AptaShield: A Universal Signal-Transduction System for Fast and High-Throughput Optical Molecular Biosensing.

Biosensing technologies are often described to provide facile, sensitive, and minimally to noninvasive detection of molecular analytes across diverse scientific, environmental, and clinical diagnostic disciplines. However, commercialization has been very limited mostly due to the difficulty of biosensor reconfiguration for different analyte(s) and limited high-throughput capabilities. The immobilization of different biomolecular probes (e.g., antibodies, peptides, and aptamers) requires the sensor surface chemistry to be tailored to provide optimal probe coupling, orientation, and passivation and prevent nonspecific interactions. To overcome these challenges, here we report the development of a solution-phase biosensor consisting of an engineered aptamer, the AptaShield, capable of universally binding to any antigen recognition site (Fab') of fluorescently labeled immunoglobulins (IgG) produced in rabbits. The resulting AptaShield biosensor relies on a low affinity dynamic equilibrium between the fluorescently tagged aptamer and IgG to generate a specific Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. As the analyte binds to the IgG, the AptaShield DNA aptamer-IgG complex dissociates, leading to an analyte concentration-dependent decrease of the FRET signal. The biosensor demonstrates high selectivity, specificity, and reproducibility for analyte quantification in different biological fluids (e.g., urine and blood serum) in a one-step and low sample volume (0.5-6.25 µL) format. The AptaShield provides a universal signal transduction mechanism as it can be coupled to different rabbit antibodies without the need for aptamer modification, therefore representing a robust high-throughput solution-phase technology suitable for point-of-care applications, overcoming the current limitations of gold standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for molecular profiling.

Outer membrane vesicles derived from Bordetella pertussis are potent adjuvant that drive Th1-biased response.

For several years, we have been committed to exploring the potential of Bordetella pertussis-derived outer membrane vesicles (OMVBp) as a promising third-generation vaccine against the reemerging pertussis disease. The results of our preclinical trials not only confirm its protective capacity against B. pertussis infection but also set the stage for forthcoming human clinical trials. This study delves into the examination of OMVBp as an adjuvant. To accomplish this objective, we implemented a two-dose murine schedule to evaluate the specific immune response induced by formulations containing OMVBp combined with 3 heterologous immunogens: Tetanus toxoid (T), Diphtheria toxoid (D), and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S). The specific levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a triggered by the different tested formulations were evaluated using ELISA in dose-response assays for OMVBp and the immunogens at varying levels. These assays demonstrated that OMVBp exhibits adjuvant properties even at the low concentration employed (1.5 µg of protein per dose). As this effect was notably enhanced at medium (3 µg) and high concentrations (6 µg), we chose the medium concentration to determine the minimum immunogen dose at which the OMV adjuvant properties are significantly evident. These assays demonstrated that OMVBp exhibits adjuvant properties even at the lowest concentration tested for each immunogen. In the presence of OMVBp, specific IgG levels detected for the lowest amount of antigen tested increased by 2.5 to 10 fold compared to those found in animals immunized with formulations containing adjuvant-free antigens (p<0.0001). When assessing the adjuvant properties of OMVBp compared to the widely recognized adjuvant alum, we detected similar levels of specific IgG against D, T and S for both adjuvants. Experiments with OMVs derived from E. coli (OMVE.coli) reaffirmed that the adjuvant properties of OMVs extend across different bacterial species. Nonetheless, it's crucial to highlight that OMVBp notably skewed the immune response towards a Th1 profile (p<0.05). These collective findings emphasize the dual role of OMVBp as both an adjuvant and modulator of the immune response, positioning it favorably for incorporation into combined vaccine formulations.

SARS-CoV-2 IgG Levels as Predictors of XBB Variant Neutralization, Israel, 2022- and 2023.

Although a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-XBB.1.5 variant is available worldwide and recent infection is protective, the lack of recorded infection data highlights the need to assess variant-specific antibody neutralization levels. We analyzed IgG levels against receptor-binding domain-specific SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain as a correlate for high neutralizing titers against XBB variants.

