OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristics of immune function in newborn infants of different gestational ages.

METHODSA total of 115 premature infants free of infection between June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013 were divided into two groups according to their gestational age at birth: early preterm infant group (28-33+6 weeks, n=57) and late preterm infant group (34-36+6 weeks, n=58). Meanwhile, 88 full-term infants (37-41+6 week) were recruited to the control group. Venous blood samples were collected within 24 hours after birth. The percentages of lymphocyte subsets, such as CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells were measured by flow cytometry, and the absolute count of each population was calculated using the results from routine blood work. Concentrations of serum IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured by immunoturbidimetry.

RESULTSBoth preterm infant groups had significantly higher percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P<0.05) and significantly lower percentages of CD8+ and CD19+ T cells and NK cells (P<0.05), as compared with the full-term infant group. The absolute counts of total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ T cells, and NK cells in both preterm infant groups were significantly lower than those in the full-term infant group (P<0.05), and the above parameters in the late preterm infant group were significantly higher than those in the early preterm infant group (P<0.05). Both preterm infant groups showed significantly lower concentrations of serum IgG than the full-term infant group (P<0.05), while no significant differences in concentrations of serum IgA and IgM were observed between the three groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNeonatal gestational age has an effect on cellular and humoral immunity. The immune function gradually improves with increasing gestational age.

CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Immunoglobulins ; blood ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; immunology ; Lymphocyte Count

Mice and 3-day-old chickens were orally inoculated with the recombinant attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain ZJ111 carrying pcDNA3-F expression plasmid encoding the fusion protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The results showed that ZJ111/pcDNA3-F was relatively safe. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-F was stable within the host stain ZJ111 in vitro and in vivo as shown by restriction enzyme analysis and PCR identification of the F gene. In an experimental vaccination study, 3-day-old chickens were orally immunized with ZJ111/pcDNA3-F with a dose of 108 cfu per chicken and boosted two weeks later. At week 4 post boosting, all chickens were challenged with a lethal dose of a virulent NDV strain F48 E9. The results showed that oral vaccination with ZJ111/pcDNA3-F induced stronger humoral and cellular immune responses than intramuscular immunization with naked pcDNA3-F plasmid. It also exhibited higher protection rate than the latter (66.7% vs 50%). This study indicates that the DNA vaccine using attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as delivery carrier had good safety, stability and immunogenicity and exhibited good potential of low cost and convenience for poultry disease control.
Animals ; Chickens ; Immunity, Cellular ; immunology ; Immunity, Humoral ; immunology ; Mice ; Newcastle Disease ; immunology ; virology ; Plasmids ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Salmonella typhimurium ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vaccines, DNA ; adverse effects ; genetics ; immunology

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an ubiquitous pathogen that infects a majority of the world's population. The virus can establish lifelong infection once the human body is infected by HCMV and virus can be reactivated from a latent state in immune suppressed individuals. HCMV has developed several strategies to evade host immune surveillance after millions of years of co-evolution with mankind. One of the classical tricks is encoding homologous to human immune factors or stealing host cellular genes that have significant functions in immune system. Virus encoded immune modulators which participate in regulating the major histocompatibility complex, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, cytokines and chemokines are supposed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HCMV. Evaluation of "mutually assured survival" relationship between virus and host provides important insights into viral immunopathogenesis and study of viral immunomodulatory proteins might help us to uncover new human genes that control immunity.
Animals ; Chemokines ; physiology ; Cytokines ; physiology ; Cytomegalovirus ; pathogenicity ; Cytomegalovirus Infections ; immunology ; Game Theory ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo establish a mouse model of humoral immune response by immunization with rabbit red blood cells (RRBCs).

METHODSThe mice were immunized with RRBCs and the serum hemolysin level was measured by micro-hemolysis spectrophotometry.

