Characterization of the humoral and cellular immunity induced by a recombinant BCG vaccine for the respiratory syncytial virus in healthy adults.

Introduction: The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is responsible for most respiratory tract infections in infants. Even though currently there are no approved hRSV vaccines for newborns or infants, several candidates are being developed. rBCG-N-hRSV is a vaccine candidate previously shown to be safe in a phase I clinical trial in adults (clinicaltrials.gov identifier #NCT03213405). Here, secondary immunogenicity analyses were performed on these samples. Methods: PBMCs isolated from immunized volunteers were stimulated with hRSV or mycobacterial antigens to evaluate cytokines and cytotoxic T cell-derived molecules and the expansion of memory T cell subsets. Complement C1q binding and IgG subclass composition of serum antibodies were assessed. Results: Compared to levels detected prior to vaccination, perforin-, granzyme B-, and IFN-γ-producing PBMCs responding to stimulus increased after immunization, along with their effector memory response. N-hRSV- and mycobacterial-specific antibodies from rBCG-N-hRSV-immunized subjects bound C1q. Conclusion: Immunization with rBCG-N-hRSV induces cellular and humoral immune responses, supporting that rBCG-N-hRSV is immunogenic and safe in healthy individuals. Clinical trial registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/, identifier NCT03213405.

Zika virus: Critical crosstalk between pathogenesis, cytopathic effects, and macroautophagy.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging positive-sense RNA arbovirus. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that is cleaved by proteases into three structural proteins (Envelope, pre-Membrane, and Capsid) and seven nonstructural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5). These proteins have essential functions in viral replication cycle, cytopathic effects, and host cellular response. When infected by ZIKV, host cells promote macroautophagy, which is believed to favor virus entry. Although several authors have attempted to understand this link between macroautophagy and viral infection, little is known. Herein, we performed a narrative review of the molecular connection between macroautophagy and ZIKV infection while focusing on the roles of the structural and nonstructural proteins. We concluded that ZIKV proteins are major virulence factors that modulate host-cell machinery to its advantage by disrupting and/or blocking specific cellular systems and organelles' function, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Humoral and cellular immune responses to CoronaVac up to one year after vaccination.

Coronavac is a widely used SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, but its long-term immune response assessment is still lacking. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses, including T cell activation markers, antigen-specific cytokine production and antibody response following vaccination in 53 adult and elderly individuals participating in a phase 3 clinical trial. Activated follicular helper T (Tfh), non-Tfh and memory CD4+ T cells were detected in almost all subjects early after the first vaccine dose. Activated memory CD4+ T cells were predominantly of central and effector memory T cell phenotypes and were sustained for at least 6 months. We also detected a balanced Th1-, Th2- and Th17/Th22-type cytokine production that was associated with response over time, together with particular cytokine profile linked to poor responses in older vaccinees. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels peaked 14 days after the second dose and were mostly stable over one year. CoronaVac was able to induce a potent and durable antiviral antigen-specific cellular response and the cytokine profiles related to the response over time and impacted by the senescence were defined.

Curcumin Hybrid Lipid Polymeric Nanoparticles: Antioxidant Activity, Immune Cellular Response, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation.

Poor solubility and short biological half-life present a challenge that needs to be overcome in order to improve the recognized bioactivities of curcumin (CUR), the main phenolic compounds derived from the roots of Curcuma longa. However, drug delivery systems have proven to be an excellent strategy to improve and obtain greater bioavailability. Our previous studies on curcuminoid hybrid nanoparticles have shown promising results by significantly increasing the solubility of desmethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDM). In this contribution, we performed a detailed characterization of a CUR as well as in vitro and in vivo studies. The developed method produced CUR loaded nanoparticles with an average size of 49.46 ± 0.80. Moreover, the FT-IR analysis confirmed the encapsulation, and TEM images showed their spherical shape. The NP achieved an encapsulation efficiency greater than 99%. Further, the release studies found that the NPs obtained a significantly higher release than the pure compounds in water. In vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) studies showed promising results by enhancing the immune activity response of CUR in NP compared to bulk CUR. Furthermore, we report a significant increase in antioxidant activity for CUR-NP in aqueous solution compared to free CUR. Finally, an important in vitro cytotoxic effect on gastric AGS and colon SW620 adenocarcinoma cell lines was found for CUR-NP while empty carrier nanoparticles are observed to exhibit low cytotoxicity, indicating the potential of these CUR-PLU NPs for further studies to assess their phytotherapeutic applications.

