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Marçal PHF, Gama RS, Pereira de Oliveira LB, Martins-Filho OA, Pinheiro RO, Sarno EN, Moraes MO, de Oliveira Fraga LA. Functional biomarker signatures of circulating T-cells and its association with distinct clinical status of leprosy patients and their respective household contacts. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:167. [PMID: 33341111 PMCID: PMC7749990 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00763-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease classified into two subgroups for therapeutic purposes: paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB), closely related to the host immune responses. In this context it is noteworthy looking for immunological biomarkers applicable as complementary diagnostic tools as well as a laboratorial strategy to follow-up leprosy household contacts. METHODS The cross-sectional study enrolled 49 participants, including 19 patients and 30 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and incubated in the presence of Mycobacterium leprae bacilli. The cells were prepared for surface (CD4+ and CD8+) and intracytoplasmic cytokine staining (IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10). Multiple comparisons amongst groups were carried out by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Student T or Mann-Whitney test. Comparative analysis of categorical variables was performed by Chi-square. Functional biomarker signature analysis was conducted using the global median values for each biomarker index as the cut-off edge to identify the proportion of subjects with high biomarker levels. RESULTS The cytokine signature analysis demonstrated that leprosy patients presented a polyfunctional profile of T-cells subsets, with increased frequency of IFN-γ+ T-cell subsets along with IL-10+ and IL-4+ from CD4+ T-cells, as compared to health Controls (Venn diagram report). Moreover, statistical analysis was carried out using parametric or non-parametric variance analysis followed by pairwise multiple comparisons, according to the data normality distribution. L(PB) displayed a polyfunctional profile characterized by enhanced percentage of IFN-γ+, IL-10+ and IL-4+ produced by most T-cell subsets, as compared to L(MB) that presented a more restricted cytokine functional profile mediated by IL-10+ and IL-4+ T-cells with minor contribution of IFN-γ produced by CD4+ T-cells. Noteworthy was that HHC(MB) exhibited enhanced frequency of IFN-γ+ T-cells, contrasting with HHC(PB) that presented a cytokine profile limited to IL-10 and IL-4. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that L(PB) displayed enhanced percentage of IFN-γ+, IL-10+ and IL-4+ as compared to L(MB) that presented functional profile mediated by IL-10+ and IL-4+ T-cells and HHC(MB) exhibited enhanced frequency of IFN-γ+ T-cells, contrasting with HHC(PB). Together, our findings provide additional immunological features associated with leprosy and household contacts. These data provide evidence that biomarkers of immune response can be useful complementary diagnostic/prognostic tools as well as insights that household contacts should be monitored to access putative subclinical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Silva Gama
- Universidade Vale do Rio Doce - Univale, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberta Olmo Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Hanseníase, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz -FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Euzenir Nunes Sarno
- Laboratório de Hanseníase, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz -FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Milton Ozório Moraes
- Laboratório de Hanseníase, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz -FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucia Alves de Oliveira Fraga
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Hansenologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Instituto de Ciências da Vida, Campus Governador Valadares, Rua São Paulo, 582 - Centro, Governador Valadares, MG, 30190-002, Brazil.
