Immunization with the Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Fused to Fimbria 2 Protein Protects against <i>Bordetella pertussis</i> Infection

This study examined the immunogenic properties of the fusion protein fimbria 2 of Bordetella pertussis (Fim2)—cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in the intranasal murine model of infection. To this end B. pertussis Fim2 coding sequence was cloned downstream of the cholera toxin B subunit coding sequence.Theexpression and assembly of the fusion protein into pentameric structures (CTBFim2) were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and monosialotetrahexosylgaglioside (GM1-ganglioside) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the protective capacity of CTB-Fim2, an intraperitoneal or intranasal mouse immunization schedule was performed with 50 μg of CTB-Fim2. Recombinant (rFim2) or purified (BpFim2) Fim2, CTB, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were used as controls. The results showed that mice immunized with BpFim2 or CTB-Fim2 intraperitoneally or intranasally presented a significant reduction in bacterial lung counts compared to control groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001, resp.). Moreover, intranasal immunization with CTB-Fim2 induced significant levels of Fim2-specific IgG in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and Fim2-specific IgA in BAL. Analysis of IgG isotypes and cytokines mRNA levels showed that CTB-Fim2 results in a mixed Th1/Th2 (T-helper) response. The data presented here provide support for CTB-Fim2 as a promising recombinant antigen against Bordetella pertussis infection.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Immunization with the Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Fused to Fimbria 2 Protein Protects against <i>Bordetella pertussis</i> Infection

This study examined the immunogenic properties of the fusion protein fimbria 2 of Bordetella pertussis (Fim2)—cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in the intranasal murine model of infection. To this end B. pertussis Fim2 coding sequence was cloned downstream of the cholera toxin B subunit coding sequence.Theexpression and assembly of the fusion protein into pentameric structures (CTBFim2) were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and monosialotetrahexosylgaglioside (GM1-ganglioside) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the protective capacity of CTB-Fim2, an intraperitoneal or intranasal mouse immunization schedule was performed with 50 μg of CTB-Fim2. Recombinant (rFim2) or purified (BpFim2) Fim2, CTB, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were used as controls. The results showed that mice immunized with BpFim2 or CTB-Fim2 intraperitoneally or intranasally presented a significant reduction in bacterial lung counts compared to control groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001, resp.). Moreover, intranasal immunization with CTB-Fim2 induced significant levels of Fim2-specific IgG in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and Fim2-specific IgA in BAL. Analysis of IgG isotypes and cytokines mRNA levels showed that CTB-Fim2 results in a mixed Th1/Th2 (T-helper) response. The data presented here provide support for CTB-Fim2 as a promising recombinant antigen against Bordetella pertussis infection.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Rational Design of 2D Supramolecular Networks Switchable by External Electric Fields

2 Year Impact Factor 2023: 15.8Fil: Cometto Fernando P. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Cometto Fernando P. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Cometto Fernando P. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Vanta, Radovan. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Jacquelín, Daniela K. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Jacquelín, Daniela K. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Vyas, Vijay. Max Planck. Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart; GermanyFil: Lotsch, Bettina V. Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart; Germany.Fil: Lotsch, Bettina V. University of Munich. Department of Chemistry, Munich; Germany.Fil: Paredes Olivera, Patricia A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional; Argentina.Fil: Patrito, E. Martín. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Patrito, E. Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Lingenfelder, Magalí. Max Planck-EPFL Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.The reversible formation of hydrogen bonds is a ubiquitous mechanism for controlling molecular assembly in biological systems. However, achieving predictable reversibility in artificial two-dimensional (2D) materials remains a significant challenge. Here, we use an external electric field (EEF) at the solid/liquid interface to trigger the switching of H-bond-linked 2D networks using a scanning tunneling microscope. Assisted by density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations, we systematically vary the molecule-to-molecule interactions, i.e., the hydrogen-bonding strength, as well as the molecule-to-substrate interactions to analyze the EEF switching effect. By tuning the building block’s hydrogen-bonding ability (carboxylic acids vs aldehydes) and substrate nature and charge (graphite, graphene/Cu, graphene/SiO2), we induce or freeze the switching properties and control the final polymorphic output in the 2D network. Our results indicate that the switching ability is not inherent to any particular building block but instead relies on a synergistic combination of the relative adsorbate/adsorbate and absorbate/substrate energetic contributions under surface polarization. Furthermore, we describe the dynamics of the switching mechanism based on the rotation of carboxylic groups and proton exchange, which generate the polarizable species that are influenced by the EEF. This work provides insights into the design and control of reversible molecular assembly in 2D materials, with potential applications in a wide range of fields, including sensors and electronics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionFil: Cometto Fernando P. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Cometto Fernando P. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Cometto Fernando P. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Arisnabarreta, Nicolás. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Vanta, Radovan. Max Planck-EPFL. Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland.Fil: Jacquelín, Daniela K. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Jacquelín, Daniela K. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Vyas, Vijay. Max Planck. Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart; GermanyFil: Lotsch, Bettina V. Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart; Germany.Fil: Lotsch, Bettina V. University of Munich. Department of Chemistry, Munich; Germany.Fil: Paredes Olivera, Patricia A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional; Argentina.Fil: Patrito, E. Martín. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Fisicoquímica; Argentina.Fil: Patrito, E. Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Lingenfelder, Magalí. Max Planck-EPFL Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience and IPHYS, Lausanne; Switzerland