Lung mucosal immunity to NTHi vaccine antigens: Antibodies in sputum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory illness in older adults. A major cause of COPD-related morbidity and mortality is acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Bacteria in the lungs play a role in exacerbation development, and the most common pathogen is non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). A vaccine to prevent AECOPD containing NTHi surface antigens was tested in a clinical trial. This study measured IgG and IgA against NTHi vaccine antigens in sputum. Sputum samples from 40 COPD patients vaccinated with the NTHi vaccine were collected at baseline and 30 days after the second dose. IgG and IgA antibodies against the target antigens and albumin were analyzed in the sputum. We compared antibody signals before and after vaccination, analyzed correlation with disease severity and between sputum and serum samples, and assessed transudation. Antigen-specific IgG were absent before vaccination and present with high titers after vaccination. Antigen-specific IgA before and after vaccination were low but significantly different for two antigens. IgG correlated between sputum and serum, and between sputum and disease severity. Sputum albumin was higher in patients with severe COPD than in those with moderate COPD, suggesting changes in transudation played a role. We demonstrated that immunization with the NTHi vaccine induces antigen-specific antibodies in sputum. The correlation between IgG from sputum and serum and the presence of albumin in the sputum of severe COPD patients suggested transudation of antibodies from the serum to the lungs, although local IgG production could not be excluded.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02075541.

What is the context? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic respiratory illness in older adults and the third leading cause of death worldwide.One bacterium in the lungs, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), is responsible for acute exacerbation of the disease, characterized by an increase in airway wall inflammation and symptoms, leading to high morbidity and mortality.A vaccine targeting NTHi was previously developed but did not show efficacy in reducing exacerbations in COPD patients, probably because the vaccine did not elicit an immune response in the lung mucosae, where the bacteria are located.What is the impact? Parenteral immunization with new vaccines targeting NTHi is able to elicit immune defense at the level of lung mucosae.Now that antibodies can be measured in sputum, new vaccines against COPD exacerbations or other lung infections can be tested for efficacy in the actual target tissue.Also, lung immunity against specific pathogens can now be tested.What is new? We determined that antigen-specific antibodies were present in the lungs after vaccination; these were assessed in sputum after vaccination with NTHi surface antigens.NTHi-specific IgG were present in the lungs and appeared to have arrived there primarily by transudation, a type of leakage from the serum to the lung mucosae.Transudation appeared to be stronger in severe than in moderate COPD patients.

Outpatient COVID-19 convalescent plasma recipient antibody thresholds correlated to reduced hospitalizations within a randomized trial.

BACKGROUNDCOVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) virus-specific antibody levels that translate into recipient posttransfusion antibody levels sufficient to prevent disease progression are not defined.METHODSThis secondary analysis correlated donor and recipient antibody levels to hospitalization risk among unvaccinated, seronegative CCP recipients within the outpatient, double-blind, randomized clinical trial that compared CCP to control plasma. The majority of COVID-19 CCP arm hospitalizations (15/17, 88%) occurred in this unvaccinated, seronegative subgroup. A functional cutoff to delineate recipient high versus low posttransfusion antibody levels was established by 2 methods: (i) analyzing virus neutralization-equivalent anti-Spike receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G (anti-S-RBD IgG) responses in donors or (ii) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.RESULTSSARS-CoV-2 anti-S-RBD IgG antibody was volume diluted 21.3-fold into posttransfusion seronegative recipients from matched donor units. Virus-specific antibody delivered was approximately 1.2 mg. The high-antibody recipients transfused early (symptom onset within 5 days) had no hospitalizations. A CCP-recipient analysis for antibody thresholds correlated to reduced hospitalizations found a statistical significant association between early transfusion and high antibodies versus all other CCP recipients (or control plasma), with antibody cutoffs established by both methods-donor-based virus neutralization cutoffs in posttransfusion recipients (0/85 [0%] versus 15/276 [5.6%]; P = 0.03) or ROC-based cutoff (0/94 [0%] versus 15/267 [5.4%]; P = 0.01).CONCLUSIONIn unvaccinated, seronegative CCP recipients, early transfusion of plasma units in the upper 30% of study donors' antibody levels reduced outpatient hospitalizations. High antibody level plasma units, given early, should be reserved for therapeutic use.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT04373460.FUNDINGDepartment of Defense (W911QY2090012); Defense Health Agency; Bloomberg Philanthropies; the State of Maryland; NIH (3R01AI152078-01S1, U24TR001609-S3, 1K23HL151826NIH); the Mental Wellness Foundation; the Moriah Fund; Octapharma; the Healthnetwork Foundation; the Shear Family Foundation; the NorthShore Research Institute; and the Rice Foundation.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is not associated with the emergence of monoclonal gammopathies.