Viral immunogenic footprints conferring T cell cross-protection to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

COVID-19 brought scenes from sci-fi movies into real life. Infected individuals include asymptomatic cases to severe disease leading to death, suggesting the involvement of the genetic constitution of populations and pathogens contributing to differential individuals' outcomes. To investigate shared immunogenic features between SARS-CoV-2 targets and other coronaviruses, we modeled their peptides in 3D structures of HLA-A*02:01 (pMHC), comparing their molecular surfaces These structures were also compared with a panel of epitopes from unrelated viruses, looking for potential triggers conferring cross-protection in uninfected individuals. As expected, SARS-CoV 1 and 2 peptides share molecular and physicochemical features, providing an explanation for the verified experimental immunogenicity among them. Surprisingly, even discordant sequences from human coronaviruses 229E, OC43 and epitopes from unrelated viruses involved in endemic human infections exhibit similar fingerprints of immunogenicity with SARS-CoV-2 peptides. The same approach indicates a conserved CD8+ T cell recognition between Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 sequences and altered peptides from Variants of Concern. Examination of structural data over epitope sequence analysis here could explain how previous infections may produce a heterologous immunity response in a global scale against emergent diseases such as Covid-19, mitigating its full lethal potential, and paves the way for the development of wide spectrum vaccine development.

Humoral and cellular immune responses to CoronaVac up to one year after vaccination

Coronavac is a widely used SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, but its long-term immune response assessment is still lacking. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses, including T cell activation markers, antigen-specific cytokine production and antibody response following vaccination in 53 adult and elderly individuals participating in a phase 3 clinical trial. Activated follicular helper T (Tfh), non-Tfh and memory CD4+ T cells were detected in almost all subjects early after the first vaccine dose. Activated memory CD4+ T cells were predominantly of central and effector memory T cell phenotypes and were sustained for at least 6 months. We also detected a balanced Th1-, Th2- and Th17/Th22-type cytokine production that was associated with response over time, together with particular cytokine profile linked to poor responses in older vaccinees. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels peaked 14 days after the second dose and were mostly stable over one year. CoronaVac was able to induce a potent and durable antiviral antigen-specific cellular response and the cytokine profiles related to the response over time and impacted by the senescence were defined.

What Happens to the Immune System after Vaccination or Recovery from COVID-19?

Due to its leading role in fighting infections, the human immune system has been the focus of many studies in the context of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a worldwide effort, the scientific community has transitioned from reporting about the effects of the novel coronavirus on the human body in the early days of the pandemic to exploring the body's many immunopathological and immunoprotecting properties that have improved disease treatment and enabled the development of vaccines. The aim of this review is to explain what happens to the immune system after recovery from COVID-19 and/or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease. We detail the way in which the immune system responds to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, including innate and adaptive measures. Then, we describe the role of vaccination, the main types of COVID-19 vaccines and how they protect us. Further, we explain the reason why immunity after COVID-19 infection plus a vaccination appears to induce a stronger response compared with virus exposure alone. Additionally, this review reports some correlates of protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, we reinforce that vaccination is safe and important in achieving herd immunity.

