Apesar da forte ativação do sistema imune que ocorre durante a infecção pelo Plasmodium, a memória imunológica à infecção é restrita a pacientes residentes em áreas endêmicas. Dessa forma é importante a geração de métodos capazes de induzir uma resposta imune eficaz e duradoura contra o parasito. Nesse contexto o direcionamento de antígenos para células centrais do sistema imune tem se apresentado como uma alternativa promissora. Produzimos e caracterizamos um anticorpo híbrido específico para a molécula DEC205, um receptor endocítico presente nas células dendríticas, acoplado à proteína MSP-1(19) de P. chabaudi, para fins de imunização e análise da resposta imune celular e humoral. Ensaios de imunização mostraram a indução de resposta humoral em camundongos imunizados com anticorpo híbrido e seu controle isotípico, caracterizada pela produção de IgM. Nossos resultados prévios indicam que o direcionamento de antígenos aliado a outras estratégias de imunizações podem resultar na ativação da resposta imune específica ao parasita. / Despite the strong activation of the immune system that occurs during infection by Plasmodium, the immunological memory to infection is restricted to patients residing in endemic areas. Thus it is important to the generation of methods to induce an effective immune response against the parasite. In this context, the targeting of antigens to the central cells of the immune system has emerged as a promising alternative. We produce and characterize a hybrid antibody molecule specific for DEC205, an endocytic receptor present on dendritic cells, coupled to protein MSP-1(19) of P. chabaudi, for immunization and analysis of cellular and humoral immune response. Immunization tests showed the induction of humoral response in mice immunized with hybrid antibody and isotype control, characterized by production of IgM. Our previous results indicate that targeting antigens combined with other strategies for immunization may result in the activation of specific immune response to the parasite.

Tse Pui Shan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [191]-216). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.I / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.III / ABSTRACT --- p.VIII / 摘要 --- p.X / PUBLICATIONS --- p.XII / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.XIII / Chapter CHAPTER 1: --- GENERAL INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Human Immune System and Cancer --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Brief Introduction of the Human Immune System --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Prevalence of Cancer in Hong Kong --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- The Role of the Immune System in Tumorigenesis --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Cancer Treatment --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Cancer Prevention --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Mushroom Polysaccharides --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- General Aspects of Mushroom Polysaccharides --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Structure of Mushroom Polysaccharides --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Beta (P)-D-glucans --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Heteroglucans and Protein-bound Polysaccharides --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Structure-Function Interactions of Polysaccharides --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Molecular Interactions of Polysaccharides --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Biological Activities of Polysaccharides --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.4.1 --- Anti-tumor Activities of Polysaccharides --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.4.2 --- Immunomodulatory Activities of Polysaccharides --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3 --- Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- General Features of Yun Zhi --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Traditional Uses of Yun Zhi --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Active Ingredients of Yun Zhi --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.3.1 --- "Origin, Properties and Composition of PSK" --- p.21 / Chapter 1.3.3.2 --- "Origin, Properties and Composition of PSP" --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Pharmacological Actions of PSP and PSK --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.4.1 --- Immunomodulatory Activities --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.4.2 --- Anti-tumor Activities --- p.32 / Chapter 1.3.4.2 --- Antiviral and Antimicrobial Activities --- p.35 / Chapter 1.3.4.3 --- Antioxidant Activities --- p.36 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Human Clinical Studies on Yun Zhi --- p.36 / Chapter 1.3.6 --- Toxicology of Yun Zhi --- p.42 / Chapter 1.4 --- Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) --- p.43 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- General Features of Danshen --- p.43 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Traditional Uses of Danshen --- p.46 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Active Ingredients of Danshen --- p.47 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Pharmacological Actions of Danshen --- p.50 / Chapter 1.4.4.1 --- Cardiovascular Effects --- p.50 / Chapter 1.4.4.2 --- Scavenging Effects on Free Radicals --- p.52 / Chapter 1.4.4.3 --- Hepatoprotective Effects --- p.54 / Chapter 1.4.4.4 --- Anti-tumor Effects --- p.56 / Chapter 1.4.4.5 --- Renal Protective Effects --- p.56 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Human Clinical Studies --- p.57 / Chapter 1.4.6 --- Toxicity of Danshen --- p.59 / Chapter 1.5 --- Aims and Scopes of This Investigation --- p.60 / Chapter CHAPTER 2: --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 2.1 --- Normal Subjects --- p.62 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria of Recruitment --- p.62 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Study Design and Procedure --- p.63 