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Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, and autoantibody production. Multiple environmental factors affecting an individual with a genetic susceptibility may trigger the development of SS. Herein, we aimed to evaluate links between the different pebbles in the mosaic of SS. Demographic, clinical data and blood samples were gathered from 82 consecutive patients with SS, and 139 healthy controls. Samples were analyzed for infectious serology and auto-antibodies as well as for relevant genetic mutations (TAP genes) and cytokines levels. An immune response (IgG) against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA) was positively associated with SS (OR 4; 95% CI: 1.82-8.83, p=0.001) while a protective effect of IgG anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) was observed (OR 0.3; 95%CI: 0.16-0.74, p=0.009). Anti-Ro/SSA, anti-LA/SSB, anti-nuclear, anti-gliadin, anti-TTG-IgG and anti-RNP antibodies were statistically more prevalent among SS patients than controls. Notably, the presence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti La/SSB correlated with anti-EBVEA IgG (OR 3.1; 95%CI: 1.08-8.74) and (OR 3.9; 95%CI: 1.37-10.96) respectively. Autoantibodies, cytokines and several genetic markers correlated with clinical manifestation of SS. Our data suggest that infectious agents may play both a causative and protective role in the pathogenesis of SS. Moreover certain autoantibodies, cytokines and specific TAP alleles correlate with clinical manifestations of SS, and may enable better prediction and/or directed therapy once confirmed in future studies. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Background: The pathogenesis of autoimmunity is presumed to be a complex process including genetic predisposition, hormonal balance and environmental factors such as infectious agents . Helicobacter pylori , a common bacterial infectious agent has been associated with a variety of autoimmune disorders. However, this bacteria is also thought to play a protective role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We tested various links between anti- H. pylori (anti-HP) antibodies and a wide profile of autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies. Methods: A total of 1290 patients diagnosed with 14 different autoimmune diseases from two geographical areas (Europe and Latin America) and two groups of healthy matching controls (n = 385) were screened for the presence of H. pylori IgG antibodies by ' pylori detect ' kit. In parallel, a large profile belonging to three groups of autoantibodies was tested in all sera (anti-nuclear antibodies, autoantibodies associated with thrombophilia and gastrointestinal diseases). Results: Our data demonstrate associations between anti-HP antibodies and anti-phospholipid syndrome, giant cell arteritis, systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cirrhosis. Our data also support a previously known negative association between the prevalence of anti-HP antibodies and IBD. Additionally, links were made between seropositivity to H. pylori and the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, dsDNA, anti-Ro and some thrombophiliaassociated antibodies, as well as negative associations with gastrointestinal-associated antibodies. Conclusions: Whether these links are epiphenomenal or H. pylori does play a causative role in the autoimmune diseases remains uncertain. The negative associations could possibly support the notion that in susceptible individuals infections may protect from the development of autoimmune diseases.

OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de uma criança com diagnóstico de síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide associada à trombocitopenia grave e realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o assunto. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Criança de nove anos e oito meses de idade com trombocitopenia grave associada a anticorpo anticardiolipina positivo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de anamnese, exame físico e exames complementares da paciente. O diagnóstico foi determinado de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos para a síndrome antifosfolípide, associados às manifestações mais comuns na faixa etária pediátrica: livedo reticular e trombocitopenia. COMENTÁRIOS: A síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide é uma doença incomum na população pediátrica e suas manifestações clínicas, com a redução do número de plaquetas, devem ser consideradas. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a child diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome associated with severe thrombocytopenia, and to review the literature on the subject. CASE DESCRIPTION: Child aged nine years and eight months old with severe thrombocytopenia associated with a positive anticardiolipin antibody. Data were collected by clinical history, physical examination, and laboratorial exams. Diagnosis was confirmed according to criteria established for the antiophospholipid syndrome, associated with the presence of the most common manifestations of the syndrome in children: livedo reticularis and thrombocytopenia. COMMENTS: The antiphospholipid syndrome is an uncommon pediatric disease, and clinical manifestations such as decreased platelet number should be considered. OBJETIVO: Relatar el caso de un niño con diagnóstico de síndrome del anticuerpo antifosfolípido asociado a trombocitopenia grave y realizar una revisión de literatura sobre el tema. DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Niño de nueve años y ocho meses de edad, con trombocitopenia grave asociada a anticuerpo anticardiolipina positivo. Los datos fueron recogidos por medio de historia, examen físico y exámenes complementarios de la paciente internada en un hospital de Curitiba, en Paraná (Brasil). El diagnóstico fue determinado conforme a los criterios establecidos para el síndrome antifosfolípido, asociados a las manifestaciones más comunes en la franja de edad pediátrica: livedo recticular y trombocitopenia. COMENTARIOS: El síndrome del anticuerpo antifosfolípido es una enfermedad poco común en la población pediátrica, y su manifestación con reducción del número de plaquetas debe ser considerada.