Chikungunya Virus Exposure Partially Cross-Protects against Mayaro Virus Infection in Mice.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) are closely related members of the Semliki Forest virus antigenic complex classified as belonging to the genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. These viruses cause human disease, with sudden fever and joint inflammation that can persist for long periods. CHIKV is the causative agent of large outbreaks worldwide, and MAYV infection represents a growing public health concern in Latin America, causing sporadic cases and geographically limited outbreaks. Considering the relationship between CHIKV and MAYV, the present study aimed to evaluate if preexisting CHIKV immunity protects against MAYV infection. Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally infected with CHIKV and, 4 weeks later, they were infected with MAYV in their hind paw. We observed that the preexistence of CHIKV immunity conferred partial cross-protection against secondary MAYV infection, reducing disease severity, tissue viral load, and histopathological scores. Interestingly, CHIKV antibodies from humans and mice showed low cross-neutralization to MAYV, but neutralizing activity significantly increased after secondary infection. Furthermore, depletion of adaptive immune cells (CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and CD19+ B cells) did not alter the cross-protection phenotype, suggesting that distinct cell subsets or a combination of adaptive immune cells stimulated by CHIKV are responsible for the partial cross-protection against MAYV. The reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), in animals secondarily infected by MAYV, suggests a role for innate immunity in cross-protection. Our findings shed light on how preexisting immunity to arthritogenic alphaviruses may affect secondary infection, which may further develop relevant influence in disease outcome and viral transmission. IMPORTANCE Mosquito-borne viruses have a worldwide impact, especially in tropical climates. Chikungunya virus has been present mostly in developing countries, causing millions of infections, while Mayaro virus, a close relative, has been limited to the Caribbean and tropical regions of Latin America. The potential emergence and spread of Mayaro virus to other high-risk areas have increased the scientific community's attention to an imminent worldwide epidemic. Here, we designed an experimental protocol of chikungunya and Mayaro virus mouse infection, which develops a measurable and quantifiable disease that allows us to make inferences about potential immunological effects during secondary virus infection. Our results demonstrate that previous chikungunya virus infection is able to reduce the severity of clinical outcomes during secondary Mayaro infection. We provide scientific understanding of immunological features during secondary infection with the closely related virus, thus assisting in better comprehending viral transmission and the pathological outcome of these diseases.

Impact of Hypoxia over Human Viral Infections and Key Cellular Processes.

Oxygen is essential for aerobic cells, and thus its sensing is critical for the optimal maintenance of vital cellular and tissue processes such as metabolism, pH homeostasis, and angiogenesis, among others. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) play central roles in oxygen sensing. Under hypoxic conditions, the α subunit of HIFs is stabilized and forms active heterodimers that translocate to the nucleus and regulate the expression of important sets of genes. This process, in turn, will induce several physiological changes intended to adapt to these new and adverse conditions. Over the last decades, numerous studies have reported a close relationship between viral infections and hypoxia. Interestingly, this relation is somewhat bidirectional, with some viruses inducing a hypoxic response to promote their replication, while others inhibit hypoxic cellular responses. Here, we review and discuss the cellular responses to hypoxia and discuss how HIFs can promote a wide range of physiological and transcriptional changes in the cell that modulate numerous human viral infections.

Growth Performance and Transcriptomic Response of Warm-Acclimated Hybrid Abalone Haliotis rufescens (♀) × H. corrugata (♂).

Along the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula (Mexico), abalone represents one of the most lucrative fisheries. As wild populations are currently depleted, abalone farm production aims to balance the decreasing populations with the increasing demand. The Mexican abalone aquaculture is almost entirely based on red abalone (Haliotis rufescens). However, the increasing frequency of extreme temperature events is hampering this activity. The use interspecific hybrids can potentially improve abalone culture, as species have differences in their thermal tolerance. Therefore, the hybrid progeny between H. rufescens (♀) and pink abalone H. corrugata (♂), a temperate and a warmer water abalone species, respectively, will naturally support higher temperature. To test this hypothesis, growth rate, mortality and metabolic rate of both pure (RR) and hybrid abalone (RP) were assessed under the H. rufescens' optimum (18 °C) and thermally stressed (22 °C) conditions. To unveil the molecular pathways involved in the heat response, transcriptional profiling of both crosses was also investigated. At high temperature, we observed constrained growth and survival in RR while RP showed a significant increase in both rates, supporting the improved performance of the hybrid compared. These results match with the transcriptional profiling of hybrids showing higher expression of genes involved in growth and calcification, whereas in the pure red progeny, the transcriptional profile was mainly associated with the regulation of necroptosis process. Our results may contribute to propose new management plans to increase farm abalone production in Baja California.