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Miranda VHS, Gomes TR, Eller DE, Ferraz LDCN, Chaves AT, Bicalho KA, Silva CEC, Birbrair A, Pascoal Xavier MA, de Goes AM, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Alves ÉAR, Bozzi A. Liver damage in schistosomiasis is reduced by adipose tissue-derived stem cell therapy after praziquantel treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008635. [PMID: 32853206 PMCID: PMC7480869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In view of the potential immunosuppressive and regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we investigated whether transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC) could be used to control the granulomatous reaction in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni after Praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. Methodology/Prinicpal findings C57BL/6 mice infected with S. mansoni were treated with PZQ and transplanted intravenously with ASC from uninfected mice. Liver morpho-physiological and immunological analyses were performed. The combined PZQ/ASC therapy significantly reduced the volume of hepatic granulomas, as well as liver damage as measured by ALT levels. We also observed that ASC accelerated the progression of the granulomatous inflammation to the advanced/curative phase. The faster healing interfered with the expression of CD28 and CTLA-4 molecules in CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the levels of IL-10 and IL-17 cytokines, mainly in the livers of PZQ/ASC-treated mice. Conclusions Our results show that ASC therapy after PZQ treatment results in smaller granulomas with little tissue damage, suggesting the potential of ASC for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to minimize hepatic lesions as well as a granulomatous reaction following S. mansoni infection. Further studies using the chronic model of schistosomiasis are required to corroborate the therapeutic use of ASC for schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent parasitic disease in the world and is caused by the Schistosoma trematode. This disease is characterized by a granulomatous reaction around parasite eggs trapped in the tissues. The liver is one of the most affected organs and can develop severe fibrosis. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the treatment for schistosomiasis and kills the adult the worm; however, inflammation still persists around the eggs in the tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been extensively studied as an alternative therapy to repair tissues and to stop inflammation due to their potential to differentiate in several cells types (bone, cartilage, fat, tendon, muscle, and marrow stroma), and to interfere with immune responses. This scenario has motivated the authors to investigate the use of MSC extract from adipose tissue (ASC) associated with PZQ to treat schistosomiasis. Briefly, mice were treated with PZQ followed by ASC injection showing significant reduction of the granulomas and normal levels of the enzyme alanine aminotransferase, an indicator of liver damage. These results suggest that ASC has the potential to be used as a novel therapeutic approach to control inflammation following infection by S. mansoni or liver disorders. Although the findings are promising, further studies using the chronic model of schistosomiasis are required to confirm using ASC for schistosomiasis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talita Rocha Gomes
- Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Antônio Pascoal Xavier
- Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Bozzi
- Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Bhattacharjee S, Mejías-Luque R, Loffredo-Verde E, Toska A, Flossdorf M, Gerhard M, Prazeres da Costa C. Concomitant Infection of S. mansoni and H. pylori Promotes Promiscuity of Antigen-Experienced Cells and Primes the Liver for a Lower Fibrotic Response. Cell Rep 2019; 28:231-244.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Rowan-Nash AD, Korry BJ, Mylonakis E, Belenky P. Cross-Domain and Viral Interactions in the Microbiome. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:e00044-18. [PMID: 30626617 PMCID: PMC6383444 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00044-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the microbiome to human health is increasingly recognized and has become a major focus of recent research. However, much of the work has focused on a few aspects, particularly the bacterial component of the microbiome, most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract. Yet humans and other animals can be colonized by a wide array of organisms spanning all domains of life, including bacteria and archaea, unicellular eukaryotes such as fungi, multicellular eukaryotes such as helminths, and viruses. As they share the same host niches, they can compete with, synergize with, and antagonize each other, with potential impacts on their host. Here, we discuss these major groups making up the human microbiome, with a focus on how they interact with each other and their multicellular host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn D Rowan-Nash
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin J Korry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Peter Belenky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Morais SB, Figueiredo BC, Assis NRG, Homan J, Mambelli FS, Bicalho RM, Souza C, Martins VP, Pinheiro CS, Oliveira SC. Schistosoma mansoni SmKI-1 or Its C-Terminal Fragment Induces Partial Protection Against S. mansoni Infection in Mice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1762. [PMID: 30105029 PMCID: PMC6077287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but the development of a vaccine against this parasitic disease would contribute to a long-lasting decrease in disease spectrum and transmission. When it comes to vaccine candidates, several genes encoding Schistosoma mansoni proteins expressed at the mammalian host-parasite interface have been tested. Among the most promising molecules are the proteins present on the tegument and digestive tract of the parasite. In this study, we evaluate the potential of SmKI-1, the first Kunitz-type protease inhibitor functionally characterized in S. mansoni, as a vaccine candidate. Bioinformatic analysis points to the C-terminal fragment as the main region of the molecule responsible for the development of a potential protective immune response induced by SmKI-1. Therefore, for the vaccine formulations, we produced the recombinant (r) SmKI-1 and two different fragments, its Kunitz (KI) domain and its C-terminal tail. First, we demonstrate that mice immunized with recombinant SmKI-1 (rSmKI-1) or its fragments, formulated with Freund's adjuvant, induced the production of IgG-specific antibodies. Further, all vaccine formulations tested here also induced a Th1-type of immune response, as suggested by the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by protein-stimulated cultured splenocytes. However, the protective effect conferred by vaccination was only observed in groups which received rSmKI-1 or C-terminal domain vaccines. Mice administered with rSmKI-1 demonstrated reduction of 47% in worm burden, 36% in egg number in mouse livers, and 33% in area of liver granulomas. Additionally, mice injected with C-terminal domain showed reduction of 28% in worm burden, 38% in egg number in liver, and 25% in area of liver granulomas. In contrast, KI domain immunization was unable to reduce worm burden and ameliorate liver pathology after challenge infection. Taken together, our data demonstrated that SmKI-1 is a potential candidate for use in a vaccine to control schistosomiasis, and its C-terminal tail seems to be the main region of the molecule responsible for protection conferred by this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suellen B Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Barbara C Figueiredo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Natan R G Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jane Homan