Purpose of review: To present scientific evidence supporting the infectious origin for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) by molecular mimicry between pathogens, infection and vaccination with ?2-glycoprotein I (?2-GPI) molecule. Recent findings: APS is characterized by the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies against ?2-GPI. The infection etiology of APS was well established. Likewise, a link between vaccination such as tetanus toxoid may trigger antibodies targeting tetanus toxoid and ?2-GPI, due to molecular mimicry between the two molecules. During the years, the pathogenic potential of anti-tetanus toxoid antibodies cross reactive with ?2-GPI were found to be pathogenic in animal models, inducing experimental APS. Summary: Accumulated evidence supports that the presence of anti-?2-GPI antibodies is associated with a history of infections and the main mechanism to explain this correlation is molecular mimicry. The relationship between tetanus toxoid vaccination and APS reveals a novel view on the autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health

Purpose of Review: This review focuses on the recent developments in the epidemiology, burden of disease, diagnostic tests, and treatment of fascioliasis. Recent Findings: Recent epidemiologic data suggest that either the endemic areas are expanding or disease is being recognized in areas where it was not previously observed. In addition, recent data highlight the effects of fascioliasis on childhood anemia and nutrition. Diagnosis remains problematic, but newer diagnostic tests including antibody, antigen, and DNA detection tests may facilitate earlier diagnosis. Recent studies suggest that point-of-care testing may soon be possible. Treatment with triclabendazole is effective, but resistance is emerging in livestock and may pose a threat for patients. Summary: Fascioliasis continues to emerge as an important neglected disease, with new studies highlighting the under-recognized burden of disease. Further studies are needed on burden of disease, improved diagnosis, and alternative to triclabendazole treatment.

No disease-specific neuronal antibodies have so far been defined in neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD). Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry studies showed antibodies to hippocampal and cerebellar molecular layers and the surface antigens of cultured hippocampal neurons in sera and/or cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) of 13 of 20 NBD and 6 of 20 BD patients but not in multiple sclerosis or headache controls. Screening with a protein macroarray led to identification of stress-induced-phosphoprotein-1 (STIP-1) as an antigenic target. High-titer STIP-1-antibodies were detected in 6 NBD patients' sera but not in controls. These results suggest that neuronal antibodies could be useful as diagnostic biomarkers in NBD. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Although there are some studies suggesting relation between different types of infection and fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), there is presently no proof that FM is caused by an infection. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection may cause extragastric manifestations. Inflammation is an important mediator of increased sympathetic nervous system activity and may lead to pain in fibromyalgia patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the HP seropositivity in fibromyalgia patients compared with controls for possible role of HP infection in FM. Sixty-seven patients with fibromyalgia were evaluated. Two of them were excluded from the study because of high level of acute phase reactants. Sixty-five female patients with fibromyalgia and 41 randomly selected age-matched female healthy controls were enrolled to study. Serum HP IgA and IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was assessed in patients and controls. Seropositivity of HP IgG antibody in the fibromyalgia patients was significantly higher than in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the clinical features between fibromyalgia patients with HP IgG antibody and patients without IgG antibody. Our study suggests that former HP infection may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome or may act as a triggering factor. However, high seroprevalence of HP in general population and prevalent asymptomatic infection make it difficult to interpret these results for the definite role of HP in FM. Highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms of FM will result in more effective treatment regimens. © Clinical Rheumatology 2010.

