Using an effective TB vaccination regimen to identify immune responses associated with protection in the murine model

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Boosting BCG with ChAdOx1.85A and MVA85A (B-C-M) improves its protective efficacy.

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B-C-M induces pulmonary and systemic Ag85A-specific cytokine and antibody responses.

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B-C-M enhances resident memory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in the lung parenchyma.

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Protection associated with lung parenchymal Ag85A-specific CD4⁺ CXCR3⁺ KLRG1^- T cells.

A vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), a disease resulting from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), is urgently needed to prevent more than a million deaths per year. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the only available vaccine against TB but its efficacy varies throughout the world. Subunit vaccine candidates, based on recombinant viral vectors expressing mycobacterial antigens, are one of the strategies being developed to boost BCG-primed host immune responses and efficacy. A promising vaccination regimen composed of intradermal (i.d.) BCG prime, followed by intranasally (i.n.) administered chimpanzee adenoviral vector (ChAdOx1) and i.n. or i.d. modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA), both expressing Ag85A, has been previously reported to significantly improve BCG efficacy in mice. Effector and memory immune responses induced by BCG-ChAdOx1.85A-MVA85A (B-C-M), were evaluated to identify immune correlates of protection in mice. This protective regime induced strong Ag85A-specific cytokine responses in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, both in the systemic and pulmonary compartments. Lung parenchymal CXCR3⁺ KLRG1^- Ag85A-specific memory CD4⁺ T cells were significantly increased in B-C-M compared to BCG immunised mice at 4, 8 and 20 weeks post vaccination, but the number of these cells decreased at the latter time point. This cell population was associated with the protective efficacy of this regime and may have an important protective role against M.tb infection.

Identification of antigens presented by MHC for vaccines against tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is responsible for more deaths globally than any other pathogen. The only available vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), has variable efficacy throughout the world. A more effective vaccine is urgently needed. The immune response against tuberculosis relies, at least in part, on CD4⁺ T cells. Protective vaccines require the induction of antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells via mycobacterial peptides presented by MHC class-II in infected macrophages. In order to identify mycobacterial antigens bound to MHC, we have immunoprecipitated MHC class-I and class-II complexes from THP-1 macrophages infected with BCG, purified MHC class-I and MHC class-II peptides and analysed them by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We have successfully identified 94 mycobacterial peptides presented by MHC-II and 43 presented by MHC-I, from 76 and 41 antigens, respectively. These antigens were found to be highly expressed in infected macrophages. Gene ontology analysis suggests most of these antigens are associated with membranes and involved in lipid biosynthesis and transport. The sequences of selected peptides were confirmed by spectral match validation and immunogenicity evaluated by IFN-gamma ELISpot against peripheral blood mononuclear cell from volunteers vaccinated with BCG, M.tb latently infected subjects or patients with tuberculosis disease. Three antigens were expressed in viral vectors, and evaluated as vaccine candidates alone or in combination in a murine aerosol M.tb challenge model. When delivered in combination, the three candidate vaccines conferred significant protection in the lungs and spleen compared with BCG alone, demonstrating proof-of-concept for this unbiased approach to identifying new candidate antigens.

Protective vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), such as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), trigger strong CD4 T-cell responses specific to mycobacterium peptides, but their efficacy is variable. Paulo Bettencourt and colleagues now identify a set of mycobacterium peptides presented by BCG-infected macrophages via major compatibility complexes (MHC), and show that three of these antigens can be combined to formulate a vaccine that confers improved protection to Mtb infection in mice. After identifying 94 MHC-II-associated and 43 MHC-I-associated mycobacterium peptides, the researchers performed immunogenicity assays with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BCG-vaccinated donors, latent Mtb-infected patients and patients with tuberculosis, and show that a set of these peptides was recognised by the immune cells, validating their potential as possible components for new Mtb vaccine formulations. These findings further support the value of immunopeptidomics for the identification of new antigens for effective vaccine alternatives.

The values and principles underpinning community engagement approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

This paper presents seven values underpinning the application of Community Engagement (CE) approaches to the One Health challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) developed during an international workshop in June 2019. We define a value as a quality or standard which a CE project is aiming for, whilst a principle is an objective which underpins the value and facilitates its achievement. The values of Clarity, Creativity, (being) Evidence-led, Equity, Interdisciplinarity, Sustainability and Flexibility were identified by a network of 40 researchers and practitioners who utilise CE approaches to tackle complex One Health challenges including, but not limited to, AMR. We present our understanding of these seven values and their underlying principles as a flexible tool designed to support stakeholders within CE for AMR projects. We include practical guidance on working toward each value, plus case studies of the values in action within existing AMR interventions. Finally, we consider the extent to which CE approaches are appropriate to tackle AMR challenges. We reflect on these in relation to the tool, and current literature for both CE and AMR research. Authors and co-producers anticipate this tool being used to scene-set, road map and trouble shoot the development, implementation, and evaluation of CE projects to address AMR and other One Health challenges. However, the tool is not prescriptive but responsive to the context and needs of the community, opening opportunity to build a truly collaborative and community-centred approach to AMR research.

