Enhancing Immune Response in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Impact of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine.

Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases among all types of lung cancer. Infectious diseases contribute to morbidity and mortality by delaying appropriate anti-cancer therapy in patients with NSCLC. Methods: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 288 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. The analysis of the post-vaccination response was performed after vaccination by assessing the frequency of plasmablasts via flow cytometry and by assessing the concentration of specific anti-pneumococcal antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: The results of the study showed that NSCLC patients responded to the vaccine with an increase in the frequencies of plasmablasts and antibodies but to a lesser extent than healthy controls. The immune system response to PCV13 vaccination was better in patients with lower-stage NSCLC. We found higher antibody levels after vaccination in NSCLC patients who survived 5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: We hope that our research will contribute to increasing patients' and physicians' awareness of the importance of including PCV13 vaccinations in the standard of oncological care, which will extend the survival time of patients and improve their quality of life.

Apoptotic Cell Death in an Animal Model of Virus-Induced Acute Liver Failure-Observations during Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 Infection.

Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 causes severe and highly fatal Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Because of its characteristics, this infection is used as an animal model for acute liver failure (ALF). Apoptosis is one of the key processes underlying ALF and has been described as one of the mechanisms of RHD pathogenesis. Apoptotic cell death has been quite well characterized in infection with different variants of GI.1 strains, but so far, the GI.2 genotype has not been widely studied. In this study, we performed an evaluation of apoptotic cell death in hepatocytes of rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2. We analyzed the expression of genes involved in apoptotic cell death by real-time PCR and performed immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. We showed a significant increase in the expression of caspase-3 and the proapoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in infected animals. In addition, we recorded increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratios. IHC analyses showed the presence of morphological signs of apoptosis in the hepatocytes of infected rabbits. Our results indicate that caspase-3 and proteins from the Bcl-2 families play a key role in apoptosis induced by Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 infection.

Investigation of microbiological safety of dry cat foods marketed in Poland.

Pets are inhabiting more and more human homes every year. In 2020, the cat population in Europe was 110 million, including 6.8 million in Poland. Dry food is the most popular dietary model for cats because of its easy storage and efficient satisfaction of pet needs. The high processing temperature of dry food reduces the chance of microbial contamination, but this can occur later, during post-production or storage in the pet's caregiver's home or, in the case of weighed foods, in the store. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microbiological safety of dry feed sold in the original manufacturer's packaging and the same feed from the same manufacturers sold in a retail store by weight. Six discriminants, presence of Salmonella spp., number of coliforms, number of coagulase-positive staphylococci, determination of yeast and mould counts, Enterobacteriaceae count, Listeria monocytogenes and determination of total aerobic microbial count were used for the analysis. Then, cat food was then stored for 45 days according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Based on the samples tested both after opening and after storage, it was concluded that the dry cat food analyzed posed a law microbiological risk to animals and humans.

Immune response in the recombinant strain of Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a.

Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 is the virus that causes severe and dangerous rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in rabbits. Recombination formation in RHD viruses is common. Recombination is thought to play a key role in the evolution of lagoviruses and therefore most likely influences the pathogenicity of L. europaeus/GI strains. Immunological events also play a key role in the control of RHD, and an in-depth knowledge of these phenomena provides insights into the characteristics of the infection, which can help implement appropriate infection control measures. To obtain a more complete picture of RHD caused by different GI.1 strains, it is necessary to correlate the genetic diversity within L. europaeus/GI.1 strains and the immune picture in response to infection. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the L. europaeus/GI strains and compared the recombinant L. europaeus/GI.1 strain with the GI.1a strain on the basis of a thorough statistical analysis of immunological traits performed previously. Our phylogenetic analysis based on the sequence of the gene encoding the VP60 capsid protein of 34 strains of Lagovirus europaeus showed that the Hartmannsdorf strain forms a separate clade from the other GI.1a strains and is separate from the GI.1b-d strains. Next, we showed significant differences in the levels of individual parameters for non-specific cellular and humoral immunity in infection with the GI.1a strain and the Hartmannsdorf recombinant strain. Against the background of this study, our results indicate that the characteristics of each recombinant should be considered individually.