Background: Universal vaccination remains the most effective way of preventing the spread of many infectious diseases. Although most adverse effects attributed to vaccines are mild, rare reactions such as autoimmunity do occur. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the possible role played by hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in inducing the synthesis of autoantibodies. The study included 40 healthy children vaccinated with 2 doses of HAV at a 6-month interval. The children were investigated for autoantibodies including anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti smooth muscle antibodies, anti-nDNA, anti-microsomal antibodies, anti-cardiolipin (aCL) immunoglobulin (Ig) M/IgG, anti-ds DNA, ANA profile, and anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody profile. Results: One month after the first dose, ANAs at a titer of 1:100 and aCL IgG at 23.7 IgM phospholipid units were detected in 4 children and 1 child, respectively. Of the ANA-positive children, 1 also had ASMA positivity, and another had perinuclear and cytoplasmic ANCA positivity. After the second dose, 3 of the children had aCL IgM. In addition, 2 distinct children had positive anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies and ANA after the second dose. The presence of these autoantibodies following vaccination was statistically significant (P=.002). At month 12 of the study, only 2 children continued to be ANA-positive at the same titer as after the first vaccine dose. Conclusions: Although HAV can induce the production of autoantibodies, none of the children developed autoimmune disorders. Longterm follow up is necessary to check whether autoimmune disorders develop in children who still have ANA. Genetic, immunological, environmental, and hormonal factors are also important in the development of vaccine-induced autoimmunity.

This cross-sectional study was intended to investigate the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adult patients receiving no prior antibiotic therapy. Etiological agents were identified in 137 (62.8%) of 218 patients, the most frequent being Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.7%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (13.8%) and respiratory syncytial virus (10.1%). A single pathogen was detected in 50.9% of cases and mixed pathogens in 11.9%. Typical pathogens were determined in 35.8% of cases, atypical pathogens in 20.2% and viral pathogens in 20.6%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was a common (42.7%) comorbidity. S. pneumoniae was the most common pathogen in adult patients with CAP. Atypical pathogens were more common in patients < 65 years old, M. pneumoniae being the most common in this age group. Our results suggest that initial empiric antibiotic treatment in patients with CAP should cover S. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae in Turkey.

Purpose: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is believed to play a role in several gynecological and obstetric pathologies since the cervical mucosa resembles the gastric environment. The microorganism is expected to infect the upper genital tract via the oral-genital and fecal-genital routes. Methods: We studied 35 cases with benign, ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL and HSIL pap-smear results. The presence of H. pylori in the uterine cervix and active infection were investigated with the H. pylori stool antigen test. Biopsy specimens were stained with hemnatoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry stains to find H. pylori in cervical tissue. Seroprevalence was investigated by using ELISA for H. pylori IgG and IgA. Results: The H. pylori seroprevalence was 65.7%; further, 17.1% of the cases had an active infection. H. pylori was not found in the cervix or the cervicovaginal secretions. Conclusion: The cervix is not a reservoir for H. pylori, and the microorganism does not appear to be transmitted through the fecal-genital route.

International audience; Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has shown promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders of basal ganglia origin such us Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we investigated the neurorestorative effect of controlled GDNF delivery using biodegradable microspheres in an animal model with partial dopaminergic lesion. Microspheres were loaded with N-glycosylated recombinant GDNF and prepared using the Total Recirculation One-Machine System (TROMS). GDNF-loaded microparticles were unilaterally injected into the rat striatum by stereotaxic surgery two weeks after a unilateral partial 6-OHDA nigrostriatal lesion. Animals were tested for amphetamine-induced rotational asymmetry at different times and were sacrificed two months after microsphere implantation for immunohistochemical analysis. The putative presence of serum IgG antibodies against rat glycosylated GDNF was analyzed for addressing safety issues. The results demonstrated that GDNF-loaded microspheres, improved the rotational behavior induced by amphetamine of the GDNF-treated animals together with an increase in the density of TH positive fibers at the striatal level. The developed GDNF-loaded microparticles proved to be suitable to release biologically active GDNF over up to 5 weeks in vivo. Furthermore, none of the animals developed antibodies against GDNF demonstrating the safety of glycosylated GDNF use.

