Novel Applications of Immuno-bioinformatics in Vaccine and Bio-product Developments at Research Institutes.

There are many challenges in the field of public health sciences. Rational decisions are required in order to treat different diseases, gain knowledge and wealth regarding research, and produce biological or synthetic products. Various advances in the basic laboratory science, computer science, and the engineering of biological production processes can help solve the occurring problems. Bioinformatics is defined as a field of science combined of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer sciences. Recently, bioinformatics has been extensively used in the designing of the epitope, vaccines, antibodies, adjuvants, diagnostic kits, and therapeutic purposes (e.g., proteins, peptides, or small molecules). Moreover, bioinformatics includes chemoinformatics that has been employed to produce various biological or chemical products to target and combat pathogens. Bioinformatics is involved in other areas of data analysis and prediction, such as structural biology, system biology, phylogeny, population genetics, and next-generation data sequencing. To the best of our knowledge, no published study coherently described the benefits of bioinformatics fields applied for medication development or diagnostic aims in bio-productive and pharmaceutical/vaccine companies. Therefore, in the current review, we attempted to present the available bioinformatics resources, practical experiences, and other findings in the mentioned field along with providing a harmonized and applied model(s). The key points presented in the current review may help to elevate production and reduce the costs for the development of novel vaccines, medicines, and antibodies. In addition, these methods can facilitate the identification of organisms and may guarantee the quality of biological products.

In silico rational design of a novel tetra-epitope tetanus vaccine with complete population coverage using developed immunoinformatics and surface epitope mapping approaches.

Presentation of many unwanted epitopes within tetanus toxoid vaccine to lymphocyte clones may lead to production of many unwanted antibodies. Moreover an ideal vaccine must cover all individuals in a population that is dependent to the kinds of human leukocyte antigen alleles. Concerning these issues, our study was aimed to in silico design of a multi-epitope tetanus vaccine (METV) in order to improve population coverage and protectivity of tetanus vaccine as well as reduction of complications. Concerning these issues, a novel rational filtration was implemented to design a novel METV using immunoinformatics and surface epitope mapping approaches. Prediction of epitopes for tetanus toxin was performed in the candidate country in which the frequency had been gathered from almost all geographical distributions. The most strong binder epitopes for major histocompatibility complex class II were selected and among them the surface epitopes of native toxin were selected. The population coverage of the selected epitopes was estimated. The final candidate epitopes had highly population coverage. Molecular docking was performed to prediction of binding affinity of our candidate epitopes to the HLA-DRB1 alleles. At first, 680 strong binder epitopes were predicted. Among them 11 epitopes were selected. Finally, 4 epitopes had the most population coverage and suggested as a tetra-epitope tetanus vaccine. 99.41% of inessential strong binders were deleted using our tree steps filtration. HLA-DP had the most roles in epitope presentation. Molecular docking analysis proved the strong binding affinity of candidate epitopes to the HLA-DRB1 alleles. In conclusion, we theoretically reduced 99.41% of unwanted antibodies using our novel filtration strategies. Our tetra-epitope tetanus vaccine showed 100% population coverage in the candidate country. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that HLA-DP and HLA-DQ had more potential in epitope presentation in comparison to HLA-DRB1.

Overview of Flow Cytometry and Microbiology.

Although in recent years flow cytometry has become commonplace in hematology and immunology laboratories, application of the technology to microbiology remains largely unrealized. This overview presents the historical background, discusses applications in various areas of the field, and speculates on the directions of future developments. The availability of high-quality methods should be a prime factor in convincing microbiologists that flow cytometry may have certain advantages over traditional methods and that it does indeed have much to contribute to microbiology. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Total and honeybee venom-specific serum IgG4 and IgE in beekeepers

No disponible

Key issues in hymenoptera venom allergy: an update

In this review, the Hymenoptera Allergy Committee of the SEAIC analyzes the most recent scientific literature addressing problems related to the diagnosis of hymenoptera allergy and to management of venom immunotherapy. Molecular diagnosis and molecular risk profiles are the key areas addressed. The appearance of new species of hymenoptera that are potentially allergenic in Spain and the associated diagnostic and therapeutic problems are also described. Finally, we analyze the issue of mast cell activation syndrome closely related to hymenoptera allergy, which has become a new diagnostic challenge for allergists given its high prevalence in patients with venom anaphylaxis (AU)

En esta revisión el Comité de Alergia a Himenópteros de la SEAIC ha analizado la literatura científica más reciente sobre los principales problemas diagnósticos de la alergia a himenópteros, así como sobre las dificultades que pueden surgir durante la inmunoterapia con venenos. Se revisan especialmente las novedades relacionadas con el diagnóstico molecular y los perfiles moleculares de riesgo. También se describe la alergia a himenópteros poco habituales y los problemas diagnósticos y terapéuticos que esta conlleva. Por último, se tratan los síndromes de activación mastocitaria clonal, íntimamente relacionados con la alergia a himenópteros, que se han convertido en un nuevo reto diagnóstico para el alergólogo (AU)

Esofagitis eosinofílica: una entidad patológica relevante para el otorrinolaringólogo / Eosinophilic esophagitis: A relevant entity for the otolaryngologist

