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Pittet LF, Messina NL, Gardiner K, Freyne B, Abruzzo V, Francis KL, Morrison C, Zufferey C, Vuillermin P, Allen KJ, Ponsonby A, Robins‐Browne R, Shann F, Flanagan KL, Phillips R, Donath S, Casalaz D, Curtis N. Prevention of infant eczema by neonatal Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination: The MIS BAIR randomized controlled trial. Allergy 2022; 77:956-965. [PMID: 34309859 DOI: 10.1111/all.15022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine could play a role in counteracting the rising prevalence of atopic diseases, through its beneficial off-target effects. We aimed to determine whether neonatal BCG vaccination reduces the incidence of eczema in infants. METHODS Randomized controlled trial with 1272 infants allocated to receive BCG-Denmark or no BCG at birth. The primary outcome was the 12-month incidence of eczema based on 3-monthly questionnaires. Eczema was also assessed at a 12-month clinic visit. ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01906853. RESULTS The 12-month eczema incidence was 32.2% in the BCG group compared with 36.6% in the control group (adjusted risk difference (aRD) -4.3%, 95% CI -9.9% to 1.3%, multiple imputation model). In addition, comparing infants in the BCG group with the control group, 15.7% vs. 19.2% had eczema lesions at the 12-month visit (aRD -3.5%, 95% CI -8.0% to 1.0%); 35.7% vs. 39.0% reported using topical steroids (aRD -3.3, 95% CI -9.2 to 2.7); and 7.3% vs. 10.2% had severe eczema scores (aRD -3.0%, 95% CI -8.8% to 2.7%). In 344 high-risk infants (two atopic parents), the 12-month eczema incidence was 35.3% in the BCG group compared with 46.8% in the control group (aRD -11.5%, 95% CI -21.9% to -1.2%; number needed to treat 8.7, 95% CI 4.6 to 83.3). CONCLUSION There is insufficient evidence to recommend neonatal BCG vaccination in all infants for the prevention of eczema in the first year of life; however, a modest beneficial effect was observed among high-risk infants. A single dose of BCG-Denmark soon after birth could reduce the incidence of eczema in infants with two atopic parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure F. Pittet
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Infectious Diseases The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Nicole L. Messina
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Kaya Gardiner
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Research Operations The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Paediatrics College of Medicine University of MalawiQueen Elizabeth Central Hospital Blantyre Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool and Malawi‐Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Programme Blantyre Malawi
| | - Veronica Abruzzo
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L. Francis
- Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics Unit Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Clare Morrison
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Christel Zufferey
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- School of Medicine Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
- Child Health Research Unit Barwon Health Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Katrina J. Allen
- Formerly Centre for Food and Allergy Research Murdoch Children's Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Anne‐Louise Ponsonby
- Population Allergy Murdoch Children's Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Roy Robins‐Browne
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Frank Shann
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Katie L. Flanagan
- School of Health Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Science RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Rod Phillips
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Dermatology Unit The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Susan Donath
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics Unit Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Dan Casalaz
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Nigel Curtis
- Infectious Diseases Group Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Paediatrics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Infectious Diseases The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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Identification and characterization of a novel anti-inflammatory lipid isolated from Mycobacterium vaccae, a soil-derived bacterium with immunoregulatory and stress resilience properties. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1653-1670. [PMID: 31119329 PMCID: PMC6626661 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05253-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mycobacterium vaccae (NCTC 11659) is an environmental saprophytic bacterium with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and stress resilience properties. Previous studies have shown that whole, heat-killed preparations of M. vaccae prevent allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma. Recent studies also demonstrate that immunization with M. vaccae prevents stress-induced exaggeration of proinflammatory cytokine secretion from mesenteric lymph node cells stimulated ex vivo, prevents stress-induced exaggeration of chemically induced colitis in a model of inflammatory bowel disease, and prevents stress-induced anxiety-like defensive behavioral responses. Furthermore, immunization with M. vaccae induces anti-inflammatory responses in the brain and prevents stress-induced exaggeration of microglial priming. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory effects of M. vaccae are not known. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to identify and characterize novel anti-inflammatory molecules from M. vaccae NCTC 11659. METHODS We have purified and identified a unique anti-inflammatory triglyceride, 1,2,3-tri [Z-10-hexadecenoyl] glycerol, from M. vaccae and evaluated its effects in freshly isolated murine peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS The free fatty acid form of 1,2,3-tri [Z-10-hexadecenoyl] glycerol, 10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid, decreased lipopolysaccharide-stimulated secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 ex vivo. Meanwhile, next-generation RNA sequencing revealed that pretreatment with 10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid upregulated genes associated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, in association with a broad transcriptional repression of inflammatory markers. We confirmed using luciferase-based transfection assays that 10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid activated PPARα signaling, but not PPARγ, PPARδ, or retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α signaling. The effects of 10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated secretion of IL-6 were prevented by PPARα antagonists and absent in PPARα-deficient mice. CONCLUSION Future studies should evaluate the effects of 10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid on stress-induced exaggeration of peripheral inflammatory signaling, central neuroinflammatory signaling, and anxiety- and fear-related defensive behavioral responses.