NanH and PknG putative virulence factors as a recombinant subunit immunogen against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in mice.

Despite the economic and zoonotic relevance of caseous lymphadenitis, a competent immunoprophylaxis tool is still necessary. Here, we evaluated two putative virulence factors of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, rNanH, and rPknG, as recombinant subunit vaccines in a murine model against the infection by C. pseudotuberculosis. Three groups of ten Balb/c mice each were inoculated with a sterile 0.9% saline solution (G1), rNanH (G2), or rPknG (G3) in formulations containing saponin as an adjuvant. The mice received two vaccine doses intercalated by a 21-day interval and were challenged with 2 × 104 CFU/mL of the C. pseudotuberculosis MIC-6 strain 21 days after the last immunization. The total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a production levels increased significantly in the experimental groups (G2 and G3) on day 42. The highest levels of IgG2a antibodies in G2 and G3 were observed compared to IgG1 levels. G3 showed a significant (p < 0.05) humoral response through higher production of total IgG at day 42 when compared to G2. A significant increase of mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon-γ was observed only in G2, while IL-4 was significantly produced only by G3. The levels of IL-10 and IL-12 obtained were not significant in any group. The survival rates after the challenge were 20% for G3 and 60% for G2 (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the formulation containing rNanH and saponin (G2) resulted in the best protection against the challenge and was able to elicit a Th1 immune response in mice, and can be considered as a promising antigen in the development of an effective vaccine against caseous lymphadenitis.

Nanoparticle-plasma Membrane Interactions: Thermodynamics, Toxicity and Cellular Response.

Nanomaterials have become part of our daily lives, particularly nanoparticles contained in food, water, cosmetics, additives and textiles. Nanoparticles interact with organisms at the cellular level. The cell membrane is the first protective barrier against the potential toxic effect of nanoparticles. This first contact, including the interaction between the cell membranes -and associated proteins- and the nanoparticles is critically reviewed here. Nanoparticles, depending on their toxicity, can cause cellular physiology alterations, such as a disruption in cell signaling or changes in gene expression and they can trigger immune responses and even apoptosis. Additionally, the fundamental thermodynamics behind the nanoparticle-membrane and nanoparticle-proteins-membrane interactions are discussed. The analysis is intended to increase our insight into the mechanisms involved in these interactions. Finally, consequences are reviewed and discussed.

Regulatory/inflammatory cellular response discrimination in operational tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Antigen-specific cellular response is essential in immune tolerance. We tested whether antigen-specific cellular response is differentially modulated in operational tolerance (OT) in renal transplantation with respect to critical antigenic challenges in allotransplantation-donor antigens, pathogenic antigens and self-antigens. METHODS: We analysed the profile of immunoregulatory (REG) and pro-inflammatory (INFLAMMA) cytokines for the antigen-specific response directed to these three antigen groups, by Luminex. RESULTS: We showed that, in contrast to chronic rejection and healthy individuals, OT gives rise to an immunoregulatory deviation in the cellular response to donor human leucocyte antigen DR isotype peptides, while preserving the pro-inflammatory response to pathogenic peptides. Cellular autoreactivity to the N6 heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide also showed a REG profile in OT, increasing IL4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13. CONCLUSIONS: The REG shift of donor indirect alloreactivity in OT, with inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, Interferon-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, indicates that this may be an important mechanism in OT. In addition, the differential REG profile of cellular response to the Hsp60 peptide in OT suggests that REG autoimmunity may also play a role in human transplantation tolerance. Despite cross-reactivity of antigen-specific T cell responses, a systemic functional antigen-specific discrimination takes place in OT.