CD8 T cells are dispensable for experimental autoimmune prostatitis induction and chronic pelvic pain development

Impact Factor: 5.5Fil: Salazar, Florencia C. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Salazar, Florencia C. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Martínez, Maria S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Martínez, Maria S. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Paira, Daniela A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Paira, Daniela A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Chocobar, Yair A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Chocobar, Yair A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Olivera, Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Olivera, Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Godoy, Gloria J. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Godoy, Gloria J. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Acosta, Rodríguez Eva V. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Acosta, Rodríguez Eva V. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Rivero, Virginia E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Rivero, Virginia E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Motrich, Rubén D. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Motrich, Rubén D. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Introduction: Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome or Chronic Prostatitis (CPPS/CP) is the most prevalent urologic affliction among young adult men. It is a challenging condition to treat, which significantly decreases patient quality of life, mostly because of its still uncertain aetiology. In that regard, an autoimmune origin is a prominent supported theory. Indeed, studies in patients and in rodent models of Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis (EAP) have provided compelling evidence suggesting a key role of CD4 Th1 cells in disease pathogenesis. However, the implication of other prominent effectors of the immune system, such as CD8 T cells, has yet to be studied. Methods: We herein analyzed the induction of prostatitis and the development of chronic pelvic pain in EAP using CD8 T cell-deficient animals. Results: We found similarly elevated PA-specific immune responses, with high frequencies of specific IFNg+CD4+ and IL17+CD4+ T cells in prostate draining lymph nodes from PA-immunized either CD8 KO or wild type animals with respect to controls. Moreover, these peripheral immune responses were paralleled by the development of significant chronic pelvic pain, and accompanied by prostate histological lesions, characterized by hemorrhage, epithelial cell desquamation, marked periglandular leukocyte infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in both, PA-immunized CD8 KO and wild type animals. As expected, control animals did not develop prostate histological lesions. Discussion: Our results indicate that CD8 T cells do not play a major role in EAP pathogenesis and chronic pelvic pain development. Moreover, our results corroborate the previous notion that a CD4 Th1 associated immune response drives the induction of prostate tissue inflammation and the development of chronic pelvic pain.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionFil: Salazar, Florencia C. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Salazar, Florencia C. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Martínez, Maria S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Martínez, Maria S. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Paira, Daniela A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Paira, Daniela A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Chocobar, Yair A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Chocobar, Yair A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Olivera, Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Olivera, Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Godoy, Gloria J. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Godoy, Gloria J. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Acosta, Rodríguez Eva V. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Acosta, Rodríguez Eva V. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Rivero, Virginia E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Rivero, Virginia E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina.Fil: Motrich, Rubén D. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Argentina.Fil: Motrich, Rubén D. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Argentina

Immunization with the Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Fused to Fimbria 2 Protein Protects against <i>Bordetella pertussis</i> Infection

This study examined the immunogenic properties of the fusion protein fimbria 2 of Bordetella pertussis (Fim2)—cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in the intranasal murine model of infection. To this end B. pertussis Fim2 coding sequence was cloned downstream of the cholera toxin B subunit coding sequence.Theexpression and assembly of the fusion protein into pentameric structures (CTBFim2) were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and monosialotetrahexosylgaglioside (GM1-ganglioside) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the protective capacity of CTB-Fim2, an intraperitoneal or intranasal mouse immunization schedule was performed with 50 μg of CTB-Fim2. Recombinant (rFim2) or purified (BpFim2) Fim2, CTB, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were used as controls. The results showed that mice immunized with BpFim2 or CTB-Fim2 intraperitoneally or intranasally presented a significant reduction in bacterial lung counts compared to control groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001, resp.). Moreover, intranasal immunization with CTB-Fim2 induced significant levels of Fim2-specific IgG in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and Fim2-specific IgA in BAL. Analysis of IgG isotypes and cytokines mRNA levels showed that CTB-Fim2 results in a mixed Th1/Th2 (T-helper) response. The data presented here provide support for CTB-Fim2 as a promising recombinant antigen against Bordetella pertussis infection.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

CD8 T cells are dispensable for experimental autoimmune prostatitis induction and chronic pelvic pain development

IntroductionChronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome or Chronic Prostatitis (CPPS/CP) is the most prevalent urologic affliction among young adult men. It is a challenging condition to treat, which significantly decreases patient quality of life, mostly because of its still uncertain aetiology. In that regard, an autoimmune origin is a prominent supported theory. Indeed, studies in patients and in rodent models of Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis (EAP) have provided compelling evidence suggesting a key role of CD4 Th1 cells in disease pathogenesis. However, the implication of other prominent effectors of the immune system, such as CD8 T cells, has yet to be studied.MethodsWe herein analyzed the induction of prostatitis and the development of chronic pelvic pain in EAP using CD8 T cell-deficient animals.ResultsWe found similarly elevated PA-specific immune responses, with high frequencies of specific IFNg+CD4+ and IL17+CD4+ T cells in prostate draining lymph nodes from PA-immunized either CD8 KO or wild type animals with respect to controls. Moreover, these peripheral immune responses were paralleled by the development of significant chronic pelvic pain, and accompanied by prostate histological lesions, characterized by hemorrhage, epithelial cell desquamation, marked periglandular leukocyte infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in both, PA-immunized CD8 KO and wild type animals. As expected, control animals did not develop prostate histological lesions.DiscussionOur results indicate that CD8 T cells do not play a major role in EAP pathogenesis and chronic pelvic pain development. Moreover, our results corroborate the previous notion that a CD4 Th1 associated immune response drives the induction of prostate tissue inflammation and the development of chronic pelvic pain

Phenotype and genotype of 87 patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome and recommendations for care

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a rare intellectual disability/multiple congenital anomalies syndrome caused by heterozygous mutation of the ZEB2 gene. It is generally underestimated because its rarity and phenotypic variability sometimes make it difficult to recognize. Here, we aimed to better delineate the phenotype, natural history, and genotype-phenotype correlations of MWS.MethodsIn a collaborative study, we analyzed clinical data for 87 patients with molecularly confirmed diagnosis. We described the prevalence of all clinical aspects, including attainment of neurodevelopmental milestones, and compared the data with the various types of underlying ZEB2 pathogenic variations.ResultsAll anthropometric, somatic, and behavioral features reported here outline a variable but highly consistent phenotype. By presenting the most comprehensive evaluation of MWS to date, we define its clinical evolution occurring with age and derive suggestions for patient management. Furthermore, we observe that its severity correlates with the kind of ZEB2 variation involved, ranging from ZEB2 locus deletions, associated with severe phenotypes, to rare nonmissense intragenic mutations predicted to preserve some ZEB2 protein functionality, accompanying milder clinical presentations.ConclusionKnowledge of the phenotypic spectrum of MWS and its correlation with the genotype will improve its detection rate and the prediction of its features, thus improving patient care.GENETICS in MEDICINE advance online publication, 4 January 2018; doi:10.1038/gim.2017.221

Improved imputation of low-frequency and rare variants using the UK10K haplotype reference panel

Imputing genotypes from reference panels created by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides a cost-effective strategy for augmenting the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content of genome-wide arrays. The UK10K Cohorts project has generated a data set of 3,781 whole genomes sequenced at low depth (average 7x), aiming to exhaustively characterize genetic variation down to 0.1% minor allele frequency in the British population. Here we demonstrate the value of this resource for improving imputation accuracy at rare and low-frequency variants in both a UK and an Italian population. We show that large increases in imputation accuracy can be achieved by re-phasing WGS reference panels after initial genotype calling. We also present a method for combining WGS panels to improve variant coverage and downstream imputation accuracy, which we illustrate by integrating 7,562 WGS haplotypes from the UK10K project with 2,184 haplotypes from the 1000 Genomes Project. Finally, we introduce a novel approximation that maintains speed without sacrificing imputation accuracy for rare variants

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them

Database of epidemic trends and control measures during the first wave of COVID-19 in mainland China.

OBJECTIVES: In this data collation study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive database describing the epidemic trends and responses during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the main provinces in China. METHODS: From mid-January to March 2020, we extracted publicly available data regarding the spread and control of COVID-19 from 31 provincial health authorities and major media outlets in mainland China. Based on these data, we conducted descriptive analyses of the epidemic in the six most-affected provinces. RESULTS: School closures, travel restrictions, community-level lockdown, and contact tracing were introduced concurrently around late January but subsequent epidemic trends differed among provinces. Compared with Hubei, the other five most-affected provinces reported a lower crude case fatality ratio and proportion of critical and severe hospitalised cases. From March 2020, as the local transmission of COVID-19 declined, switching the focus of measures to the testing and quarantine of inbound travellers may have helped to sustain the control of the epidemic. CONCLUSIONS: Aggregated indicators of case notifications and severity distributions are essential for monitoring an epidemic. A publicly available database containing these indicators and information regarding control measures is a useful resource for further research and policy planning in response to the COVID-19 epidemic