Apoptosis activation during Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 infection in rabbits.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a severe disease caused by Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 and GI.2. Immunological processes such as apoptosis are important factors involved in the pathogenesis of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). The process of programmed cell death has been quite well characterized in infection with GI.1 strains, but apoptosis in infection with GI.2 strains has not been widely studied. This is particularly important as several studies have shown that significant differences in the host immune response are observed during infection with different strains of Lagovirus europaeus. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression, protein levels and activity of key apoptotic cell death factors in the spleen, kidney, lung, and heart of rabbits. As a result, we showed that there is a significant increase in caspase-3, Bax, Bcl2 and Bax/Bcl2 mRNA gene expression ratio in organs of infected animals. Our results show also increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-6 and PARP. Moreover, significant activity of caspase-3 was also detected. Our results indicate that caspase-3, caspase-6 and genes coding Bcl2 family proteins play a key role in the apoptotic response in Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 infection in organs that are not the target of virus replication.

Occurrence of Lagovirus europaeus (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) in Domestic Rabbits in Southwestern Poland in 2019: Case Report.

Lagovirus europaeus (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus [RHDV]) is a small, nonenveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that causes a severe, highly infectious, and fatal disease in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) called rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Since its discovery in the 1980s, it has posed a very serious threat to the global rabbit industry and the rabbit population in the wild. According to data from 2005 to 2018, the occurrence of RHD has been reported or suspected in 50 countries, with more than one-half of the reports being recorded in European countries. The main aim of the study was to detect Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) strains found in domestic rabbits that died suddenly in the city of Wroclaw in southwest Poland. All animals (n = 14) tested in this study died naturally and showed macroscopic features at necropsy that indicated the possibility of death from RHD. As a result of the research, the presence of L. europaeus virus was confirmed in 8 samples of all 14 samples collected. All strains of Lagovirus europaeus isolated in the present study showed 100% nucleotide identity to L. europaeus GI.1 strain FRG and a strain isolated in New Zealand, as well as the L. europaeus GI.1a Erfurt strain. This suggests that it is likely that L. europaeus GI.2 strains have so far not displaced L. europaeus GI.1 strains from the environment in Poland. IMPORTANCE Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) causes a severe, highly infectious, and fatal disease in rabbits called RHD. The disease is a very serious threat to the global rabbit industry and the rabbit population in the wild. The aim of the study was to detect Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) strains in domestic rabbits that died suddenly in Poland. The presence of RHDV was confirmed in 8 samples of all 14 samples collected. This is one of the very few reports on the existence of this virus in pet rabbits in Poland.

Immunoglobulin Disorders and the Oral Cavity: A Narrative Review.

The oral mucosa is a mechanical barrier against the penetration and colonization of microorganisms. Oral homeostasis is maintained by congenital and adaptive systems in conjunction with normal oral flora and an intact oral mucosa. Components contributing to the defense of the oral cavity include the salivary glands, innate antimicrobial proteins of saliva, plasma proteins, circulating white blood cells, keratinocyte products of the oral mucosa, and gingival crevicular fluid. General disturbances in the level of immunoglobulins in the human body may be manifested as pathological lesions in the oral mucosa. Symptoms of immunoglobulin-related general diseases such as mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), pemphigus vulgaris (PV), linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), Epidermolysis Bullosa Aquisita (EBA), and Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) may appear in the oral cavity. In this review, authors present selected diseases associated with immunoglobulins in which the lesions appear in the oral cavity. Early detection and treatment of autoimmune diseases, sometimes showing a severe evolution (e.g., PV), allow the control of their dissemination and involvement of skin or other body organs. Immunoglobulin disorders with oral manifestations are not common, but knowledge, differentiation and diagnosis are essential for proper treatment.

Opportunistic Pathogens of Recreational Waters with Emphasis on Antimicrobial Resistance-A Possible Subject of Human Health Concern.