Maternal Immune Response During Pregnancy and Vertical Transmission in Human Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis distributed worldwide, caused by the ingestion of contaminated water/food with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. If a pregnant woman is infected with this parasite, it may be transmitted to the fetus and produce ocular, neurological, or systemic damage with variable severity. The strength and profile of mother's immune response have been suggested as important factors involved in vertical transmission rate and severity of clinical outcome in the congenitally infected fetus. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible relation between the mother's immune response during pregnancy and congenital transmission to the fetus. We obtained peripheral blood from T. gondii infected pregnant woman and tested it for anti T. gondii (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgA) in serum. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to analyze the in vitro effect of soluble T. gondii antigens on proliferation and production of cytokines. We found that IgG2-4 and IgA antibodies and lymphocytes proliferation, especially CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ were positive in a higher proportion of cases in transmitter than in non-transmitter women. Furthermore, IgG2-3 and IgA anti-Toxoplasma antibody levels were higher in those mothers who transmitted the infection than in those who did not. Interestingly, a higher proportion of positive cases to IFN-γ and negatives to the immunoregulatory cytokine TGF-ß, were related to T. gondii vertical transmission. Our descriptive results are consistent with the paradoxical previous observations in murine models of congenital toxoplasmosis, which suggest that an increased immune response that protects the mothers from a disseminated or severe disease, and should protect the fetus from infection, is positively related to parasite transmission.

Novel imiquimod nanovesicles for topical vaccination.

Development of needle and pain free noninvasive immunization procedures is a top priority for public health agencies. In this work the topical adjuvant activity of the immunomodulator imiquimod (IMQ) carried by ultradeformable archaeosomes (UDA2) (nanovesicles containing sn-2,3 ether linked phytanyl saturated archaeolipids) was surveyed and compared with that of ultradeformable liposomes lacking archaeolipids (UDL2) and free IMQ, using the model antigen ovalbumin and a seasonal influenza vaccine in Balb/c mice. UDA2 (250 ± 94 nm, -26 ± 4 mV Z potential) induced higher IMQ accumulation in human skin and higher production of TNF-α and IL-6 by macrophages and keratinocytes than free IMQ and UDL2. Mixed with ovalbumin, UDA2 was more efficient at generating cellular response, as measured by an increase in serum IgG2a and INF-γ production by splenocytes, compared with free IMQ and UDL2. Moreover, mixed with a seasonal influenza vaccine UDA2 produced same IgG titers and IgG2a/IgG1 isotypes ratio (≈1) than the subcutaneously administered influenza vaccine. Topical UDA2 however, induced highest stimulation index and INF-γ levels by splenocytes. UDA2 might be a promising adjuvant for topical immunization, since it produced cell-biased systemic response with ≈ 13-fold lower IMQ dose than the delivered as the commercial IMQ cream, Aldara.

Acute and oral exposure to imidacloprid does not affect the number of circulating hemocytes in the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata post immune challenge.

In the present work, the effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid formulation on the total hemocyte counts (THC) and differential hemocyte counts (DHC) were investigated in foraging workers of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata under (or not) the challenge with the bacteria Escherichia coli. The THC was not altered with the insecticide exposure and/or bacterial infection. However, the DHC of the bees changed with the imidacloprid exposure and/or bacterial infection. The number of prohemocytes (stem cells) increased in bees exposed to imidacloprid, but it did not change after the bacterial infection. The number of plasmatocytes (phagocytic cells) increased in imidacloprid-exposed and uninfected bees and decreased in infected bees regardless of the exposure to imidacloprid. On the other hand, there was a reduction of granulocytes, the most active immune cells, after imidacloprid exposure and an increase of granulocytes after the infection. Previous studies have shown that the neonicotinoids exposure can impair the immune system of bees. Our findings showed that the relative number of granulocytes declined with imidacloprid exposure, but the overall capacity of hemocyte responses in terms of total numbers after bacterial infection persisted even after the insecticide exposure.

