Bioinformatic Analysis of the Structural Features of the H106P/N137A Mutant as a Potential Vaccine Candidate Against Clostridium perfringens.

Background: The complex and expensive processes involved in the production of current clostridial toxoid vaccines require the design of new methods. The aim of this study was to introduce single and combined nontoxic mutants of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX) into the vaccine production.

Methods: Antigenic properties, amino acid sequence, physicochemical characteristics, stability, and protein structure of individual and combined ETX mutants were investigated with bioinformatics software.

Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin Mutant I51C as a Recombinant Vaccine Candidate Against Enterotoxemia.

Background: Clostridium perfringens type B and D strains produce epsilon toxin (ETX), which can lead to enterotoxemia, an extremely lethal disease that has significant consequences for the farming of domestic ruminants, specifically sheep and goats. The bacterin-toxoids/toxoids enterotoxemia vaccines need time-consuming detoxification steps. Genetically derived toxoids (GTs) can be the alternative vaccines against ETX-associated enterotoxemia.

Donor specific anti-HLA antibodies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Single Center prospective evaluation and desensitization strategies employed.

Background: In the setting of mismatched-hematopoietic stem cells transplantation, the detection of antibodies directed against donor-specific HLA allele(s) or antigen(s) (DSA) represents a barrier for engraftment. It is thus necessary to plan an immunosuppressive strategy, or to select an alternative donor. This prospective study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of our strategy for testing DSAs and the efficacy of the desensitization strategy (DS) employed between November 2017 and November 2020.

Immuno-hematological monitoring after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single-center, prospective study of 104 patients.

Background: The impact of ABO incompatibility on the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still debated. We report the results of a prospective, single-center study evaluating the impact of ABO mismatch on the development of immediate and late immuno-hematological complications, and the efficacy of the protocol used at the "Sapienza" University (Rome, Italy) to manage ABO incompatibility in patients undergoing HSCT.

Materials And Methods: From January 2013 to December 2016, we prospectively analyzed all patients undergoing HSCT.

A Recombinant Probiotic, Lactobacillus casei, Expressing the Clostridium perfringens α-toxoid, as an Orally Vaccine Candidate Against Gas Gangrene and Necrotic Enteritis.

The alpha-toxin is one of the virulence factors of Clostridium perfringens for gas gangrene in humans and animals or necrotic enteritis in poultry. The C-terminal domain of this toxin ( cpa ) was synthesized and cloned into pT1NX vector to construct the pT1NX-alpha plasmid. This surface-expressing plasmid was electroporated into Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393, generating the recombinant L.

A good manufacturing practice method to ex vivo expand natural killer cells for clinical use.

Background: Great interest has been raised recently by the design of new adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies based on the in vivo infusion of ex vivo-expanded and activated natural killer (NK) cells. The development of good manufacturing practice (GMP) methods for the efficient production of fully functional NK cells is mandatory for clinical application.

Materials And Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained by leukapheresis and processed in the GMP facility.

[Multimodal treatment for acute antibody-mediated renal transplant rejection: successful rescue therapy with combined plasmapheresis, photopheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin].

The fundamental role of antibodies in the development of acute graft rejection has been established recently. Antibody-mediated acute rejection may develop at any time during the post-transplant period. Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed in the last decades.

HLA typing strategies in a cord blood bank.

Background And Objectives: Although widely used, serological typing of HLA loci does not always produce uequivocal results. This may be particularly the case for cord blood since samples may be of small volume and poor quality, and contaminated.

Design And Methods: We typed 220 cord blood units (CBU) for HLA class I antigens using the serological technique.

Enhanced macrophagic attack on beta-thalassemia major erythroid precursors.

Background And Objectives: In beta-thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia), ferrokinetic studies show that 60-80% of erythroid precursors die in the marrow or extramedullary sites. However, study of marrow aspirates does not reveal huge numbers of dead and dying erythroid precursors. We explored this apparent discrepancy with the hypothesis that enhanced phagocytosis of thalassemic erythroid precursors was a likely explanation.