Four hundred blood sera from a cattle production unit were tested for BLV-(Bovine Leukaemia Virus) antibody with IP (Institut Porquier) and SE (Svanova Biotech) ELISA kits. Seventy-seven cattle with BLV-antibody (19.25%) and 77 without the antibody were used. No significant difference was found between O.D. of sera of PL + (Persistent Lymphocytosis Positive) and PL-(Negative) cattle. The mean O.D. of urine samples of 77 seropositive cattle was significantly higher than that of 77 seronegative cattle (P < 0.01). There were also differences between urine O.D.s of seropositive (PL +) and seropositive (PL-) groups of cattle with IP (P < 0.05) and SB (P < 0.01) kits. All the results revealed the presence of BLV-antibody in the urine of the cattle without any urinary dysfunction.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease contains a major cysteine proteinase, cruzipain (Cz), with an unusual carboxyl-terminal extension (C-T). We have previously reported the presence of sulfate groups in the N-linked oligosaccharide chains of this domain. In order to evaluate the immune responses to sulfated moieties on Cz, BALB/c mice were immunized with purified Cz and C-T prior and after desulfation treatment. The humoral immune response to sulfates on Cz or C-T was mainly IgG2b. Interestingly, the abolishment of IgG2b reactivity when desulfated antigens were used as immunogens demonstrates that esterified sulfate groups are absolutely required for eliciting IgG2b response to Cz. Sera from chronically T. cruzi -infected subjects with mild disease displayed higher levels of total IgG and IgG2 antibodies specific for sulfated epitopes compared with those in more severe forms of the disease. A significant reduction of C-T-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in C-T-immunized mice was observed when desulfated C-T was challenged, suggesting the involvement of sulfate groups in the generation of memory T-cell responses. Moreover, immunization with C-T in the absence of infection elicited ultrastructural abnormalities in heart tissue. Surprisingly, hearts from sulfate-depleted C-T-immunized mice did not present pathological alterations. This is the first report showing that sulfate-bearing glycoproteins from trypanosomatids are able to elicit specific humoral and cellular immune responses and appeared to be involved in the generation of heart tissue damage. These results represent a further step in the understanding of the role of Cz in the course of T. cruzi infection. © The Japanese Society for Immunology. 2008. All rights reserved. Fil:Laucella, S.A. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Fil:Couto, A.S. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina.

peer-reviewed no abstract available PUBLISHED peer-reviewed

Objective Molecular mimicry between Campylobacter jejuni lipo-oligosaccharides (LOSs) and human gangliosides GM1 and GD1a induces the production of anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a antibodies, and the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Complexes of two different gangliosides form new molecular shapes capable of enhancing recognition by anti-ganglioside antibodies. To test the hypothesis that the complex of GM1-like and GD1a-like LOSs of C. jejuni induces the development of anti-GM1b antibodies in Guillain-Barre syndrome patients. Methods Mass spectrometry analysis determined the LOS outer core structures, with which mice were immunized. IgG antibodies to single gangliosides and complex of gangliosides were tested in sera from Guillain-Barre syndrome patients from whom C. jejuni LOS had been isolated. Results Two isolates from GBS patients who had anti-GM1b antibodies, but neither anti-GM1 nor -GD1a antibodies, expressed both GM1-like and GD1a-like LOSs, but not GM1b-like LOS. Anti-GM1b antibodies were induced in one of the mice immunized with the C. jejuni bearing GM1-like and GD1a-like LOS. Sera from 20 patients had antibodies to the complex of GM1 and GD1a, all of which carried anti-GM1b reactivity. Five of these sera harbored neither anti-GM1 nor anti-GD1a antibodies. IgG antibodies to the complex were absorbed by GM1b, but by neither GM1 nor GD1a. Conclusions GM1-like and GD1a-like LOSs form a GM1b epitope, inducing the development of anti-GM1b antibodies in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome subsequent to C. jejuni enteritis. Here, we present a new paradigm that the complex of two different structures forms a new molecular mimicry, inducing the production of autoantibodies.

available, unlimited, public

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant lumazine synthase from Brucella spp. (rBLS) administered with different adjuvants was evaluated in mice. Mice were immunized with rBLS in the absence or the presence of aluminum hydroxide gel (BLS-A1), monophosphoryl lipid A (BLS-MPA), or incomplete Freund's adjuvant (BLS-IFA). rBLS per se induced a vigorous immunoglobulin G (IgG) response, with high titers of IgG1 as well as IgG2. All the adjuvants increased this response; the BLS-IFA formulation was the most effective at inducing BLS-specific IgG antibodies. In addition, after in vitro stimulation with rBLS, spleen cells from BLS-IFA-, BLS-A1-, or BLS-MPA-immunized mice proliferated and produced interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-10, and IL-4, suggesting the induction of a mixed Th1-Th2 response. Immunization with rBLS protected mice against challenge with B. abortus 544. The levels of protection in the spleen were similar for all adjuvants, but only BLS-A1 and BLS-IFA were effective in the liver. Our results indicate that BLS might be a useful candidate for the development of subunit vaccines against brucellosis, since it elicits antigen-specific cellular responses, with production of IFN-γ and protection, independently of the adjuvant formulation used.