Development and assessment of a new cage-like particle adjuvant.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain and assess stable cage-like particles with low surface charge density, which can be prepared using a standardized, economic and scalable method. METHODS: To form these nanoparticles, the lipid composition and proportion as well the method were modified in relation to cage-like particles previously described elsewhere. Bovine albumin was used to compare ISPA performance with that of other adjuvants in mice and to assess stability. Adjuvant efficacy was analysed using a mouse model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which shows protection against an intracellular infection that needs a strong cellular response. KEY FINDINGS: The new particles were better in terms of level, kinetics and profile of humoral responses than Freund Adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide and Montanide TM ISA 206; they also tended to improve ISCOMATRIX™ performance. Particle size and adjuvant performance were conserved during the 6-month period assessed after preparation. In the model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, mice immunized with ISPA and trans-sialidase developed high protection. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained nanoparticles were stable and outperformed the other assessed adjuvants in joining together the capacity of most adjuvants to enhance the immune response against specific antigen, to reduce the number of doses, to homogenize the response between individuals and to reach a balanced TH1/TH2 response.

Isolation and partial characterization of an immunogenic antigen of Giardia lamblia.

Humoral and cellular immune responses play an important role during Giardia lamblia infection. Several Giardia proteins have been identified as immunogenic antigens based on their elicited humoral immune response. Poorly is known about Giardia antigens that stimulate a cellular immune response. The main purpose of this study was to isolate and partial characterize an immunogenic antigen (5G8) of G. lamblia. The 5G8 protein was isolated from G. lamblia trophozoite lysates by affinity chromatography using moAb 5G8-coupled CNBr-Sepharose. The isolated protein was analysed by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), and by diverse bioinformatics tools (GiardiaDB, BLASTn, BLASTp and ExPASy). Additionally, several biochemical and immunological characteristics of the isolated protein were analysed. By ESI-MS/MS the amino acidic 5G8 sequence was deduced. The 5G8 antigen belongs to the VSP family proteins of G. lamblia. This protein is composed by one polypeptide chain (±71kDa). Using the algorithm SYFPHEITI, we identified candidate CD4+ T-cell epitopes from the 5G8 antigen, which can elicit cell-mediated immune responses. In this study, we have identified a G. lamblia protein that induces a strong immune response in infected mice. The biochemical and immunological characterization of the immunogenic 5G8 antigen may contribute to the rational design of a Giardia vaccine.

Respuesta in vitro de células mononucleares de sangre periférica de mujeres embarazadas infectadas con Toxoplasma gondii / In vitro Response of of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Objetivo: evaluar in vitro la respuesta inmune de células mononucleares de sangre periférica de mujeres embarazadas infectadas con Toxoplasma gondii. Metodología: los grupos de estudio fueron mujeres embarazadas con toxoplasmosis (E+T+) (n=15), mujeres embarazadas sin toxoplasmosis (E+T-) (n=15) y mujeres no embarazadas sin toxoplasmosis (E-T-) (n=15). células mononucleares de sangre periférica (PBMC) de los tres grupos de estudio, fueron estimuladas in vitro, con antígeno soluble de T.gondii. Transcurrido el tiempo de incubación (6 días), se midió los niveles de proliferación celular y producción de IFN-y e IL-10 (citoquinas TH1 y TH2 respectivamente) este último en sobrenadantes de cultivo, adicionalmente se realizó el recuento absoluto de linfocitos T CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, en muestras de sangre total tratadas con EDTA. Resultados: los resultados muestran una mayor proliferación celular en el grupo (E+T+) diferencias estadísticamente significativas en comparación con los grupos (E+T-) y (E-T-). Respecto a los niveles de citoquinas TH1 se observó mayor producción de INF-y en el grupo (E+T+), comparado con los grupos (E+T-) y (E-T-). Producción de IL-10 son bajos y/o no detectables en los tres grupos de estudio. Los niveles de CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ se encontraron dentro los parámetros normales en los tres grupos de estudio, sin embargo en la relación CD4+/CD8+, en los grupos (E+T-) y (E-T-) presentan valores disminuidos en comparación al grupo (E-T-). Conclusiones: en mujeres embarazadas con toxoplasmosis (E+T+) existe una polarización de la respuesta inmune haciaTHl, brindándoles de alguna manera inmunidad frente a una posible reinyección con el parásito, a diferencia de los grupos (E+T-) y (E-T-) que podrían ser más susceptibles de contraer toxoplasmosis durante el embarazo, ya que sus niveles de IFN-y e IL-10 son bajos y/o no detectables. Respecto a los niveles de linfocitos T CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ de las mujeres embarazadas, si bien están dentro los parámetros normales, se encuentran levemente disminuidos, esto podría deberse al estado inmunogulador que presentan las mujeres durante el embarazo, sin embargo se podría decir que presentan protección contra T. gondii.