BACKGROUND: Upon infection activated plasma cells produce large quantities of antibodies which can lead to the emergence of a monoclonal component (MC), detectable by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). This study aims to investigate any correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and MC development and, if identified, whether it persists during follow-up. METHODS: SPEPs of 786 patients admitted to hospitals between March 01 2020 and March 31 2022 were evaluated. Positive (SARS-CoV-2+) and negative (SARS-CoV-2-) patients to nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR were included. The persistence/new occurrence of MC was investigated for all patients during follow-up. Patient groups were compared by chi-square analysis. RESULTS: MC was identified in 12% of all patients admitted to hospital, of which 28.7% were SARS-CoV-2+. The most common immunoglobulin isotype in both groups was IgG-k. There was no correlation between MC development and SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.173). Furthermore, the risk of MC persistence in SARS-CoV-2-negative patients was revealed to be higher than in the SARS-CoV-2+ at follow-up (HR = 0.591, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the detection of MC during SARS-CoV-2 infection is most likely due to the hyperstimulation of the humoral immune system, as also occurs in other viral infections.

Clinical outcome and component-specific antibody levels in egg allergic children after lightened oral immunotherapy

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of lightened version of egg oral immunotherapy (OIT) and to analyze egg allergen component-specific antibody levels during short up-dosing with egg white powder and maintenance by egg in daily diet. Patients and methods: Eighteen egg-allergic children received egg powder with short up--dosing and they maintained tolerance using egg in daily diet. Seventeen egg-allergic children served as a control group. Component-resolved analysis of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgA1, IgA2, and IgG4 levels were determined at inclusion, after up-dosing and after 1 year of immunotherapy. Skin-prick tests were performed at inclusion and after 1 year of therapy. Results: All 18 patients in the egg OIT group were successfully desensitized. Desensitization was achieved on average in 4.5 months. In the control group, only two children tolerated egg in oral food challenge after 1 year. Of the measured immune markers, smaller wheal diameters in skin-prick testing, reduction in component-specific IgE levels, and increase in component-specific IgA1, IgA2, and IgG4 levels were associated with desensitization. Conclusion: A lightened egg OIT is effective and safe in children with egg allergy. Increase in all egg component-specific IgA1, IgA2 and IgG4 levels and decrease in all egg component--specific IgE levels were observed after 12 months of OIT (AU)

Sleep deprivation reduced LPS-induced IgG2b production by up-regulating BMAL1 and CLOCK expression.

Sleep deprivation (SD) weakens the immune system and leads to increased susceptibility to infectious or inflammatory diseases. However, it is still unclear how SD affects humoral immunity. In the present study, sleep disturbance was conducted using an sleep deprivation instrument, and the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to activate the immune response. It was found that SD-pretreatment reduced LPS-induced IgG2b+ B cells and IgG2b isotype antibody production in lymphocytes of spleen. And, SD-pretreatment decreased the proportion of CD4+T cells, production of CD4+T cells derived TGF-ß1 and its contribution in helping IgG2b production. Additionally, BMAL1 and CLOCK were selectively up-regulated in lymphocytes after SD. Importantly, BMAL1 and CLOCK deficiency contributed to TGF-ß1 expression and production of IgG2b+ B cells. Thus, our results provide a novel insight to explain the involvement of BMAL1 and CLOCK under SD stress condition, and their roles in inhibiting TGF-ß1 expression and contributing to reduction of LPS induced IgG2b production.

Mucosal boosting enhances vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 in macaques.

A limitation of current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is that they provide minimal protection against infection with current Omicron subvariants1,2, although they still provide protection against severe disease. Enhanced mucosal immunity may be required to block infection and onward transmission. Intranasal administration of current vaccines has proven inconsistent3-7, suggesting that alternative immunization strategies may be required. Here we show that intratracheal boosting with a bivalent Ad26-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine results in substantial induction of mucosal humoral and cellular immunity and near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 BQ.1.1 challenge. A total of 40 previously immunized rhesus macaques were boosted with a bivalent Ad26 vaccine by the intramuscular, intranasal and intratracheal routes, or with a bivalent mRNA vaccine by the intranasal route. Ad26 boosting by the intratracheal route led to a substantial expansion of mucosal neutralizing antibodies, IgG and IgA binding antibodies, and CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses, which exceeded those induced by Ad26 boosting by the intramuscular and intranasal routes. Intratracheal Ad26 boosting also led to robust upregulation of cytokine, natural killer, and T and B cell pathways in the lungs. After challenge with a high dose of SARS-CoV-2 BQ.1.1, intratracheal Ad26 boosting provided near-complete protection, whereas the other boosting strategies proved less effective. Protective efficacy correlated best with mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses. These data demonstrate that these immunization strategies induce robust mucosal immunity, suggesting the feasibility of developing vaccines that block respiratory viral infections.