- ioGenetics LLC, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fábio S Mambelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Bicalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vicente P Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Celular do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carina S Pinheiro
- Departamento de Biointeração do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Sergio C Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
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Moreira ML, Dorneles EMS, Soares RP, Magalhães CP, Costa-Pereira C, Lage AP, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Araújo MSS. Cross-reactivity of commercially available anti-human monoclonal antibodies with canine cytokines: establishment of a reliable panel to detect the functional profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes by intracytoplasmic staining. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:51. [PMID: 26362860 PMCID: PMC4566394 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0142-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process for obtaining monoclonal antibodies against a specific antigen is very laborious, involves sophisticated technologies and it is not available in most research laboratories. Considering that most cytokines remain partially conserved among species during evolution, the search for antibody cross-reactivity is an important strategy for immunological studies in veterinary medicine. In this context, the amino acid sequence from human and canine cytokines have demonstrated 49-96 % homology, suggesting high probability of cross-reactivity amongst monoclonal antibodies. For this, 17 commercially available anti-human monoclonal antibodies [IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 (#1, #2), IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-γ (#1, #2), TNF-α (#1, #2) and TGF-β], were evaluated in vitro for intracellular cytokine detection in a stimulated canine blood culture by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Lymphocytes from peripheral blood of healthy and two unhealthy dogs were analyzed. RESULTS Eleven anti-human mAbs [IL-1α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 (#1, #2), IL-12, IL-17A, TNF-α (#1, #2) and TGF-β] cross-reacted against canine intracellular cytokines. The specificity of the assays was not affected after Fc-blocking. Three anti-human cytokine mAbs [IL-4, IL-8 (#2) and TGF-β] when evaluated by confocal microscopy also cross-reacted with intracellular canine cytokines. The identification of human mAbs that cross-reacted with canine cytokines may support their use as immunological biomarkers in veterinary medicine studies. CONCLUSION The identification of these 11 anti-human cytokine mAbs that cross-reacted with canine cytokines will be useful immunological biomarkers for pathological conditions by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy in dogs.
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CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells and Cytokine Responses in Human Schistosomiasis before and after Treatment with Praziquantel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003995. [PMID: 26291831 PMCID: PMC4546370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic schistosomiasis is associated with T cell hypo-responsiveness and immunoregulatory mechanisms, including induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, little is known about Treg functional capacity during human Schistosoma haematobium infection. Methodology CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ cells were characterized by flow cytometry and their function assessed by analysing total and Treg-depleted PBMC responses to schistosomal adult worm antigen (AWA), soluable egg antigen (SEA) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in S. haematobium-infected Gabonese children before and 6 weeks after anthelmintic treatment. Cytokines responses (IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and TNF) were integrated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Proliferation was measured by CFSE. Principal Findings S. haematobium infection was associated with increased Treg frequencies, which decreased post-treatment. Cytokine responses clustered into two principal components reflecting regulatory and Th2-polarized (PC1) and pro-inflammatory and Th1-polarized (PC2) cytokine responses; both components increased post-treatment. Treg depletion resulted in increased PC1 and PC2 at both time-points. Proliferation on the other hand, showed no significant difference from pre- to post-treatment. Treg depletion resulted mostly in increased proliferative responses at the pre-treatment time-point only. Conclusions Schistosoma-associated CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+Tregs exert a suppressive effect on both proliferation and cytokine production. Although Treg frequency decreases after praziquantel treatment, their suppressive capacity remains unaltered when considering cytokine production whereas their influence on proliferation weakens with treatment. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm infection, affects over 240 million people worldwide, especially children in sub-Saharan Africa. It is associated with immune hypo-responsiveness which results in an inability of the immune system to eliminate parasites. Animal models suggest that helminths induce regulatory T cells (Treg) which suppress effector cells and dampen anti-parasite activity as part of the parasites’ own strategy for survival in the human host. However, little is known about the functional capacity of Tregs during human Schistosoma haematobium infection and their interaction with adaptive responses. We designed a longitudinal study addressing the question of how anti-parasite treatment influences effector T cell activity and Treg function in peripheral blood of schoolchildren living in an S. haematobium endemic area in Lambaréné, Gabon. Our findings show that schistosome infection is associated with increased Treg frequency and that Tregs exert a suppressive effect on immune cell function in terms of both proliferation and cytokine production. Although Treg frequency decreases after anti-schistosome treatment, their suppressive capacity remains unaltered for cytokine production but their influence on proliferation weakens with treatment. By understanding how immune system is prevented from killing parasites, we hope to offer a novel route for intervention to achieve an immunological cure.
