Natural killer cells and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine reactogenicity and durability

Introduction

Natural killer (NK) cells can both amplify and regulate immune responses to vaccination. Studies in humans and animals have observed NK cell activation within days after mRNA vaccination. In this study, we sought to determine if baseline NK cell frequencies, phenotype, or function correlate with antibody responses or inflammatory side effects induced by the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2).

Methods

We analyzed serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 188 participants in the Prospective Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion study, an observational study evaluating immune responses in healthcare workers. Baseline serum samples and PBMCs were collected from all participants prior to any SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Spike-specific IgG antibodies were quantified at one and six months post-vaccination by microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay. NK cell frequencies and phenotypes were assessed on pre-vaccination PBMCs from all participants by multi-color flow cytometry, and on a subset of participants at time points after the 1st and 2nd doses of BNT162b2. Inflammatory side effects were assessed by structured symptom questionnaires, and baseline NK cell functionality was quantified by an in vitro killing assay on participants that reported high or low post-vaccination symptom scores.

Results

Key observations include: 1) circulating NK cells exhibit evidence of activation in the week following vaccination, 2) individuals with high symptom scores after 1st vaccination had higher pre-vaccination NK cytotoxicity indices, 3) high pre-vaccination NK cell numbers were associated with lower spike-specific IgG levels six months after two BNT162b2 doses, and 4) expression of the inhibitory marker NKG2A on immature NK cells was associated with higher antibody responses 1 and 6 months post-vaccination.

Discussion

These results suggest that NK cell activation by BNT162b2 vaccination may contribute to vaccine-induced inflammatory symptoms and reduce durability of vaccine-induced antibody responses.

The impact of local surface changes in Borneo on atmospheric composition at wider spatial scales: coastal processes, land-use change and air quality

We present results from the OP3 campaign in Sabah during 2008 that allow us to study the impact of local emission changes over Borneo on atmospheric composition at the regional and wider scale. OP3 constituent data provide an important constraint on model performance. Treatment of boundary layer processes is highlighted as an important area of model uncertainty. Model studies of land-use change confirm earlier work, indicating that further changes to intensive oil palm agriculture in South East Asia, and the tropics in general, could have important impacts on air quality, with the biggest factor being the concomitant changes in NO(x) emissions. With the model scenarios used here, local increases in ozone of around 50 per cent could occur. We also report measurements of short-lived brominated compounds around Sabah suggesting that oceanic (and, especially, coastal) emission sources dominate locally. The concentration of bromine in short-lived halocarbons measured at the surface during OP3 amounted to about 7 ppt, setting an upper limit on the amount of these species that can reach the lower stratosphere.

Abstract P4-07-04: Preoperative Plasma Concentration of MMP-9/TIMP-1 Complexes Is Not Associated with Disease Outcome in Primary Breast Cancer (N=483)

Background: Plasma levels of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) have been reported as predictors of poor prognosis. Indeed, in a previous study of 519 primary breast cancer patients we reported that high levels of TIMP-1 were associated with a poor prognosis (Würtz et al, 2008). In our previous study we quantified total levels of TIMP-1 in plasma; however, TIMP-1 is present in plasma in a non-complexed form and bound to various proteins. Thus, studying the different fractions might refine prognostic stratification and provide further insight into the role of TIMP-1 in tumor biology. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an important TIMP-1 binding partner and MMP-9 has previously been suggested as a breast cancer biomarker (Li et al, 2004; Somiari et al, 2006). Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the concentration of MMP-9/TIMP-1 complexes in plasma from our previously studied primary breast cancer patients and evaluate whether these levels are associated with disease outcome.

