Enhanced CD8+ T-cell response in mice immunized with NS1-truncated influenza virus

Influenza viruses with truncated NS1 protein stimulate a more intensive innate immune response compared to their wild type counterparts. Here, we investigate how the shortening of the NS1 protein influence the immunogenicity of the conserved T-cellular epitopes of influenza virus. Using flow cytometry, we showed that the intraperitoneal immunization of mice with influenza virus encoding 124 N-terminal amino acid residues of the NS1 protein (A/PR8/NS124) induced higher levels of CD8+ T-cells recognizing immunodominant (NP366-374) and sub-immunodominant (NP161-175, NP196-210, HA323-337, HA474-483, NA427-433) epitopes compared to immunization with the virus expressing full-length NS1 (A/PR8/full NS). It is noteworthy that the response to the immunodominant influenza epitope NP366-374 was achieved with the lower immunization dose of A/PR8/NS124 virus compared to the reference wild type strain. Despite the fact that polyfunctional CD8+ effector memory T-lymphocytes simultaneously producing two (IFNγ and TNFα) or three (IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα) cytokines prevailed in the immune response to both viruses, the relative number of such T-cells was higher in A/PR8/NS124-immunized mice. Furthermore, we have found that polyfunctional populations of lymphocytes generated upon the immunization of mice with the mutant virus demonstrated an increased capacity to produce IFNγ compared to the corresponding populations derived from the A/PR8/full NS-immunized mice. Therefore, immunization with the attenuated influenza virus encoding truncated NS1 protein ensures a more potent CD8+ T-cell immune response.Influenza viruses with truncated NS1 protein stimulate a more intensive innate immune response compared to their wild type counterparts. Here, we investigate how the shortening of the NS1 protein influence the immunogenicity of the conserved T-cellular epitopes of influenza virus. Using flow cytometry, we showed that the intraperitoneal immunization of mice with influenza virus encoding 124 N-terminal amino acid residues of the NS1 protein (A/PR8/NS124) induced higher levels of CD8+ T-cells recognizing immunodominant (NP366-374) and sub-immunodominant (NP161-175, NP196-210, HA323-337, HA474-483, NA427-433) epitopes compared to immunization with the virus expressing full-length NS1 (A/PR8/full NS). It is noteworthy that the response to the immunodominant influenza epitope NP366-374 was achieved with the lower immunization dose of A/PR8/NS124 virus compared to the reference wild type strain. Despite the fact that polyfunctional CD8+ effector memory T-lymphocytes simultaneously producing two (IFNγ and TNFα) or three (IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα) cytokines prevailed in the immune response to both viruses, the relative number of such T-cells was higher in A/PR8/NS124-immunized mice. Furthermore, we have found that polyfunctional populations of lymphocytes generated upon the immunization of mice with the mutant virus demonstrated an increased capacity to produce IFNγ compared to the corresponding populations derived from the A/PR8/full NS-immunized mice. Therefore, immunization with the attenuated influenza virus encoding truncated NS1 protein ensures a more potent CD8+ T-cell immune response

Enhancement of the immunogenicity of influenza A virus by the inhibition of immunosuppressive function of NS1 protein