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Kowalewicz-Kulbat M, Locht C. BCG and protection against inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:1-10. [PMID: 28532186 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1333906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only available vaccine against tuberculosis. Although its protective efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis is still under debate, it provides protection against other mycobacterial diseases. BCG is also an effective therapy against superficial bladder cancer and potentially decreases overall childhood mortality. Areas covered: The purpose of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art summary of the beneficial effects of BCG in inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. As a strong inducer of Th1 type immunity, BCG has been reported to protect against atopic conditions, such as allergic asthma, a Th2-driven disorder. Its protective effect has been well documented in mice, but still awaits definitive evidence in humans. Similarly, murine studies have shown a protective effect of BCG against auto-immune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and insulin-dependent diabetes, but studies in humans have come to conflicting conclusions. Expert commentary: Studies in mice have shown a beneficial effect of the BCG vaccine against allergic asthma, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. However, the understanding of its mechanism is still fragmentary and requires further in depth research. Some observational or intervention studies in humans have also suggested a beneficial effect, but definitive evidence for this requires confirmation in carefully conducted prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kowalewicz-Kulbat
- a Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology , University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Camille Locht
- a Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology , University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland.,b Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille , Institut Pasteur de Lille , Lille , France.,c Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille , Inserm U1019 , Lille , France.,d Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille , CNRS UMR 8204 , Lille , France.,e Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille , Université Lille Nord de France , Lille , France
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Li C, Jiang X, Luo M, Feng G, Sun Q, Chen Y. Mycobacterium vaccae Nebulization Can Protect against Asthma in Balb/c Mice by Regulating Th9 Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161164. [PMID: 27518187 PMCID: PMC4982628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. CD4(+) T-helper 9 (Th9) cells are closely linked to asthma, helping to regulate inflammation and immunity. Epidemiological studies showed that mycobacteria infections are negatively associated with asthma. Our previous research showed that inactivated Mycobacterium phlei nebulization alleviated the airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of asthma. However, the relationship between Th9 cells and mycobacteria remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the relationship between Mycobacterium vaccae nebulization and Th9 cells in asthmatic mice. Eighteen Balb/c mice were randomized into 3 groups of 6 mice each (normal control group, asthma control group, and nebulization asthma group [Neb. group]). The Neb. group was nebulized with M. vaccae one month before establishment of the asthmatic model with ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization, and the normal and asthma control groups were nebulized with phosphate-buffered saline. The hyperresponsiveness of the mouse airways was assessed using a non-invasive lung function machine. Lung airway inflammation was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Cytokine interlukin-9 (IL-9) concentration and OVA-specific IgE in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The percentages of γδTCR+ CD3+, IL-9+CD3+, IL-10+CD3+ lymphocytes, and IL9+γδT and IL-10+γδT cells were detected by flow cytometry. The airway inflammation and concentration of IL-9 and OVA-specific IgE were significantly reduced in the Neb. group compared to the asthma control group. The Neb. group had lower airway hyperresponsiveness, percentages of γδTCR+CD3+ and IL-9+CD3+ lymphocytes, and IL9+γδT cells, and higher percentages of IL-10+CD3+ lymphocytes and IL-10+γδT cells compared to the asthma control group. Thus, mouse bronchial asthma could be prevented by M. vaccae nebulization. The mechanism could involve M. vaccae-mediated effects on induction of IL-9 secretion and suppression of IL-10 secretion from γδT cells. γδT cells showed prominent IL-10 expression, indicating that they possibly belong to the Th9 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqian Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Guangxi Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Mingjie Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guangyi Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qixiang Sun
- The Graduate School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yiping Chen
