Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of B cells reveals new insights into atypical memory B cells in COVID-19.

Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of S1 and receptor binding domain protein-specific B cells from convalescent COVID-19 patients with different clinical manifestations. This study aimed to evaluate the role and developmental pathway of atypical memory B cells (MBCs) in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The results revealed a proinflammatory signature across B cell subsets associated with disease severity, as evidenced by the upregulation of genes such as GADD45B, MAP3K8, and NFKBIA in critical and severe individuals.

Bisphenol A, an endocrine-disruptor compund, that modulates the immune response to infections.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disruptor compound that exhibits estrogenic activity. BPA is used in the production of materials such as polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and dental sealants. Whereas, the endocrine modulating activity of BPA and its effects on reproductive health have been widely studied, its effects on the function of the immune system are poorly characterized.

Addition of C3d-P28 adjuvant to a rabies DNA vaccine encoding the G5 linear epitope enhances the humoral immune response and confers protection.

Rabies DNA vaccines based on full-length glycoprotein (G) induce virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) responses and protect against the virus challenge. Although conformational epitopes of G are the main target of VNAs, some studies have shown that a polypeptide linear epitope G5 is also able to induce VNAs. However, a G5 DNA vaccine has not been explored.

Differential Expression of O-Glycans in CD4(+) T Lymphocytes from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show a decreased activation threshold and increased apoptosis. These processes seem to be regulated by glycosylated molecules on the T cell surface. Here, we determined through flow cytometry the expression of mucin-type O-glycans on T helper cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 23 SLE patients and its relation with disease activity.

Beneficial Effects of Enteral Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Markers of Inflammation and Clinical Outcomes of Neonates Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery: An Intervention Study.

Background: Neonates undergoing surgery are at risk for uncontrolled inflammatory response and adverse clinical outcomes. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ameliorates inflammation, improving clinical outcomes. However, its effect has not been evaluated in neonates undergoing surgery.

Function of Treg Cells Decreased in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Due To the Effect of Prolactin.

Prolactin has different functions, including cytokine secretion and inhibition of the suppressor effect of regulatory T (Treg) cells in healthy individuals. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by defects in the functions of B, T, and Treg cells. Prolactin plays an important role in the physiopathology of SLE.

Clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome and outward remodeling is associated with a predominant inflammatory response.

Background: Pro-inflammatory molecules and low-density lipoproteins play essential roles in the atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to establish an association among the cytokines secreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the serum concentration in patients with unstable angina and coronary outward remodeling before and after percutaneous coronary intervention. The clinical and coronary responses were evaluated 6 months after the procedure.

The role of TLR2, TLR4 and CD36 in macrophage activation and foam cell formation in response to oxLDL in humans.

Unlabelled: Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4 and CD36 are central in inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a critical role in this disease through its involvement in the formation of foam cells and the activation of leukocytes. The aim of this research was to analyze the role of TLR2, TLR4 and CD36 in foam cell differentiation and macrophage activation.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells from adult and neonatal sources: a comparative in vitro analysis of their immunosuppressive properties against T cells.

Bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have immunosuppressive properties and have been used in cell therapies as immune regulators for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease. We have previously characterized several biological properties of MSCs from placenta (PL) and umbilical cord blood (UCB), and compared them to those of BM-the gold standard. In the present study, we have compared MSCs from BM, UCB, and PL in terms of their immunosuppressive properties against lymphoid cell populations enriched for CD3(+) T cells.

Innate immune system cells in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall characterized by innate and adaptive immune system involvement. A key component of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation is the persistence of different innate immune cell types including mast cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Several endogenous signals such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, and exogenous signals such as lipopolysaccharides, trigger the activation of these cells.

Intranasal anti-rabies DNA immunization promotes a Th1-related cytokine stimulation associated with plasmid survival time.

Background And Aims: DNA vaccination has a great potential to decrease infectious diseases worldwide, such as rabies. Here we showed the effects of a single anti-rabies DNA vaccination applied intranasally (IN) on plasmid survival time, neutralizing antibody (NA) titers, G-protein expression and Th1/Th2-related cytokines.

Methods: Only one 50-μg dose of an anti-rabies DNA vaccine was IN administered to 160 Balb/c mice.

Prolactin promoter polymorphism (-1149 G/T) is associated with anti-DNA antibodies in Mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Prolactin (PRL) is a 23-kDa protein hormone that is synthesized mainly by the anterior pituitary gland. However, PRL can also be synthesized and secreted by extrapituitary tissues, particularly immune cells. A biallelic polymorphism (-1149 G/T) in the prolactin promoter has been shown to be functionally important, as modulation of prolactin expression has been associated with SLE in some populations.

The activation of CD14, TLR4, and TLR2 by mmLDL induces IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 secretion in human monocytes and macrophages.

Unlabelled: Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease in which monocytes and macrophages are critical. These cells express CD14, toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, and TLR4 on their surfaces, are activated by minimally modified low-density lipoprotein (mmLDL) and are capable of secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this research was thus to demonstrate that the activation of CD14, TLR2, and TLR4 by mmLDL induces the secretion of cytokines.

Selective targeting of B cells with agonistic anti-CD40 is an efficacious strategy for the generation of induced regulatory T2-like B cells and for the suppression of lupus in MRL/lpr mice.

We have previously reported that IL-10(+) regulatory B cells, known to play an important role in controlling autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders, are contained within the transitional 2 immature (T2) B cell pool (T2 Bregs). Therapeutic strategies facilitating their enrichment or enhancing their suppressive activity are highly attractive. In this study, we report that agonistic anti-CD40 specifically targets T2 B cells and enriches Bregs upon short-term in vitro culture.

Effect of prolactin on lymphocyte activation from systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

The aim was to explore the role of prolactin (PRL) in the lymphocyte activation process in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in an in vitro model. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from SLE patients and healthy individuals. The mRNA for PRL and its receptor obtained by standard techniques, with an appropriate primer, were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and visualized.

Novel suppressive function of transitional 2 B cells in experimental arthritis.

The immune system contains natural regulatory cells important in the maintenance of tolerance. Although this suppressive function is usually attributed to CD4 regulatory T cells, recent reports have revealed an immunoregulatory role for IL-10-producing B cells in the context of several autoimmune diseases including collagen-induced arthritis. In the present study, we attribute this suppressive function to a B cell subset expressing high levels of CD21, CD23, and IgM, previously identified as transitional 2-marginal zone precursor (T2-MZP) B cells.

Identification of prolactin as a novel immunomodulator on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine secretions on T and B human lymphocytes.

We investigate the immunomodulator role of prolactin (PRL) on CD4+ and B cell activation from healthy subjects in comparison with hyperprolactinemic patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CD4+ or B cells, purified, were cultured under different conditions, as follows: with mitogen, without stimulus, with different concentrations of human PRL, with unspecific mitogen plus PRL, or with antibodies against PRL. The results revealed that PRL is produced by lymphocytes, the expression of CD69 and CD154 molecules, and interleukin secretions depend partially on the autocrine PRL, this is supported by the findings that secretions of IL-2, IFNgamma, and co-stimulatory molecule expression were markedly reduced when autocrine PRL was blocked with anti-PRL antibodies.