La transmission mère-enfant (TME) du VIH-1 est un des enjeux majeurs de la pandémie. Une meilleure compréhension de la réponse des lymphocytes T cytotoxiques CD8+ (LTC) VIH-spécifiques lors de la grossesse facilitera le design de stratégies optimales pour diminuer la TME. Notre objectif est donc de caractériser l’amplitude et la diversité de la reconnaissance antigénique des LTC VIH-spécifiques avant, pendant et après la grossesse chez des femmes infectées par le VIH-1. Nos résultats montrent pour la première fois que l’initiation et la progression de la grossesse, à elles seules, n'ont que peu d’influence sur l’amplitude et la diversité de la reconnaissance antigénique des réponses LTC en termes de production d’IFN‐. Ces résultats indiquent que les femmes infectées par le VIH conservent une immunocompétence durant leur grossesse, du moins dans le contexte d’un traitement antirétroviral efficace. Ceci pourrait éventuellement aider à promouvoir l’immunisation comme stratégie pour prévenir la TME du VIH‐1. / Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 is one of the major issues of the pandemic. Characterization of HIV-specific immunity during pregnancy, especially cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL), will lead to a better understanding of HIV pathogenesis and facilitate design of optimal strategies to prevent MTCT. Our objective is to describe the magnitude and the breadth of antigen recognition of HIV-specific CTL responses before, throughout and after pregnancy in a group of HIV-infected women. Our results revealed for the first time that initiation of pregnancy by itself doesn’t change the magnitude of CTL responses in terms of IFN- production. These findings support the fact that HIV-infected women maintain immunocompetence throughout gestation, at least in the context of effective antiretroviral treatment. These results provide a novel understanding of the dynamics of HIV-specific CTL responses during pregnancy and may help to promote maternal immunization as a strategy to prevent MTCT of HIV-1.

Le Streptocoque de groupe B (GBS) est un important agent d’infection invasive pouvant mener à la mort et demeure la cause principale de septicémie néonatale à ce jour. Neuf sérotypes ont été officiellement décrits basés sur la composition de la capsule polysaccharidique (CPS). Parmi ces sérotypes, le type III est considéré le plus virulent et fréquemment associé aux maladies invasives graves, telle que la méningite. Malgré que plusieurs recherches aient été effectuées au niveau des interactions entre GBS type III et les cellules du système immunitaire innées, aucune information n’est disponible sur la régulation de la réponse immunitaire adaptative dirigée contre ce dernier. Notamment, le rôle de cellules T CD4+ dans l’immuno-pathogenèse de l’infection causée par GBS n’a jamais été étudié. Dans cet étude, trois différents modèles murins d’infection ont été développé pour évaluer l’activation et la modulation des cellules T CD4+ répondantes au GBS de type III : ex vivo, in vivo, et in vitro. Les résultats d’infections ex vivo démontrent que les splénocytes totaux répondent à l’infection en produisant des cytokines de type-1 pro-inflammatoires. Une forte production d’IL-10 accompagne cette cascade inflammatoire, probablement dans l’effort de l’hôte de maintenir l’homéostasie. Les résultats démontrent aussi que les cellules T sont activement recrutées par les cellules répondantes du système inné en produisant des facteurs chimiotactiques, tels que CXCL9, CXCL10, et CCL3. Plus spécifiquement, les résultats obtenus à partir des cellules isolées T CD4+ provenant des infections ex vivo ou in vivo démontrent que ces cellules participent à la production d’IFN-γ et de TNF-α ainsi que d’IL-2, suggérant un profil d’activation Th1. Les cellules isolées T CD4+ n’étaient pas des contributeurs majeurs d’IL-10. Ceci indique que cette cytokine immuno-régulatrice est principalement produite par les cellules de l’immunité innée de la rate de souris infectées. Le profil Th1 des cellules T CD4+ a été confirmé en utilisant un modèle in vitro. Nos résultats démontrent aussi que la CPS de GBS a une role immuno-modulateur dans le développement de la réponse Th1. En résumé, cette étude adresse pour la première fois, la contribution des cellules T CD4+ dans la production d’IFN-γ lors d’une infection à GBS et donc, dans le développement d’une réponse de type Th1. Ces résultats renforcent d’avantage le rôle central de