- Department of Geriatric Disease, The National Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Lin CTS, Gopala K, Manuel AM. The impact of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2014; 92:358-99. [PMID: 23975489 DOI: 10.1177/014556131309200810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopy is a syndrome characterized by immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental antigens. The "hygiene hypothesis" stipulates that childhood infections are associated with a lower risk of allergies. Not much has been published about the effects that the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has on allergies, specifically allergic rhinitis. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with pulmonary TB before and after treatment of their TB. Our initial study group was made up of 121 patients with confirmed pulmonary TB who were followed up by questionnaire. In addition to demographic data, they provided information about their personal and family history of atopy and their current status with regard to allergic rhinitis. After providing informed consent, all patients underwent skin-prick testing with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis allergens before and after TB treatment. Stool samples were obtained to identify patients with worm infestation, and they were excluded from the study. In all, 94 patients completed treatment and follow-up, and their data were included in the final analysis. Of this group, 31 patients (33.0%) exhibited symptoms of allergic rhinitis prior to TB treatment, and 26 (27.7%) had a positive skin-prick test. Following treatment, only 12 patients (12.8%) reported allergic rhinitis symptoms (p = 0.004), but there was no significant reduction in the number of patients with a positive skin-prick test (n = 20 [21.3%]; p = 0.555). We conclude that the treatment of pulmonary TB results in significant relief of atopy, particularly allergic rhinitis symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carren Teh Sui Lin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Lahiri A, Kneisel J, Kloster I, Kamal E, Lewin A. Abundance of Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis in soil and dust in Germany - implications for the infection route. Lett Appl Microbiol 2014; 59:65-70. [PMID: 24612016 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a heterogeneous group of bacteria found in soil, water and dust. The spread of NTM infection depends on the exposure to reservoirs with high proportions of mycobacteria, the virulence of the NTM strains, the enhanced sensitivity to infections such as those of immune-compromised hosts and patient risk factors such as Cystic Fibrosis. Since several decades, NTM lung disease has been increasingly observed in slender postmenopausal women. The most important NTM in Germany is Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis (MAH). The routes of MAH infection are in almost all cases unknown, but water is often suspected as source of infection. We wanted to examine this hypothesis by determining the frequency of MAH in environmental samples of water, biofilms, soil and dust originating from Germany. We found MAH in 33% of the dust samples and 20% of the soil samples. No MAH could be isolated from water and biofilm. Dust and soil clearly presented more abundance of MAH in comparison with water and biofilms. Therefore, more attention should be paid to soil and dust in Germany as an important source of Myco. avium infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to investigate the ecological abundance of the most prominent clinical nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Germany, the Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis (MAH). Examination of soil, water, dust and biofilm samples revealed that MAH in Germany was predominant in soil and dust. No MAH was identified in water and biofilms. Our finding contributes to the identification of the environmental niche of this opportunistic pathogen and proposes soil and dust as sources of MAH infection in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lahiri
- Division 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Flohr C, Nagel G, Weinmayr G, Kleiner A, Williams HC, Aït-Khaled N, Strachan DP. Tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination, and allergic disease: findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Two. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012; 23:324-31. [PMID: 22192272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2011.01248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Some have suggested a protective effect of tuberculosis (TB) infection on allergic disease risk, but few studies have examined the association between the two. We therefore investigated whether TB disease and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination in early life protect against allergic disease. Information on allergic disease symptoms, past TB disease, and BCG vaccination as well as potential confounding factors was gathered by parental questionnaire from a randomly selected subset of 23,901 8- to 12-yr-old schoolchildren in 20 centers in both developed and developing countries. Children were also physically examined for flexural eczema and underwent skin prick testing. Pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across study centers were calculated, using random effects meta-analysis models. There were 245 (1.0%) reported cases of TB disease, and 66.3% (15,857) of all children received the BCG vaccine. Asthma, hay fever, and flexural eczema symptoms in the past year as well as flexural eczema on skin examination were all positively linked to a history of TB (adjusted pooled OR 'wheeze in the past year' = 2.27, 95% CI 1.52-3.41; adjusted pooled OR 'hay fever symptoms in the past year' = 2.23, 1.22-4.09; adjusted pooled OR 'flexural eczema symptoms in the past year' = 3.21, 2.01-5.12; adjusted pooled OR 'flexural eczema on skin examination' = 4.04, 1.71-9.56). Even higher risk estimates were seen for severe asthma and eczema symptoms [adjusted OR = 4.02 (2.17-7.47) and adjusted OR = 6.31 (2.19-18.17), respectively]. There was no significant association between past TB and skin prick test positivity (adjusted pooled OR = 1.32, 0.87-2.02). BCG vaccination during the first year of life was also not associated with any of the allergy outcomes. We found a uniform positive association between TB and all allergic disease outcomes, including eczema on skin examination. As this was a cross-sectional study, it is unclear whether this positive association is attributable to a causal relationship, and further longitudinal studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Flohr
- Department of Paediatric Allergy & Dermatology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital and King's College London, London, UK.
