1
|
Chung AW, Ho TKC, Hanson‐Manful P, Tritscheller S, Raynes JM, Whitcombe AL, Tay ML, McGregor R, Lorenz N, Oliver JR, Gurney JK, Print CG, Wilson NJ, Martin WJ, Williamson DA, Baker MG, Moreland NJ. Systems immunology reveals a linked IgG3–C4 response in patients with acute rheumatic fever. Immunol Cell Biol 2019; 98:12-21. [DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy W Chung
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Timothy KC Ho
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Paulina Hanson‐Manful
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | | | - Jeremy M Raynes
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Alana L Whitcombe
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Mei Lin Tay
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Reuben McGregor
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Natalie Lorenz
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Jane R Oliver
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC Australia
- University of Otago Wellington New Zealand
| | | | - Cristin G Print
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | | | - William J Martin
- Science for Technological Innovation Science Challenge Callaghan Innovation Wellington New Zealand
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC Australia
| | | | - Nicole J Moreland
- School of Medical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Predictive value of cervical cytokine, antimicrobial and microflora levels for pre-term birth in high-risk women. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11246. [PMID: 31375740 PMCID: PMC6677789 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB, delivery <37 weeks gestation), accounts for approximately 10% of births worldwide; the aetiology is multifactorial with intra-amniotic infection being one contributing factor. This study aimed to determine whether asymptomatic women with a history of sPTB or cervical surgery have altered levels of inflammatory/antimicrobial mediators and/or microflora within cervical fluid at 22-24 weeks gestation. External cervical fluid was collected from women with history of previous sPTB and/or cervical surgery at 22-24 weeks gestation (n = 135). Cytokine and antimicrobial peptides were measured on a multiplex platform or by ELISA. qPCR was performed for detection of 7 potentially pathogenic bacterial species. IL-8 and IL-1β levels were lower in women who delivered preterm compared to those who delivered at term (IL-8 P = 0.02; IL-1β P = 0.04). There were no differences in elafin or human beta defensin-1 protein levels between the two groups. Multiple bacterial species were detected in a higher proportion of women who delivered preterm than in those who delivered at term (P = 0.005). Cervical fluid IL-8 and IL-1β and microflora have the potential to be used as biomarkers to predict sPTB in high risk women.
Collapse
|
3
|
Maggioli MF, Palmer MV, Vordermeier HM, Whelan AO, Fosse JM, Nonnecke BJ, Waters WR. Application of Long-term cultured Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay for Assessing Effector and Memory T Cell Responses in Cattle. J Vis Exp 2015:e52833. [PMID: 26275095 PMCID: PMC4544920 DOI: 10.3791/52833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Effector and memory T cells are generated through developmental programing of naïve cells following antigen recognition. If the infection is controlled up to 95 % of the T cells generated during the expansion phase are eliminated (i.e., contraction phase) and memory T cells remain, sometimes for a lifetime. In humans, two functionally distinct subsets of memory T cells have been described based on the expression of lymph node homing receptors. Central memory T cells express C-C chemokine receptor 7 and CD45RO and are mainly located in T-cell areas of secondary lymphoid organs. Effector memory T cells express CD45RO, lack CCR7 and display receptors associated with lymphocyte homing to peripheral or inflamed tissues. Effector T cells do not express either CCR7 or CD45RO but upon encounter with antigen produce effector cytokines, such as interferon-γ. Interferon-γ release assays are used for the diagnosis of bovine and human tuberculosis and detect primarily effector and effector memory T cell responses. Central memory T cell responses by CD4(+) T cells to vaccination, on the other hand, may be used to predict vaccine efficacy, as demonstrated with simian immunodeficiency virus infection of non-human primates, tuberculosis in mice, and malaria in humans. Several studies with mice and humans as well as unpublished data on cattle, have demonstrated that interferon-γ ELISPOT assays measure central memory T cell responses. With this assay, peripheral blood mononuclear cells are cultured in decreasing concentration of antigen for 10 to 14 days (long-term culture), allowing effector responses to peak and wane; facilitating central memory T cells to differentiate and expand within the culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayara F Maggioli
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University;
| | - Mitchell V Palmer
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
| | | | | | - James M Fosse
- Visual Services, National Centers for Animal Health, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture
| | - Brian J Nonnecke
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
| | - W Ray Waters