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Schistosoma mansoni Larvae Do Not Expand or Activate Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells during Their Migratory Phase. Infect Immun 2015. [PMID: 26195548 PMCID: PMC4567639 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00408-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in suppression of immune responses during parasitic helminth infection, both by controlling damaging immunopathology and by inhibiting protective immunity. During the patent phase of Schistosoma mansoni infection, Foxp3+ Treg cells are activated and suppress egg-elicited Th2 responses, but little is known of their induction and role during the early prepatent larval stage of infection. We quantified Foxp3+ Treg cell responses during the first 3 weeks of murine S. mansoni infection in C57BL/6 mice, a time when larval parasites migrate from the skin and transit the lungs en route to the hepatic and mesenteric vasculature. In contrast to other helminth infections, S. mansoni did not elicit a Foxp3+ Treg cell response during this early phase of infection. We found that the numbers and proportions of Foxp3+ Treg cells remained unchanged in the lungs, draining lymph nodes, and spleens of infected mice. There was no increase in the activation status of Foxp3+ Treg cells upon infection as assessed by their expression of CD25, Foxp3, and Helios. Furthermore, infection failed to induce Foxp3+ Treg cells to produce the suppressive cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). Instead, only CD4+ Foxp3− IL-4+ Th2 cells showed increased IL-10 production upon infection. These data indicate that Foxp3+ Treg cells do not play a prominent role in regulating immunity to S. mansoni larvae and that the character of the initial immune response invoked by S. mansoni parasites contrasts with the responses to other parasitic helminth infections that promote rapid Foxp3+ Treg cell responses.
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Loffredo-Verde E, Abdel-Aziz I, Albrecht J, El-Guindy N, Yacob M, Solieman A, Protzer U, Busch DH, Layland LE, Prazeres da Costa CU. Schistosome infection aggravates HCV-related liver disease and induces changes in the regulatory T-cell phenotype. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:97-104. [PMID: 25559085 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosome infections are renowned for their ability to induce regulatory networks such as regulatory T cells (Treg) that control immune responses against homologous and heterologous antigens such as allergies. However, in the case of co-infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV), schistosomes accentuate disease progression and we hypothesized that expanding schistosome-induced Treg populations change their phenotype and could thereby suppress beneficial anti-HCV responses. We therefore analysed effector T cells and n/iTreg subsets applying the markers Granzyme B (GrzB) and Helios in Egyptian cohorts of HCV mono-infected (HCV), schistosome-co-infected (Sm/HCV) and infection-free individuals. Interestingly, viral load and liver transaminases were significantly elevated in Sm/HCV individuals when compared to HCV patients. Moreover, overall Treg frequencies and Helios(pos) Treg were not elevated in Sm/HCV individuals, but frequencies of GrzB(+) Treg were significantly increased. Simultaneously, GrzB(+) CD8(+) T cells were not suppressed in co-infected individuals. This study demonstrates that in Sm/HCV co-infected cohorts, liver disease is aggravated with enhanced virus replication and Treg do not expand but rather change their phenotype with GrzB possibly being a more reliable marker than Helios for iTreg. Therefore, curing concurrent schistosome disease could be an important prerequisite for successful HCV treatment as co-infected individuals respond poorly to interferon therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Loffredo-Verde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Odegaard JI, Hsieh MH. Immune responses to Schistosoma haematobium infection. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:428-38. [PMID: 25201406 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the greatest single infectious sources of human morbidity and mortality known. Through a complex cycle of infection, migration and eventual maturation and mating, S. haematobium (the aetiological agent of urogenital schistosomiasis) deposits highly immunogenic eggs within the bladder and other pelvic organs, activating a wide range of immune programs that determine both infection outcome as well as downstream immunopathology. In this review, we discuss the experimental and observational bases for our current understanding of these immune programs, focusing specifically on how the balance of type 1 and type 2 responses governs subsequent immunopathology and clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Odegaard