Materials and methods: Plasma concentrations of MMP-9/TIMP-1 complexes were measured using the human MMP-9/TIMP-1 Complex DuoSet® ELISA Development System (R&D Systems, Inc.) The ELISA was thoroughly validated for measurements of MMP-9/TIMP-1 complexes in EDTA plasma. Samples included preoperatively obtained EDTA plasma from consecutively enrolled patients with primary breast cancer. Of the previously studied 519 patients, 483 had plasma samples available for analysis and follow-up data registered by the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group and were included in the present study. The median follow-up time was 5.1 years. The relationship between MMP-9/TIMP-1 complexes and classical prognostic parameters was analyzed and the association with recurrence-free survival (RFS; includes breast cancer relapse, contralateral breast cancer, other malignant disease, and death without a previous relapse) was studied.

Results: The ELISA was validated with acceptable results. The median TIMP-1 concentration was 2.06 ng/mL. For analysis, patients were grouped in quartiles of increasing MMP-9/TIMP-1 plasma concentrations. MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex levels were associated with menopausal status and with hormone receptor status; no significant associations with other clinico-pathological parameters (tumor size, nodal status, malignancy grade, age) were found. No statistically significant difference in survival was observed among TIMP-1 high and low groups (quartiles, log-rank analysis p=0.96). In a Cox multivariable analysis (including tumor size, nodal status, hormone receptor status, malignancy grade, menopausal status, age), only age (> 70 years) and hormone receptor status contributed significantly to the model for RFS (P<0.001). MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex concentration was not associated with RFS in this model.

Conclusions: In this group of primary breast cancer patients we did notfind any association between MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex levels in plasma and RFS. Total TIMP-1 levels have previously been shown to correlate with prognosis in this patient cohort. Accordingly, our current results point to other TIMP-1 fractions, i.e. the fraction of free TIMP-1 or TIMP-1 in complex with other plasma proteins, as potential indicators of poor prognosis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-04.

Bacterial growth on surfaces: automated image analysis for quantification of growth rate-related parameters

A fast routine method for estimating bacterial cell growth rates by using the metachromatic dye acridine orange is described. The method allows simultaneous estimates of cellular RNA and DNA contents of single cells. Acridine orange staining can be used as a nonspecific supplement to quantitative species-specific hybridizations with fluorescence-labelled ribosomal probes to estimate the single-cell concentration of RNA. By automated analysis of digitized images of stained cells, we determined four independent growth rate-related parameters: cellular RNA and DNA contents, cell volume, and the frequency of dividing cells in a cell population. These parameters were used to compare physiological states of liquid-suspended and surface-growing Pseudomonas putida KT2442 in chemostat cultures. The major finding is that the correlation between substrate availability and cellular growth rate found for the free-living cells was not observed for the surface-bound cells; in contrast, the data indicate an almost constant growth rate for attached cells which was independent of the dilution rate in the chemostat.

Elevated circulating leptin levels in arterial hypertension: relationship to arteriovenous overflow and extraction of leptin

Leptin, a peptide hormone produced mainly in fat cells, appears to be important for the regulation of metabolism, insulin secretion/sensitivity and body weight. Recently, elevated plasma leptin levels have been reported in patients with arterial hypertension. Because a change in circulating leptin concentrations in such patients could be caused by altered rates of production or disposal, or both, the aim of the present study was to identify regions of leptin overflow into the bloodstream and of leptin extraction. Patients with arterial hypertension (n=12) and normotensive controls (n=20) were studied during catheterization with elective blood sampling from different vascular beds (artery, and renal, hepatic, iliac and cubital veins). Plasma leptin was determined by a radioimmunoassay. Patients with hypertension had significantly elevated levels of circulating leptin (12.8 ng/l, compared with 4.1 ng/l in the controls; P<0.001), and this was also the case when adjusted for body mass index (BMI) [0.435 and 0.167 ng/l per unit BMI (kg/m(2)) respectively; P<0.001]. Circulating leptin was directly related to arterial blood pressure (r=0.38-0.62, P</=0.05-0.005) and immunoreactive insulin (r=0.51, P<0.62), but not to plasma renin activity. A significant renal extraction ratio for leptin was seen in the hypertensive patients, but this was not significantly lower than that in the controls (0.09 compared with 0. 16; P=0.1). The hypertensive patients had a significantly higher hepatic venous/arterial leptin ratio than the controls (1.02 compared with 0.93; P<0.02), and this ratio was correlated directly with the BMI (r=0.38, P=0.05) and immunoreactive insulin (r=0.43, P<0.05). In both hypertensive patients and controls there was a significant spillover of leptin into the iliac vein, but not into the cubital vein. In conclusion, the high concentration of circulating leptin in patients with arterial hypertension is probably caused by increased release of leptin from abdominal (especially mesenteric and omental) and gluteal adipose tissue stores, and renal extraction is slightly reduced. Leptin kinetics in arterial hypertension require further investigation.