La esofagitis eosinofílica (EE) es una entidad clínico patológica reconocida recientemente y con una prevalencia que va en aumento desde su descripción inicial. Su diagnóstico representa un reto para diferentes especialistas, entre los que tiene un rol destacado el otorrinolaringólogo. La sospecha clínica ante un paciente que presenta episodios recidivantes de impactación de alimentos no punzantes o ante un niño con trastornos de la alimentación y antecedentes de atopia constituyen el primer signo de alerta de una posible EE. El objetivo de esta revisión persigue destacar el papel de la EE en el diagnóstico diferencial de los pacientes con trastornos de la deglución, así como dar a conocer las manifestaciones clínicas que deben alertar al otorrinolaringólogo para proseguir la realización de las pruebas encaminadas al diagnóstico de esta enfermedad. La esofagoscopia transnasal, realizada por el otorrinolaringólogo en consulta, ayudará a disminuir el número de casos infradiagnosticados. Dado que gran parte de los pacientes afectos de trastornos de la deglución van a ser evaluados por el otorrinolaringólogo, se hace imprescindible el reconocimiento de la EE, así como el manejo diagnóstico-terapéutico por un equipo multidisciplinar en el que se involucren, además del otorrinolaringólogo, pediatras, digestólogos, alergólogos y patólogos familiarizados con la enfermedad. La identificación del alimento responsable de la inflamación del esófago y su eliminación de la dieta es la clave del tratamiento de este desorden inmunomediado (AU)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a recently recognised pathologic entity whose prevalence has risen significantly since it was first described. Its diagnosis represents a challenge for different medical specialties, among which ENT specialists play an important role. Clinical suspicion in a patient with recurrent food impaction or a child with eating disorders and history of hypersensitivity constitutes the first warning sign of a possible EE. The purpose of this review is to highlight EE as a possible differential diagnosis in patients with deglutition disorders and describe the possible clinical symptoms that should alert the ENT specialist to perform appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures. The transnasal esophagoscopy, performed in-office by the ENT, is ideal for reducing possible underdiagnosed cases. Given the fact that an ENT specialist will evaluate a great many patients with deglutition disorders, it is paramount for possible EE cases to be suspected and recognised so that a correct multidisciplinary approach involving not only ENT specialists but also paediatricians, gastroenterologists, allergologists and pathologists can be established. Identifying the dietary component responsible for the esophageal inflammation and removing that food from the patient's diet is the key in the treatment of this immune-mediated disease (AU)

La inmunología española en marcha / Spanish immunology on the move

No disponible

Immunological tools: engaging students in the use and analysis of flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are commonly used techniques associated with clinical and research applications within the immunology and medical fields. The use of these techniques is becoming increasingly valuable in many life science and engineering disciplines as well. Herein, we report the development and evaluation of a novel half-semester course that focused on introducing undergraduate and graduate students to advance conceptual and technical skills associated with flow cytometry and ELISA, with emphasis on applications, experimental design, and data analysis. This course was offered in the North Carolina State University Biotechnology Program over three semesters and consisted of weekly lectures and laboratories. Students performed and/or analyzed flow cytometry and ELISA in three separate laboratory exercises: (1) identification of transgenic zebrafish hematopoietic cells, (2) analysis of transfection efficiency, and (3) analysis of cytokine production upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Student learning outcomes were achieved as demonstrated by multiple means of assessment, including three laboratory reports, a data analysis laboratory practicum, and a cumulative final exam. Further, anonymous student self-assessment revealed increased student confidence in the knowledge and skill sets defined in the learning outcomes.

Anaphylaxis in the allergist's office: preparing your office and staff for medical emergencies.

All allergists who administer subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) experience anaphylaxis in their offices and must devote proper planning, preparation, and practice to ensure that all staff members recognize the early signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and can respond appropriately. Educating staff and patients, preparing an anaphylaxis emergency cart, developing and following selection criteria for SCIT and high-risk procedures, and customizing an "Action Plan for Anaphylaxis Management" create the foundation for mounting an adequate response to anaphylaxis. Strategies to prevent near-fatal and fatal reactions include (1) avoiding, when possible, the administration of SCIT to patients on beta-blockers; (2) using a preinjection questionnaire to review changes in the patient's medical condition, e.g., episodes of asthma since the previous injection; (3) using standardized forms and procedures for SCIT; (4) one might also consider an objective measure of airway function (e.g., peak flow measurement) for the asthmatic patient before allergy injections; (5) insisting on a 30-minute waiting time after SCIT; and (6) giving consideration to prescribing a dual-pack epinephrine autoinjector to all SCIT patients. Treatment of anaphylaxis should start with epinephrine administered intramuscularly at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Oxygen and i.v. fluids may be needed for moderate-to-severe anaphylaxis or anaphylaxis that is quickly developing or unresponsive to the first injection of epinephrine. Emergency medical services should be called for all patients who are experiencing moderate-to-severe (grade 2 or higher) anaphylaxis, if they require more than 1 dose of epinephrine and/or i.v. fluids, or if they do not immediately respond to treatment.

Advancing cytometry for immunology.

Cytometry is a key technology for immunology. It allows researchers to scrutinize the cells of the immune system in molecular detail, and to assess phenotype and function at the level of individual cells, no matter how rare these cells may be. The International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry, ISAC, by way of its meetings, online resources and publications (e.g. Cytometry Part A and Current Protocols in Cytometry, which are all published by Wiley) track the ever advancing developments regarding cytometry instrumentation and reagents, and the analysis of complex data sets. In June this year in Leipzig, Germany, ISAC held its annual conference "CYTO 2012", a marketplace of innovation in cytometry.