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Han ER, Choi IS, Choi HG, Kim HJ. Therapeutic effects of mycobacterial secretory proteins against established asthma in BALB/c mice. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2012; 4:214-21. [PMID: 22754715 PMCID: PMC3378928 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2012.4.4.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Live/killed mycobacteria and culture supernatants can suppress asthmatic reactions. This study investigated whether mycobacterial secretory proteins have therapeutic effects on asthma. Methods Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG; 2×105 CFUs) and mycobacterial secretory proteins (Ag85 complex, 38-kDa protein or MPB70; 4 or 20 µg) were administered intraperitoneally to female BALB/c mice with established airway hyperresponsiveness. One week after treatment, the mice underwent a methacholine challenge test, and then inflammatory cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and around bronchi (<500 µm), and cytokine levels in splenocyte supernatants, were assessed. Results BCG and all of the tested secretory proteins significantly improved airway sensitivity compared to baseline values (P<0.05). The secretory protein Ag85 complex significantly suppressed airway reactivity also (P<0.05), while 38-kDa protein significantly suppressed reactivity and maximal narrowing (P<0.05). The number of eosinophils in BAL and around bronchi, and the goblet cell proportion, were also significantly reduced in mice in both the BCG and secretory protein groups compared to the asthma control group. IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios were significantly higher in mice treated with BCG, 4 µg MPB70 or 4 µg 38-kDa protein than in asthma control mice (P<0.05), and were negatively associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, peribronchial eosinophil numbers and goblet cell proportion (all P<0.05). IL-17A was positively correlated with IL-5 (r=0.379, P<0.001), maximal airway narrowing, peribronchial eosinophil numbers and goblet cell proportion (all P<0.05). Conclusions Secretory proteins from BCG and M. tuberculosis and live BCG were effective against established asthma, their effects being accompanied by increased IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios. Thus, allergic asthma could be effectively treated with mycobacterial secretory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Ryoung Han
- Department of Allergy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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Bozzaro S, Eichinger L. The professional phagocyte Dictyostelium discoideum as a model host for bacterial pathogens. Curr Drug Targets 2011; 12:942-54. [PMID: 21366522 PMCID: PMC3267156 DOI: 10.2174/138945011795677782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The use of simple hosts such as Dictyostelium discoideum in the study of host pathogen interactions offers a number of advantages and has steadily increased in recent years. Infection-specific genes can often only be studied in a very limited way in man and even in the mouse model their analysis is usually expensive, time consuming and technically challenging or sometimes even impossible. In contrast, their functional analysis in D. discoideum and other simple model organisms is often easier, faster and cheaper. Because host-pathogen interactions necessarily involve two organisms, it is desirable to be able to genetically manipulate both the pathogen and its host. Particularly suited are those hosts, like D. discoideum, whose genome sequence is known and annotated and for which excellent genetic and cell biological tools are available in order to dissect the complex crosstalk between host and pathogen. The review focusses on host-pathogen interactions of D. discoideum with Legionella pneumophila, mycobacteria, and Salmonella typhimurium which replicate intracellularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Bozzaro
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Ospedale S. Luigi, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
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Burl S, Townend J, Njie-Jobe J, Cox M, Adetifa UJ, Touray E, Philbin VJ, Mancuso C, Kampmann B, Whittle H, Jaye A, Flanagan KL, Levy O. Age-dependent maturation of Toll-like receptor-mediated cytokine responses in Gambian infants. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18185. [PMID: 21533209 PMCID: PMC3076452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of neonatal and infant mortality due to infection is staggering, particularly in resource-poor settings. Early childhood vaccination is one of the major interventions that can reduce this burden, but there are specific limitations to inducing effective immunity in early life, including impaired neonatal leukocyte production of Th1-polarizing cytokines to many stimuli. Characterizing the ontogeny of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune responses in infants may shed light on susceptibility to infection in this vulnerable age group, and provide insights into TLR agonists as candidate adjuvants for improved neonatal vaccines. As little is known about the leukocyte responses of infants in resource-poor settings, we characterized production of Th1-, Th2-, and anti-inflammatory-cytokines in response to agonists of TLRs 1-9 in whole blood