The truncation of the nonstructural NS1 protein is a novel approach for the generation of immunogenic attenuated influenza viruses. However, the innate immune mechanisms that cause the increased immunogenicity of influenza viruses with altered NS1 proteins are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to compare the immune responses in mice immunized with two variants of the influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (A/PR8) virus: the wild type virus (А/PR8/full NS) and the variant with the NS1 protein shortened to 124 amino acid residues (А/PR8/NS124). The investigated parameters of immunity included cytokine production, the dynamic variation of the innate immune cell populations, and the rate of the influenza-specific T-cell responses. An intraperitoneal route of immunization was chosen due to the variability in the replication capacity of the investigated viruses in the respiratory tract. The levels of interferon β (IFNβ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and IL27 in peritoneal washings of mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 were significantly higher compared to the mice immunized with the wild-type virus. The А/PR8/NS124 treated group showed a delayed attraction of monocytes and neutrophils as well as a more pronounced reduction in the percentage of dendritic cells in the peritoneal cavity. The expression level of the CD86 activation marker on the cells expressing the molecules of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII+) was significantly higher in mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 than in the group immunized with А/PR8/full NS. Finally, immunization with А/PR8/NS124 led to an increased formation of influenza-specific CD8+ effector T-cells characterized by the simultaneous production of IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα. We hypothesize that elevated cytokine production, enhanced dendritic cell migration, and increased CD86 expression on antigen-presenting cells upon immunization with А/PR8/NS124 lead to a more effective presentation of viral antigens and, therefore, promote an increased antigen-specific CD8+ immune response.The truncation of the nonstructural NS1 protein is a novel approach for the generation of immunogenic attenuated influenza viruses. However, the innate immune mechanisms that cause the increased immunogenicity of influenza viruses with altered NS1 proteins are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to compare the immune responses in mice immunized with two variants of the influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (A/PR8) virus: the wild type virus (А/PR8/full NS) and the variant with the NS1 protein shortened to 124 amino acid residues (А/PR8/NS124). The investigated parameters of immunity included cytokine production, the dynamic variation of the innate immune cell populations, and the rate of the influenza-specific T-cell responses. An intraperitoneal route of immunization was chosen due to the variability in the replication capacity of the investigated viruses in the respiratory tract. The levels of interferon β (IFNβ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and IL27 in peritoneal washings of mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 were significantly higher compared to the mice immunized with the wild-type virus. The А/PR8/NS124 treated group showed a delayed attraction of monocytes and neutrophils as well as a more pronounced reduction in the percentage of dendritic cells in the peritoneal cavity. The expression level of the CD86 activation marker on the cells expressing the molecules of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII+) was significantly higher in mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 than in the group immunized with А/PR8/full NS. Finally, immunization with А/PR8/NS124 led to an increased formation of influenza-specific CD8+ effector T-cells characterized by the simultaneous production of IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα. We hypothesize that elevated cytokine production, enhanced dendritic cell migration, and increased CD86 expression on antigen-presenting cells upon immunization with А/PR8/NS124 lead to a more effective presentation of viral antigens and, therefore, promote an increased antigen-specific CD8+ immune response

The level of VEGF-A in the lacrimal fluid of diabetic retinopathy

The lacrimal fluid was investigated in 56 people (95 eyes) with type II diabetes, of which 11 (11 eyes) with no signs of diabetic retinopathy and 45 patients (84 eyes) suffering from diabetic retinopathy of varying severity. Investigation of VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) in stimulated lacrimal fluid revealed its level in all patients. It was significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared with data that have been obtained in patients with diabetes, but without signs of diabetic retinopathy. Statistically significant differences in the level of VEGF-A in patients with non-proliferative and proliferative retinopathy of 1-3 stages have not been identified. At the same time in patients with far-advanced retinopathy with marked variations of fatal retina and vitreous body (detachment expressed gliosis), but without evidence of neovascularization of the anterior eye, a significant decrease in the level of vasoproliferative factors has revealed

Lung memory T-cell response in mice following intranasal immunization with influenza vector expressing mycobacterial proteins