A phase I study of the vitamin D analogue EB 1089 in patients with advanced breast and colorectal cancer

Preclinical studies have shown that the vitamin D analogue EB 1089 has significantly less calcaemic activity than its parent compound 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) and significant anti-tumour activity. This phase I trial was designed to evaluate the calcaemic effect of the drug in patients with advanced cancer. EB 1089 was given to 36 patients with advanced breast and colorectal cancer in doses of between 0.15 and 17.0 microg m(-2) day(-1). Serial serum and urine calcium, urine creatinine and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) were monitored. Hypercalcaemia was seen in all patients receiving 17.0 microg m(-2) day(-1). Hypercalcaemia attributable to EB 1089 was reversible by discontinuing or reducing EB 1089 therapy. During the first 5 days of treatment, urine calcium (P = 0.0001) and serum-corrected calcium (P = 0.027) were related to EB 1089 dose, whereas serum parathyroid hormone (P = 0.0001) showed an inverse relationship. Twenty-one patients received compassionate treatment for between 10 and 234 days. No complete or partial responses were seen. Six patients on treatment for more than 90 days showed stabilization of disease. EB 1089 was well tolerated and adverse events considered to be caused by EB 1089 were limited to dose-dependent effects on calcium metabolism. The dose estimated to be tolerable for most patients from this study is around 7 microg m(-2) day(1). These data support previous work that has demonstrated EB 1089 to be significantly less calcaemic than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Establishment of new genetic traits in a microbial biofilm community

Conjugational transfer of the TOL plasmid (pWWO) was analyzed in a flow chamber biofilm community engaged in benzyl alcohol degradation. The community consisted of three species, Pseudomonas putida RI, Acinetobacter sp. strain C6, and an unidentified isolate, D8. Only P. putida RI could act as a recipient for the TOL plasmid. Cells carrying a chromosomally integrated lacIq gene and a lacp-gfp-tagged version of the TOL plasmid were introduced as donor strains in the biofilm community after its formation. The occurrence of plasmid-carrying cells was analyzed by viable-count-based enumeration of donors and transconjugants. Upon transfer of the plasmids to the recipient cells, expression of green fluorescence was activated as a result of zygotic induction of the gfp gene. This allowed a direct in situ identification of cells receiving the gfp-tagged version of the TOL plasmid. Our data suggest that the frequency of horizontal plasmid transfer was low, and growth (vertical transfer) of the recipient strain was the major cause of plasmid establishment in the biofilm community. Employment of scanning confocal laser microscopy on fixed biofilms, combined with simultaneous identification of P. putida cells and transconjugants by 16S rRNA hybridization and expression of green fluorescence, showed that transconjugants were always associated with noninfected P. putida RI recipient microcolonies. Pure colonies of transconjugants were never observed, indicating that proliferation of transconjugant cells preferentially took place on preexisting P. putida RI microcolonies in the biofilm.