To the Editor: Bats are potential reservoir for highly pathogenic viruses, such as Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus, which can cross species barriers (1). However, only limited surveillance has been conducted to assess risk for infection by these deadly emerging viruses. We conducted a study in Vietnam from 2007 to 2008 to assess the prevalence of these pathogens in bats. Different species of live bats were obtained from hunters or were captured in caves, pepper fields, and residential areas by using mist nets or harp traps (Technical Appendix Figure 1). A total of 451 serum samples were collected and subjected to IgG ELISA by using an Escherichia coli–derived recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of NiV (NiV-N-ELISA) (2). Two Leschenault’s rousette bats (Rousettus leschenaulti) were vaccinated with the same recombinant N protein to obtain positive serum specimens that contained antibodies against NiV-N. An optical density of 492 nm for negative control serum (1,000× dilution) was designated as 1:1,000 ELISA units. ELISA titers of sample serum specimens were obtained at a single dilution (1,000×) by using a standard curve of positive serum with high titers. A sample titer >3,000 was considered positive for IgG against NiV. Positive results were detected from only 2 fruit bat species, R. leschenaulti (31 bats [49.1%]) and Cynopterus sphinx (3 bats [2.8%]) (Table). Of the 34 samples positive by ELISA, only 22 (20 from the former and 2 from the latter bat species), which had enough volume left, were further analyzed by Western blot (WB) with E. coli–expressed recombinant N protein of NiV (Table; Technical Appendix Figure 2). Twenty of the 22 specimens were confirmed as positive by WB. ELISA-positive samples with high titers were also positive by WB for both bat species. However, only 1 sample from an R. leschenaulti bat was positive by WB that used a baculovirus-expressed recombinant N protein. Because of the different protein expression systems, the reactivity of bat antibody against NiV protein in WBs showed different patterns (Technical Appendix Figure 2). Neutralization tests (NTs) in which live NiVs (strain Ma-JMR-01–98) were used were performed at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University. No specimens of C. sphinx bats were positive by NT; however, 2 specimens from R. leschenaulti bats, both positive with low titers, were confirmed to be positive by NT (50% cytopathic effect after NT, titers of 33.6 and 14.1). However, the latter specimen was negative by WB analysis. Table Results of serologic tests for Nipah virus on bats captured in Vietnam, 2007–2008* Seroepidemiologic studies in other countries have indicated that Pteropus spp. bats (fruit-eating bats) are the main reservoirs for NiV (3–6). Pteropid bats are usually found only in southern Vietnam. We could not obtain these bats for our study. However, a relatively high prevalence (49.1%) of henipavirus antibody was found in R. leschenaulti specimens from Hoa Binh Province. Rousettus spp. bats are the only megabats that use echolocation. These bats hang together on cave ceilings in a tightly packed manner and in groups composed of bats of both sexes and of different ages. They roost in large colonies and fly vast distances to find fruit (7). This behavior might be related to their high rate of seropositivity for viral infections. In southern China, bats of the same species showed a high prevalence of henipavirus antibody (8). R. leschenaulti bats are distributed from central to northern Vietnam and southern China. C. sphinx bats are common all over Vietnam, and their habitat overlaps with that of pteropid bats in southern Vietnam. Previous studies showed that IgG ELISA results for NiV-positive flying foxes correlated well with NT results (3,4). However, in our study, discrepancies existed between NT results and NiV-N-ELISA and WB results. A reason for these differences could be that Nipah-like viruses are circulating among bats in Vietnam, producing antibodies that are cross-reactive by ELISA and WB, but poorly cross-reactive by NT. The cross-reactive antibodies were probably not directed against neutralizing epitopes. To date, no reports have been made of an increased number of febrile encephalitis cases among the residents in Hoa Binh and Dak Lak Provinces where seropositive bats were captured. The circulating viruses may lack the pathogenic potential of Hendra and Nipah viruses. A survey by questionnaire was conducted among residents of Dak Nong and Dak Lak Provinces, where NiV-N-ELISA–positive C. sphinx bats were captured, to determine the frequency of contact between humans and bats. Risk factors for infection were observed in this study, such as bat hunting and cooking and drinking bat blood. In such situations, persons have direct contact with bat body fluids and feces and might be bitten during bat hunting. Thus, long-term systematic surveillance of bats is needed to determine the ecologic relationship between bats, humans, other animals, and the environment.