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Treatment and Blinding --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Blood Sampling --- p.66 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Blood Processing for Assessment of Immunological Functions --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials --- p.69 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Endotoxin Assay --- p.69 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Reagents for Whole Blood Assay --- p.69 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Plain RPMI 1640 Medium --- p.69 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) --- p.69 / Chapter 2.2.2.3 --- Mitogens --- p.70 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Reagents for Total RNA Extraction --- p.70 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Ficoll-Paque Density Gradient Solution --- p.70 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- RNA Extraction Kit --- p.70 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- RNase-Free DNase Set --- p.71 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- β-Mercaptoethanol (β-ME) Solution --- p.71 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Reagents for Flow Cytometric Analysis of T/B/NK Cell Ratios --- p.71 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- MultiTEST IMK Kit with TruCOUNT Tubes --- p.71 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- FACSFlo´wёØ Sheath Fluid --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- CaliBRITE 3 and APC Beads --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Immunoassay Kits for Measuring Cytokines Level --- p.75 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kits of Cytokines --- p.75 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Human Thl/Th2 Cytokine Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Kit-II --- p.75 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Reagents and Buffers for Gel Electrophoresis --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Gel Loading Solution (5X) --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.6.3 --- Tris-Acetate-EDTA (TAE) Buffer --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.6.4 --- Agarose Gel --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.6.5 --- 100 base pair DNA Ladder --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Kits and Reagents for Messenger RNA (mRNA) Expression Array --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Human Inflammatory Cytokine/Receptor GEArraýёØ Q Series Kit --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Deoxynucleoside Triphosphates (dNTPs) --- p.84 / Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Reverse Transcriptase (M-MLVRT) --- p.84 / Chapter 2.2.7.4 --- Rnasin Ribonuclease Inhibitor --- p.84 / Chapter 2.2.7.5 --- Biotin-16-2'-deoxy-uridine-5'-triphosphate (Biotin-16-dUTP) --- p.85 / Chapter 2.2.7.6 --- Salmon Sperm DNA Solution --- p.85 / Chapter 2.2.7.7 --- 100 % Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) Solution --- p.86 / Chapter 2.2.7.8 --- 20X SSC --- p.86 / Chapter 2.2.7.9 --- ECL Films (Hyperfilm 226}0ёØ ECL 226}0ёØ) --- p.86 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Endotoxin Assay --- p.87 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Whole Blood Assay (WBA) --- p.88 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Isolation and Preparation of Plasma and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) from EDTA Blood --- p.88 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Total RNA extraction --- p.89 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Flow Cytometric Analysis of T/B/NK Cell Ratios --- p.90 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Immunoassays of Plasma Samples or Culture Supernatant in WBA --- p.92 / Chapter 2.3.6.1 --- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) --- p.92 / Chapter 2.3.6.2 --- Human Thl/Th2 Cytokine Cytometric Bead Assay (CBA) --- p.93 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- mRNA Expression Study --- p.94 / Chapter 2.3.7.1 --- Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.94 / Chapter 2.3.7.2 --- cDNA Expression Array Analysis --- p.95 / Chapter 2.3.8 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.96 / Chapter CHAPTER 3: --- ENDOTOXIN LEVEL OF YUN ZHI-DANSHEN CAPSULES & SAFETY MEASURES ON STUDY POPULATION IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.98 / Chapter 3.2 --- Results --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Endotoxin Level of the Yun Zhi and Danshen Active Capsule --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Study Population --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Dropout Cases --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Safety Parameters --- p.104 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Compliance Rates --- p.104 / Chapter 3.3 --- Discussion --- p.109 / Chapter CHAPTER 4: --- FLOW CYTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF T/B/NK CELL RATIOS OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS TAKING YUN ZHI-DANSHEN CAPSULES / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.112 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- The Percentage and Absolute Count of T Lymphocytes (CD3+) --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- The Percentage and Absolute Count of T Helper (TH) Lymphocytes (CD3+ CD4+) --- p.121 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- The Percentage and Absolute Count of Cytotoxic T (CTL) and T Suppressor (Ts) Lymphocytes (CD3+ CD8+) --- p.124 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- The Ratio of T Helper Lymphocytes (CD3+ CD4+) and Cytotoxic T (CTL) and T Suppressor (Ts) Lymphocyes (CD3+ CD8+) --- p.127 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- The Percentage and Absolute Count of B Lymphocytes (CD19+) --- p.129 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- The Percentage and Absolute Count of NK Lymphocytes (CD3- CD 16+ and/or CD56+) --- p.132 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- The Absolute Count of Lymphocytes (CD45+) --- p.135 / Chapter 4.3 --- Discussion --- p.138 / Chapter CHAPTER 5: --- PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF SOLUBLE CYTOKINE RECEPTOR AND EX VIVO CYTOKINE PRODUCTION OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS TAKING YUN ZHI-DANSHEN CAPSULES / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.142 / Chapter 5.2 --- Results --- p.147 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Plasma Concentration of Soluble IL-2 Receptor --- p.147 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Ex vivo Cytokine Production --- p.147 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Mitogen Induced IL-6 Production --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Mitogen Induced IFN- γ Production --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Mitogen Induced TNF- a Production --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Mitogen Induced IL-10 Production --- p.153 / Chapter 5.3 --- Discussion --- p.156 / Chapter CHAPTER 6: --- "GENE EXPRESSION OF CYTOKINES, CHEMOKINES AND RECEPTORS OF PBMC OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS TAKING YUN ZHI- DANSHEN CAPSULES" / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.162 / Chapter 6.2 --- Results --- p.165 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Gene Expression of IL-2 Receptor β chain --- p.165 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Gene Expression of IL-2 Receptor γ chain --- p.165 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Gene Expression of IL-6 Receptor --- p.166 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- "Gene Expression of Other Cytokines, Chemokines and Receptors" --- p.169 / Chapter 6.3 --- Discussion --- p.172 / Chapter CHAPTER 7: --- CONCLUDING REMARKS AND FUTURE / PERSPECTIVES --- p.176 / APPENDICES --- p.184 / REFERENCES --- p.192

Submitted by Fabíola Silva (fabiola.silva@famerp.br) on 2016-09-14T14:39:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 claudiareginassilva_dissert.pdf: 1494248 bytes, checksum: a28172aa7743b4b9810d1de076e19740 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-14T14:39:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 claudiareginassilva_dissert.pdf: 1494248 bytes, checksum: a28172aa7743b4b9810d1de076e19740 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / ABSTRACT Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21) with an incidence of one in 660 live births. Individuals with DS show alterations of the immune system resulting in increased frequency of infections and autoimmune diseases. Studies show that some genes involved in the immune system present altered expression in individuals with DS, however, the molecular mechanisms by which trisomy 21 leads to the immune system disorders in DS remain poorly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of a specific set of genes involved in the immune system and inflammation process in children with DS and children without the syndrome (control group), to identify differences that may be related to clinical manifestations of the syndrome. Casuistic and Methods: In this study were included six children with DS and six children without the syndrome. The quantification of the gene expression was performed using TaqMan ® Array Plate Human Inflammation Kit, which enables the investigation of 92 inflammation-related genes and four reference genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: Of the 92 genes analyzed, 20 genes showed differential expression in children DS; 12 overexpressed (PLA2G2D, CACNA1D, ALOX12, VCAM1, ICAM1, PLCD1, ADRB1, HTR3A, PDE4C, CASP1, PLA2G5 e PLCB4) and 8 underexpressed (LTA4H, BDKRB1, ADRB2, CD40LG, ITGAM, TNFRSF1B, ITGB1 e TBXAS1). After statistical correction for false discovery rate, only the genes BDKRB1 and LTA4H showed differential expression, both underexpressed. Conclusion: DS children show differential expression of genes, not located on chromosome 21, compared to children without DS. The altered expression of these genes, considering their functions in the inflammatory response, suggests an important role in DS pathogenesis. / RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome de Down (SD) é um distúrbio genético causado pela presença de uma cópia extra do cromossomo humano 21 (HSA 21) com uma incidência de um a cada 660 nascidos vivos. Indivíduos com SD apresentam alterações no sistema imunológico que resultam no aumento da frequência de infecções e doenças autoimunes. Estudos mostram que alguns genes envolvidos no sistema imunológico apresentam expressão alterada em indivíduos com SD, entretanto, os mecanismos moleculares pelos quais a trissomia do 21 leva aos distúrbios do sistema imunológico em SD permanecem pouco investigados. Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar o padrão de expressão de um conjunto específico de genes envolvidos no sistema imunológico e no processo inflamatório em crianças com SD e crianças sem a síndrome (grupo controle), visando identificar diferenças que possam estar relacionadas com manifestações clínicas da síndrome. Casuística e Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo seis crianças com SD e seis crianças sem a síndrome. A quantificação da expressão gênica foi realizada com o kit TaqMan® Human Plate Inflammation Array, que permite a investigação de 92 genes relacionados com a inflamação e quatro genes de referência pelo método de reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (PCRq). Resultados: Dos 92 genes analisados, 20 genes apresentaram expressão diferencial em crianças com SD; 12 com expressão aumentada (PLA2G2D, CACNA1D, ALOX12, VCAM1, ICAM1, PLCD1, ADRB1, HTR3A, PDE4C, CASP1, PLA2G5 e PLCB4) e oito com expressão reduzida (LTA4H, BDKRB1, ADRB2, CD40LG, ITGAM, TNFRSF1B, ITGB1 e TBXAS1). Após correção estatística para múltiplos testes apenas os genes BDKRB1 e LTA4H apresentaram expressão diferencial, ambos com expressão reduzida. Conclusão: Crianças com SD apresentam expressão diferencial de genes, não localizados no cromossomo 21, em relação a crianças sem a síndrome. A expressão alterada desses genes, considerando suas funções na resposta inflamatória, sugere um papel relevante na patogênese da SD.