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Methodology: The study groups were pregnant women with toxoplasmosis (E + T +) (n = 15), pregnant women without toxoplasmosis (E + T) (n = 15) and non-pregnant women without toxoplasmosis (ET) (n = fifteen). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the three study groups were stimulated in vitro with T. gondii soluble antigen. After the incubation period (6 days), levels of cell proliferation and IFN-y and IL-10 (TH1 and TH2 respectively) this last in culture supernatants, additionally it was performed the absolute count of T CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + lymphocyte, in whole blood samples treated with EDTA. Results: The results show increased cell proliferation in the group (E + T +) statistically significant differences compared to the groups (E + T) and (ET). Regarding TH1 cytokine levels, it was observed higher production of IFN-y in group (E + G +) compared with groups (E + T) and (ET-). Production of IL-10 is low and / or undetectable in all three study groups. The levels of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + were within normal parameters in the three study groups, but in the CD4 + / CD8 + in the groups (E + T) and (ET) have decreased compared values to group (ET). Conclusions: Pregnant women infected with Toxoplasmosis (E + T +) there is a polarization of the immune response haciaTH1, so providing some immunity against a possible reinjection with the parasite, as opposed to groups (E + T) and (ET- ) that may be more susceptible to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy because their levels of IFN-y and IL-10 are low and / or undetectable. Regarding the levels of CD3 + T CD4 +, CD8 + lymphocytes of pregnant women, if they are well within normal parameters, are slightly decreased, this could be due to inmunogulador been presented by women during pregnancy, but you could say that they have protection against T. gondii.

Immune response in holstein calves vaccinated at six months of age

Background: Calves are agammaglobulinemic and immature at birth and their immunological defense must be improved by colostrum, although, maternal antibodies decrease after two months of age and calves are susceptible to Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC). Then, this research evaluated the immune response to BVDV and BoHV-1 in young calves to prevent BRDC.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten male Holstein calves were distributed in two groups with five animals on each: nonvaccinated VAC (-) and vaccinated VAC (+). Calves were vaccinated twice at 180 and 210 days of age. It was selected a commercial multivalent vaccine containing inactivated isolated of BVDV type-1 (strains 5960) and BVDV type-2 (strains 53637), and modified-live BoHV-1 (strains RLB103), with Quil A, cholesterol and Amphigen as adjuvant. The immune response (IR) was evaluated at 180 (T0), 210 (T1) and 240 (T2) days of life by serum neutralization (SN) and immunophenotyping. Specific antibodies to BVDV were detected in 40% (2/5) and 60% (3/5) of vaccinated calves at T1 and T2, respectively. Specific antibodies (Abs) to BoHV-1 were observed in 40% (2/5) at T1 and 100% (5/5) at T2 in the VAC (+) group. Titers of Abs to BoHV-1 increase from T0 to T2 (P = 0.034) in VAC (+). Moreover, geometric mean titer (GMT) to BoHV-1 in VAC (+) group was higher than VAC (-) after secondary IR in T2 (P = 0.006). The proportion of the markers T lymphocytes subpopulation (CD3+ , CD4+ , CD8+ and WC1+ ) and B lymphocytes (CD21+ ) were similar in the two experimental groups, while the expression of the CD25+ marker by gamma-delta (WC1+ ) was higher in VAC (+) at T1.Discussion: Low titers of circulating Abs could be observed just for BoHV-1 in the calves from VAC (-) at T0, probably due to remaining Abs from dams transferred by colostrum intake. This fact indicates the need of appropriate vaccination schedules to prevent the virosis in dairy heifers.[...](AU)