Sintilimab Plus Chemotherapy for Unresectable Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: The ORIENT-16 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers are diagnosed in more than 1 million people worldwide annually, and few effective treatments are available. Sintilimab, a recombinant human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds to programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), in combination with chemotherapy, has demonstrated promising efficacy. Objective: To compare overall survival of patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancers who were treated with sintilimab with chemotherapy vs placebo with chemotherapy. Also compared were a subset of patients with a PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) of 5 or more (range, 1-100). Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial conducted at 62 hospitals in China that enrolled 650 patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma between January 3, 2019, and August 5, 2020. Final follow-up occurred on June 20, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized 1:1 to either sintilimab (n = 327) or placebo (n = 323) combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (the XELOX regimen) every 3 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles. Maintenance therapy with sintilimab or placebo plus capecitabine continued for up to 2 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was overall survival time from randomization. Results: Of the 650 patients (mean age, 59 years; 483 [74.3%] men), 327 were randomized to sintilimab plus chemotherapy and 323 to placebo plus chemotherapy. Among the randomized patients, 397 (61.1%) had tumors with a PD-L1 CPS of 5 or more; 563 (86.6%) discontinued study treatment and 388 (59.7%) died; 1 patient (<0.1%) was lost to follow-up. Among all randomized patients, sintilimab improved overall survival compared with placebo (median, 15.2 vs 12.3 months; stratified hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.63-0.94]; P = .009). Among patients with a CPS of 5 or more, sintilimab improved overall survival compared with placebo (median, 18.4 vs 12.9 months; HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.50-0.86]; P = .002). The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were decreased platelet count (sintilimab, 24.7% vs placebo, 21.3%), decreased neutrophil count (sintilimab, 20.1% vs placebo, 18.8%), and anemia (sintilimab, 12.5% vs placebo, 8.8%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma treated with first-line chemotherapy, sintilimab significantly improved overall survival for all patients and for patients with a CPS of 5 or more compared with placebo. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03745170.

Inhaled SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for single-dose dry powder aerosol immunization.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fostered major advances in vaccination technologies1-4; however, there are urgent needs for vaccines that induce mucosal immune responses and for single-dose, non-invasive administration4-6. Here we develop an inhalable, single-dose, dry powder aerosol SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that induces potent systemic and mucosal immune responses. The vaccine encapsulates assembled nanoparticles comprising proteinaceous cholera toxin B subunits displaying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen within microcapsules of optimal aerodynamic size, and this unique nano-micro coupled structure supports efficient alveoli delivery, sustained antigen release and antigen-presenting cell uptake, which are favourable features for the induction of immune responses. Moreover, this vaccine induces strong production of IgG and IgA, as well as a local T cell response, collectively conferring effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 in mice, hamsters and nonhuman primates. Finally, we also demonstrate a mosaic iteration of the vaccine that co-displays ancestral and Omicron antigens, extending the breadth of antibody response against co-circulating strains and transmission of the Omicron variant. These findings support the use of this inhaled vaccine as a promising multivalent platform for fighting COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases.

A highly specific antibody against the core fucose of the N-glycan in IgG identifies the pulmonary diseases and its regulation by CCL2.

Glycan structure is often modulated in disease or predisease states, suggesting that such changes might serve as biomarkers. Here, we generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the core fucose of the N-glycan in human IgG. Notably, this mAb can be used in Western blotting and ELISA. ELISA using this mAb revealed a low level of the core fucose of the N-glycan in IgG, suggesting that the level of acore fucosylated (noncore fucosylated) IgG was increased in the sera of the patients with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial pneumonia compared to healthy subjects. In a coculture analysis using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and antibody-secreting B cells, the downregulation of the FUT8 (α1,6 fucosyltransferase) gene and a low level of core fucose of the N-glycan in IgG in antibody-secreting B cells were observed after coculture. A dramatic alteration in gene expression profiles for cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors were also observed after coculturing, and we found that the identified C-C motif chemokine 2 was partially involved in the downregulation of the FUT8 gene and the low level of core fucose of the N-glycan in IgG in antibody-secreting B cells. We also developed a latex turbidimetric immunoassay using this mAb. These results suggest that communication with C-C motif chemokine 2 between lung cells and antibody-secreting B cells downregulate the level of core fucose of the N-glycan in IgG, i.e., the increased level of acore fucosylated (noncore fucosylated) IgG, which would be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of patients with pulmonary diseases.

Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection Enhances Initial mRNA Vaccine Response with a Lower Impact on Long-Term Immunity.

