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.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 protects mice against Aspergillus fumigatus lung infection.

Introduction: Probiotics provide therapeutic benefits not only in the gut but also other mucosal organs, including the lungs.

Objective And Design: To evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 oral administration in an experimental murine model of A.

Annexin A1 improves immune responses and control of tissue parasitism during Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice.

Leishmaniases, a group of diseases caused by the species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of Leishmania infections, and several mediators that regulate inflammatory responses are potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), an endogenous protein endowed with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, has emerged as a potential player.

Resistance Against Infection Depends on Microbiota-Guided Macrophage Activation.

Innate immune cells present a dual role during leishmaniasis: they constitute the first line of host defense but are also the main host cells for the parasite. Response against the infection that results in the control of parasite growth and lesion healing depends on activation of macrophages into a classical activated phenotype. We report an essential role for the microbiota in driving macrophage and monocyte-derived macrophage activation towards a resistance phenotype against infection in mice.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria stimulate gut immune responses and contribute to inflammation in experimental colitis.

The intestinal microbiota is critical for mammalian immune system development and homeostasis. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are part of the normal gut microbiota, but their increased levels may contribute to colitis development, likely in association with hydrogen sulfide (HS) production. Here, we investigated the effects of SRB in the gut immune response in germ-free mice, and in experimental colitis.

IFN-γ-Dependent Recruitment of CD4(+) T Cells and Macrophages Contributes to Pathogenesis During Leishmania amazonensis Infection.

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a key factor in the protection of hosts against intracellular parasites. This cytokine induces parasite killing through nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production by phagocytes. Surprisingly, during Leishmania amazonensis infection, IFN-γ plays controversial roles.

The multifaceted role of commensal microbiota in homeostasis and gastrointestinal diseases.

The gastrointestinal tract houses a complex and diverse community of microbes. In recent years, an increased understanding of the importance of intestinal microbiota for human physiology has been gained. In the steady state, commensal microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with the host and possess critical and distinct functions, including directly influencing immunity.

Short-term protection conferred by Leishvacin® against experimental Leishmania amazonensis infection in C57BL/6 mice.

To date, there is no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis. Although some vaccination protocols can induce immunity in murine models, they fail to induce protection in humans. The reasons for that remain unclear.

Characterization of chronic cutaneous lesions from TNF-receptor-1-deficient mice infected by Leishmania major.

Leishmania major-infected TNF receptor 1 deficient (TNFR1 KO) mice resolve parasitism but fail to resolve lesions, while wild-type mice completely heal. We investigated the cell composition, cytokine production, and apoptosis in lesions from L. major-infected TNFR1 KO and wild-type (WT) mice.

Low and high-dose intradermal infection with Leishmania major and Leishmania amazonensis in C57BL/6 mice.

A model of skin infection with Leishmania amazonensis with low doses of parasites is compared to infection with high doses of L. amazonensis and low and high doses of Leishmania major. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 10³ or 10(6) parasites in the ear and the outcome of infection was assessed.

Monoassociation with probiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 stimulates the immune system and protects germfree mice against Listeria monocytogenes infection.

In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 on the resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection in gnotobiotic mice. Germfree mice or monoassociated mice were infected with L. monocytogenes, and the microbiological and immunological responses were evaluated after 1, 3, and 5 days of infection.

Probiotics protect mice against experimental infections.

Objectives: Our group has concerned itself with the study of the effect of probiotics on the resistance to infections using experimental models. Here, we will focus on evidence that the UFV-H2b20 strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii var. bulgaricus may be considered a probiotic and has protective effects on mice against a variety of bacterial infections.