Improving specific prevention of tuberculosis continues to be a top priority in phthisiology. “Prime-boost” vaccination schemes aim to maintain adequate levels of specific immunity while forming long-term protection. They are based on sequential use of BCG vaccine and new vaccine candidates expressing protective mycobacterial proteins. The development of new tuberculosis prevention approaches requires an understanding of how the anti-tuberculosis immune response forms and which mechanisms provide TB protection. Since tuberculosis is an airborne infection, vaccine effectiveness largely depends on mucosal immunity based on the formation of long-lived, functionally-active memory T-lymphocytes in the respiratory tract. We have previously shown that the influenza vector expressing ESAT-6 and Ag85A mycobacterial proteins (Flu/ESAT-6_Ag85A) in vaccination scheme of intranasal boost immunization resulted in significant increase of BCG's protective effect according to key indicators aggregate data in experimental tuberculosis infection. The aim of this work was to study the effect of intranasal immunization with the Flu/ESAT-6_Ag85A influenza vector on the formation of antigen-specific central and effector memory T cells and the cytokine-producing activity of effector T cells (TEM) in BCG standard and “BCG prime — influenza vector boost” vaccination schemes in mice. Intranasal immunization with the influenza vector has been shown to increase the proportion of antigen-specific CD4+ central memory T cells (TCM) in the pool of activated lymphocytes of lung and spleen reaching significant differences from the BCG group in the percentage of spleen CD4+ TCM (p < 0.01). In contrast to BCG, vaccination with the studied vaccine candidate was accompanied by accumulation of highly differentiated CD8 effector cells in lung, the target organ during tuberculosis infection. Comparative evaluation of the cell-mediated, post-vaccine immune response after immunization with influenzavector-based vaccine candidate (intranasal/mucosal) or BCG vaccine (subcutaneous) showed advantages in the mucosal group: in formation of functionally active subpopulations of effector CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes (CD44highCD62Llow) in lungs secreting IL-2 as well as polyfunctional cells capable of coproducing two cytokines (IFNγ/TNFα or IFNγ/IL-2) or three cytokines (IFNγ/TNFα/IL-2). Due to their more pronounced effector function, polyfunctional T-lymphocytes can be considered to be potential immunological markers of protective immunity in tuberculosis

Towards the matter of genetic consulting in various forms of congenital and hereditary eye diseases

Purpose. To evaluate the results in genetic consulting of patients with various forms of congenital and hereditary eyes pathology.Material and methods. The study is based on an analysis of results in genetic consulting and molecular genetic investigations of DNA samples of 18 patients: congenital corneal dystrophy (n=3); congenital cataract (n=11); Norrie disease (n = 4). All patients had a comprehensive ophthalmologic clinical and functional examination according to the forms of pathology. Geneticist physician conducted a genealogical analysis. A study of exons and flanking intronic regions was performed using methods of analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism, restriction fragments and direct sequencing.Results. The clinical diagnosis of endothelial corneal dystrophy with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance using molecular genetic methods in 2 of the 3 cases was confirmed, and a de novo mutation in the gene SLC4A11 non-described previously was found. In the group with hereditary diseases the lens pathogenic mutations were detected in the GJA3 andGJA8 genes in 2 of 11 cases (18%). Pathogenic mutations in NDP gene were detected only in 2 of 4 family members studied, and its sibling proband, directed to the genetic analysis of patients with a clinical diagnosis Norrie disease. In another of the studied probands the diseasecausing mutation was not reveled, and thus, the molecular genetic diagnosis of Norrie disease was not confirmed.Conclusion. For the first time in the Russian Federation pathogenic mutations in the gene SLC4A11 collagen, previously did not described in the literature, were revealed in patients with congenital endothelial corneal dystrophy, in a patient with congenital cataract in the gene GJA8. The success of genetic consulting depends on the complete genealogical analysis, and the correct determination of the clinical and genetic form of pathology

The Dipole Magnet Design for the ALICE DiMuon Arm Spectrometer

An essential part of the DiMuon Arm Spectrometer of the ALICE experiment is a conventional Dipole Magnet of about 890 tons which provides the bending power to measure the momenta of muons. The JINR engineering design of the Dipole Magnet, technical characteristics and description of the proposed manufacturing procedure are presented. The proposed Coil fabrication technique is based on winding of flat pancakes, which are subsequently bent on cylindrical mandrels. The pancakes are then stacked and cured with prepreg insulation. The method is demonstrated on hand of the prototype II, which consists of a pancake made with full-size aluminium conductor. Some details of electromagnetic and mechanical calculations are described. The results of measuring of mechanical and electrical characteristics of materials related to the coil composite structure are discussed