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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11
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Impaired lymphocyte profile in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:710647. [PMID: 24348679 PMCID: PMC3855942 DOI: 10.1155/2013/710647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Th2 immune response in chronic schistosomiasis is associated with the development of periportal fibrosis. However, little is known about the phenotype and activation status of T cells in the process. Objective. To evaluate the profile of T cells in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis. Methods. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the village of Agua Preta, Bahia, Brazil, which included 37 subjects with periportal fibrosis determined by ultrasound. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained by the Ficcol-hypaque gradient and the frequency of T cells expressing the surface markers CD28, CD69, CD25, and CTLA-4 was determined by flow cytometry. Results. The frequency of CD4+CD28+ T lymphocytes was higher in individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis compared to patients with incipient fibrosis. We did not observe any significant difference in the frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing CD69 among groups of individuals. There was also no significant difference in the frequency of CD8+ T cells expressing CD28 or CD69 among the studied groups. Individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis presented a lower frequency of CD8+ T cells, CD4+CD25high T cells, and CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells when compared to patients without fibrosis or incipient fibrosis. The frequency of CD4+CD25low cells did not differ between groups. Conclusion. The high frequency of activated T cells coinciding with a low frequency of putative Treg cells may account for the development of periportal fibrosis in human schistosomiasis.
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Cytokine Pattern of T Lymphocytes in Acute Schistosomiasis mansoni Patients following Treated Praziquantel Therapy. J Parasitol Res 2013; 2013:909134. [PMID: 23401741 PMCID: PMC3563181 DOI: 10.1155/2013/909134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute schistosomiasis is associated with a primary exposure and is more commonly seen in nonimmune individuals traveling through endemic regions. In this study, we have focused on the cytokine profile of T lymphocytes evaluated in circulating leukocytes of acute Schistosomiasis mansoni-infected patients (ACT group) before and after praziquantel treatment (ACT-TR group). Our data demonstrated increased values of total leukocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes in both groups. Interestingly, we have observed that patients treated with praziquantel showed increased values of lymphocytes as compared with noninfected group (NI) or ACT groups. Furthermore, a decrease of neutrophils in ACT-TR was observed when compared to ACT group. Analyses of short-term in vitro whole blood stimulation demonstrated that, regardless of the presence of soluble Schistosoma mansoni eggs antigen (SEA), increased synthesis of IFN-γ and IL-4 by T-cells was observed in the ACT group. Analyses of cytokine profile in CD8 T cells demonstrated higher percentage of IFN-γ and IL-4 cells in both ACT and ACT-TR groups apart from increased percentage of IL-10 cells only in the ACT group. This study is the first one to point out the relevance of CD8 T lymphocytes in the immune response induced during the acute phase of schistosomiasis.