from 120 Gambian infants ranging from newborns (cord blood) to 12 months of age. Most of the TLR agonists induced TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in cord blood. The greatest TNFα responses were observed for TLR4, -5, and -8 agonists, the highest being the thiazoloquinoline CLO75 (TLR7/8) that also uniquely induced cord blood IFNγ production. For most agonists, TLR-mediated TNFα and IFNγ responses increased from birth to 1 month of age. TLR8 agonists also induced the greatest production of the Th1-polarizing cytokines TNFα and IFNγ throughout the first year of life, although the relative responses to the single TLR8 agonist and the combined TLR7/8 agonist changed with age. In contrast, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 responses to most agonists were robust at birth and remained stable through 12 months of age. These observations provide fresh insights into the ontogeny of innate immunity in African children, and may inform development of age-specific adjuvanted vaccine formulations important for global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Burl
- Infant Immunology, Medical Research Council (UK) The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
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BCG vaccination and allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 127:246-53, 253.e1-21. [PMID: 20933258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is conflicting evidence on whether BCG vaccination might represent an effective primary preventative strategy against the development of allergic sensitization and disease. OBJECTIVES We sought to systematically review the relationship between BCG vaccination and the risk of sensitization, eczema/atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and other allergic conditions, such as food allergy and anaphylaxis. METHODS Four international databases were searched for published epidemiologic or interventional studies. Additional online study databases were searched and vaccine manufacturers and a panel of international experts were contacted in an attempt to locate unpublished or ongoing studies. Quality assessment was undertaken by using internationally established criteria. Meta-analyses were undertaken by using fixed- or random-effects modeling. Funnel plots were used to assess for the risk of publication bias. RESULTS We identified 767 articles, of which 17 satisfied our inclusion criteria; there was only 1 randomized controlled trial, with the remaining studies being epidemiologic investigations. Meta-analyses did not show any protective effect of vaccination against the risk of sensitization, as judged by specific IgE tests (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.60) or skin prick testing (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67-1.13); the risk of atopic eczema/dermatitis (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.64-1.09); or the risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.89-1.28). BCG vaccination was associated with a protective effect against the risk of asthma (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.95), although this might be explained by publication bias. CONCLUSIONS BCG vaccination is unlikely to be associated with protection against the risk of allergic sensitization and disease. The observed possible benefit in relation to the development of asthma is unlikely to be due to allergic sensitization.
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Torvinen E, Torkko P, Rintala ANH. Real-time PCR detection of environmental mycobacteria in house dust. J Microbiol Methods 2010; 82:78-84. [PMID: 20434494 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2010.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Analysing the number and species of microbes in indoor dust is needed for assessment of human exposure to microbes in dwellings. Environmental mycobacteria are common heterotrophic bacteria in both natural and man-made environments and potential inducers of human immune system. Culture of mycobacteria from samples rich with other microbes is difficult due to the slow growth rate of mycobacteria and this has hampered the studies on their role in indoor human exposure. A quantitative, real-time 5'-nuclease (TaqMan) PCR assay was developed to detect environmental mycobacteria in indoor dust samples. The specificity of the primers and the probe targeting the 16S rDNA of mycobacteria, tested with 26 mycobacterial and 10 non-mycobacterial but related species, proved to be high. When tested on 20 indoor dust samples collected from five homes, the assay gave counts varying between 4.8 x 10(4) and 7.2 x 10(6)cell/g, being on average 1.1 x 10(3) times higher than culture. Seasonal variation in the dust counts of mycobacteria was observed by both culture and qPCR. Total of 140 isolates considered as mycobacteria by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and GLC-analyses were subjected to PCR analysis with the mycobacterial primers, and 39 isolates to partial 16S rDNA sequencing. All proved to be mycobacteria and revealed high diversity of mycobacterial species in the dust samples. Majority of the sequences were related to M. terrae and M. avium complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eila Torvinen
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O.Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland.
