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de Carvalho CA, Hiramoto RM, Meireles LR, de Andrade HF. Understanding hypergammaglobulinemia in experimental or natural visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13021. [PMID: 38275197 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Nonspecific hypergammaglobulinemia (HGG) occurs in symptomatic human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by L. L. infantum. This study assessed this finding in experimental infection in hamsters and natural infection in dogs. The serum concentration of proteins, albumin and globulins was determined through the biuret and bromocresol green reaction, where the HGG was better expressed through the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. HGG was associated with a higher concentration of specific anti-glycan antibodies (BSA-G)/promastigote soluble extract (PSE) and the presence of circulating immune complexes (IC) by dissociative enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The study found monovalent IC in 37.9% (PSE) and 50% (BSA-G) of sera from infected hamsters, with increased frequency as the disease progressed. HGG was found in >60% of the samples in dogs with VL, associated with higher levels of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgM, but not IgG, determined using the PSE and BSA-G ELISA. HGG was associated with the presence of monovalent IC in 58.9% (PSE) and 63.4% (BSA-G) positive dog samples. HGG may result not only from the nonspecific activation of B cells, with greater production of specific and nonspecific antibodies, but also due to lower IgG excretion due to the presence of soluble monovalent IC. HGG correlates to the progression of VL and may be a marker for manifested disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Aparecida de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Protozoologia IMTSP, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Regina Meireles
- Laboratório de Protozoologia IMTSP, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heitor Franco de Andrade
- Laboratório de Protozoologia IMTSP, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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da Silva BB, da Silva Junior AB, Araújo LDS, Santos ENFN, da Silva ACM, Florean EOPT, van Tilburg MF, Guedes MIF. Subcutaneous, Oral, and Intranasal Immunization of BALB/c Mice with Leishmania infantum K39 Antigen Induces Non-Protective Humoral Immune Response. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:444. [PMID: 37755905 PMCID: PMC10534909 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a high-burden disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. The K39 kinesin is a highly antigenic protein of Leishmania infantum, but little is known about the immune response elicited by this antigen. We evaluated the humoral immune response of female BALB/c mice (n = 6) immunized with the rK39-HFBI construct, formed by the fusion of the K39 antigen to a hydrophobin partner. The rK39-HFBI construct was administered through subcutaneous, oral, and intranasal routes using saponin as an adjuvant. We analyzed the kinetics of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a production. The groups were then challenged by an intravenous infection with L. infantum promastigote cells. The rK39-HFBI antigen-induced high levels of total IgG (p < 0.05) in all groups, but only the subcutaneous route was associated with increased production of IgG1 and IgG2a 42 days after immunization (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential secondary immune response following the booster dose. There was no reduction in the splenic parasite load; thus, the rK39-HFBI failed to protect the mice against infection under the tested conditions. The results presented here demonstrate that the high antigenicity of the K39 antigen does not contribute to a protective immune response against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60714903, Brazil
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Stögerer T, Silva-Barrios S, Carmona-Pérez L, Swaminathan S, Mai LT, Leroux LP, Jaramillo M, Descoteaux A, Stäger S. Leishmania donovani Exploits Tunneling Nanotubes for Dissemination and Propagation of B Cell Activation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0509622. [PMID: 37404188 PMCID: PMC10434010 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05096-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyclonal B cell activation and the resulting hypergammaglobulinemia are a detrimental consequence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL); however, the mechanisms underlying this excessive production of nonprotective antibodies are still poorly understood. Here, we show that a causative agent of VL, Leishmania donovani, induces CD21-dependent formation of tunneling nanotubule (TNT)-like protrusions in B cells. These intercellular connections are used by the parasite to disseminate among cells and propagate B cell activation, and close contact both among the cells and between B cells and parasites is required to achieve this activation. Direct contact between cells and parasites is also observed in vivo, as L. donovani can be detected in the splenic B cell area as early as 14 days postinfection. Interestingly, Leishmania parasites can also glide from macrophages to B cells via TNT-like protrusions. Taken together, our results suggest that, during in vivo infection, B cells may acquire L. donovani from macrophages via TNT-like protrusions, and these connections are subsequently exploited by the parasite to disseminate among B cells, thus propagating B cell activation and ultimately leading to polyclonal B cell activation. IMPORTANCE Leishmania donovani is a causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially lethal disease characterized by strong B cell activation and the subsequent excessive production of nonprotective antibodies, which are known to worsen the disease. How Leishmania activates B cells is still unknown, particularly because this parasite mostly resides inside macrophages and would not have access to B cells during infection. In this study, we describe for the first time how the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani induces and exploits the formation of protrusions that connect B lymphocytes with each other or with macrophages and glides on these structures from one cell to another. In this way, B cells can acquire Leishmania from macrophages and become activated upon contact with the parasites. This activation will then lead to antibody production. These findings provide an explanation for how the parasite may propagate B cell activation during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Stögerer