A L-arginina é reconhecida como um nutriente de fundamental importância na resposta imune, apesar de seus efeitos serem, por vezes, considerados inconstantes. O autoimplante esplênico tem sido proposto como alternativa à esplenectomia total isolada, mas existem preocupações quanto à eficácia do restabelecimento da resposta imune, haja vista que o paciente pode permanecer com risco aumentado de desenvolvimento de infecção fulminante pós esplenectomia, mesmo após a regeneração morfológica do órgão. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a participação da suplementação dietética com L-arginina em subpopulações linfocitárias no sangue, no baço e nos autoimplantes esplênicos de ratos submetidos a esplenectomia isolada ou combinada com autoimplante esplênico. Foram utilizados 42 ratos Sprague-Dawley machos, randomicamente distribuídos em seis grupos: 1 Controle operação simulada; 2 esplenectomia total; 3 esplenectomia total combinada com autoimplante esplênico; 4 Controle operação simulada, com suplementação de L-arginina; 5 esplenectomia total, com suplementação de L-arginina; e 6 esplenectomia total combinada com autoimplante esplênico, com suplementação de L-arginina. Os animais dos grupos 4, 5 e 6 receberam suplementação de L-arginina, uma vez ao dia, durante 15 dias anteriores a coleta sangüínea realizada imediatamente antes dos procedimentos operatórios (semanas 0 e 12). A dose utilizada foi de 1,0 g/kg/dia, administrada por via intragástrica em bolus. As avaliações foram realizadas por meio de hemograma e citometria de fluxo. A análise estatística utilizou testes paramétricos e nãoparamétricos, sendo p<0,05 considerado para a rejeição da hipótese nula. A suplementação com L-arginina acarretou elevação da contagem relativa e absoluta de neutrófilos periféricos, 12 semanas após a realização de esplenectomia total combinada com autoimplante esplênico. A esplenectomia total ocasionou diminuição da contagem relativa de linfócitos T totais, T CD4+ e T CD8&#946; no sangue, mas a suplementação dietética com L-arginina evitou a diminuição do percentual de células T totais e T CD8&#946; no sangue dos animais submetidos a autoimplante esplênico. Tanto a realização de autoimplante esplênico como a suplementação de L-arginina previnem a diminuição da subpopulação de linfócitos T CD4+ no sangue periférico, fato que usualmente ocorre após realização de esplenectomia total. Houve maior proliferação de células brancas / g de tecido nos autoimplante esplênico dos animais suplementados, porém a suplementação não influenciou a contagem de linfócitos T, T CD4+ e B de zona marginal de baço. A suplementação do aminoácido L-arginina após a realização de esplenectomia total combinada com autoimplante esplênico em ratos foi capaz de reverter alterações observadas em algumas das subpopulações linfocitárias, ocasionadas pela esplenectomia. / L-arginine is recognized as a nutrient of fundamental importance in immune response, although its effects are sometimes considered unstable. The splenic autoimplants has been proposed as an alternative to total splenectomy isolated, but there are concerns about the effectiveness of the restoration of the immune response, considering that the patient can remain at increased risk of developing overwhelming postsplenectomy infection, even after morphological regeneration of the organ. The aim of this study was to determine the role of dietary supplementation with L-arginine in lymphocyte subsets in blood, spleen, and splenic auto-transplantation in rats subjected to total splenectomy alone or in combination with splenic autotransplantation. Forty two male Sprague-Dawley rats, were randomly divided into six groups: 1 - Control sham operation, 2 total splenectomy 3 total splenectomy combined with splenic auto-implants, 4 - Control - sham operation, with L-arginine supplementation, 5 total splenectomy, supplemented with L-arginine, and 6 total splenectomy combined with splenic auto-implants, supplemented with L-arginine. Animals in groups 4, 5 and 6 were supplemented with L-arginine, once daily for 15 days before blood sample was collected immediately before the operative procedures (weeks 0 and 12). The dose was 