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Koshiol J, Sklavos M, Wentzensen N, Kemp T, Schiffman M, Dunn ST, Wang SS, Walker JL, Safaeian M, Zuna RE, Hildesheim A, Pfeiffer RM, Pinto LA. Evaluation of a multiplex panel of immune-related markers in cervical secretions: a methodologic study. Int J Cancer 2014; 134:411-25. [PMID: 23824624 PMCID: PMC3872247 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although persistent carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is necessary for cervical carcinogenesis, the cofactors involved in HPV persistence and disease progression are poorly understood. Chronic cervical inflammation may increase risk, but few studies have measured immune markers (cytokines, chemokines and soluble receptors) in cervical secretions. We evaluated the performance of 74 multiplexed, bead-based immune markers in cervical secretions from three groups of women with biopsy evaluation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), (i) 25% detectability and >80% interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) acceptable for epidemiologic studies. Within-batch coefficients of variation (CVs) of ≥25% indicated room for assay improvement. Secondarily, we explored associations between marker levels and CIN/HPV status adjusted for matching variables, assay batch, age and number of sexual partners. Sixty-two markers (84%) had >25% detectability and ICCs > 80%. Of those, 53 (85%) had CVs < 25%. Using these preliminary data, we found that HPV positivity was associated with increased eotaxin-1 [odds ratio (OR): 15.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-200.00] and G-CSF (OR: 12.99, 95% CI: 1.10-142.86) among CIN-negative women. There was suggestive evidence that higher chemoattractant marker levels were associated with CIN2/3 (e.g., MIP-1delta, OR: 4.48, 95% CI: 0.87-23.04 versus
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Koshiol
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Martha Sklavos
- HPV Immunology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, MD
| | - Nicolas Wentzensen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Troy Kemp
- HPV Immunology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, MD
| | - Mark Schiffman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - S. Terence Dunn
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sophia S. Wang
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Joan L. Walker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Mahboobeh Safaeian
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rosemary E. Zuna
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Allan Hildesheim
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ruth M. Pfeiffer
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ligia A. Pinto
- HPV Immunology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, MD
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tools and methods for identification and analysis of rare antigen-specific T lymphocytes. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2014; 104:73-88. [PMID: 24214619 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0726-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes are essential as effector and memory cells for immune defense against infections and as regulatory T cells in the establishment and maintenance of immune tolerance. However, they are also involved in immune pathology being effectors in autoimmune and allergic diseases or suppressors of immunity in cancer, and they often cause problems in transplantation. Therefore, strategies are being developed that allow the in vivo amplification or isolation, in vitro expansion and genetic manipulation of beneficial T cells for adoptive cell therapies or for the tolerization, or elimination of pathogenic T cells. The major goal is to make use of the exquisite antigen specificity of T cells to develop targeted strategies and to develop techniques that allow for the identification and depletion or enrichment of very often rare antigen-specific naïve as well as effector and memory T cells. Such techniques are very useful for immune monitoring of T cell responses in diagnostics and vaccination and for the development of T cell-based assays for the replacement of animal testing in immunotoxicology to identify contact allergens and drugs that cause adverse reactions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Monitoring immune modulation by nutrition in the general population: identifying and substantiating effects on human health. Br J Nutr 2013; 110 Suppl 2:S1-30. [PMID: 23228631 PMCID: PMC3734536 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114513001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optimal functioning of the immune system is crucial to human health, and nutrition is one of the major exogenous factors modulating different aspects of immune function. Currently, no single marker is available to predict the effect of a dietary intervention on different aspects of immune function. To provide further guidance on the assessment and interpretation of the modulation of immune functions due to nutrition in the general population, International Life Sciences Institute Europe commissioned a group of experts from academia, government and the food industry to prepare a guidance document. A draft of this paper was refined at a workshop involving additional experts. First, the expert group defined criteria to evaluate the usefulness of immune function markers. Over seventy-five markers were scored within the context of three distinct immune system functions: defence against pathogens; avoidance or mitigation of allergy; control of low-grade (metabolic) inflammation. The most useful markers were subsequently classified depending on whether they by themselves signify clinical relevance and/or involvement of immune function. Next, five theoretical scenarios were drafted describing potential changes in the values of markers compared with a relevant reference range. Finally, all elements were combined, providing a framework to aid the design and interpretation of studies assessing the effects of nutrition on immune function. This stepwise approach offers a clear rationale for selecting markers for future trials and provides a framework for the interpretation of outcomes. A similar stepwise approach may also be useful to rationalise the selection and interpretation of markers for other physiological processes critical to the maintenance of health and well-being.