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sasha Silva-Barrios
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Liseth Carmona-Pérez
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sharada Swaminathan
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Linh Thuy Mai
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis-Philippe Leroux
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maritza Jaramillo
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simona Stäger
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Infectiopôle INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Fontes JLM, Mesquita BR, Brito R, Gomes JCS, de Melo CVB, dos Santos WLC. Anti- Leishmania infantum Antibody-Producing Plasma Cells in the Spleen in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121635. [PMID: 34959592 PMCID: PMC8706995 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The spleen is involved in visceral leishmaniasis immunopathogenesis, and presents alterations in white-pulp microenvironments that are associated with an increased susceptibility to coinfections and patient death. Plasmacytosis in splenic red pulp (RP) is one observed alteration, but the specificity of antibody-secreting cells and the distribution of them has not yet been evaluated. We biotinylated soluble L. infantum membrane antigens (bSLMA) used as probes in modified immunohistochemistry, and detected the presence of anti-L. infantum antibody-secreting cells. Were used spleens from eight dogs from the endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL), and three healthier controls. The spleen sections were cryopreserved, and we performed modified immunohistochemistry. The ratio of plasma cells which were reactive to bSLMA (Anti-Leish-PC) in the spleen RP and periarteriolar lymphatic sheath (PALS) were calculated. Dogs with CanL present hyperglobulinemia and more plasma cells in their RP than the controls. Furthermore, dogs with CanL presented a lower proportion of Anti-Leish-PC in their RP than in PALS. Likewise, dysproteinemia was related to RP and PALS plasmacytosis, and a more severe clinical profile.
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Nguyen HTT, Guevarra RB, Magez S, Radwanska M. Single-cell transcriptome profiling and the use of AID deficient mice reveal that B cell activation combined with antibody class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation do not benefit the control of experimental trypanosomosis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010026. [PMID: 34762705 PMCID: PMC8610246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivarian trypanosomes are extracellular protozoan parasites causing infections in a wide range of mammalian hosts, with Trypanosoma evansi having the widest geographic distribution, reaching territories far outside Africa and occasionally even Europe. Besides causing the animal diseases, T. evansi can cause atypical Human Trypanosomosis. The success of this parasite is attributed to its capacity to evade and disable the mammalian defense response. To unravel the latter, we applied here for the first time a scRNA-seq analysis on splenocytes from trypanosome infected mice, at two time points during infection, i.e. just after control of the first parasitemia peak (day 14) and a late chronic time point during infection (day 42). This analysis was combined with flow cytometry and ELISA, revealing that T. evansi induces prompt activation of splenic IgM+CD1d+ Marginal Zone and IgMIntIgD+ Follicular B cells, coinciding with an increase in plasma IgG2c Ab levels. Despite the absence of follicles, a rapid accumulation of Aicda+ GC-like B cells followed first parasitemia peak clearance, accompanied by the occurrence of Xbp1+ expressing CD138+ plasma B cells and Tbx21+ atypical CD11c+ memory B cells. Ablation of immature CD93+ bone marrow and Vpreb3+Ly6d+Ighm+ expressing transitional spleen B cells prevented mature peripheral B cell replenishment. Interestingly, AID-/- mice that lack the capacity to mount anti-parasite IgG responses, exhibited a superior defense level against T. evansi infections. Here, elevated natural IgMs were able to exert in vivo and in vitro trypanocidal activity. Hence, we conclude that in immune competent mice, trypanosomosis associated B cell activation and switched IgG production is rapidly induced by T. evansi, facilitating an escape from the detrimental natural IgM killing activity, and resulting in increased host susceptibility. This unique role of IgM and its anti-trypanosome activity are discussed in the context of the dilemma this causes for the future development of anti-trypanosome vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Thi Thu Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin B. Guevarra
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Stefan Magez
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Radwanska
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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VLP-Based Vaccines as a Suitable Technology to Target Trypanosomatid Diseases. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030220. [PMID: 33807516 PMCID: PMC7998750 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on vaccines against trypanosomatids, a family of protozoa that cause neglected tropical diseases, such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness, is a current need. Today, according to modern vaccinology, virus-like particle (VLP) technology is involved in many vaccines, including those undergoing studies related to COVID-19. The potential use of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants opens an opportunity for the use of protozoan antigens for the development of vaccines against diseases caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma brucei. In this context, it is important to consider the evasion mechanisms of these protozoa in the host and the antigens involved in the mechanisms of the parasite–host interaction. Thus, the immunostimulatory properties of VLPs can be part of an important strategy for the development and evaluation of new vaccines. This work aims to highlight the potential of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants for the development of immunity in complex diseases, specifically in the context of tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids.