Infections caused by exposure to opportunistic pathogens can cause serious health problems during recreational water use. The problem of diseases caused by microbes transmitted by water is a major public health challenge, especially in developing countries with economic problems and poor hygiene conditions. Moreover, the quality of water in natural reservoirs is often at a very low level in terms of microbiological water purity, which means that their use for recreational purposes, but also as a source of drinking water, may have serious health consequences. Recreational waters pose a threat to human health. Therefore, the quality of recreational waters is closely monitored in many jurisdictions. In this review, we summarize key information on the most common pathogens that can be water-based or waterborne. The issue of antimicrobial resistance among opportunistic pathogens remains equally important. It is important not only to fight pathogens, but also to take action to reduce chemical stressors (especially antibiotics) in the aquatic environment, and to understand the various mechanisms of the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes.

The Interplay between Autophagy and Virus Pathogenesis-The Significance of Autophagy in Viral Hepatitis and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers.

Autophagy is a process focused on maintaining the homeostasis of organisms; nevertheless, the role of this process has also been widely documented in viral infections. Thus, xenophagy is a selective form of autophagy targeting viruses. However, the relation between autophagy and viruses is ambiguous-this process may be used as a strategy to fight with a virus, but is also in favor of the virus's replication. In this paper, we have gathered data on autophagy in viral hepatitis and viral hemorrhagic fevers and the relations impacting its viral pathogenesis. Thus, autophagy is a potential therapeutic target, but research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which the virus interacts with the autophagic machinery. These studies must be performed in specific research models other than the natural host for many reasons. In this paper, we also indicate Lagovirus europaeus virus as a potentially good research model for acute liver failure and viral hemorrhagic disease.

The Clinical, Pathological, and Prognostic Value of High PD-1 Expression and the Presence of Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer.

Due to the development of molecular diagnostic techniques, the latest research in the diagnosis of cancer diseases, including laryngeal cancer, has been focused on the occurrence of specific types of molecular patterns, including markers expressed on cells of the immune system (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4), which may be directly or indirectly involved in the development of neoplastic diseases. Laryngeal cancer is one of the diseases that is diagnosed more often in men than in women, and many factors are involved in its development, including environmental and lifestyle factors, viral infections (e.g., HPV, HHV-1, and EBV), and disorders of the immune system. In this study, we determined the level of PD-1 receptor expression on T and B lymphocytes and their relationships based on the classification of the grade and TNM scale, in turn based on blood, tumor, and lymph node samples from patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. In addition, we determined the presence of EBV genetic material in the tested biological materials as well as the degree of cancer advancement and its correlation with the level of PD-1 receptor expression. The results suggested that the level of PD-1 expression on T and B lymphocytes was significantly higher in the tumor samples as compared to the lymph node samples, and their comparison with the immunophenotype results from the blood samples provided statistically significant data on changes in the incidence of individual subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes and the level of PD-1 receptor expression. The analysis of the individual parameters of the TNM scale also showed significant changes between the PD-1 expression and the tested biological material in individual subgroups of the scale. We also found that the expression of PD-1 on the CD4+ T cells from the lymph node samples caused an almost 1.5-fold increase in the risk of death. In the analyses of the presence of EBV, the highest concentration was recorded in the tumor samples, then for the lymph node samples, and followed by the blood samples. Furthermore, we showed that the presence of EBV genetic material was positively correlated with the level of PD-1 expression in the tested biological materials.

Mitochondria, pattern recognition receptors and autophagy under physiological and pathological conditions, including viral infections.

Research on the health of mammals invariably shows how dynamic immunology is and how the role of many elements and immune processes of the macroorganism, developed in the process of evolution in protecting against threats, including infections, is changing. Among these elements conditioning the homeostasis of the macroorganism are mitochondria, PRR receptors (pattern recognition receptors) and the phenomenon of autophagy. In the context of physiological and pathological states in the body, mitochondria perform various functions. The primary function of these organelles is to produce energy in the cell, but on the other hand, they are heavily involved in various cellular processes, including ROS production and calcium homeostasis. They are largely involved in the activation of immune mechanisms during infectious and non-infectious conditions through mtDNA and the mitochondrial MAVS protein. Mitochondrial involvement has been also determined in PRR-related mechanisms as mtDNA has the ability to directly stimulate TLRs. On the other hand, mitochondria are also associated with apoptotic cell death and autophagy.

Impaired Innate Immunity in Pediatric Patients Type 1 Diabetes-Focus on Toll-like Receptors Expression.