cette cytokine pour un control efficace des infections causées par ce pathogène. / Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important agent of life-threatening invasive infections and remains the leading cause of neonatal sepsis to this day. Nine serotypes have been officially described based on capsular polysaccharide (CPS) composition. Among them, capsular type III is considered one of the most virulent and frequently associated with severe invasive diseases, such as meningitis. Although extensive research has been done on the interactions between GBS type III and various cells of the innate immune system, no information is available on the regulation of the adaptive immune response against this pathogen. In particular, the role of CD4+ T cells in the immuno-pathogenesis of the infection caused by GBS has never been assessed. In this study, three different models of murine infection were developed to evaluate activation and modulation of responding CD4+ T cells against GBS type III: ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro. Ex vivo analysis of total splenocytes showed that GBS induces the release of type-1 pro-inflammatory cytokines. A strong IL-10 production follows this inflammatory cascade, indicating the host effort to maintain homeostasis. Results also indicate that T cells were actively recruited by responding innate immune cells via the release of chemotactic factors such as CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL3. More specifically, results obtained from isolated CD4+ T cells from ex vivo or in vivo infections showed that they actively participate in the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, as well as IL-2, suggesting a Th1 profile of activation. On the other hand, isolated CD4+ T cells were not main sources of IL-10. This observation suggests that this immuno-regulatory cytokine is produced mainly by cells of the spleen innate immune system of infected animals. The CD4+ Th1 cell profile was confirmed using an in vitro model of infection. Our results also suggest that the GBS CPS plays an immuno-modulatory role in the development of a Th1 response. In summary, this study addresses for this first time the contribution of CD4+ T cells in IFN-γ production during GBS infection, and thus, in the development of a Th1 response. Our data further highlight the central role of this cytokine for effective control of GBS infections.

La transmission mère-enfant (TME) du VIH-1 est un des enjeux majeurs de la pandémie. Une meilleure compréhension de la réponse des lymphocytes T cytotoxiques CD8+ (LTC) VIH-spécifiques lors de la grossesse facilitera le design de stratégies optimales pour diminuer la TME. Notre objectif est donc de caractériser l’amplitude et la diversité de la reconnaissance antigénique des LTC VIH-spécifiques avant, pendant et après la grossesse chez des femmes infectées par le VIH-1. Nos résultats montrent pour la première fois que l’initiation et la progression de la grossesse, à elles seules, n'ont que peu d’influence sur l’amplitude et la diversité de la reconnaissance antigénique des réponses LTC en termes de production d’IFN‐. Ces résultats indiquent que les femmes infectées par le VIH conservent une immunocompétence durant leur grossesse, du moins dans le contexte d’un traitement antirétroviral efficace. Ceci pourrait éventuellement aider à promouvoir l’immunisation comme stratégie pour prévenir la TME du VIH‐1. / Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 is one of the major issues of the pandemic. Characterization of HIV-specific immunity during pregnancy, especially cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL), will lead to a better understanding of HIV pathogenesis and facilitate design of optimal strategies to prevent MTCT. Our objective is to describe the magnitude and the breadth of antigen recognition of HIV-specific CTL responses before, throughout and after pregnancy in a group of HIV-infected women. Our results revealed for the first time that initiation of pregnancy by itself doesn’t change the magnitude of CTL responses in terms of IFN- production. These findings support the fact that HIV-infected women maintain immunocompetence throughout gestation, at least in the context of effective antiretroviral treatment. These results provide a novel understanding of the dynamics of HIV-specific CTL responses during pregnancy and may help to promote maternal immunization as a strategy to prevent MTCT of HIV-1.