αB-Crystallin, a small heat shock protein, is an immuno-dominant antigen with increased tissue expression in demyelination. To investigate the humoral response against αB-crystallin, the sera and CSF samples of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) and other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND) were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anti-αB-crystallin IgG and IgM antibodies. Serum and CSF IgG antibody responses to αB-crystallin were significantly elevated only in NBD patients (serum IgG, NBD 1.29±0.49 vs. NIND 0.95±0.39, P=0.01; CSF IgG, NBD 1.22±0.64 vs. NIND 0.81±0.35, P=0.01). Similarly, high serum IgM antibody titres were also detected in NBD (1.83±0.72 vs. 1.16±0.49, P=0.0005) and in MS (1.57±1.07, P=0.046), whereas elevated CSF IgM responses were observed only in GBS (2.09±1.09 vs. 1.41±0.7, P=0.007). Humoral responses against αB-crystallin are increased in NBD and GBS, which may implicate this central nervous system antigen in the causation and pathogenesis of these inflammatory nervous system disorders. Chemicals/CAS: Autoantibodies; Bacterial Proteins; Chaperonins; Crystallins; heat-shock protein 65, Mycobacterium; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M

Background: No adequate enteral sensitization models are available to study food allergy and the allergenicity of food proteins. To further validate an enteral brown Norway (BN) rat sensitization model under development, we studied specific protein recognition to determine whether a comparable pattern of proteins is recognized by the rat immune system and the human immune system. Methods: The animals were exposed to either ovalbumin as a positive reference control, hen's egg-white-protein extract, or a cow's milk preparation by daily gavage dosing (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, or 15 mg protein per rat/day) for 9 weeks. No adjuvants were used during the sensitization studies. The specificities of antibodies against hen's egg-white proteins or cow's-milk proteins in sera from orally sensitized rats and food-allergic patients were studied and compared by immunoblotting. Results: The IgG and IgE antibodies to hen's egg-white proteins and cow's-milk proteins present in sera from orally sensitized rats and food-allergic patients showed a comparable pattern of protein recognition. Conclusions: Upon daily intragastric exposure to food allergens, the specificities of the induced antibody responses in the BN rat resemble those found in food-allergic patients. These studies add further support to the hypothesis that the BN rat may provide a suitable animal model for food allergy research and research on the allergenicity of food proteins.Chemicals/CAS: Allergens; Dietary Proteins; Immunoglobulin E, 37341-29-0; Milk Proteins; Ovalbumin, 9006-59-1

αB-Crystallin, a small heat shock protein, is an immuno-dominant antigen with increased tissue expression in demyelination. To investigate the humoral response against αB-crystallin, the sera and CSF samples of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) and other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND) were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anti-αB-crystallin IgG and IgM antibodies. Serum and CSF IgG antibody responses to αB-crystallin were significantly elevated only in NBD patients (serum IgG, NBD 1.29±0.49 vs. NIND 0.95±0.39, P=0.01; CSF IgG, NBD 1.22±0.64 vs. NIND 0.81±0.35, P=0.01). Similarly, high serum IgM antibody titres were also detected in NBD (1.83±0.72 vs. 1.16±0.49, P=0.0005) and in MS (1.57±1.07, P=0.046), whereas elevated CSF IgM responses were observed only in GBS (2.09±1.09 vs. 1.41±0.7, P=0.007). Humoral responses against αB-crystallin are increased in NBD and GBS, which may implicate this central nervous system antigen in the causation and pathogenesis of these inflammatory nervous system disorders. Chemicals/CAS: Autoantibodies; Bacterial Proteins; Chaperonins; Crystallins; heat-shock protein 65, Mycobacterium; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M