Spike-encoding mRNA vaccines in early 2021 effectively reduced SARS-CoV-2-associated morbidity and mortality. New booster regimens were introduced due to successive waves of distinct viral variants. Therefore, people now have a diverse immune memory resulting from multiple SARS-CoV-2 Ag exposures, from infection to following vaccination. This level of community-wide immunity can induce immunological protection from SARS-CoV-2; however, questions about the trajectory of the adaptive immune responses and long-term immunity with respect to priming and repeated Ag exposure remain poorly explored. In this study, we examined the trajectory of adaptive immune responses following three doses of monovalent Pfizer BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in immunologically naive and SARS-CoV-2 preimmune individuals without the occurrence of breakthrough infection. The IgG, B cell, and T cell Spike-specific responses were assessed in human blood samples collected at six time points between a moment before vaccination and up to 6 mo after the third immunization. Overall, the impact of repeated Spike exposures had a lower improvement on T cell frequency and longevity compared with IgG responses. Natural infection shaped the responses following the initial vaccination by significantly increasing neutralizing Abs and specific CD4+ T cell subsets (circulating T follicular helper, effector memory, and Th1-producing cells), but it had a small benefit at long-term immunity. At the end of the three-dose vaccination regimen, both SARS-CoV-2-naive and preimmune individuals had similar immune memory quality and quantity. This study provides insights into the durability of mRNA vaccine-induced immunological memory and the effects of preimmunity on long-term responses.

Despite delayed kinetics, people living with HIV achieve equivalent antibody function after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.

The kinetics of Fc-mediated functions following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) are not known. We compared SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific Fc functions, binding, and neutralization in PLWH and people without HIV (PWOH) during acute infection (without prior vaccination) with either the D614G or Beta variants of SARS-CoV-2, or vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve PLWH had significantly lower levels of IgG binding, neutralization, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) compared with PLWH on ART. The magnitude of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement deposition (ADCD), and cellular trogocytosis (ADCT) was differentially triggered by D614G and Beta. The kinetics of spike IgG-binding antibodies, ADCC, and ADCD were similar, irrespective of the infecting variant between PWOH and PLWH overall. However, compared with PWOH, PLWH infected with D614G had delayed neutralization and ADCP. Furthermore, Beta infection resulted in delayed ADCT, regardless of HIV status. Despite these delays, we observed improved coordination between binding and neutralizing responses and Fc functions in PLWH. In contrast to D614G infection, binding responses in PLWH following ChAdOx-1 nCoV-19 vaccination were delayed, while neutralization and ADCP had similar timing of onset, but lower magnitude, and ADCC was significantly higher than in PWOH. Overall, despite delayed and differential kinetics, PLWH on ART develop comparable responses to PWOH, supporting the prioritization of ART rollout and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PLWH.

A study of fibrinolytic system components in donor groups depending on various titers of circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the bloodstream.

The fibrinolytic system plays an important role in controlling blood coagulation at each stage, from thrombin generation to fibrin clot cleavage. Currently, long-term multiorgan dysfunction post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may include coagulation disorders. Little information is available about the potential causes of post-COVID-19 coagulopathy, but one of them may be subpopulation IgG produced by the immune system against SARS-CoV-2. This article describes the changes in the main parameters of the fibrinolytic system in donors with various titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, which is part of a complex study of the hemostasis system in these donor groups. We determined the most significant parameters of the fibrinolytic system, such as potential activity and amount of plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), amount of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), inhibitory potentials of α-2-antiplasmin, α-1-antitrypsin, α-2-macroglobulin in the blood plasma of donor groups. The obtained results represent the maximum and minimum values of measurement parameters among donor groups with titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG at least 10 ±â€Š3 Index (S/C), and their statistical differences from the reference point [donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 0 Index (S/C)]. We established the changes in fibrinolytic parameters depending on the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. One conclusion can be drawn from this: anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG population may influence coagulation in the post-COVID-19 period. Further research in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models using selected and purified IgG may confirm our previous findings.

Amphiphysin-IgG autoimmune sciatic neuropathy and facial neuropathy related to primary central nervous system lymphoma: A case report.

We reported a 61-year-old man presented with 10-month progressing left sciatic neuropathy and 10-day right facial neuropathy. Serum amphiphysin-IgG was positive. 18F-FDG PET/CT of the whole body showed no signs of malignancy. Treatment with plasma exchange and oral prednisone relieved the symptoms. Nine months later, right hemiparesis and seizure of right limbs developed. 18F-FDG and 18F-PBR06 (18 kDa translocator protein, TSPO) radioligand PET/MRI of the whole body revealed intense uptake in the intracranial lesions. Intracranial lymphoma was diagnosed by stereotactic needle brain biopsy. Mononeuropathies could be paraneoplastic syndromes. TSPO shows high uptake in intracranial lymphoma on 18F-PBR06 PET images.