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Oliveira-Prado R, Caldas IR, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Andrade MV, Fares RCG, Portugal LM, Gazzinelli A, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Cunha-Melo JR. Cytokine profile, proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in circulating mononuclear cells from individuals during the chronic intestinal phase of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:380. [PMID: 23270458 PMCID: PMC3549743 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The immune response to Schistosoma mansoni is characterized by a granulomatous reaction around the parasite eggs that are trapped in the host liver, and this reaction modulates the immune response during the chronic phase of the disease. The typical peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) response of patients during the chronic intestinal phase of infection is characterized by a decreased response to an S. mansoni soluble egg antigen. To obtain a greater understanding of Schistosoma infections, this study investigated the effects of the soluble egg antigen (SEA) and soluble adult worm antigen (SWAP) of S. mansoni on cellular proliferation, cytokine production, and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in PBMCs from infected (XTO) and egg-negative (NI) individuals living in the same endemic area. Methods The activation status was evaluated by cell immunophenotypic staining (cytometry). The cell proliferation assay was by CFSE method. Cytokine detection assay (Th1 and Th2) was by Cytometric Bead and Array phosphorylation status was by ELISA. Results The XTO, NI and BD (blood donor) individuals from an area not endemic for schistosomiasis were compared. The CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group, but not the NI group, after SEA stimulation compared to the BD group. The CD8+ T cell proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group in the unstimulated cultures and after both SEA and SWAP stimulation compared to the BD group. Cytokine analysis after either SEA or SWAP stimulation showed a balanced cytokine pattern in the XTO and NI groups. ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were only marginally detected in all groups; however, a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was observed in the SWAP-stimulated XTO group compared to both the NI and BD groups. Conclusions The data indicate that SEA-stimulated CD4+ T cells from infected patients have a lower proliferation rate than the same cells from the NI group. Furthermore, we observed that SWAP stimulation influences ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the XTO group.
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Araujo JM, Melo TTD, Sena ICD, Alves CC, Araujo N, Durães FDV, Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT. Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) immunization in absence of adjuvant induce IL-10 production by CD4+ cells and failed to protect mice against challenge infection. Acta Trop 2012; 124:140-6. [PMID: 22842304 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Schistosoma mansoni tegument interaction with the immune system plays a key role in disease establishment or elimination. We have recently demonstrated that S. mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) is able to activate innate immune response and to induce protective immunity in a vaccine formulation with Freunds adjuvant. In this work, we evaluated the ability of Smteg to elicit protection in the absence of adjuvant. Smteg mice immunization resulted in significant antibody production, increased percentage of CD4+IFN-g+ and CD4+IL-10+ cells in spleen and increased production of IFN-g and IL-10 by spleen cells, but failed to reduce parasite burden, female fecundity and morbidity. We also demonstrated that BMDC stimulation with Smteg resulted in significant IL-10 production. Our results demonstrate that Smteg has immune modulatory proprieties.
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Abstract
Helminth parasites infect almost one-third of the world's population, primarily in tropical regions. However, regions where helminth parasites are endemic record much lower prevalences of allergies and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that parasites may protect against immunopathological syndromes. Most helminth diseases are spectral in nature, with a large proportion of relatively asymptomatic cases and a subset of patients who develop severe pathologies. The maintenance of the asymptomatic state is now recognized as reflecting an immunoregulatory environment, which may be promoted by parasites, and involves multiple levels of host regulatory cells and cytokines; a breakdown of this regulation is observed in pathological disease. Currently, there is much interest in whether helminth-associated immune regulation may ameliorate allergy and autoimmunity, with investigations in both laboratory models and human trials. Understanding and exploiting the interactions between these parasites and the host regulatory network are therefore likely to highlight new strategies to control both infectious and immunological diseases.
