Phenotypic Timeline Kinetics, Integrative Networks, and Performance of T- and B-Cell Subsets Associated with Distinct Clinical Outcome of Severe COVID-19 Patients.

The present study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of the phenotypic profile and integrative networks of T/B-cells in severe COVID-19 patients, categorized according to disease outcome, during the circulation of the B.1.1.

Evaluation of an RBD-nucleocapsid fusion protein as a booster candidate for COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite successful vaccines and updates, constant mutations of SARS-CoV-2 makes necessary the search for new vaccines. We generated a chimeric protein that comprises the receptor-binding domain from spike and the nucleocapsid antigens (SpiN) from SARS-CoV-2. Once SpiN elicits a protective immune response in rodents, here we show that convalescent and previously vaccinated individuals respond to SpiN.

Signatures of CD4 T and B cells are associated with distinct stages of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: Chagas disease is a neglected parasitic disease caused by . While most patients are asymptomatic, around 30% develop Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC).

Methods: Here, we employed high-dimensional flow cytometry to analyze CD4 T and B cell compartments in patients during the chronic phase of Chagas disease, presenting the asymptomatic and mild or moderate/severe cardiac clinical forms.

Comprehensive landscape of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF primary vaccination in adults.

The present study aimed at evaluating the YF-specific neutralizing antibody profile besides a multiparametric analysis of phenotypic/functional features of cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF vaccine, administered as a single subcutaneous injection. The immunological parameters of each volunteer was monitored at two time points, referred as: before (Day 0) [Non-Vaccinated, NV] and after vaccination (Day 30-45) [Primary Vaccinees, PV]. Data demonstrated high levels of neutralizing antibodies for PV leading to a seropositivity rate of 93%.

The absence of eosinophils is associated with early metastatic lesions in Leishmania amazonensis-infected mice.

Background: Eosinophils are granulocytes that rapidly increase frequency in the bloodstream during helminthic infections and allergic responses. They are found in tissue infected by Leishmania during early disease, but their role during infection is not entirely understood.

Objectives: We aim to compare the disease due to Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c and Δdbl-GATA1 mice, which lack eosinophils.

Chagasic cardiomyopathy is marked by a unique signature of activated CD4 T cells.

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease in Latin America and an imported emerging disease worldwide. Chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most prominent clinical form and can lead to heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden death. While previous reports have supported a role for CD4 T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of CCC a comprehensive analysis of these cells during different clinical forms is lacking.

Asymptomatic Plasmodium vivax malaria in the Brazilian Amazon: Submicroscopic parasitemic blood infects Nyssorhynchus darlingi.

Individuals with asymptomatic infection due to Plasmodium vivax are posited to be important reservoirs of malaria transmission in endemic regions. Here we studied a cohort of P. vivax malaria patients in a suburban area in the Brazilian Amazon.

FML/QuilA-Vaccinated Dogs Naturally Infected with : Serum Cytokines, Clinicopathological Profile, and Parasitological Parameters.

Dogs are the main reservoir of in endemic regions. Canine leishmaniasis, caused by , can progress to a chronic disease resulting in death. Vaccines have been developed with a certain degree of success.

High-Density-Immune-Complex Regulatory Macrophages Promote Recovery of Experimental Colitis in Mice.

Macrophages not only play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they also play a major role in preserving intestinal homeostasis. In this work, we evaluated the role of macrophages in IBD and investigated whether the functional reprogramming of macrophages to a very specific phenotype could decrease disease pathogenesis. Thus, macrophages were stimulated in the presence of high-density immune complexes which strongly upregulate their production of IL-10 and downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Monocyte subpopulations as important biomarkers of resistence and susceptibility during experimental infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) major.

Visceral Leishmaniasis is a chronic and lethal, parasitic disease. In the later infection stages, it is known that expressive hematological disorders can be observed, including changes in the frequency and phenotype of certain leukocytes. There is a lack of good prognostic indicators to characterize the on-goin clinical status of the patient.

How Plastic Are Pericytes?

Pericytes are defined by both their anatomical location and molecular markers. Numerous publications have reported their role as stem cells, contributing to the formation of tissues other than blood vessels. However, using cell-lineage tracing in a new transgenic mouse model, a recent study shows that in the context of aging and some pathologies, Tbx18+ pericytes do not function as stem cells in vivo.

Detection of Vaccinia Virus in Urban Domestic Cats, Brazil.

We investigated possible vaccinia virus (VACV) in urban house cats in Brazil. Serum samples from 6 cats were positive for VACV by PCR, indicating likely VACV circulation among house cats in urban areas of Brazil. This finding highlights the importance of epidemiologic surveillance to avoid outbreaks among urban human populations.

Molecular identification of Spirometra spp. (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) in some wild animals from Brazil.

Species of the genus Spirometra are diphyllobothriid tapeworms with complex life cycles and are involved in human sparganosis, a neglected disease that affects individuals worldwide. Although some species were reported in wild felids and human cases of sparganosis were described in Brazil, the biology and taxonomy of these parasites are poorly understood. In the present study, samples of diphyllobothriids (eggs and/or proglottids) obtained from the stools of wild carnivores (Leopardus pardalis and Lycalopex vetulus) and plerocercoid larvae found in a snake (Crotalus durissus) from Brazil were analysed by amplifying a fragment of the gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1).

Nasal, oral and ear swabs for canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis: new practical approaches for detection of Leishmania infantum DNA.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of nasal, oral, and ear swabs for molecular diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in an endemic urban area in Brazil.

Methodology/principal Findings: Sixty-two naturally infected and ten healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Bone marrow aspirates, peripheral blood, skin biopsy, and conjunctival, nasal, oral, and ear swabs were collected.

Canine skin and conjunctival swab samples for the detection and quantification of Leishmania infantum DNA in an endemic urban area in Brazil.

Background: We evaluated kDNA PCR/hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the gene of DNA polymerase of Leishmania infantum for CVL diagnosis and assessment of parasite load in clinical samples obtained invasively and non-invasively.

Methodology/principal Findings: Eighty naturally infected dogs from an endemic urban area in Brazil were used. Animals were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of CVL clinical sings.