Anticuerpos contra el SARS-CoV-2 tras la dosis de vacuna de recuerdo. Identificación de subgrupos con respuesta insuficiente / SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after booster vaccination. Identification of subgroups with poor response

Objetivo Identificar dentro del grupo de pacientes de alto riesgo a aquellos que presentan más posibilidad de presentar inmunidad postvacunal insuficiente. Método Determinación de títulos de IgG frente a SARS-CoV-2 después de la dosis de recuerdo. Se clasificó la respuesta vacunal como negativa (títulos IgG <34 BAU/ml), indeterminada (títulos 34 - 259 BAU/ml) o positiva (≥260 BAU/ml). Resultados Se incluyeron 765 pacientes (31,25% de los vacunados): 54 (7,1%) en tratamiento con fármacos biológicos, 90 (11,8%) con enfermedad hematológica, 299 (39,1%) con patología oncológica, 304 (39,7%) con trasplante de órgano sólido y 18 (2,4%) con inmunosupresión por otros motivos. Un total de 74 pacientes (9,7%) tuvieron una serología negativa y 45 (5,9%) obtuvieron títulos indeterminados. Por grupo diagnóstico, los pacientes con mayor porcentaje de serología negativa o indeterminada fueron pacientes bajo tratamiento con fármacos biológicos (55,6%, fundamentalmente a expensas de antiCD20), hematológicos (35,4%) y los trasplantados (17,8%, principalmente pulmón y riñón). Los pacientes oncológicos y otros pacientes inmunosuprimidos tuvieron buena respuesta vacunal. Conclusión Los pacientes tratados con fármacos antiCD20, los hematológicos y los trasplantados (fundamentalmente de pulmón y riñón) presentaron mayor riesgo de no desarrollar inmunidad postvacunal. Es fundamental su identificación de cara a individualizar y mejorar su manejo (AU)

Objective To determine which patients within the high-risk group are most likely to have insufficient post-vaccination immunity. Methods Determination of IgG titers against SARS-CoV-2 after the booster dose. Vaccine response was categorized as negative (IgG titers <34 BAU/ml), indeterminate (titers 34 - 259 BAU/ml) or positive (≥ 260 BAU/ml). Results 765 patients were included (31.25% of those vaccinated). 54 (7.1%) on treatment with biologics, 90 (11.8%) with hematologic disease, 299 (39.1%) with oncologic pathology, 304 (39.7%) with solid organ transplant and 18 (2.4%) with immunosuppression for other reasons. 74 patients (9.7%) had negative serology and 45 (5.9%) had indeterminate titers. By diagnostic group, the patients with the highest proportion of negative or indeterminate serology were patients with biologic treatment (55.6%, mainly at expense of antiCD20), hematologic (35.4%) and transplant patients (17.8%, mainly lung and kidney). Oncology and other immunosuppressed patients had a favorable response to vaccination. Conclusion Patients treated with antiCD20 drugs, hematologic patients and transplanted patients (mainly lung and kidney) have a higher risk of not achieving post-vaccination immunity. It is essential to identify them in order to individualize and optimize their management (AU)

Two Phase 3 Trials of Lebrikizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lebrikizumab, a high-affinity IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13, prevents the formation of the interleukin-4Rα-interleukin-13Rα1 heterodimer receptor signaling complex. METHODS: We conducted two identically designed, 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials; both trials included a 16-week induction period and a 36-week maintenance period. Eligible patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (adults [≥18 years of age] and adolescents [12 to <18 years of age, weighing ≥40 kg]) were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either lebrikizumab at a dose of 250 mg (loading dose of 500 mg at baseline and week 2) or placebo, administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks. Outcomes for the induction period were assessed up to 16 weeks and are included in this report. The primary outcome was an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 (indicating clear or almost clear skin; range, 0 to 4 [severe disease]) with a reduction (indicating improvement) of at least 2 points from baseline at week 16. Secondary outcomes included a 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (EASI-75 response) and assessments of itch and of itch interference with sleep. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: In trial 1, the primary outcome was met in 43.1% of 283 patients in the lebrikizumab group and in 12.7% of 141 patients in the placebo group (P<0.001); an EASI-75 response occurred in 58.8% and 16.2%, respectively (P<0.001). In trial 2, the primary outcome was met in 33.2% of 281 patients in the lebrikizumab group and in 10.8% of 146 patients in the placebo group (P<0.001); an EASI-75 response occurred in 52.1% and 18.1%, respectively (P<0.001). Measures of itch and itch interference with sleep indicated improvement with lebrikizumab therapy. The incidence of conjunctivitis was higher among patients who received lebrikizumab than among those who received placebo. Most adverse events during the induction period were mild or moderate in severity and did not lead to trial discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: In the induction period of two phase 3 trials, 16 weeks of treatment with lebrikizumab was effective in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. (Funded by Dermira; ADvocate1 and ADvocate2 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT04146363 and NCT04178967, respectively.).