Impact of nutrient composition on a degradative biofilm community

A microbial community was cultivated in flow cells with 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,4,6-TCB) as sole carbon and energy source and was examined with scanning confocal laser microscopy and fluorescent molecular probes. The biofilm community which developed under these conditions exhibited a characteristic architecture, including a basal cell layer and conspicuous mounds of bacterial cells and polymer (approximately 20 to 30 (mu)m high and 25 to 40 (mu)m in diameter) occurring at 20- to 200-(mu)m intervals. When biofilms grown on 2,4,6-TCB were shifted to a labile, nonchlorinated carbon source (Trypticase soy broth), the biofilms underwent an architectural change which included the loss of mound structures and the formation of a more homogeneous biofilm. Neutrally charged fluorescent dextrans, which upon hydration become cationic, were observed to bind to mounds, as well as to the basal cell layer, in 14-day biofilms. In contrast, polyanionic dextrans bound only to the basal cell layer, indicating that this material incorporated sites with both positive and negative charge. The results from this study indicate that nutrient composition has a significant impact on both the architecture and the physicochemistry of degradative biofilm communities.

Effect of oestrogen and progestagen on gonadotrophins and sex hormones in oophorectomized women

Five premenopausal women were followed with measurements of androgens, oestrogens, gonadotrophins and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) after ovariectomy for benign disease. After a period of 6 weeks without treatment the women were treated with oestradiol 4 mg daily for 8 weeks, oestradiol 4 mg plus norethisterone acetate (NETA) 2 mg daily for 8 weeks and finally oestradiol 4 mg daily for another 8 weeks. The levels of androgens did not change during the various periods. As usual during oral treatment oestrone and oestrone sulphate were elevated while oestradiol levels were in the pre-operative range during treatment, regardless of the addition of NETA. SHBG was elevated during oestrogen-only treatment, while addition of NETA normalized the concentration of SHBG. In the combined NETA period concentrations of free oestradiol and non-SHBG-bound oestradiol were significantly elevated, and gonadotrophins returned to premenopausal levels, in contrast to the high levels in the oestrogen-only periods. Using oral oestrogen therapy it may be preferable to add a progestagen rather than elevate the oestrogen dose. Progestagen will result in more free oestradiol and give greater relief of symptoms, but the potentially harmful effect of progestagens on blood lipids must be considered.

Cardiovascular reactions to myelography with watersoluble contrast media

Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for 5 to 7 h during myelography with iothalamate meglumine and metrizamide in 23 rabbits. After 0.6 ml iothalamate meglumine containing 280 mg I/ml a significant decrease in blood pressure and signs of circulatory failure were found. After identical doses of metrizamide and after reduction of the dose of iothalamate meglumine to 0.4 ml containing 140 mg I/ml no significant fall in blood pressure was recorded. A decrease of blood pressure was always accompanied by a decrease of heart rate. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate during experimental myelography are suggested as useful variables in the evaluation and comparison of new contrast media for myelography.

Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. IV. Postoperative inflammation. The role of conjunctival bacteria and certain surgical factors

In 499 patients operated on for cataract, the clinical postoperative signs of extraocular inflammation (conjunctival hyperaemia, chemosis, discharge and oedema of the lids), the number of infiltrates around the corneoscleral sutures, and the severity of intraocular inflammation in the anterior chamber (aqueous-flare) were assessed on the fourth postoperative day and correlated with the bacterial conjunctival flora examined both qualitatively and quantitatively on the same day. Patients with potential pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli and streptococci) on the conjunctiva following operation did not show any increased inflammatory reactions when compared with those without such pathogen. The quantity of bacteria, i.e. number of colonies, did not appear to play a role. The reasons are discussed. The clinical postoperative inflammatory signs were further correlated with the following factors: surgical complications, quality of suturing technique, use of alpha chymotrypsin, systemic disease, sex and age. A positive correlation was found between the severity of extraocular inflammation and retained lens material and hyphaema. Furthermore, extraocular reactions were more severe in males than in females. The incidence of infiltrates around corneoscleral sutures was found to vary with age, i.e. occurred more frequently in patients less than 60 years. No relationship was found between the severity of aqueous-flare and the above mentioned factors.