Le Streptocoque de groupe B (GBS) est un important agent d’infection invasive pouvant mener à la mort et demeure la cause principale de septicémie néonatale à ce jour. Neuf sérotypes ont été officiellement décrits basés sur la composition de la capsule polysaccharidique (CPS). Parmi ces sérotypes, le type III est considéré le plus virulent et fréquemment associé aux maladies invasives graves, telle que la méningite. Malgré que plusieurs recherches aient été effectuées au niveau des interactions entre GBS type III et les cellules du système immunitaire innées, aucune information n’est disponible sur la régulation de la réponse immunitaire adaptative dirigée contre ce dernier. Notamment, le rôle de cellules T CD4+ dans l’immuno-pathogenèse de l’infection causée par GBS n’a jamais été étudié. Dans cet étude, trois différents modèles murins d’infection ont été développé pour évaluer l’activation et la modulation des cellules T CD4+ répondantes au GBS de type III : ex vivo, in vivo, et in vitro. Les résultats d’infections ex vivo démontrent que les splénocytes totaux répondent à l’infection en produisant des cytokines de type-1 pro-inflammatoires. Une forte production d’IL-10 accompagne cette cascade inflammatoire, probablement dans l’effort de l’hôte de maintenir l’homéostasie. Les résultats démontrent aussi que les cellules T sont activement recrutées par les cellules répondantes du système inné en produisant des facteurs chimiotactiques, tels que CXCL9, CXCL10, et CCL3. Plus spécifiquement, les résultats obtenus à partir des cellules isolées T CD4+ provenant des infections ex vivo ou in vivo démontrent que ces cellules participent à la production d’IFN-γ et de TNF-α ainsi que d’IL-2, suggérant un profil d’activation Th1. Les cellules isolées T CD4+ n’étaient pas des contributeurs majeurs d’IL-10. Ceci indique que cette cytokine immuno-régulatrice est principalement produite par les cellules de l’immunité innée de la rate de souris infectées. Le profil Th1 des cellules T CD4+ a été confirmé en utilisant un modèle in vitro. Nos résultats démontrent aussi que la CPS de GBS a une role immuno-modulateur dans le développement de la réponse Th1. En résumé, cette étude adresse pour la première fois, la contribution des cellules T CD4+ dans la production d’IFN-γ lors d’une infection à GBS et donc, dans le développement d’une réponse de type Th1. Ces résultats renforcent d’avantage le rôle central de cette cytokine pour un control efficace des infections causées par ce pathogène. / Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important agent of life-threatening invasive infections and remains the leading cause of neonatal sepsis to this day. Nine serotypes have been officially described based on capsular polysaccharide (CPS) composition. Among them, capsular type III is considered one of the most virulent and frequently associated with severe invasive diseases, such as meningitis. Although extensive research has been done on the interactions between GBS type III and various cells of the innate immune system, no information is available on the regulation of the adaptive immune response against this pathogen. In particular, the role of CD4+ T cells in the immuno-pathogenesis of the infection caused by GBS has never been assessed. In this study, three different models of murine infection were developed to evaluate activation and modulation of responding CD4+ T cells against GBS type III: ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro. Ex vivo analysis of total splenocytes showed that GBS induces the release of type-1 pro-inflammatory cytokines. A strong IL-10 production follows this inflammatory cascade, indicating the host effort to maintain homeostasis. Results also indicate that T cells were actively recruited by responding innate immune cells via the release of chemotactic factors such as CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL3. More specifically, results obtained from isolated CD4+ T cells from ex vivo or in vivo infections showed that they actively participate in the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, as well as IL-2, suggesting a Th1 profile of activation. On the other hand, isolated CD4+ T cells were not main sources of IL-10. This observation suggests that this immuno-regulatory cytokine is produced mainly by cells of the spleen innate immune system of infected animals. The CD4+ Th1 cell profile was confirmed using an in vitro model of infection. Our results also suggest that the GBS CPS plays an immuno-modulatory role in the development of a Th1 response. In summary, this study addresses for this first time the contribution of CD4+ T cells in IFN-γ production during GBS infection, and thus, in the development of a Th1 response. Our data further highlight the central role of this cytokine for effective control of GBS infections.

In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, MIF and VEGF in tears derived from healthy subjects. We tested cytokines as potential markers of inflammation for their potential use in clinical practice. Having reliable method for measuring cytokine levels in tears would enable an early diagnosis of eye diseases. In two phases, cytokines in tears of healthy individuals were analyzed using Bio-Plex Cytokine Assay (Bio-Rad). We assessed the suitability of methods for diagnostic purposes as well as the suitability of our selected cytokines. Statistically significant positive correlations of cytokines were confirmed: IL-10 with IFN-γ (r = 0,81), MIF with VEGF (r = 0,42 / r = 0,49), IL-1β with IL-10 (r = 0,52), IL-1β with IFN-γ (r = 0,55), IL-1β with VEGF (r = 0,38), IFN-γ with VEGF (r = 0,45) and IL-4 with VEGF (r = 0,48) in healthy subjects in tears. IL-4 (r = -0,37) and IFN-γ (r = -0,42) correlate negatively with age. In healthy individuals, there seem to be no differences with regard to gender, BMI, body fat, time of meal consumption prior to tear collection, eye strain when using a computer, dry eyes. Thus, studied cytokines are suitable for diagnostic purposes. Significant differences in concentrations of four (IL-1β, IL-10, IFN-γ a VEGF) of the five...