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Harper K, Armelagos G. The changing disease-scape in the third epidemiological transition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:675-97. [PMID: 20616997 PMCID: PMC2872288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7020675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological transition model describes the changing relationship between humans and their diseases. The first transition occurred with the shift to agriculture about 10,000 YBP, resulting in a pattern of infectious and nutritional diseases still evident today. In the last two centuries, some populations have undergone a second transition, characterized by a decline in infectious disease and rise in degenerative disease. We are now in the throes of a third epidemiological transition, in which a resurgence of familiar infections is accompanied by an array of novel diseases, all of which have the potential to spread rapidly due to globalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Harper
- Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholar Program, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - George Armelagos
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA; E-Mail:
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Han ER, Choi IS, Eom SH, Kim HJ. Preventive effects of mycobacteria and their culture supernatants against asthma development in BALB/c mice. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2009; 2:34-40. [PMID: 20224676 PMCID: PMC2831609 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2010.2.1.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Live Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has a suppressive effect on asthma, but its use in clinical practice may be limited due to adverse reactions. To develop a product that is effective for suppressing asthma with minimal adverse reactions, we investigated whether the heat-killed body or culture supernatants of mycobacteria could also prevent asthma development. Methods Female BALB/c mice were treated with live BCG, the heat-killed body, or culture supernatants of BCG or Mycobacterium tuberculosis intraperitoneally, while sensitizing and provoking with ovalbumin. Then they underwent a methacholine bronchoprovocation test, and the peribronchial inflammatory cell numbers and cytokine levels in splenocyte culture supernatants were assessed. Results The airway sensitivity to methacholine decreased significantly after treatment with not only live BCG (30.8 versus 10.0 mg/mL, P<0.001) but also with the culture supernatant (BCG, 23.0 mg/mL, P<0.05; M. tuberculosis, 20.5 mg/mL, P<0.05). In contrast, heat-killed mycobacteria did not effectively decrease airway sensitivity. The peribronchial eosinophil counts and the goblet cell proportions in total epithelial cells decreased significantly in most of the groups. The interferon-γ/interleukin-5 ratios increased significantly in most of the treatment groups except for the heat-killed groups, and were significantly related to airway sensitivity (r=0.312, P<0.01) and peribronchial eosinophil counts (r=-0.416, P<0.001). Interleukin-17A level was inversely related to airway sensitivity (r=-0.212, P<0.05) and was significantly lower in the live BCG group than in the control (137±20 versus 308±57 pg/mL, P<0.05). Conclusions BCG and mycobacteria culture supernatants may effectively prevent the development of asthma associated with altered Th1/Th2 cytokines and interleukin-17A levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Ryoung Han
- Department of Allergy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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Eifan AO, Akkoc T, Ozdemir C, Bahceciler NN, Barlan IB. No association between tuberculin skin test and atopy in a bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccinated birth cohort. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009; 20:545-50. [PMID: 19140904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2008.00846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previously, an inverse association was suggested between mycobacterial infection and atopy. We aimed to determine the association between tuberculin skin test (TST) and allergic manifestations in a birth cohort where all infants were vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) at birth. Newborns were enrolled randomly and prospectively followed up for a period of 5 yr. Information on family history and environmental factors was obtained at birth, International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood asthma questionnaire, physical examination, skin prick test to common inhalant and food allergens and TST were performed at 2 and 5 yr of age. Positive TST reactivity was defined as an induration of > or = 10 mm. A total of 399 newborns were enrolled, 293 and 125 were available for a followup visit at 2 and 5 yr of age respectively. The prevalence of ever asthma, rhinitis and allergen sensitization tended to increase while eczema decreased with time. No significant association was found between TST reactivity and ever and current wheeze, doctor diagnosed asthma or atopic sensitization both at 2 and 5 yr of age. This prospectively designed birth cohort study did not confirm the previously suggested inverse correlation between TST reactivity and atopic sensitization or any allergic manifestations in Turkish children vaccinated with BCG at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarif O Eifan