Pleural effusion disease in rabbits, clinical and post mortem observations

In Denmark and probably in other countries as well, the infectious agent causing intercurrent death of rabbits by passages of Nichols pathogenic Treponema pallidum has been studied in rabbits in the absence of T. pallidum. This agent can be propagated in rabbits at intervals of 2 to 30 days and, depending on the interval between passages and the number of passages, the mortality may vary from zero to almost 70 per cent. Based on the post mortem findings in fatal cases, the name pleural effusion disease is suggested for this rabbit infection. Iridocyclitis, haematological and biochemical changes are signs of the disease not described previously. The source of the infectious agent is discussed.

Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. III. Postoperative flora

The conjunctival flora of 499 patients operated for cataract was studied on the 4th and 7th postoperative days and compared with the flora examined previously on admission to the hospital and at the time of surgery (Fahmy et al. 1975b, c). Antibiotics had been administered approximately 18 hours before operation, at the conclusion of surgery, and then on the 4th postoperative day after the cultures had been taken. After a significant fall in incidence, including all kinds of bacteria at the time of surgery (Fahmy et al. 1975c), Staphylococcus albus showed an increase in incidence on the 4th postoperative day to the level found on admission. Corynebacteria and gram-negative bacilli likewise showed increasing incidence but not to the level of admission. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci remained unchanged. On the 7th postoperative day, S. aureus showed a fall in incidence while other bacteria had largely the same incidence as that of the 4th postoperative day. The origin of S. aureus isolated postoperatively from the conjunctiva was studied, and showed that the great majority of strains were similar to those found on the patient's own conjunctiva preoperatively. In a few instances, S. aureus could be traced to the patient's own nose or to the noses of some of the nurses. The air of the wards, eye drops or ophthalmic ointments used in the treatment of the patients apparently did not play any role as a source of S. aureus infection. Cultures obtained on the 4th postoperative day showed only a minor relationship to the flora of the wound site observed at the conclusion of surgery.

Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. II. Peroperative flora

The peroperative flora of 499 patients undergoing cataract extraction was studied with local bacterial cultures taken at the beginning and end of surgery and compared with the preoperative flora examined previously (Fahmy et al. 1975 b) on admission the day prior to surgery. The local application of a single dose of oxytetracycline - polymyxin B, approximately 18 hours before surgery, significantly reduced the incidence of bacteria at the time of surgery. However, 92% of the conjunctivas examined immediately before operation proved to harbour one or more kinds of microorganisms. Futhermore, 61% of the wound sites were found to be contaminated with bacteria at the conclusion of surgery. The reasons are discussed. The origin of Staphylococcus aureus isolated peroperatively from the conjunctiva and wound site was studied. The great majority of strains could be traced to the patient's own conjunctiva preoperatively. In a few cases S. aureus was traced to the patient's own nose, skin of face or to the surgeon's nose. The air of the wards and operating theatre as well as the hands and gloves of surgeons and assistant nurses apparently did not play any role as a source of S. aureus infection.

Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. I. Material, methods and preoperative flora

The conjunctival flora of 499 patients was studied the day before cataract extraction, no antibiotics or chemotherapeutical agents had been used before admission. Staphylococcus albus was by far the most common micro-organism (95.4%), followed by corynebacteria (44%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.9%), gram-negative bacilli (7.8%) and pneumo-streptococci (4.4%). Corynebacteria was isolated more frequently in the presence of S. albus, while S. aureus and gram-negative bacilli were found more frequently in the absence of S. albus. No relationship could be demonstrated between the occurrence of pneumo-streptococci and S. albus. The flora of the nose and skin of the face were studied and compared with the conjunctival flora, and a similarity could be observed. Furthermore, strains of S. aureus isolated at the same time from the two or three regions, in most cases, showed the same bacterio-phage type complex. The conjunctival flora was further correlated with sex, age, season, and number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils recovered from the conjunctival fluid. The incidence of corynebacteria and gram-negative bacilli was found to be higher in males, while corynebacteria was the only organism to show seasonal variation, i.e. was isolated more frequently in the second and third quarters of the year. No correlation could be found between age or number of neutrophils.