			Home About us Contact

Immune Pathogenesis (immune + pathogenesis)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Interleukin-10-secreting T cells define a suppressive subset within the HIV-1-specific T-cell population

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Eirik A. Torheim
Abstract Recent studies have indicated that Treg contribute to the HIV type 1 (HIV-1)-related immune pathogenesis. However, it is not clear whether T cells with suppressive properties reside within the HIV-1-specific T-cell population. Here, PBMC from HIV-1-infected individuals were stimulated with a 15-mer Gag peptide pool, and HIV-1-specific T cells were enriched by virtue of their secretion of IL-10 or IFN-, using immunomagnetic cell-sorting. Neither the IL-10-secreting cells nor the IFN-,-secreting cells expressed the Treg marker FOXP3, yet the IL-10-secreting cells potently suppressed anti-CD3/CD28-induced CD4+ as well as CD8+ T-cell proliferative responses. As shown by intracellular cytokine staining, IL-10- and IFN-,-producing T cells represent distinct subsets of the HIV-1-specific T cells. Our data collectively suggest that functionally defined HIV-1-specific T-cell subsets harbor potent immunoregulatory properties that may contribute to HIV-1-associated T-cell dysfunction. [source]

Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain associated with celiac disease

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2008
N. Souayah
Background:, Cerebellar syndrome and small fiber neuropathy may complicate celiac disease (CD) and may be resistant to a strict gluten-free diet. Methods:, Case series. Results:, We report three patients with biopsy-proven CD who developed cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. A small fiber neuropathy was suggested by skin biopsy findings in two patients. All patients' symptoms, including small fiber neuropathy symptoms, responded to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Discontinuation of IVIG in two patients resulted in worsened ataxia that reversed after resumption of IVIG. Conclusion:, Intravenous immunoglobulin may be effective in treating cerebellar ataxia and small fiber neuropathy associated with CD, suggesting an immune pathogenesis. Further prospective, controlled studies are necessary to determine the long-term response to IVIG or other immunomodulation therapy. [source]

Treatment of inflammatory dermatoses by tumour necrosis factor antagonists

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
A Jacobi
Abstract Background, The treatment of inflammatory skin diseases is at present often empirical as causal therapeutic approaches, based on an incomplete knowledge of the immune pathogenesis, are mostly unavailable. The currently applied treatments can in fact lead to remission of the disease; however, under certain circumstances undesirable side-effects must be expected. On the basis of experience gained in cytokine modulation therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, the application of TNF-, inhibitors represents a novel, more specific, and effective therapeutic option for distinct chronic inflammatory diseases. Patients and methods, The current status of the therapeutic effect of TNF-, blockers is discussed based on our own observations and a review of the current literature. Also discussed are potential undesirable side-effects and possible contraindications of this therapy. Results and conclusions, Based on recent findings, the use of TNF-, blockers seems to be promising in the treatment of therapy-resistant inflammatory dermatoses. At present, guidelines for indications and contraindications of anti-TNF-, treatment of inflammatory skin disorders are rare. Such guidelines are necessary to improve the efficacy of anticytokine treatment and the reduction of side-effects. [source]

Acquired but reversible loss of erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) and its longitudinal alteration in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
F. S. Wang
Summary This longitudinal study investigates the change of erythrocyte complement receptor (E-CR1) expression in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Circulating E-CR1 expression was semiquantified by flow cytometric analyses in 54 SARS patients and in 212 healthy individuals as a control. Since E-CR1 expression is influenced by the genetic polymorphisms in the CR1 gene, a major genetic polymorphism located within intron 27 of the CR1 gene was simultaneously analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed that the expression level of E-CR1 (referred to as net fluorescence intensity values, NFI) was statistically correlated with the relevant genetic genotypes among the Chinese population including the healthy individuals (NFI: 5·14 ± 0·82, 3·57 ± 0·66 and 2·67 ± 0·32 for HH, HL and LL genotypes, respectively) and SARS patients (NFI: 3·52 ± 0·91 and 2·63 ± 0·70 for HH and HL genotypes, respectively). Interestingly, the expression density of E-CR1 was found to fall significantly during the initiation and progressive phases (weeks 1 and 2 after the disease onset) and gradually returned close to normal through their whole convalescent phase (beginning from weeks 2 or 3 to weeks 7 or 8) in SARS patients irrespective CR1 genotype. In conclusion, our findings, at least, suggest that E-CR1 is likely involved in immune pathogenesis of SARS disease. [source]

Chronic rejection with or without transplant vasculopathy

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2003
Yvo WJ Sijpkens
Abstract: Background: Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is defined and graded in the Banff '97 scheme by the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. It has been denoted that chronic rejection can be diagnosed if the typical vascular lesions are seen, consisting of fibrointimal thickening. We observed several patients who developed CAN without vascular changes or signs of cyclosporine toxicity. Therefore, we assessed the risk factor profiles of CAN with and without transplant vasculopathy. Methods: A cohort of 654 cadaveric renal transplants performed between 1983 and 1997 that functioned for more than 6 months was studied. Fifty-four transplants had CAN defined by a significant decline in renal function together with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy without signs of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity or recurrent disease. Using the Banff chronic vascular (CV) score, 23 of 54 cases (43%) had a chronic vasculopathy score of 0 or 1 whereas 31 cases (57%) had a CV score of 2 or 3. Applying multivariate logistic regression, predictor variables of the two groups were compared with 231 transplants with a stable function for at least 5 yr. Results: Graft histology was obtained at a mean of 2.4 and 2.9 yr after transplantation in the group with or without vasculopathy, respectively. Acute rejection episodes (AREs) after 3 months post-transplantation were the strongest risk factor for both forms of CAN, odds ratio (OR) 14.7 (6.0,36.0). CAN with vasculopathy was also associated with transplants performed in the 1980s, OR 4.95 (1.65,14.9) and with creatinine clearance at 6 months, OR 0.58 (0.44,0.75) per 10 mL/min increase. In contrast, young recipient age, OR 0.69 (0.47,0.99) per 10-yr increase, and the presence of panel reactive antibodies at the time of transplantation, OR 1.26 (1.08,1.47) per 10% increase, were independent risk factors for CAN without vasculopathy. Conclusions: After exclusion of cyclosporine toxicity or recurrent disease CAN occurred without moderate or severe transplant vasculopathy in 43% of the cases. The correlation with young recipient age, sensitization and late ARE suggest an immune pathogenesis, consistent with chronic rejection. [source]