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tran TM, Samal B, Kirkness E, Crompton PD. Systems immunology of human malaria. Trends Parasitol 2012; 28:248-57. [PMID: 22592005 PMCID: PMC3361535 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a global public health threat. Optimism that a highly effective malaria vaccine can be developed stems in part from the observation that humans can acquire immunity to malaria through experimental and natural P. falciparum infection. Recent advances in systems immunology could accelerate efforts to unravel the mechanisms of acquired immunity to malaria. Here, we review the tools of systems immunology, their current limitations in the context of human malaria research, and the human 'models' of malaria immunity to which these tools can be applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M. Tran
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics (LIG), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852, Tel: (301) 765-4727,
| | - Babru Samal
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852, Tel: (301) 765-4727,
| | - Ewen Kirkness
- Genomic Medicine Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, 9704 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850,
| | - Peter D. Crompton
- Corresponding author: Peter D. Crompton, MD, MPH, Laboratory of Immunogenetics (LIG), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852, Tel: (240) 383-7640,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Distinguishing Latent from Active Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Using Elispot Assays: Looking Beyond Interferon-gamma. Cells 2012; 1:89-99. [PMID: 24710416 PMCID: PMC3901089 DOI: 10.3390/cells1020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a global heath epidemic, its threat amplified by HIV infection and the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Interferon (IFN)-gamma release assays (IGRAs) have improved the accuracy of detection of MTB exposure in some subject groups as compared to the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). However, as IFN-gamma is produced by both fully rested and more recently activated populations of memory T cells, it is not surprising that the measurement of this cytokine alone cannot accurately distinguish Latent TB Infected (LTBI) subjects from those with active (infectious) disease. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of infectious individuals would allow medication to be properly allocated and other actions taken to more effectively curtail MTB spread. Analysis of multi-cytokine profiles ex vivo after stimulation of PBMCs from LTBI and active MTB subjects indicate the real possibility of successfully discerning these two disease states within 24 hours of a subject’s blood draw. Due to the unparalleled sensitivity, low cost, and ease of use of Elispot assays, we propose that via a multiplex Elispot platform the accurate distinction of LTBI from active MTB-infected individuals is within reach.
Collapse
|
9
|
Brou L, Almli LM, Pearce BD, Bhat G, Drobek CO, Fortunato S, Menon R. Dysregulated biomarkers induce distinct pathways in preterm birth. BJOG 2012; 119:458-73. [PMID: 22324919 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document racial disparity in biomarker concentrations in maternal/fetal plasma and amniotic fluid between African Americans and European Americans with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB; cases) and normal term birth (controls), and their contribution to distinct pathophysiological pathways of PTB. DESIGN Nested case-control study. SETTING The Perinatal Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. SAMPLE Maternal and fetal plasma and amniotic fluid samples were collected from 105 cases (59 African American and 46 European American) and 86 controls (40 African American and 46 European American). METHODS Thirty-six biomarkers were analysed using the protein microarray approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in biomarker concentrations between cases and controls of different races in maternal, fetal and intra-amniotic compartments, and the risk of PTB. Dysregulated biomarker-induced PTB pathways associated with PTB in each race were determined using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). RESULTS Racial disparity was observed in biomarker concentrations in each compartment between cases and controls: amniotic fluid, IL8 and MIP1α differed between case and controls in European Americans, whereas ANGPT2, Eotaxin, ICAM-1, IL-1β, IL1RA, RANTES and TNFα differed between case and controls in African Americans. In both races the FAS ligand, MCP-3 and TNFR-I differed between cases and controls. For fetal plasma, ANGPT2, Eotaxin, FGF basic, ICAM-1, IGF-I, IL10, IL-1β, IL2, IP10 KGF, MCP-3, MIP1α, PDGF-BB, TGFα, TGFβ1, TIMP1, TNFα, TNFR-I, TNFR-II and VEGF differed between cases and controls in European Americans, whereas only MMP7 differed between cases and controls in African Americans. IL-8 differed between cases and controls in both races. For maternal plasma, IL1RA, MMP7 and VEGF differed between cases and controls in European Americans, whereas ANGPT2, FGF basic, IL-1β, IL5, IL6R, KGF, MCP-3, MIP1α, TIMP1 and TNFα differed between cases and controls in African Americans. ANG, IL8 and TNFR-I differed between cases and controls in both races. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that: (1) biomarker concentrations in maternal, fetal and intra-amniotic compartments differ between cases and controls; (2) there is racial disparity in the biomarker profile in each of the compartments; (3) substantial numbers of dysregulated fetal plasma biomarkers contribute to PTB in European Americans, whereas maternal plasma biomarkers contribute to PTB in African Americans; and (4) both inflammation and haematological functions are associated with PTB in European Americans, but maternal proinflammatory changes dominate PTB in African Americans. Biomarker analyses document racial disparity and the distinct pathophysiological contributions from different compartments that can determine pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Brou
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Litteljohn D, Hayley S. Cytokines as potential biomarkers for Parkinson's disease: a multiplex approach. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 934:121-44. [PMID: 22933144 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines, which are immunological messengers facilitating both intra- and inter-system communication, are considered central players in the neuroinflammatory cascades associated with the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurological disorders. They have also been implicated in depression and other cognitive (e.g., memory impairment, dementia) and affective disturbances (e.g., anxiety) that show high co-morbidity with neurodegenerative diseases. As such, cytokines may hold great promise as serological biomarkers in PD, with potential applications ranging from early diagnosis and disease staging, to prognosis, drug discovery, and tracking the response to treatment. Subclassification or risk stratification in PD could be based (among other things) on reliably determined cytokine panel profiles or "signatures" of particular co-morbid disease states or at-risk groups (e.g., PD alone, PD with depression and/or dementia). Researchers and clinicians seeking to describe cytokine variations in health vs. disease will benefit greatly from technologies that allow a high degree of multiplexing and thus permit the simultaneous determination of a large roster of cytokines in single small-volume samples. The need for such highly paralleled assays is underscored by the fact that cytokines do not act in isolation but rather against a backdrop of complementary and antagonistic cytokine effects; ascribing valence to the actions of any one cytokine thus requires specific knowledge about the larger cytokine milieu. This chapter provides a technological overview of the major cytokine multiplex assay platforms before discussing the implications of such tools for biomarker discovery and related applications in PD and its depressive and cognitive co-morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darcy Litteljohn
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Finding clinically relevant measures of immune function is an important challenge in psychoneuroimmunological research. Here, we discuss the advantages of the vaccination model, and provide guidance on the methodological decisions that are important to consider in the use of this technique. These include the choice of vaccination, timing of assessments, and the available outcome measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Burns
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Duramad P, Holland NT. Biomarkers of immunotoxicity for environmental and public health research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:1388-401. [PMID: 21655126 PMCID: PMC3108116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8051388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases including asthma, autoimmunity and cancer. Application of biomarkers of immunotoxicity in epidemiology studies and human clinical trials can improve our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the associations between environmental exposures and development of these immune-mediated diseases. Immunological biomarkers currently used in environmental health studies include detection of key components of innate and adaptive immunity (e.g., complement, immunoglobulin and cell subsets) as well as functional responses and activation of key immune cells. The use of high-throughput assays, including flow cytometry, Luminex, and Multi-spot cytokine detection methods can further provide quantitative analysis of immune effects. Due to the complexity and redundancy of the immune response, an integrated assessment of several components of the immune responses is needed. The rapidly expanding field of immunoinformatics will also aid in the synthesis of the vast amount of data being generated. This review discusses and provides examples of how the identification and development of immunological biomarkers for use in studies of environmental exposures and immune-mediated disorders can be achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paurene Duramad
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way MS #59, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Nina T. Holland
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 733 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| |
Collapse
|