asthma/genetics , Child , Child, Preschool , Cluster Analysis , Cohort Studies , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eczema/genetics , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Internationality , Male , Phenotype , Prevalence , Rhinitis, Allergic/genetics , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Distribution
20.
Allergy ; 70(9): 1062-78, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25913421

ABSTRACT

Allergic diseases [asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD)] are complex. They are associated with allergen-specific IgE and nonallergic mechanisms that may coexist in the same patient. In addition, these diseases tend to cluster and patients present concomitant or consecutive diseases (multimorbidity). IgE sensitization should be considered as a quantitative trait. Important clinical and immunological differences exist between mono- and polysensitized subjects. Multimorbidities of allergic diseases share common causal mechanisms that are only partly IgE-mediated. Persistence of allergic diseases over time is associated with multimorbidity and/or IgE polysensitization. The importance of the family history of allergy may decrease with age. This review puts forward the hypothesis that allergic multimorbidities and IgE polysensitization are associated and related to the persistence or re-occurrence of foetal type 2 signalling. Asthma, rhinitis and AD are manifestations of a common systemic immune imbalance (mesodermal origin) with specific patterns of remodelling (ectodermal or endodermal origin). This study proposes a new classification of IgE-mediated allergic diseases that allows the definition of novel phenotypes to (i) better understand genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, (ii) better stratify allergic preschool children for prognosis and (iii) propose novel strategies of treatment and prevention.


Subject(s)
Allergens/immunology , Hypersensitivity/etiology , Hypersensitivity/metabolism , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Signal Transduction , Antibody Specificity/immunology , Comorbidity , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Hypersensitivity/epidemiology , Immunization , Phenotype , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...