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-10-14T12:30:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-22T13:05:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-22T13:05:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-15 / Nos países tropicais, as perdas causadas pela infestação de carrapatos em bovinos acarretam um grande impacto no sistema de produção animal. Recentes estudos têm mostrado a importância de fatores genéticos ligados a resistência a carrapato em Bos taurus indicus e Bos taurus taurus e que as citocinas têm um papel crítico na prevenção ou progressão de doenças. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os níveis de expressão dos genes IL-10 e IL-4 relacionados ao perfil imunológico Th2 associado à susceptibilidade ao carrapato e os genes IL-2 e IFN- relacionados ao perfil imunológico Th1 associado à resistência ao parasito. Além destes genes, analisou-se o perfil de expressão do gene TLR-2, importante no processo de reconhecimento de patógenos e os genes IL-8 e TNF-α importantes no processo inflamatório inicial. Seis animais mais resistentes e seis animais mais susceptíveis de uma população F2 de 332 animais, originária do cruzamento de animais F1(½ Holandês: ½ Gir), foram selecionados baseado na contagem de carrapatos e valor genético. Amostras de tecido foram coletadas de pele no 5° e 12° dias após a infestação para extração de RNA total. As PCRs em tempo real foram realizadas usando o gene GAPDH como controle endógeno. Os animais resistentes e susceptíveis apresentaram aumento de expressão do gene IL-10 no 5° (p<0,01) e 12 ° dias após a infestação (p<0,05). O gene IL-2, nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis, no 5° dia após a infestação não apresentou alteração da expressão sendo que 12° dia, em ambos os grupos de animais, este gene passou a ser mais expresso em relação ao animal controle sugerindo um perfil de resposta imunológica do tipo de Th2 nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis nos primeiros dias após a infestação. O gene IL-4 apresentou uma tendência ao aumento de expressão nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis em relação ao controle, sendo o perfil Th2 sugerido atribuído a IL-10 produzida por linfócitos T regulatórios (p>0,05). O gene TNF- apresentou aumento de expressão nos animais susceptíveis no 5° dia após a infestação com posterior diminuição no 12° dia após a infestação (p<0,05). Nos animais resistentes não foi observada alteração da expressão deste gene, isto sugere que ele possa estar mais atuante no início do processo inflamatório, logo após a fixação do carrapato. A mesma observação estende-se para o gene IL-8, em que não foi verificada alteração de expressão nos animais resistentes, embora nos animais susceptíveis este gene apresentou diminuição da expressão no 12° dia após a infestação (p<0,05). Quanto ao gene IFN-, não houve diferença de expressão entre os animais resistentes e susceptíveis, sendo que este gene parece não estar relacionado ao mecanismo de resistência. O gene TLR-2 apresentou diminuição da expressão em ambos os grupos de animais. Estes resultados sugerem que a resposta imune adquirida avaliada neste trabalho não apresenta papel preponderante no mecanismo de resistência e que resposta imune inata poderia está envolvida no mecanismo de resistência ao carrapato. Portanto, avaliação da resposta imunológica horas após a fixação do carrapato poderia nos fornecer resultados mais conclusivos. / In tropical countries losses caused by tick infestation in cattle lead to a major impact on animal production systems. Recent studies have shown the importance of genetic factors linked to tick resistance in Bos indicus and Bos taurus as well as the critical role in the prevention or progression of diseases mediated by cytokines. The aim of this work was to evaluate gene expression of IL-10 and IL-4 in relation to tick susceptibility associated with the Th2 profile and gene expression of IL-2 and IFN- in relation to tick resistance associated with the Th1 profile. In addition, the expression of TLR-2, important in the process the recognition of pathogens, and TNF-α and IL-8 genes, important in the initial inflammatory process, were evaluated. Six tick-resistant and six tick-susceptible animals from a F2 population of 332 animals, originated from the cross of F1 animals (½ Holstein: ½ Gir), were selected based on tick count and breeding value for tick