The role of genetic factors in the development of recurrent urolithiasis

Introduction. Urolithiasis is a polyethylological disease of the urinary system. Epidemiological data on urolithiasis is disappointing: over the past 30 years, the number of patients with urolithiasis has increased by 48.57%, and the mortality rate has increased by 17.12%. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in various genes can influence the risk of development and recurrence of this disease. Early diagnosis of a patient's genetic predisposition to primary or recurrent urolithiasis is important for the effective prevention of urolithiasis.Objective. To explore the association of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) rs3134057 (TNFRS11B), rs851982 (ESR1), rs1540339 (VDR), rs2202127 (CASR), rs526906 (KL) with the development of recurrent urolithiasis.Materials and methods. The observed group consisted of 96 patients with a single-sided ureteral stone, of whom 45 had recurrent urolithiasis; the control group consisted of 51 volunteers. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants, DNA was extracted from the blood and analyzed for each SNP studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyze the data obtained on genotype and presence or absence of urolithiasis in the participants using a binomial logistic regression model.Results. An association was found between the presence of SNP rs3134057 in the TNFRS11B gene (odds ratio (OR), 1.92; confidence interval (CI): 1.05-3.52; p = 0.031) and the development of recurrent urolithiasis.Conclusion. The association of rs3134057 with urolithiasis relapse leads us to investigating the effect of this SNP on serum osteoprotegerin levels, a product of the TNFRS11B gene

Усиление иммуногенности вируса гриппа A путем подавления иммуносупрессорной функции белка NS1

The truncation of the nonstructural NS1 protein is a novel approach for the generation of immunogenic attenuated influenza viruses. However, the innate immune mechanisms that cause the increased immunogenicity of influenza viruses with altered NS1 proteins are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to compare the immune responses in mice immunized with two variants of the influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (A/PR8) virus: the wild type virus (А/PR8/full NS) and the variant with the NS1 protein shortened to 124 amino acid residues (А/PR8/NS124). The investigated parameters of immunity included cytokine production, the dynamic variation of the innate immune cell populations, and the rate of the influenza-specific T-cell responses. An intraperitoneal route of immunization was chosen due to the variability in the replication capacity of the investigated viruses in the respiratory tract. The levels of interferon β (IFNβ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and IL27 in peritoneal washings of mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 were significantly higher compared to the mice immunized with the wild-type virus. The А/PR8/NS124 treated group showed a delayed attraction of monocytes and neutrophils as well as a more pronounced reduction in the percentage of dendritic cells in the peritoneal cavity. The expression level of the CD86 activation marker on the cells expressing the molecules of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII+) was significantly higher in mice immunized with А/PR8/NS124 than in the group immunized with А/PR8/full NS. Finally, immunization with А/PR8/ NS124 led to an increased formation of influenza-specific CD8+ effector T-cells characterized by the simultaneous production of IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα. We hypothesize that elevated cytokine production, enhanced dendritic cell migration, and increased CD86 expression on antigen-presenting cells upon immunization with А/PR8/NS124 lead to a more effective presentation of viral antigens and, therefore, promote an increased antigen-specific CD8+ immune response.Укорочение неструктурного белка NS1 является перспективным методом создания аттенуированных высокоиммуногенных вирусов гриппа. Однако механизмы врожденного иммунитета, обуславливающие повышенную иммуногенность штаммов с модифицированным NS1 в настоящее время изучены недостаточно. Целью данной работы было сравнение продукции цитокинов, динамики изменения популяционного состава клеток врожденного иммунитета и уровня адаптивного Т-клеточного иммунного ответа после иммунизации мышей двумя вариантами вируса гриппа А/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (A/PR8): вирусом дикого типа А/PR8/full NS и вирусом с укороченным до 124 аминокислотных остатков белком NS1 (А/PR8/NS124). В данном исследовании для компенсации различий в репродуктивной активности исследуемых штаммов в респираторном тракте был выбран интраперитонеальный способ введения вирусов. Уровень интерферона β (IFNβ), фактора некроза опухолей α (TNFα), моноцитарного хемоаттрактантного белка 1 (MCP1), интерлейкина 6 (IL6) и IL27 в перитонеальных смывах мышей, иммунизированных А/PR8/NS124, был существенно выше, чем в группе, получившей А/PR8/ full NS. В то же время группа А/PR8/NS124 характеризовалась замедленным привлечением моноцитов и нейтрофилов в перитонеальную полость и более выраженным снижением относительного содержания дендритных клеток по сравнению с А/PR8/full NS. Важно, что уровень экспрессии активационного маркера CD86 на клетках, экспрессирующих молекулы главного комплекса гистосовместимости II (MHCII+) перитонеальной полости мышей, иммунизированных штаммом А/PR8/NS124, имел более высокие значения по сравнению с группой А/PR8/full NS. Анализ адаптивного иммунного ответа показал, что иммунизация штаммом А/PR8/NS124 приводит к формированию повышенного содержания вирус-специфических CD8+-эффекторных Т-лимфоцитов, характеризующихся одновременной продукцией IFNγ, IL2 и TNFα. Мы предполагаем, что повышенная продукция цитокинов, усиленная миграция дендритных клеток, а также сохранение высокого уровня экспрессии CD86 на антигенпрезентирующих клетках (АПК) мышей через 24 ч после иммунизации штаммом А/PR8/NS124 приводит к более эффективной презентации антигенов вируса гриппа и, как следствие, к усилению вирусспецифического Т-клеточного иммунного ответа