RESULTSThe peak time needed for hemolysin production against RRBCs was 6 days after the immunization, and 20% RRBCs in a total volume of 0.2 ml was optimal for intraperitoneal injection. Hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg) inhibited hemolysin production. Mannatide (4 mg/kg) produced no significant effect on serum hemolysin level in normal mice, but significantly potentiated hemolysin production in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONIntraperitoneal RRBC injection is feasible for establishing mouse models of humoral immune response.

Animals ; Erythrocytes ; immunology ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Hemolysin Proteins ; blood ; Immunity, Humoral ; Immunization ; Male ; Mice ; immunology ; Models, Animal ; Rabbits

Recently, the relevance of fungal infection has increased enormously, because of the increasing incidence of HIV infection, organ transplantation, and neoplastic disorders. A variety of underlying conditions, including impaired immune status, is believed to account for the susceptibility to fungal infections and to determine both the severity and the characteristics of the associated pathology. A thorough understanding of how the normal host resists fungal infection and of the specific immune defects present in patients with mycoses is fundamental for diagnosis and therapy of these infections. The immune response varies with respect to the fungal species and morphology encountered. The cell-mediated immune response and non specific cellular immunity (macrophage, NK cell, and neutrophils) are generally believed to provide the main defenses against fungi. The role of humoral immunity in fungal infections is controversial. This article reviews the current understanding of innate and adaptive immunity to common fungal pathogens.
Adaptive Immunity ; Allergy and Immunology* ; Arthrodermataceae ; Candida ; Diagnosis ; Fungi ; HIV Infections ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Incidence ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Malassezia ; Mycoses* ; Organ Transplantation ; Pathology ; Transplants

Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; chemistry ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; immunology ; Pandemics ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the diagnostic and vaccine potential of a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen Rv0674. METHODS: To evaluate the diagnostic potential and antigenicity of Rv0674, IgG was evaluated using ELISA and interferon (IFN)-γ was done by using ELISpot assay among TB patients and healthy donors. For immunogenicity evaluation, BALB/c mice were immunized with Rv0674. Cytokine production was determined by cytokine release assay using an ELISA kit, and the antibodies were tested using ELISA. RESULTS: The results of serum Elisa tests showed that Rv0674 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response was higher in TB patients than negative controls. And Rv0674 had good performance in serological test with sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 81.1%, respectively. While it shows poor sensitivity and specificity of 26.23% and 79.69% for IFN-γ tests. In BALB/c mice, Rv0674 adjuvant by DDA/Poly I:C could also induce a high level of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 as well as a high IgG titer in both high- and low-dose groups indicating that Rv0674 is essential in humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, the cytokine profile and IgG isotype characterized Rv0674 as a Th1/Th2-mixed-type protective immunity with the predominance of Th1 cytokines. CONCLUSION Rv0674 may be a good potential candidate for the development of TB serological diagnosis and a new TB vaccine.
Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Antigens, Bacterial ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Middle Aged ; Tuberculosis ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Young Adult

EPSAH is an exopolysaccharide from Aphanothece halophytica GR02. The present study was designed to evaluate its toxicity and adjuvant potential in the specific cellular and humoral immune responses in ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. EPSAH did not cause any mortality and side effects when the mice were administered subcutaneously twice at the dose of 50 mg·kg(-1). Hemolytic activity in vitro indicated that EPSAH was non-hemolytic. Splenocyte proliferation in vitro was assayed with different concentrations of EPSAH. The mice were immunized subcutaneously with OVA 0.1 mg alone or with OVA 0.1 mg dissolved in saline containing Alum (0.2 mg) or EPSAH (0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg) on Day 1 and 15. Two weeks later, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, production of cytokines IL-2 from splenocytes, and serum OVA-specific antibody titers were measured. Phagocytic activity, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-12 in mice peritoneal macrophages were also determined. EPSAH showed a dose-dependent stimulating effect on mitogen-induced proliferation. The Con A-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation and the serum OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibody titers in the immunized mice were significantly enhanced. EPSAH also significantly promoted the production of Th1 cytokine IL-2. Besides, EPSAH remarkably increased the killing activities of NK cells from splenocytes in the immunized mice. In addition, EPSAH enhanced phagocytic activity and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-12 in macrophages. These results indicated that EPSAH had a strong potential to increase both cellular and humoral immune responses, particularly promoting the development of Th1 polarization.
Adjuvants, Immunologic ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Cyanobacteria ; chemistry ; Female ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Immunization ; Interleukin-12 ; immunology ; Interleukin-2 ; immunology ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Ovalbumin ; immunology ; Polysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; immunology ; Rabbits ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of postoperative early oral feeding on humoral immune function and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODSSeventy patients with colorectal carcinoma requiring elective colorectal resection were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups: early oral feeding group(n=35) and conventional oral feeding group(n=35). The patients in early oral feeding group were started on oral feeding within 12 hours after operation, while patients in conventional group were started on oral feeding after the postoperative first passage of flatus. Postoperative parameters of clinic and humeral immune function were compared between two groups.

