Improved detection of extrapulmonary and paucibacillary pulmonary tuberculosis by Xpert MTB Host Response in a TB low endemic, high resource setting.

Background: Xpert MTB-Host Response (MTB-HR) has reached WHO test targets for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with high bacillary loads. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of MTB-HR as a non-sputum, near point-of-care (POC) method for diagnosis of other prioritized groups, where MTB detection is more complicated, such as extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and paucibacillary PTB.

Methods: Individuals with presumed TB disease were prospectively included in Stockholm, Sweden (n=307) and underwent MTB-HR venous and capillary testing in parallel.

Naturally acquired IgG responses to do not target the conserved termini of the malaria vaccine candidate Merozoite Surface Protein 2.

Introduction: Malaria remains a significant burden, and a fully protective vaccine against is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality. Antibody responses against the blood-stage antigen Merozoite Surface Protein 2 (MSP2) are associated with protection from malaria, but its extensive polymorphism is a barrier to its development as a vaccine candidate. New tools, such as long-read sequencing and accurate protein structure modelling allow us to study the genetic diversity and immune responses towards antigens from clinical isolates with unprecedented detail.

Antibody-Fab and -Fc features promote restriction.

the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is a leading cause of death by an infectious disease globally, with no efficacious vaccine. Antibodies are implicated in control, but the mechanisms of antibody action remain poorly understood. We assembled a library of TB monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and screened for the ability to restrict in mice, identifying protective antibodies targeting known and novel antigens.

Regulation of B-cell function and expression of CD11c, T-bet, and FcRL5 in response to different activation signals.

CD11c, FcRL5, or T-bet are commonly expressed by B cells expanding during inflammation, where they can make up >30% of mature B cells. However, the association between the proteins and differentiation and function in the host response remains largely unclear. We have assessed the co-expression of CD11c, T-bet, and FcRL5 in an in vitro B-cell culture system to determine how stimulation via the BCR, toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), and different cytokines influence CD11c, T-bet, and FcRL5 expression.