Background: No adequate enteral sensitization models are available to study food allergy and the allergenicity of food proteins. To further validate an enteral brown Norway (BN) rat sensitization model under development, we studied specific protein recognition to determine whether a comparable pattern of proteins is recognized by the rat immune system and the human immune system. Methods: The animals were exposed to either ovalbumin as a positive reference control, hen's egg-white-protein extract, or a cow's milk preparation by daily gavage dosing (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, or 15 mg protein per rat/day) for 9 weeks. No adjuvants were used during the sensitization studies. The specificities of antibodies against hen's egg-white proteins or cow's-milk proteins in sera from orally sensitized rats and food-allergic patients were studied and compared by immunoblotting. Results: The IgG and IgE antibodies to hen's egg-white proteins and cow's-milk proteins present in sera from orally sensitized rats and food-allergic patients showed a comparable pattern of protein recognition. Conclusions: Upon daily intragastric exposure to food allergens, the specificities of the induced antibody responses in the BN rat resemble those found in food-allergic patients. These studies add further support to the hypothesis that the BN rat may provide a suitable animal model for food allergy research and research on the allergenicity of food proteins.Chemicals/CAS: Allergens; Dietary Proteins; Immunoglobulin E, 37341-29-0; Milk Proteins; Ovalbumin, 9006-59-1

No adequate enteral sensitization models are available to study food allergy and allergenicity of food proteins. Using a previously described oral sensitization protocol to sensitize Brown Norway rats (BN) to food proteins, the influence of genetically-based strain-specific characteristics of the immune system on the outcome of oral sensitization studies was investigated. BN, Hooded Lister (HL), Piebald Virol Glaxo (PVG) and Wistar rats were daily administered 1mg of ovalbumin (OVA) by gavage dosing for 42 days without the use of an adjuvants. The highest OVA-specific IgG responses were detected in the BN rats followed by Wistar, HL and PVG rats. OVA-specific IgE responses were only detectable in the BN rats. The cellular immune response was examined by determination of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in the animals. The response was most pronounced in the HL and Wistar rats. PVG and BN rats showed comparable DTH responses but the responses were significantly weaker than those observed in HL and Wistar rats. It was concluded that the genetic make-up of different rat strains influences the outcome of oral sensitization studies. In addition, using the described oral sensitization protocol, the BN rat seems to be the most suitable strain for inducing oral sensitization. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.