Hepcidin deficiency and iron deficiency do not alter tuberculosis susceptibility in a murine M.tb infection model

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the macrophage-tropic pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is a highly prevalent infectious disease. Since an immune correlate of protection or effective vaccine have yet to be found, continued research into host-pathogen interactions is important. Previous literature reports links between host iron status and disease outcome for many infections, including TB. For some extracellular bacteria, the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin is essential for protection against infection. Here, we investigated hepcidin (encoded by Hamp1) in the context of murine M.tb infection. Female C57BL/6 mice were infected with M.tb Erdman via aerosol. Hepatic expression of iron-responsive genes was measured by qRT-PCR and bacterial burden determined in organ homogenates. We found that hepatic Hamp1 mRNA levels decreased post-infection, and correlated with a marker of BMP/SMAD signalling pathways. Next, we tested the effect of Hamp1 deletion, and low iron diets, on M.tb infection. Hamp1 knockout mice did not have a significantly altered M.tb mycobacterial load in either the lungs or spleen. Up to 10 weeks of dietary iron restriction did not robustly affect disease outcome despite causing iron deficiency anaemia. Taken together, our data indicate that unlike with many other infections, hepcidin is decreased following M.tb infection, and show that hepcidin ablation does not influence M.tb growth in vivo. Furthermore, because even severe iron deficiency did not affect M.tb mycobacterial load, we suggest that the mechanisms M.tb uses to scavenge iron from the host must be extremely efficient, and may therefore represent potential targets for drugs and vaccines.

Wirksamkeit eines Interventionsprogramms auf die Burnout-Belastung von Lebenspartnern depressiv Erkrankter

AIM OF THE STUDY

A newly developed group intervention programme was evaluated with regard to its effectiveness to decrease the burnout symptoms of the partners of depressed patients.

METHODS

Within a period of six months, a group of 66 persons has taken part in the intervention for a total of twelve group sessions. A control group consisted of 50 persons without any intervention. Burnout was assessed using the German version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). To evaluate the time effect, the burnout dimensions were used as independent variables in random effects models.

RESULTS

Over the analyzed period of time no significant positive effect was measured on any of the assessed burnout dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased inclusion of depressed patients in the intervention as well as an increased intensity and a lowering of the admission threshold for the heavily burdened relatives could increase the effectiveness of the program.

Ein Unterstützungsprogramm für Lebenspartner von Menschen mit depressiven oder schizophrenen Störungen

OBJECTIVE

Lifelong partners or close relatives of persons suffering from mental disorders will naturally step in to help by assuming a great variety of tasks. By witnessing their relative's illness on a daily basis, they are exposed to many burdens with a negative impact on their own well-being. Hence, supporting the relatives of persons with mental disorders appears imperative. While there are various approaches to working with relatives, there are hardly any specific programmes for working with certain groups of relatives such as spouses, children or siblings.

METHODS

Basing on a discussion of the various approaches to looking after relatives, development of a programme is described aimed at specifically supporting spouses of persons suffering from depression or schizophrenia.

RESULTS

The concept of our programme is presented and results of its evaluation by participants are reported.

CONCLUSION

The initial experiences with the support programme are quite promising. An evaluation of its effects, based on a case-control-design, is currently under way.

Work-related injuries and occupational health and safety factors in smaller enterprises--a prospective study

The aim of this study was to determine whether any of the health, environmental and safety (HES) factors registered by visiting small mechanical enterprises in Norway at the start of the study could predict the risk of occupational injuries in subsequent years. Twelve HES factors, including injury awareness, programme for action, employee participation, training and use of personal safety devices, were registered. A questionnaire was completed by interviewing the employer and observing production. Two variables based on observation of the use of safety equipment were significantly correlated with occupational injuries. There is potential for prevention in smaller enterprises by increasing the use of personal protection devices and safety equipment on machines. Frequent inspection with feedback to the workers is probably the most effective means of attaining the desired result of reducing injuries.