Novel method to specifically determine the structures of non-N297 glycans in IgGs.

Monoclonal antibodies comprise a major class of biologic therapeutics and are also extensively studied in immunology. Given the importance of glycans on antibodies, fluorescent labeling of enzymatically released glycans and their LC/MS analysis is routinely used for in-depth characterization of antibody glycosylation. In this technical note, we propose a method for facile characterization of glycans in the variable region of antibodies using sequential enzymatic digests with Endoglycosidase-S2 and RapidTM Peptide-N-Glycosidase-F followed by labeling with a fluorescent dye carrying an NHS-carbamate moiety. The results and proposed mechanism also suggest that the choice of glycosidases along with the labeling chemistry is critical for accurate glycan analysis for a desired application.

Teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG para crianças com até 2 anos de idade e com suspeita de doença celíaca / IgG deaminated antigliadin test for children aged 2 years or older with suspected celiac disease

INTRODUÇÃO: A Doença Celíaca (DC) é uma doença autoimune crônica do intestino delgado caracterizada por intolerância permanente ao glúten. A sua prevalência global é de aproximadamente 1%. No Brasil, essa prevalência foi relatada em cerca de 0,54% em crianças (1-14 anos). O rastreamento por sorologia associado à confirmação por biópsia duodenal é padrão ouro para o diagnóstico em adultos e em crianças, mas a biópsia precisa ser bem indicada na prática pediátrica por ser um procedimento invasivo e potencialmente de alto risco. Os testes sorológicos para detectar anticorpos IgA são comumente utilizados, porém indivíduos com deficiência de IgA não podem ser diagnosticados/rastreados por esses testes, justamente porque apresentam déficit na síntese de todas as imunoglobulinas do tipo A. Uma alternativa de triagem para esses indivíduos, bem como para os menores de 2 anos, é a dosagem sérica dos anticorpos IgG, como o teste antigliadina deaminada IgG. PERGUNTA DE PESQUISA: O uso do teste sorológico antigliadina deaminada IgG para triagem é mais acurado e custo-efetivo em pacientes com deficiência de IgA e suspeita de doença celíaca e crianças menores de dois anos quando comparado à triagem com antitransglutaminase IgA e confirmação por biópsia de duodeno por via endoscópica (endoscopia digestiva alta + biópsia)? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Este relatório incluiu oito estudos que avaliaram se o uso do teste sorológico antigliadina deaminada IgG é mais acurado em pacientes com deficiência de IgA e suspeita de doença celíaca de qualquer idade e crianças menores de dois anos quando comparado à biópsia de duodeno por via endoscópica para diagnóstico da doença celíaca. Segundo os resultados das metanálises apresentadas neste relatório, para as análises da acurácia obtidas por meio da sensibilidade e especificidades combinadas, destaca-se a boa especificidade do teste antigliadina deaminada IgG em crianças menores de dois anos, utilizando o ponto de corte determinado pelo fabricante (97,8%; IC95% 95,6% - 98,9%). Já a especificidade combinada foi máxima (100,0%; IC95%:0,0 - 100,0%), potencializando o valor preditivo negativo do teste antigliadina deaminada IgG neste grupo populacional. Estes achados mostram que a adição do teste antigliadina deaminada IgG pode melhorar a acurácia diagnóstica da detecção de DC em crianças menores de dois anos de idade. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA (AE): Conduziu-se análise de custo-efetividade para comparar os testes diagnósticos com base em suas efetividades e seus custos, por meio da razão de custoefetividade incremental (RCEI). Considerando-se as diferenças observadas no desempenho do teste para crianças menores de dois anos e indivíduos com deficiência de IgA e suspeita de doença celíaca, foram propostas duas árvores de decisão. No caso de indivíduos com deficiência de IgA, a realização de teste antigliadina deaminada associada à EDA com biópsia, comparada à antigliadina deaminada isolada resultaria em razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) de R$ 108,17 por biópsia evitada. Para a comparação entre antigliadina deaminada isolada e EDA com biópsia, a RCEI seria de R$ 2.063,16 por biópsia evitada. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO (AIO): Considerando a população elegível total e suspeita de doença celíaca, o cenário alternativo 01 (market share variando de 30% a 50%) provocaria uma economia de R$ 30.671.133,25, no caso da incorporação do teste antigliadina em substituição aos testes atuais. Já o cenário alternativo 02 (market share de 50% a 70%) de substituição dos testes atuais pelo teste da antigliadina provocaria também economia de R$ 46.018.687,48. Já no cenário em que o teste antigliadina seja adicionado aos testes atuais, ao invés de substituí-los, o impacto orçamentário acumulado em cinco anos seria de R$ 14.410.515,92. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Segundo os resultados das metanálises apresentadas neste relatório, destaca-se a boa especificidade do teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG em crianças menores de dois anos, utilizando o ponto de corte determinado pelo fabricante (97,8%; IC95% 95,6% - 98,9%). Já a especificidade combinada foi máxima (100,0%; IC95%:0,0 ­ 100,0%), potencializando o valor preditivo negativo do teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG neste grupo populacional. Para a população de indivíduos com deficiência de IgA, a sensibilidade combinada foi de 76,7% (IC 95%: 54,7% a 90,0%) e a especificidade de 73,3% (IC 95%: 60,6% a 83,0%). A taxa de falsos positivos global correspondeu a 26,7% (IC 95%: 17,0% a 39,4%). Contudo, os achados devem ser interpretados com cautela, uma vez que os estudos primários incluídos foram considerados de qualidade metodológica baixa e muito baixa qualidade da evidência. Um dos estudos incluídos neste relatório é uma revisão sistemática cujo divergiu do encontrado na meta-análise feita pelo grupo elaborador. Enquanto a sensibilidade para o teste antigliadina deaminada IgG em relação à biópsia duodenal foram de 0,96 (IC 95% 0,91 a 0,98) na revisão sistemática, a metaanálise deste relatório teve como resultado 0,48 (IC de 95%: 0,23 a 0,97). Essa divergência está relacionada ao ponto de corte utilizado para a inclusão dos estudos nas metaanálises. Em relação à confiança nos resultados da revisão sistemática em questão, os resultados estão associados a uma baixa confiabilidade. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: O tema foi avaliado na 113ª Reunião Ordinária da Conitec em 5 de outubro de 2022. A recomendação inicial foi desfavorável à incorporação do teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG para pessoas com deficiência de IgA por considerar que os testes atualmente disponíveis no SUS já atendem satisfatoriamente a população. Ademais, a recomendação inicial foi favorável à incorporação do teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG para pessoas menores de 2 anos de idade por evitar as hospitalizações necessárias para realização de endoscopia digestiva alta nessa população. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas 18 contribuições, sendo cinco pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas e 13 pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. Em relação às contribuições de cunho técnico-científico, quatro concordaram que o teste antigliadina deaminada IgG deve ser incorporado ao SUS e uma não concordou. A Federação Nacional das Associações de Celíacos do Brasil (FENACELBRA) se manifestou contrária à recomendação de incorporação do teste diagnóstico e a favor de seguir a Sociedade Europeia de Gastroenterologia, Hepatologia e Nutrição Pediátrica (ESPGHAN), que sugere que seja realizada a dosagem de IgA total e antitransglutaminase IgA (antitTG) enquanto o paciente estiver consumindo glúten diariamente por cerca de 2 a 3 meses. No caso de crianças com concentração de IgA baixa, a contribuição indicou a necessidade de uma das seguintes sorologias IgG: antigliadina deaminada IgG, antiendomísio IgG ou antitransglutaminase IgG. Um participante foi contrário à premissa de que o resultado para o teste antigliadina deaminada IgG positivo deveria substituir a endoscopia e biópsia, o que foi corroborado por um especialista que participou do grupo elaborador. Dessa forma, uma avaliação econômica e análise de impacto orçamentário adicional foram realizadas com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto dessa premissa. A AE resultou numa RCEI custo-efetiva (R$ 1.254 por QALY ganho) e a AIO resultou em impacto orçamentário positivo de R$ 17.460.094 ao longo de cinco anos. Quanto às contribuições referentes ao formulário de experiência ou opinião, todos foram favoráveis à incorporação. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: As contribuições da consulta pública foram apresentadas à Conitec por ocasião da 117ª Reunião Ordinária, realizada em 29 de março de 2023. Os membros presentes deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a incorporação do teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG para crianças com até 2 anos de idade e com suspeita de doença celíaca, porque, para essa população, o teste anti-gliadina tem alta acurácia diagnóstica, enquanto para os deficientes de IgA a acurácia diagnóstica foi considerada moderada e de impacto clínico incerto. O teste anti-gliadina deaminada IgG para crianças de até 2 anos de idade deverá ser incorporado conforme Protocolo Clínico do Ministério da Saúde. Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação Nº 811 / 2023. DECISÃO: ncorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, o teste de antigliadina deaminada IgG para crianças com até 2 anos de idade e com suspeita de doença celíaca, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 74, seção 1, página 195, em 18 de abril de 2023.