Type 1 diabetes (DM1) is classified as an autoimmune disease. An uncontrolled response of B and T lymphocytes to the body's own tissues develops in the absence of immune tolerance. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the duration of type 1 diabetes in children on the expression of TLR receptors and the relationship with the parameters of glycemic control in patients. As a result, we showed significant differences in the level of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 expression in patients with DM1 in the early stage of the disease and treated chronically compared to the healthy group. Additionally, in this study, we found that the numbers of CD19+ B cells, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+ T cells and NK cells are different for newly diagnosed DM1 individuals, patients receiving chronic treatment and for healthy controls, indicating an important role of these cells in killing pancreatic beta cells. Moreover, higher levels of IL-10 in patients with newly diagnosed DM1 have also been found, confirming the reports found in the literature.

The Epidemiology and Clinical Presentations of Atopic Diseases in Selective IgA Deficiency.

Selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency disease (PID), with an estimated occurrence from about 1:3000 to even 1:150, depending on population. sIgAD is diagnosed in adults and children after the 4th year of age, with immunoglobulin A level below 0.07 g/L and normal levels of IgM and IgG. Usually, the disease remains undiagnosed throughout the patient's life, due to its frequent asymptomatic course. If symptomatic, sIgAD is connected to more frequent viral and bacterial infections of upper respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts, as well as autoimmune and allergic diseases. Interestingly, it may also be associated with other PIDs, such as IgG subclasses deficiency or specific antibodies deficiency. Rarely sIgAD can evolve to common variable immunodeficiency disease (CVID). It should also be remembered that IgA deficiency may occur in the course of other conditions or result from their treatment. It is hypothesized that allergic diseases (e.g., eczema, rhinitis, asthma) are more common in patients diagnosed with this particular PID. Selective IgA deficiency, although usually mildly symptomatic, can be difficult for clinicians. The aim of the study is to summarize the connection between selective IgA deficiency and atopic diseases.

Interplay between Neutrophils, NETs and T-Cells in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-A Missing Piece of the Puzzle in the COVID-19 Pathogenesis?

Since the end of 2019, a new, dangerous virus has caused the deaths of more than 3 million people. Efforts to fight the disease remain multifaceted and include prophylactic strategies (vaccines), the development of antiviral drugs targeting replication, and the mitigation of the damage associated with exacerbated immune responses (e.g., interleukin-6-receptor inhibitors). However, numerous uncertainties remain, making it difficult to lower the mortality rate, especially among critically ill patients. While looking for a new means of understanding the pathomechanisms of the disease, we asked a question-is our immunity key to resolving these uncertainties? In this review, we attempt to answer this question, and summarize, interpret, and discuss the available knowledge concerning the interplay between neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and T-cells in COVID-19. These are considered to be the first line of defense against pathogens and, thus, we chose to emphasize their role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although immunologic alterations are the subject of constant research, they are poorly understood and often underestimated. This review provides background information for the expansion of research on the novel, immunity-oriented approach to diagnostic and treatment possibilities.

Toll-like Receptor 2 as a Marker Molecule of Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a global problem that affects women of all ages. Due to the lack of effective screening tests and the usually asymptomatic course of the disease in the early stages, the diagnosis is too late, with the result that less than half of the patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) survive more than five years after their diagnosis. In this study, we examined the expression of TLR2 in the peripheral blood of 50 previously untreated patients with newly diagnosed OC at various stages of the disease using flow cytometry. The studies aimed at demonstrating the usefulness of TLR2 as a biomarker in the advanced stage of ovarian cancer. In this study, we showed that TLR2 expression levels were significantly higher in women with more advanced OC than in women in the control group. Our research sheds light on the prognostic potential of TLR2 in developing new diagnostic approaches and thus in increasing survival in patients with confirmed ovarian cancer.

Role of the Immune System Elements in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively rare disease, but, today, its incidence tends to increase. The severe course of the disease and poor patient survival rate make PAH a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. For this reason, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease is essential to facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic targets. Research shows that the development of PAH is characterized by a number of abnormalities within the immune system that greatly affect the progression of the disease. In this review, we present key data on the regulated function of immune cells, released cytokines and immunoregulatory molecules in the development of PAH, to help improve diagnosis and targeted immunotherapy.