Occupational injuries to fisheries workers in Norway reported to insurance companies from 1991 to 1996

Fisheries work is one of the occupations at highest risk for occupational accidents in many countries. It is necessary to understand the injuries in order to prevent them. This study of occupational injury claims by fisheries workers in Norway made to insurance companies from 1991 to 1996 analysed the workers' age, time of injury, injury type, part of the body involved, injury event and cost. The highest injury incidence rates were among the younger fisheries workers and during the winter months. Bruises and fractures were the most frequent injury types, and fingers and hands were most often affected, whereas falls and accidents related to machines were the most common causes. Safety measures should be taken on board to prevent falls and machine-related injuries, and young fisheries workers should have better on-the-job training.

Mechanisms of occupational injuries reported to insurance companies in Norway from 1991 to 1996

BACKGROUND

To study the association of injury events, types of movements and types of objects involved in relation to occupation, age, and gender in serious occupational injuries to determine where preventive measures should be implemented.

METHODS

The occupational injury claims made to the insurance companies in Norway for 1991-1996, which were stored in a database, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Falls were the most frequent injury event in both genders and in all occupational groups, and the incidence rate increased with age. Among men, the most common action when the injury occurred was handling of goods or materials, whereas for women it was moving without goods or materials. Primary economic activity and manufacturing had the highest injury rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Priority should be given to reduce the occurrence of falls in both genders, and especially among older workers.

[Skin reaction after St Lucia holiday celebration]

A 37-year-old man developed contact dermatitis on the front head after being exposed to dripping candles. The candles were placed in a crown on his head as he played St. Lucia in the traditional Lucia Day (13th December) pageant, trying to entertain the administrative staff of the University of Bergen where he was employed. Afterwards he washed his head with a soap he normally did not use. Probably the contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to the soap, but it is difficult to say whether the reaction was irritative or allergic. A similar case has not been reported earlier. It is of importance that noone stops celebrating the Lucia Day. However, proper precautions must be taken, with routines for avoiding exposure to stearine or unfamiliar soaps on the head of Lucia.

Compensation for occupational injury and disease in Norway: ranking of job groups

The health risk of various job groups in Norway was estimated by ranking them according to the annual occupational insurance costs per capita. This was done by dividing the costs of work-related injury and disease from 1991 to 1996 in various job groups by the number of workers in these groups. Occupational groups were also ranked according to total annual costs. The five occupational groups with the highest total costs were metalworkers, woodworkers, nursing-related workers, fisheries workers, and teachers. The groups with the highest annual cost per worker were shoe and leather workers, oil and gas extractors, fisheries workers, miners and quarry workers, and ship's officers. Fisheries workers and ship's officers were ranked among the top 10 positions on both lists and deserve priority in preventive measures.

Occupational injuries reported to insurance companies in Norway from 1991 to 1996

Occupational injuries represent a relatively high proportion of the total number of injuries in Norway and thereby deserve more attention than they are currently receiving. Occupational injury claims made to insurance companies in Norway from 1991 to 1996 were analyzed for determination of their patterns. The types of injury with the highest incidence rates among men were fractures; among women, the highest rates were for those for sprains. The injury rates were more than twice as high in young men as in young women; this difference declined with increasing age. Young men had an increased risk of finger injuries, compared with older age groups. The injury rates increased with increasing age, especially for fractures and contusions. A somewhat higher number of injuries per working day occurred in January and February than in the other months. Action should be taken to prevent fractures and contusions among older workers.

Influence of paternal exposure to oil and oil products on time to pregnancy and spontaneous abortions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of exposure to oil and oil products among men on the time taken for their wives to conceive and on the incidence of spontaneous abortion among them. A cross-sectional study was performed by posting questionnaires to 1,269 men employed as offshore mechanics, offshore operators, offshore drilling personnel, car mechanics (the 'exposed' occupations) and carpenters ('unexposed'). The married men were asked to give a separate questionnaire to their wives for details about their pregnancies. The time elapsed between the beginning of coitus without contraception and the wife becoming pregnant (time to pregnancy) was analyzed with Cox regression analysis by calculating fecundability ratios for the pregnancies for the men exposed to oil and oil products as compared with the men who were not exposed. Spontaneous abortions were analyzed with logistic regression by calculating odds ratios for the pregnancies in which the men were exposed vs. not exposed. A total of 741 (58%) men returned the questionnaires. A total of 301 pregnancies were analyzed for time taken to conceive and 580 for spontaneous abortion. The results were adjusted for variables that could significantly influence conception time (previous infections of the reproductive system and coffee drinking) or the incidence of spontaneous abortion (mother's age, parity and smoking). The outcomes between the exposed and unexposed pregnancies showed no significant differences. Car mechanics had a lower fecundability ratio before 1992 than after 1992. Paternal exposure to hydrocarbons in the occupations studied did not seem to have had a major influence on time to conception or the incidence of spontaneous abortion among the wives of the men exposed to oil products.