RESULTSSixty-two patients eventually completed the study, including 32 cases in early oral feeding group and 30 cases in conventional oral feeding group. The average time to first passage of flatus[(2±1) d vs. (4±2) d, P<0.01], the first passage of stool [(3.8±1.6) d vs. (6.4±2.5) d, P<0.01], resumption of regular diet [(4±2) d vs. (8.2±2.2) d, P<0.01] and the postoperative hospital stay [(6±1) d vs. (11.7±3.8) d, P<0.01] were significantly shorter in early oral feeding group as compared to conventional oral feeding group. Significantly faster recovery of postoperative humoral immunity was found. Plasma levels of globulin [(24.1±2.4) g/L vs. (22.1±3.3) g/L, P<0.05], immunoglobulin G[(10.8±2.4) g/L vs. (8.7±2.1) g/L, P<0.01] and complement 4 [(0.24±0.09) g/L vs. (0.17±0.05) g/L, P<0.05] on postoperative day 3 were higher in early oral feeding group as compared to conventional oral feeding group.

CONCLUSIONApplication of postoperative early oral feeding in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection is safe and effective, which can lead to faster recovery of postoperative humoral immune function and bowel function, and shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Colorectal Neoplasms ; immunology ; surgery ; Defecation ; Elective Surgical Procedures ; Enteral Nutrition ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Length of Stay ; Postoperative Period

OBJECTIVETo construct a recombinant human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) expressing luciferase and GFP reporter gene and detect neutralizing antibodies against adenovirus type 5 in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to provide basic laboratory data for evaluating adenovirus vaccines.

METHODSLuciferase and GFP reporter genes from plasmid pHAGE-CMV-GFP were inserted into pDC315 to construct the recombinant adenovirus shutter plasmid pDC315-Luc-GFP. The shutter plasmid was co-transduced with pBHGlox(delta)E1,3Cre in 293A cell line to package the recombinant adenovirus rAd5/Luc/GFP. Three rounds of plaque formation experiment were performed to select the monoclonal adenovirus followed by purification with cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation and virus titration with TCID50 method. Chemiluminescence assay and flow cytometry were employed to detect the neutralizing antibody levels in 14 common marmosets.

RESULTSThe shuttle plasmid pDC315-Luc-GFP was successfully constructed and the recombinant adenovirus rAd5/Luc/GFP was packaged with a the titer reaching 6.9×10(11.5) PFU/mL. In the 14 marmosets, chemiluminescence assay identified 4 (28.6%) marmosets that were positive for Ad5-neutralizing antibodies, including 2 with a antibody titer of 1/16 and another 2 with a titer of 1/32; flow cytomery detected Ad5-neutralizing antibodies in 3 marmosets at the titer of 1/16.

CONCLUSIONChemiluminescence assay is a simple, sensitive, and accurate modality for detecting Ad5-neutralizing antibodies. Common marmosets have a very low positivity rate for Ad5-neutralizing antibodies and are therefore promising models for studying adenovirus-based vaccines and therapies.

Adenoviruses, Human ; immunology ; Animals ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; blood ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Callithrix ; Cell Line ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Luciferases ; Plasmids