Capabilities of traditional integrated approach to diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism

The work is dedicated to one of the most dangerous disorders - acute pulm onary em bolism (A P E). The authors analyze the experience of treating 77 patients with A PE of moderate and low risk at the city hospital. Objective - to improve the diagnosis and treatment of APE by analyzing features of diagnosis and treatment of pulm onary embolism of moderate and low risk, based on the integrated evaluation of classical param eters, alw ays available in non-specialized health facilities. It is shown that the greatest difficulties arise in diagnosing the presence of obstruction of medium and small branches of the pulm onary artery. This fact leads to the delayed hospitalization of patients, as well as late beginning of treatment. In a conventional health facility where there are no conditions for the implementation of high-tech diagnostic methods, doctors should verify the diagnose of A PE using routine combination of methods: clinical symptoms, physical examination, indicators of coagulation system , ECG and X-ray, ECHO-cardiography. The unspecialized hospital provides conservative treatment with the help of direct anticoagulants, followed by prolonged use of indirect anticoagulants or antiagregants.Работа посвящена одной из опаснейших патологий - тромбоэмболии легочной артерии (ТЗ/1А). Авторы анализируют опыт лечения 77 пациентов с ТЭЛ А умеренного и низкого риска в условиях неспециализированного ЛПУ. Цель исследования - улучшить диагностику и лечение ТЭЛА, проанализировав особенности течения ТЭЛА умеренного и низкого риска, на основе интегральной оценки классических параметров, всегда имеющихся в распоряжении неспециализированных ЛПУ. Показано, что наибольшие трудности в диагностике возникают при наличии обструкции средних и мелких ветвей легочной артерии. Это приводит к тому, что госпитализация больных запаздывает, равно как и лечение. В условиях обычного ЛПУ, где нет условий для осуществления высокотехнологичных методов диагностики, практическим врачам следует проявлять максимальную тромбоэмбологенную настороженность и верифицировать диагноз по совокупности рутинных методов: клиническая симптоматика, физикальное обследование, показатели состояния свертывающей системы, ЭКГ и рентгенологическое исследование, ЭХО-кардиография. В неспециализированном стационаре методом выбора является сугубо консервативное лечение антикоагулянтными препаратами прямого действия с последующим пролонгированным использованием непрямых антикоагулянтов или дезагрегантов