resistance. Skin biopsies were collected in the 5th and 12th days after tick infestation. The GAPDH was used as endogenous control to normalize the amount of starting cDNA target in the real-time PCR assay. Both resistant and susceptible animals showed increased gene expression of IL-10 in the 5th and 12th days after infestation in relation to control animal (p<0.05). The IL-2 gene showed no change of expression in the 5th day after infestation for the resistant and susceptible animals. In the 12th post infestation, both resistant and susceptible animals showed increased gene expression in relation to control animal. These results suggest an enhancement of Th2 profile through the increase of IL-10 mRNA levels and a possible inhibition of the Th1 pattern in both groups (resistant and susceptible) starting 5 days after infestation and return to normal by day 12. Despite our results suggest the occurrence of the Th2 profile, the susceptible and resistant animals did not show variation on gene expression for IL-4 in relation to control animal. The susceptible animals showed increased expression of TNF-α in the 5th day after infestation. However, in the 12th day post infestation it was noted a decrease in the gene expression level. The resistant animals showed no change in the expression of this gene in relation to control animals suggesting that TNF-α could be more actively expressed in the early steps of the inflammatory process. Similarly, the resistant animals showed no variation in the expression of IL-8 while the susceptible animals showed increased expression in the 12th day post infestation. There were no differences of expression between resistant and susceptible animals in relation to IFN-γ what suggests that this gene might not be involved in the resistance mechanism. The TLR-2 gene showed decreased expression in both resistant and susceptible animals (p<0.05). Finally, there was no difference in expression between susceptible and resistant animals in relation to all selected genes in the 5th and 12th days after infestation. These results suggest that the acquired immunity evaluated in this work might not have preponderant role in the resistance mechanism. The innate immunity might be playing a major role in the bovine tick resistance/susceptibility mechanism in early hours after infestation.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-19T11:27:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 sandrabertelliribeirodecastro.pdf: 21642592 bytes, checksum: ba2c7d8539f06b1e9a8e8f3ca1c34c08 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-19T14:40:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 sandrabertelliribeirodecastro.pdf: 21642592 bytes, checksum: ba2c7d8539f06b1e9a8e8f3ca1c34c08 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-19T14:40:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 sandrabertelliribeirodecastro.pdf: 21642592 bytes, checksum: ba2c7d8539f06b1e9a8e8f3ca1c34c08 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-08 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / A Esclerose Múltipla (EM) caracteriza-se por ser uma doença inflamatória crônica desmielinizante do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), que afeta aproximadamente um milhão de pessoas em todo o mundo. Entre os agentes terapêuticos aprovados atualmente para o tratamento da EM podemos citar o interferon beta (IFN-β) e o acetato de glatirâmer, entretanto, estes agentes não promovem a cura da doença ou a recuperação total dos pacientes que estão em fase avançada. Diversos estudos demonstram a propriedade que os hormônios sexuais, como o estradiol e progesterona possuem em diminuir a gravidade da Encefalomielite Autoimune Experimental (EAE). Estruturalmente, as isoflavonas compartilham muitas similaridades com os estrógenos endógenos. Estudos realizados com genisteína mostram os efeitos benéficos deste isoflavonóide na EAE. Entretanto, alguns fatores limitam sua aplicação clínica, como por exemplo, sua rápida excreção e declínio dos níveis séricos, sendo que estas características podem estar relacionadas à sua estrutura química. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de sete derivados lipofílicos da genisteína na modulação da resposta in vitro de macrófagos murinos J774.A1 ativados com lipopolissacarídeo e IFN-g, e verificar a atuação de um análogo selecionado na etapa in vitro na modulação da resposta imune in vivo no modelo de EAE. Na etapa in vitro foi avaliada a citotoxicidade dos compostos, no sobrenadante da cultura foram dosados óxido nítrico, IL-12 e TNF-α. Na etapa in vivo foi investigado o uso do derivado da genisteína 3 (7-Otetradecanoil-genisteína – TDG) na evolução da EAE induzida em camundongos C57Bl/6 através da aplicação do MOG35–55. No 14° dia após a indução com o MOG, os camundongos foram tratados com TDG por sete dias. No 21° dia após a indução, as porcentagens de células mononucleares isoladas de cérebro expressando marcadores de superfície (CD4+, CD3+ e CTLA-4) e produzindo citocinas IL- 17+CD4+, IL-10+CD4+ ou fator de transcrição Foxp3+CD4+ foram determinadas por citometria de fluxo. A concentração de IL-6, IFN-γ e IL-10 em macerado de cérebro e medula foram determinadas por ELISA. As análises histológicas de cérebro e medulas foram realizadas por coloração de Hematoxilina e Eosina. Os resultados apresentados indicam que a modificação estrutural da genisteína originou derivados não citotóxicos, com elevada capacidade de inibir a concentração de IL-12. Entretanto, estes derivados da genisteína não foram capazes de inibir TNF-α. A produção de NO foi significativamente inibida pelos derivados monoésteres (2,3) e monoéter (6,7) de maneira dose-dependente. Os dados obtidos in vivo indicam que o tratamento com o TDG melhora os sinais clínicos da EAE e isto pode ser correlacionado com uma redução na porcentagem de células produzindo IL-17 e um aumento de células Foxp3+CD4+ no cérebro. Além disso, o tratamento com o TDG aumentou a liberação de IL-10 e a expressão de CTLA-4 além de reduzir a liberação de IFN-γ e IL-6. Desta forma, os dados sugerem um papel imunomodulatório do TDG na EAE e possivelmente na EM / Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a severe and disabling chronic autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), that affect around one million people at entire world. Among the therapeutic agents currently approved for the treatment of MS can be cited the interferon beta (IFN-β) and the glatiramer acetate, however, these agents do not promote the cure or full recovery of patients in advanced stages. Several studies showed that hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, could reduce the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The isoflavones share many structural similarities with endogenous estrogens. Studies with genistein showed the beneficial effects of isoflavones in EAE. However, the chemical structure of genistein has characteristics that limit its clinical application, such as rapid excretion and decreased serum levels. This study aimed evaluate the effect of seven lipophilic derivatives of genistein in the modulation of in vitro response of murine J774A.1 macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide and IFN-g, and verify the performance of one in vitro selected analogue on modulating in vivo the immune response in EAE. The lipophilic derivatives were evaluated in LPS+IFN-g-activated J774A.1 macrophage cultures to their effects on cytotoxicity and nitric oxide, IL-12 and TNF-α production. The effects of the selected genistein derivative 3 (7-O-genistein-tetradecanoil - TDG) on the development of EAE induced in C57BL/6 mice immunized with MOG35-55 were performed. At 14th day after induction, mice were treated with TDG for seven days. At 21st day the percentage of mononuclear cells isolated from brains expressing CD4+, CD3+, CTLA-4+ and Foxp3+ and producing IL-17+ and IL-10+ were determined by flow cytometry. The concentration of IL-6, IFN-g and IL-10 in brain and spinal cord were determined by ELISA. Histological analysis of brain and spinal cord were performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results showed that the modification of genistein enables the generation of non-cytotoxic compounds with increased IL-12 inhibition, despite of failed TNF-α inhibition. The NO production was inhibited by the monoester (2,3) and monoether (6,7) compounds in a dose-dependent manner. The in vivo data indicated that treatment with TDG improved the clinical signs of EAE which can be correlated with a reduction in the percentage of cells producing IL-17 and the increment of Foxp3+CD4+ cell population at brain. Furthermore, treatment with TDG increased the release of IL-10 and expression of CTLA-4 and reduced the release of IFN-g and IL-6. Altogether, the data suggest an immunomodulatory role of the TDG in EAE and possibly MS.