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Huy NT, Hamada M, Kikuchi M, Lan NTP, Yasunami M, Zamora J, Hirayama K. Association of HLA and post-schistosomal hepatic disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Int 2011; 60:347-56. [PMID: 21664486 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several human genetic variants, HLA antigens and alleles are reportedly linked to post-schistosomal hepatic disorder (PSHD), but the results from these reports are highly inconclusive. In order to estimate overall associations between human genetic variants, HLA antigens, HLA alleles and PSHD, we systematically reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of relevant studies in both post-schistosomal hepatic disorder and post-schistosomal non-hepatic disorder patients. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, The HuGE Published Literature database, Cochrane Library, and manual search of reference lists of articles published before July 2009 were used to retrieve relevant studies. Two reviewers independently selected articles and extracted data on study characteristics and data regarding the association between genetic variants, HLA antigens, HLA alleles and PSHD in the form of 2×2 tables. A meta-analysis using fixed-effects or random-effects models to pooled odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated only if more than one study had investigated particular variation. We found 17 articles that met our eligibility criteria. Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum were reported as the species causing PSHD. Since human genetic variants were only investigated in one study, these markers were not assessed by meta-analysis. Thus, only HLA-genes (a total of 66 HLA markers) were conducted in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that human leucocyte antigens HLA-DQB1*0201 (OR=2.64, P=0.018), DQB1*0303 (OR=1.93, P=0.008), and DRB1*0901 (OR=2.14, P=0.002) alleles and HLA-A1 (OR=5.10, P=0.001), A2 (OR=2.17, P=0.005), B5 (OR=4.63, P=0.001), B8 (OR=2.99, P=0.02), and B12 (OR=5.49, P=0.005) serotypes enhanced susceptibility to PSHD, whereas HLA-DQA1*0501 (OR=0.29, P≤0.001) and DQB1*0301 (OR=0.58, P=0.007) were protective factors against the disease. We further suggested that the DRB1*0901-DQB1*0201, DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 and A1-B8 haplotypes enhanced susceptibility to PSHD, whereas DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 linkage decreased the risk of PSHD. The result improved our understanding of the association between the HLA loci and PSHD with regard to pathogenic or protective T-cells and provided novel evidence that HLA alleles may influence disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Tien Huy
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Nausch N, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Maizels RM, Mutapi F. Regulatory and activated T cells in human Schistosoma haematobium infections. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16860. [PMID: 21347311 PMCID: PMC3037381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired immunity against helminths is characterised by a complex interplay between the effector Th1 and Th2 immune responses and it slowly manifests with age as a result of cumulative exposure to parasite antigens. Data from experimental models suggest that immunity is also influenced by regulatory T cells (Treg), but as yet studies on Treg in human schistosome infections are limited. This study investigated the relationship between schistosome infection intensity and the two cell populations regulatory T cells (TREG: CD4(+(dim))CD25(+(high))FOXP3(+)CD127(low)), and activated (Tact: CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(-)) T cells in Zimbabweans exposed to Schistosoma haematobium parasites. Participants were partitioned into two age groups, young children (8-13 years) in whom schistosome infection levels were rising to peak and older people (14+ years) with declining infection levels. The relationship between Tact proportions and schistosome infection intensity remained unchanged with age. However Treg proportions rose significantly with increasing infection in the younger age group. In contrast Treg were negatively correlated to infection intensity in the older age group. The relative proportions of regulatory T cells differ significantly between young individuals in whom high infection is associated with an enhanced regulatory phenotype and older infected patients in whom the regulatory response is attenuated. This may influence or reflect different stages of the development of protective schistosome acquired immunity and immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Nausch
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Mduluza T, Mutapi F, Ruwona T, Kaluka D, Midzi N, Ndhlovu PD. Similar cellular responses after treatment with either praziquantel or oxamniquine in Schistosoma mansoni infection. Malawi Med J 2011; 21:176-82. [PMID: 21174933 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v21i4.49642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of treatment with either oxamniquine or praziquantel on S.mansoni specific IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 was compared on PBMC which were collected pretreatment, 6 and 18 weeks post treatment. Using sandwich ELISA on the supernatants harvested from the PBMC stimulation by crude S. mansoni SEA and SWAP antigens after 5 days the levels of PBMC proliferation and cytokine production were similar according to treatment with either praziquantel or oxamniquine. Before treatment, infected groups showed low ratios, of IL-4:IFN-gamma, IL-5:IFNgamma and IL-10:IFN-gamma, indicating that IFN-gamma was high in the infected individuals. The general increase in immuno-modulation was observed post-treatment with elevated immune reactivity and cytokine production in both treatment groups. Treatment induced significant increases in levels of IL-4 (p < 0.05), IL-5 (p < 0.0001) and IL-10 (p < 0.05) cytokines 6 and 18 weeks after treatment. There were no significant differences in the increase in IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 between children treated with praziquantel or oxamniquine. Pre-treatment IFN-gamma and IL-5 levels were positively correlated with infection (p < 0.001), while post treatment IL-4 cytokine levels were negatively correlated with baseline infection status (p < 0.001). The results suggest that treatment-induced immune responses are similar for both common anti-schistosome drugs praziquantel or oxamniquine having similar and immunizing effect.