No adequate enteral sensitization models are available to study food allergy and allergenicity of food proteins. Using a previously described oral sensitization protocol to sensitize Brown Norway rats (BN) to food proteins, the influence of genetically-based strain-specific characteristics of the immune system on the outcome of oral sensitization studies was investigated. BN, Hooded Lister (HL), Piebald Virol Glaxo (PVG) and Wistar rats were daily administered 1mg of ovalbumin (OVA) by gavage dosing for 42 days without the use of an adjuvants. The highest OVA-specific IgG responses were detected in the BN rats followed by Wistar, HL and PVG rats. OVA-specific IgE responses were only detectable in the BN rats. The cellular immune response was examined by determination of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in the animals. The response was most pronounced in the HL and Wistar rats. PVG and BN rats showed comparable DTH responses but the responses were significantly weaker than those observed in HL and Wistar rats. It was concluded that the genetic make-up of different rat strains influences the outcome of oral sensitization studies. In addition, using the described oral sensitization protocol, the BN rat seems to be the most suitable strain for inducing oral sensitization. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Parvovirus infection accounts for 3.9%–11.9% of non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) [1,2].Wepresent 2 similar cases of NIHF admitted with increasing levels of parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers and IgM negativity. The cases involved 24-year-old and 25-year-old nulliparous women who were admitted at 33 weeks of pregnancy with findings of NIHF. Both women had normal sonograms 2 weeks earlier. Sonographic examinations revealed no abnormality other than NIHF, andmiddle cerebral artery Doppler indiceswerewithin normal limits (Fig. 1). Laboratory tests—including TORCH infections, hemogram, thyroid function, and blood glucose—were normal. There was no evidence of congenital cardiac anomaly or fetal dysrhythmia on echocardiography, or Rh/Rh or other blood subgroup incompatibility. Parvovirus B19 IgM was negative and IgG was positive in both women. In the first case, fetal demise occurred during laboratory workup. The other fetus was delivered via cesarean at 34 weeks of pregnancy, with low Apgar scores, and was lost in the second hour after birth. The IgG titers doubled in 2 weeks in both women but IgM titers remained negative. Parvovirus shows tropism mainly for erythroid precursors but also for endothelial cells,myocytes, and trophoblasts. Hematopoietic activity is mainly hepatic in the first 8–20weeks of gestation, switching to bone marrow after 20 weeks [3]. Parvovirus infection rarely causes fetal hydrops after 20 weeks but it may result in intrauterine fetal death. Puccetti et al. [3] recorded 8 cases of NIHF from 20 fetal parvovirus B19 infections; anemia was present in 7 of the 8 cases, whereas 1 fetus showed hydrops without anemia at 24weeks of gestation. Therefore, the lack of anemia in the present cases may have been due to time of infection. A possible mechanism for hydrops in the setting of parvovirus infection is hepatic inflammation and myocarditis. The absence of anemia can be attributed to increased bone marrow activity compensating for erythropoietic precursor destruction. Maternal seropositivity is usually defined by IgM and IgG antibody detection at enzyme immunoassay. We could not determine whether the parvovirus infection was acute or chronic in the present cases. A literature search did not reveal any cases of chronic parvovirus infection with NIHF, and sensitivity of IgM antibody detection was reported as 63%–70% [4]. Therefore, negative IgM titers may be false-negatives. Fig. 1. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging at 33 weeks of pregnancy. Polyhydramnios (star), pleural effusion (plus signs), skin edema (asterisks), andminimal peritoneal effusion (arrows) can be seen.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease which may cause some laboratory symptoms in infected individuals. One of the main ways to transmit this organism is placenta to the fetus pathway. If this transmission occurs in the 3 rd month of pregnancy, the abortion, central nerve system and ocular disorder will happen. Because of this issue, the precise technique for the detection of Toxoplasma antibodies such as immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M IgM are important, as they contain ELISA and ELISA avidity. Materials and Methods : i0 n this survey, the main samples are serum and amniotic fluid that were collected from 48 pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii in Shariaty hospital. This survey is attempted to design ELISA avidity kit in Tarbiat Modates University. Results: The results from this survey show that, in these total pregnant women the infection by T. gondii has occurred and many of them are infected currently. Conclusions : i0 n the simple ELISA technique, the only antibody that can be detected precisely is IgM; however, using this technique the IgG antibody can also be detected. In this new technique or ELISA avidity, in addition to detection of IgG antibody against T. gondii , the month of transmission of Toxoplasma is also interpreted.

Chemicals/CAS: hemagglutinin, 37333-12-3; sialidase, 9001-67-6; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Viral; Hemagglutinins, Viral; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Influenza Vaccine; Neuraminidase, EC 3.2.1.18

Objective The presence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies has been linked with autoimmunity in general and with several autoimmune diseases (AID) in particular. In the current study we evaluated these antibodies in a wide spectrum of AID as well as the links between them and anti-infectious antibodies Methods We examined 2082 sera from patients with 16 different AID compared to 524 sera from geographically-matched healthy controls, for the presence and titres of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB. All samples were also tested for a variety of anti-infectious agents' antibodies using the BioPlex 2200-immunoassay (Bio-Rad, USA). Results Anti-Ro/SSA was more prevalent, with significantly higher titre in 5 autoimmune diseases namely Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) both primary and APS linked to SLE, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Anti-La/SSB was more prevalent with higher titers in SS, SLE, APS linked to SLE and PBC. Prevalence, but not titers, of both antibodies were higher also in polymyositis (PM). Additionally, we found a correlation between anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and antibodies of the IgM and IgG subtypes directed at cytomegalovirus as well as IgG-antibodies directed at Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and toxoplasma (p less than 0.001). Anti-La/SSB antibodies correlated with the presence of IgG antibodies against EBV early antigen (p less than 0.001). Conclusion In a large cohort of patients with autoimmune diseases we found an association between anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and 6 autoimmune diseases, amongst which primary APS and PM. Additionally, we observed linkages between these autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies directed at Epstein-Barr virus, toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus. Our findings support the concept of interplay between infectious agents and autoimmunity, such as the plausibility of an infectious agent that trigger the immune system to produce specific antibodies which will later result in a unique group of AID. © Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2017.