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Marmara University, 34660, Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Ellertsen LK, Storla DG, Diep LM, Brokstad KA, Wiker HG, Hetland G. Allergic sensitisation in tuberculosis patients at the time of diagnosis and following chemotherapy. BMC Infect Dis 2009; 9:100. [PMID: 19558655 PMCID: PMC2711955 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-9-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is still a matter of debate whether there is an association between infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and allergy. Previously, we have shown higher levels of specific IgE to different inhalant allergens and total IgE in tuberculosis (TB) patients compared to controls. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a possible change in allergic sensitisation after successful TB treatment and to confirm the finding of our previous study of enhanced allergic sensitisation in TB patients compared to controls in a more controlled setting. Additionally, we wanted to determine the cytokine profile in the same groups and finally to evaluate the association between the presence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination (BCG) scar and allergic sensitisation among the controls. Methods Sera were analysed for specific IgE to inhalant allergens (Phadiatop) and total IgE by the use of ImmunoCAP 1000 (Pharmacia Diagnostics). Thirteen different cytokines were also analysed in the sera by multiplex bead immunoassay (Luminex 100, Luminex Corporation), and clinical symptoms of allergy and BCG scar were reported in a questionnaire. Results A reduction in levels of specific and total IgE were observed after successful TB treatment. TB patients also had higher levels of specific and total IgE compared to healthy controls. Both interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)γ were higher in TB patients compared to healthy controls. The levels of IL-6 were reduced after successful TB treatment. The presence of a BCG scar was associated with a reduced risk of developing allergic sensitisation. Conclusion We observed a reduced level of allergic sensitisation after successful TB treatment. TB patients seem to be more allergically sensitised than healthy controls, confirming our previous finding. Furthermore, we observed an inverse association between allergic sensitisation and visible BCG scar, which adds additional support to the hygiene hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda K Ellertsen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Monocyte response receptors in BCG driven delayed type hypersensitivity to tuberculin. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2008; 46:353-9. [DOI: 10.2478/v10042-008-0044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ahmed N, Saini V, Raghuvanshi S, Khurana JP, Tyagi AK, Tyagi AK, Hasnain SE. Molecular analysis of a leprosy immunotherapeutic bacillus provides insights into Mycobacterium evolution. PLoS One 2007; 2:e968. [PMID: 17912347 PMCID: PMC1989137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evolutionary dynamics plays a central role in facilitating the mechanisms of species divergence among pathogenic and saprophytic mycobacteria. The ability of mycobacteria to colonize hosts, to proliferate and to cause diseases has evolved due to its predisposition to various evolutionary forces acting over a period of time. Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP), a taxonomically unknown ‘generalist’ mycobacterium, acts as an immunotherapeutic against leprosy and is approved for use as a vaccine against it. The large-scale field trials of this MIP based leprosy vaccine coupled with its demonstrated immunomodulatory and adjuvant property has led to human clinical evaluations of MIP in interventions against HIV-AIDS, psoriasis and bladder cancer. MIP, commercially available as ‘Immuvac’, is currently the focus of advanced phase III clinical trials for its antituberculosis efficacy. Thus a comprehensive analysis of MIP vis-à-vis evolutionary path, underpinning its immanent immunomodulating properties is of the highest desiderata. Principal Findings Genome wide comparisons together with molecular phylogenetic analyses by fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) based genotyping and candidate orthologues sequencing revealed that MIP has been the predecessor of highly pathogenic Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAIC) that did not resort to parasitic adaptation by reductional gene evolution and therefore, preferred a free living life-style. Further analysis suggested a shared aquatic phase of MAIC bacilli with the early pathogenic forms of Mycobacterium, well before the latter diverged as ‘specialists’. Conclusions/Significance This evolutionary paradigm possibly affirms to marshal our understanding about the acquisition and optimization of virulence in mycobacteria and determinants of boundaries therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyaz Ahmed
- Pathogen Evolution Laboratory, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
| | - Vikram Saini
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Saurabh Raghuvanshi
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Jitendra P. Khurana
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Akhilesh K. Tyagi
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil K. Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Seyed E. Hasnain
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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