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Abstract
Infectious agents have intimately co-evolved with the host immune system, acquiring a portfolio of highly sophisticated mechanisms to modulate immunity. Among the common strategies developed by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and fungi is the manipulation of the regulatory T cell network in order to favor pathogen survival and transmission. Treg activity also benefits the host in many circumstances by controlling immunopathogenic reactions to infection. Interestingly, some pathogens are able to directly induce the conversion of naive T cells into suppressive Foxp3-expressing Tregs, while others activate pre-existing natural Tregs, in both cases repressing pathogen-specific effector responses. However, Tregs can also act to promote immunity in certain settings, such as in initial stages of infection when effector cells must access the site of infection, and subsequently in ensuring generation of effector memory. Notably, there is little current information on whether infections selectively drive pathogen-specific Tregs, and if so whether these cells are also reactive to self-antigens. Further analysis of specificity, together with a clearer picture of the relative dynamics of Treg subsets over the course of disease, should lead to rational strategies for immune intervention to optimize immunity and eliminate infection.
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Burke ML, Jones MK, Gobert GN, Li YS, Ellis MK, McManus DP. Immunopathogenesis of human schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2009; 31:163-76. [PMID: 19292768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant cause of parasitic morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review considers the basic features of the pathology and clinical outcomes of hepatointestinal and genitourinary schistosomiasis, presents an overview of the numerous studies on animal models that have clarified many of the immunopathological features, and provides insight into our current understanding of the immunopathogenesis and genetic control of human schistosomiasis. In murine schistosomiasis, pathology is induced by a CD4(+) Th2 driven granulomatous response directed against schistosome eggs lodged in the host liver. The Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 drive this response, whereas IL-10, IL13Ralpha2, IFN-gamma and a subset of regulatory T-cells act to limit schistosome induced pathology. A variety of cell types including hepatic stellate cells, alternatively activated macrophages and regulatory T-cells have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. Current knowledge suggests the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying human schistosomiasis are likely to be similar. The review also considers the future development of anti-pathology schistosome vaccines. As fibrosis is an important feature of many other diseases such as Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis, a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in schistosomiasis may also ultimately contribute to the development an effective disease intervention strategy for other granulofibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Burke
- The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
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Silveira-Lemos D, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Alves Oliveira LF, Costa-Silva MF, Matoso LF, de Souza LJ, Gazzinelli A, Corrêa-Oliveira R. Eosinophil activation status, cytokines and liver fibrosis in Schistosoma mansoni infected patients. Acta Trop 2008; 108:150-9. [PMID: 18550021 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2007] [Revised: 12/07/2007] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have been investigating whether human eosinophils play an important role in schistosomiasis mansoni morbidity. Our main focus has been on the activation-related cell surface markers (CD23/CD69/CD25/HLA-DR/CD28/CD80) and the detection of TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-5 in peripheral blood eosinophils from chronic Schistosoma mansoni-infected patients. Our studies compare both, intestinal (INT) and individuals with periportal fibrosis (FIB). Our major findings, point to distinct profile of activation-related surface markers on eosinophils as the hallmark of disease morbidity during chronic S. mansoni infection. Up-regulation of several activation-related markers was observed on eosinophils from FIB group, but not INT, which include early activation markers, such as CD69 and CD23. INT displayed a distinct profile, with up-regulation of molecules related to the late activation (CD25, HLA-DR, CD28 and CD80). These results suggest that some immunoregulatory events may take place controlling the early eosinophil activation in the INT group. Higher levels of eosinophil-derived cytokines were observed in FIB, regardless the antigen stimulation in vitro. A mixed cytokine pattern, characterized by positive correlation between TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-5 was observed in both INT and FIB. However, lack of correlation between the cytokine expression and the eosinophil activation status points out that even those FIB patients presenting minor increment on eosinophil activation displayed higher levels of cytokine-positive eosinophils. Indeed, the positive association between lymphocyte-derived IL-10 and the eosinophils cytokine profile was observed exclusively in INT further emphasize our hypothesis that immunoregulatory events take place controlling disease morbidity in human schistosomiasis. The impaired IL-10-driven immunoregulatory function may play an important role on the establishment of pathology in patients bearing periportal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Silveira-Lemos
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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