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Leishmaniasis immunopathology-impact on design and use of vaccines, diagnostics and drugs. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:247-264. [PMID: 32152715 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease complex caused by 20 species of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. In humans, it has two main clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous or tegumentary leishmaniasis (CL), as well as several other cutaneous manifestations in a minority of cases. In the mammalian host Leishmania parasites infect different populations of macrophages where they multiply and survive in the phagolysosomal compartment. The progression of both VL and CL depends on the maintenance of a parasite-specific immunosuppressive state based around this host macrophage infection. The complexity and variation of immune responses and immunopathology in humans and the different host interactions of the different Leishmania species has an impact upon the effectiveness of vaccines, diagnostics and drugs.
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Stögerer T, Stäger S. Innate Immune Sensing by Cells of the Adaptive Immune System. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1081. [PMID: 32547564 PMCID: PMC7274159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensing of microbes or of danger signals has mainly been attributed to myeloid innate immune cells. However, T and B cells also express functional pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In these cells, PRRs mediate signaling cascades that result in different functions depending on the cell's activation and/or differentiation status, on the environment, and on the ligand/agonist. Some of these functions are beneficial for the host; however, some are detrimental and are exploited by pathogens to establish persistent infections. In this review, we summarize the available literature on innate immune sensing by cells of the adaptive immune system and discuss possible implications for chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Stögerer
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Simona Stäger
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
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Mai LT, Smans M, Silva-Barrios S, Fabié A, Stäger S. IRF-5 Expression in Myeloid Cells Is Required for Splenomegaly in L. donovani Infected Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3071. [PMID: 32038622 PMCID: PMC6985270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent Leishmania donovani infection is characterized by chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and splenomegaly. We have previously reported that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) is largely responsible for inducing the inflammatory response and maintaining protective Th1 cells following L. donovani inoculation in mice. However, the cellular source responsible for these effects is yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of IRF-5 in myeloid cells during experimental visceral leishmaniasis (VL). First, we show that the LysM-Cre mouse model is not suited for investigating gene expression in splenic myeloid cells during experimental VL. Using the Cd11c-Cre mouse model, we demonstrate that Irf5 expression in CD11c+ cells (monocytes, dendritic cells, activated macrophages) is essential for inducing splenomegaly and for recruiting myeloid cells to the spleen, but it is not required for the development or maintenance of parasite-specific IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells. CD11c-specific Irf5 -/- mice are more resistant to L. donovani infection, suggesting that the induction of splenomegaly is detrimental to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Thuy Mai
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Mélina Smans
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Sasha Silva-Barrios
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Aymeric Fabié
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Simona Stäger
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
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de Carvalho CA, Ferrão TF, de Freitas FRN, de Andrade HF. High levels of serum glycans monovalent IgG immune complexes detected by dissociative ELISA in experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Immunology 2019; 158:314-321. [PMID: 31576564 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is epidemic in Brazil with an increasing incidence of human cases and canine reservoirs, with host hypergammaglobulinemia. Conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) based on several parasitic antigens is the main method for diagnosis and indication of treatment. Dissociative ELISA (dELISA) uses acidic treatment to free immunoglobulin G (IgG) from immune complexes, and its use revealed a significant positive fraction of suspected cases with negative serology. Looking for small molecules or haptens that block IgG antibodies, we purified by molecular exclusion chromatography, 1000-3000 MW molecules from promastigote soluble extract, mostly oligosaccharides comprising 6-13 sugar residues using MALDI-TOF analysis. Glycan-BSA complex (GBC) was constructed by conjugating promastigote glycans to BSA molecules, allowing their use in the solid support in cELISA or dELISA. Sera from experimentally infected hamsters showed higher levels of blocked monomeric IgG during infection, mostly against GBC, which was also present in lower concentrations in the promastigote soluble extract dELISA. Those data show that most of the specific monomeric IgG in serum are blocked by haptens composed by glycans produced by the parasite, better detected in the high dilution of sera in the dELISA assays. dELISA is a useful technique for detecting blocked monomeric antibodies that could have difficult clearance from blood, which could result in hypergammaglobulinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Fidelis Ferrão
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Heitor Franco de Andrade
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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