Immunological Prognostic Factors in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by an abnormal proliferation of clonal, terminally differentiated B lymphocytes. Current approaches for the treatment of MM focus on developing new diagnostic techniques; however, the search for prognostic markers is also crucial. This enables the classification of patients into risk groups and, thus, the selection of the most optimal treatment method. Particular attention should be paid to the possible use of immune factors, as the immune system plays a key role in the formation and course of MM. In this review, we focus on characterizing the components of the immune system that are of prognostic value in MM patients, in order to facilitate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic directions.

Interstitial HDR Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Non-Melanocytic Skin Cancers around the Eye.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid tumors are rare skin cancers, the most common of which is basal cell carcinoma characterized primarily by local growth. In addition to surgery, radiotherapy is among the basic methods of treatment. External beam radiotherapy is associated with the risk of complications within ocular structures, especially the lens. In the case of interstitial brachytherapy, it is possible to administer a high dose to the clinical target volume (CTV), while reducing it in the most sensitive structures. METHODS: This paper presents the results of an analysis of 28 patients treated with interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for skin cancers of the upper and lower eyelid; medial and lateral canthus; and the cheek, nose and temples with the infiltration of ocular structures. The patients were treated according to two irradiation schedules: 49 Gy in 14 fractions of 3.5 Gy twice a day for 7 days of treatment, and 45 Gy in 5 Gy fractions twice a day for 5 days. The mean follow-up was 22 months (3-49 months). RESULTS: two patients (6%) had a relapse: a local recurrence within the irradiated area in one of them, and metastases to lymph nodes in the other. The most common early complication was conjunctivitis (74%), and the most common late complication was dry eye syndrome (59%). CONCLUSIONS: Interstitial HDR brachytherapy for skin cancers of the upper and lower eyelid; medial and lateral cants; and the cheek, nose and temples with infiltration of ocular structures is a highly effective, short and relatively low burden type of treatment.

Immunity against Lagovirus europaeus and the Impact of the Immunological Studies on Vaccination.

In the early 1980s, a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) emerged, causing a very high rate of mortality in these animals. Since the initial occurrence of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), several hundred million rabbits have died after infection. The emergence of genetically-different virus variants (RHDV GI.1 and GI.2) indicated the very high variability of RHDV. Moreover, with these variants, the host range broadened to hare species (Lepus). The circulation of RHDV genotypes displays different virulences and a limited induction of cross-protective immunity. Interestingly, juvenile rabbits (<9 weeks of age) with an immature immune system display a general resistance to RHDV GI.1, and a limited resistance to RHDV GI.2 strains, whereas less than 3% of adult rabbits survive an infection by either RHDV GI.1. or GI.2. Several not-yet fully understood phenomena characterize the RHD. A very low infection dose followed by an extremely rapid viral replication could be simplified to the induction of a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), a severe loss of lymphocytes-especially T-cells-and death within 36 to 72 h post infection. On the other hand, in animals surviving the infection or after vaccination, very high titers of RHDV-neutralizing antibodies were induced. Several studies have been conducted in order to deepen the knowledge about the virus' genetics, epidemiology, RHDV-induced pathology, and the anti-RHDV immune responses of rabbits in order to understand the phenomenon of the juvenile resistance to this virus. Moreover, several approaches have been used to produce efficient vaccines in order to prevent an infection with RHDV. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about anti-RHDV resistance and immunity, RHDV vaccination, and the further need to establish rationally-based RHDV vaccines.

CLTA-4 Expression is Associated with the Maintenance of Chronic Inflammation in Endometriosis and Infertility.

Altered immune mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. CTLA-4 is a membrane receptor that favors the anergic state of lymphocytes, which may disrupt the immune system response in the endometriotic environment. In this study, we examined the expression of CTLA-4 on T and B cells by flow cytometry and its levels in blood serum and peritoneal fluid by ELISA. Levels of CTLA-4+ T cells were significantly higher in patients with more advanced endometriosis than in those with less advanced disease. Additionally, the negative correlation of CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes and the percentage of NK and NKT-like cells in women with endometriosis and infertility may indicate a different etiopathogenesis of endometriosis accompanying infertility. Our findings shed light on the potential of CTLA-4 in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in endometriosis management.