Plasma cells are not restricted to the CD27+ phenotype:characterization of CD27-CD43+ antibody-secreting cells

Circulating antibody-secreting cells are present in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals reflecting the continued activity of the humoral immune system. Antibody-secreting cells typically express CD27. Here we describe and characterize a small population of antibody-secreting class switched CD19+CD43+ B cells that lack expression of CD27 in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. In this study, we characterized CD27-CD43+ cells. We demonstrate that class-switched CD27-CD43+ B cells possess characteristics of conventional plasmablasts as they spontaneously secrete antibodies, are morphologically similar to antibody-secreting cells, show downregulation of B cell differentiation markers, and have a gene expression profile related to conventional plasmablasts. Despite these similarities, we observed differences in IgA and IgG subclass distribution, expression of homing markers, replication history, frequency of somatic hypermutation, immunoglobulin repertoire, gene expression related to Toll-like receptors, cytokines, and cytokine receptors, and antibody response to vaccination. Their frequency is altered in immune-mediated disorders. Conclusion: we characterized CD27-CD43+ cells as antibody-secreting cells with differences in function and homing potential as compared to conventional CD27+ antibody-secreting cells.</p

The major secreted protein Msp1/p75 is O-glycosylated in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Peer reviewe

Ethics watch - Carrier testing in minors: Conflicting views

status: publishe

Therapeutic innovations in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a spectrum of complex multifactorial immune disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the gut. Significant advances have been made in unraveling the pathogenesis of this disease spectrum, which have spurred the discovery of new therapeutic targets and strategies. In this review, we highlight the emerging new classes of IBD therapeutics under clinical evaluation and their method of action, including JAK inhibitors, anti-SMAD7 oligonucleotides, and cell-based therapies. Moreover, we discuss how an approach based on unique molecular insights in a given patient will, in the future, lead to a truly individualized/tailored disease management, starting at diagnosis, aiding in prognosis, and resulting in a personalized therapeutic approach.status: publishe

Why eight EU Member States signed, but not yet ratified the Convention for Human Rights and Biomedicine

The European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 19 November 1996 and opened for signature on 4 April 1997. At the moment 21 of the 33 countries that signed the Convention are EU Member States. Signing the Convention implies the obligation to put the Convention before the national Parliament within a reasonable period of time with a view to ratification. Eight of the 21 EU Member States - namely Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Sweden - still have to complete the ratification. In this article the reasons why eight Member States have not yet ratified the Convention, but only signed it, are mapped and analyzed. Because of the concrete list of patient rights provided for in the Convention, we focus on the question whether the reasons for not ratifying are related to these patient rights provisions.status: publishe

Predictive genetic testing in minors for adult-onset genetic diseases

This article analyses the ethical discussion of predictive genetic testing in minors for genetic conditions for which there is no phenotypic evidence for disease at the considered time of testing mid for which there is currently no treatment available to prevent or forest ill the development of the condition. After a presentation of the position of various professional guidelines, we discuss the position and arguments that have been advanced in a recent article that defends a position that is opposed to the professional recommendations. In the choices we discuss the position of voluntary choices and autonomous and informed decision-making in a context of open communication. Thereafter, we analyze the nonmedical benefits mid related to this type of tasting. Finally, we critically analyze 4 arguments: the potential provision of good news if a test is performed, the unbearability of knowing, identity and adjustment, Lend parental anxiety mid Uncertainty