RESUMO
Following infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, humoral components of the adaptive immune system play a key role in protecting the host. Specifically, B cells generate high-affinity antibodies against various antigens of the virus. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of immunity initiation through both natural infection and vaccination, shedding light on the activation of B cell subsets in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. The innate immune system serves as the initial line of primary and nonspecific defence against viruses. However, within several days following infection or a vaccine dose, a virus-specific immune response is initiated, primarily by B cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies contribute to the resolution of the disease. Subsequently, these B cells transition into memory B cells, which play a crucial role in providing long-term immunity against the virus. CD4+ T helper cells initiate a cascade, leading to B cell somatic hypermutation, germinal center memory B cells, and the production of neutralizing antibodies. B-cell dysfunction can worsen disease severity and reduce vaccine efficacy. Notably, individuals with B cell immunodeficiency show lower IL-6 production. Furthermore, this review delves into several aspects of immune responses, such as hybrid immunity, which has shown promise in boosting broad-spectrum protection. Cross-reactive immunity is under scrutiny as well, as pre-existing antibodies can offer protection against the disease. We also decipher breakthrough infection mechanisms, especially with the novel variants of the virus. Finally, we discuss some potential therapeutic solutions regarding B cells including convalescent plasma therapy, B-1 cells, B regulatory cell (Breg) modulation, and the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in combating the infection. Ongoing research is crucial to grasp population immunity trends and assess the potential need for booster doses in maintaining effective immune responses against potential viral threats.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Neutralizantes , Anticorpos Antivirais , Linfócitos B , Vacinas contra COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Imunidade Humoral , SARS-CoV-2 , Vacinação , Humanos , COVID-19/imunologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Imunidade Humoral/imunologia , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Linfócitos B/imunologia , Células B de Memória/imunologia , Imunidade Inata/imunologiaRESUMO
The possibility of inducing polyploidy in grasses by treatment with colchicine and its effect on the production and root exudate content of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2 H-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-2 H-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) was studied in wheat, corn, and rye. Caryopses treated with colchicine at concentrations in the range of 0.1-10 mg/mL for 8 and 48 h and with inoculation of the growth medium are markedly affected in terms of both the distribution and concentration levels of allelochemicals in plants. A greater accumulation was observed in the root with respect to the stem, and this increased with an increasing concentration of colchicine and with treatment time. Analysis of the compounds released by root exudates showed that treatment with colchicine at a concentration higher than 1 mg/mL caused a significant increase in the concentrations of allelochemicals measured in the growth medium. It is proposed that treatment with colchicine of seedling caryopses mixoploids plant populations and that the overall effect is an increase in the levels of allelochemicals released. The ecological implications of this behavior are discussed along with the impact of plant-plant interactions (allelopathy).
Assuntos
Benzoxazinas/metabolismo , Colchicina/farmacologia , Feromônios/metabolismo , Exsudatos de Plantas/metabolismo , Poliploidia , Secale/efeitos dos fármacos , Triticum/efeitos dos fármacos , Zea mays/efeitos dos fármacos , Raízes de Plantas/efeitos dos fármacos , Raízes de Plantas/genética , Raízes de Plantas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Raízes de Plantas/metabolismo , Secale/genética , Secale/metabolismo , Plântula/efeitos dos fármacos , Plântula/genética , Plântula/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Plântula/metabolismo , Triticum/genética , Triticum/metabolismo , Zea mays/genética , Zea mays/metabolismoRESUMO
Migrations into Africa from the Levant have greatly determined the mitochondrial genetic landscape of North Africa. After analyzing samples from North Morocco to Spain, we show that three fourths of the Moroccan individuals belong to Western Eurasian haplogroups and the frequencies of these are much more similar to those of the Iberian Peninsula than to those of the Middle East. This is particularly true for the mitochondrial haplogroups H1, H3 and V, which experienced a late-glacial expansion from this region, that repopulated much of Central and Northern Europe. Iberian Peninsula was also a source for prehistoric migrations to North Africa.