Background &amp; Aims: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory small-bowel enteropathy caused by permanent intolerance to gliadin in wheat gluten, and related proteins in ray and barley. It is disputed whether CD patients tolerate oats. The only treatment of CD is lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). Only individuals that carry the HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8 alleles, and eat gluten can develop CD. Dysbiosis in the gut microbiota is a suggested risk factor for CD. T cells in small intestinal mucosa, including intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), are known to be important in the pathogenesis of CD. In contrast, the role of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is poorly understood. In this thesis we investigated the role of IECs in the immune pathology of CD from duodenal mucosa of children with CD, clinical controls and treated CD. We also investigated the role of CD associated bacteria and oats supplemented GFD on the mucosal immune system. Results: A new CD-associated bacterium, Prevotella jejuni, was isolated and characterized. It is a saccharolytic and proteolytic anaerobe. More than 25 defense-related genes, including IRF1, SPINK4, ITLN1, OAS2, CIITA, HLA-DMB, HLA-DOB, PSMB9, TAP1, BTN3A1, and CX3CL1, were upregulated in IECs in active CD. In two in vitro models for intestinal epithelium, small intestine enteroids and T84 polarized tight monolayers, we showed that 70% of these genes were upregulated by interferon (IFN)-γ via the IRF1 pathway. IRF1 was also upregulated by the CD-associated bacteria P. jejuni and Actinomyces gravenitzii. IECs expressed the NLRP6/8 inflammasome yielding CASP1 and biologically active interleukin (IL)-18, which induces IFN-γ in IELs. P. jejuni bound the intestinal epithelial cell lines T84, Caco2, HT29, and INT407, while Lachnoanaerobaculum umeaense preferentially bound Caco2. P. jejuni caused decreased transepithelial resistance over tight monolayers, while L. umeaense caused an increase. P. jejuni upregulated mRNAs for the detoxification molecules CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and TIPARP, the chemokines CX3CL1, CXCL1, and CXCL10, the sialyltranserase ST3GAL4, and the inflammation promoting protein S100A3 in tight monolayers. L. umeaense upregulated the chemokines CCL20 and CXCL10, and down-regulated TLR2. In a randomized, double-blinded intervention trial comparing two study-groups, standard GFD and oat-containing GFD, we found that mRNAs for several immune effector molecules and tight junction proteins were only reduced in patients receiving GFD, but not in a substantial fraction of patients on GFD with oats. The down-regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1, the cytotoxicity-activating NK-receptors NKG2C and NKG2E, and the tight junction protein claudin-4 remained elevated in the study group on GFD with oats. Conclusions: IECs are far from inactive in CD. A key factor in the epithelial reaction in CD appears to be over-expression of IRF1 in IECs. Dual activation of IRF1 and IRF1-regulated genes, both directly by P. jejuni and indirectly by IFN-γ via the IL-18-inflammasome, would drastically enhance the inflammatory response and lead to the pathological situation seen in active CD. P. jejuni harms the intestinal epithelium, i.e., it is a likely risk factor for CD, while L. umeaense strengthen barrier function and local immunity, possibly acting as a protective. A fraction of CD patients should avoid oats in the diet. / Doctoral thesis

Metastatic breast cancer treatment has seen few advances in recent years, yet treatment resistance continues to rise, causing disease recurrence. A pilot study was performed to determine the efficacy of ex vivo expansion and reprogramming of tumor-reactive immune cells from experimental metastatic tumor-sensitized mice. Also, phenotypic changes in tumors due to metastasis or tumor microenvironment influences were characterized. Metastatic neu+ mouse mammary carcinoma (mMMC) and its distant relapsing neu-antigen-negative variant (mANV) were investigated in FVBN202 mice. Tumor-reactive central memory CD8+ T cells and activated NK/NKT cells were successfully reprogrammed and expanded during 6-day expansion from mMMC- and/or mANV-sensitized mice, resulting in tumor-specific cytotoxicity. mMMC exhibited a flexible neu-expression pattern and acquired stem-like, tumorigenic phenotype following metastasis while mANV remained stable except decreased tumorigenicity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) levels were not increased. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) with reprogrammed tumor-reactive immune cells may prove effective prophylaxis against metastatic or recurrent breast cancer.

Modifying the metabolism of the body’s own endocannabinoids is a novel approach for analgesia. Two key catabolic enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and inflammation-inducible cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The cellular uptake of the key endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) has been found to be regulated by its FAAH-catalysed intracellular degradation, but COX-2 has not been investigated in this respect. We aimed to find out whether or not COX-2 in an in vitro inflammation setting would be able to gate AEA uptake. To achieve this, C6 cells and Raw 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS/INF-γ and lysates then analyzed by immunoblot in order to verify COX-2 expression. AEA cellular uptake was quantified using a radioassay with [3H]-AEA. It was found that COX-2 was not inducible in C6 cells using the LPS/INF-γ conditions studied, while it was inducible in Raw 264.7 cells. AEA uptake in the COX-2-induced Raw 264.7 cells was not reduced by inhibitors of this enzyme. FAAH appeared to be down-regulated in the stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, and this was reflected in an overall lower AEA uptake. Our interpretation of the data points to FAAH as gating AEA uptake. Additional experiments are required to validate our findings by verifying significance.