1.0 g / kg / day administered by intragastric bolus. The laboratory evaluations were made by blood count and flow cytometry. Statistical analysis used parametric tests and nonparametric, p<0.05 was considered to reject the null hypothesis. Supplementation with L-arginine led to increase in relative and absolute count of peripheral neutrophils, 12 weeks after completion of total splenectomy combined with splenic auto-implants. Total splenectomy caused a decrease in relative count of T lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8&#946; in blood, but dietary supplementation with L-arginine prevented the decrease in the percentage of total T cells and CD8&#946; in the blood of animals subjected to splenic auto-transplantation. Both the completion of splenic auto-implants and the L-arginine supplementation may prevent the decrease of the subpopulation of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, a fact that usually occurs after completion of total splenectomy. There was a greater proliferation of white blood cells / g of tissue in the splenic autoimplants supplemented animals, but supplementation did not influence the T lymphocyte counts, CD4+ T and B splenic marginal zone. Supplementation of Larginine after performing total splenectomy combined with splenic autotransplantation in rats was able to reverse some of the changes observed in lymphocyte subsets, caused by splenectomy.

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Introduction : Le glioblastome (GBM) est la tumeur cérébrale primitive la plus fréquente et la plus grave de l’adulte. Des études épidémiologiques ont mis en évidence que les antécédents d’allergie sont un facteur protecteur, soulignant le possible impact de l’immunité sur le GBM. Plusieurs études transcriptomiques ont également mis en évidence des signatures immunes plus ou moins associées à la survie. Matériel et méthodes : Pour clarifier ce lien et déterminer quels gènes immuns étaient les plus impliqués dans le GBM, nous avons étudié l’expression de 791 gènes immuns dans des échantillons de GBM et de cerveaux normaux. Les interactions entre les gènes immuns ont été étudiées par une analyse de co-expression. Nous avons ensuite recherché une association entre les gènes immuns et la survie selon 3 méthodes statistiques, avant d’établir un modèle de risque mathématique validé sur plusieurs jeux de données. Enfin, nous avons étudié les cellules immunes infiltrantes sur des échantillons de gliomes dont 73 GBM par cytométrie de flux. Résultats : Un profil d’expression génique différent significativement entre le cerveau normal et le GBM a été établi de manière robuste, mais pas au sein des GBM. L’analyse de co-expression a mis en évidence 6 modules dont 5 sont enrichis en gènes ayant un lien avec la survie. Cent huit gènes immuns ont une association significative avec la survie et un prédicteur de risque à 6 gènes immuns a permis de distinguer deux groupes de patients en fonction de leur survie, y compris chez les patients dont la tumeur a un promoteur MGMT méthylé et dans le sous-groupe de GBM proneuraux. Enfin, nous avons mis en évidence, dans tous les échantillons de GBM analysés, une infiltration leucocytaire par des cellules macrophagiques/microgliales et parfois par des cellules lymphocytaires ou granulocytaires. L’infiltration de lymphocytes uniquement est associée significativement avec la survie dans notre cohorte. Conclusion : Des gènes, impliqués dans diverses fonctions immunes, sont différentiellement exprimés entre le cerveau normal et le GBM et au sein des GBM. Un prédicteur à 6 gènes robuste a été établi, il sépare les patients en 2 groupes bas et haut risque y compris ceux ayant un bon pronostic. Nous avons enfin mis en évidence dans une série de GBM une infiltration de cellules immunes, dont une infiltration lymphocytaire associée positivement à la survie. / Background: Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Epidemiological studies have revealed that a history of allergies is a protective factor, thereby underlining the likely impact of the immune system on GBM. A number of transcriptomic studies have also identified immune signatures more or less associated with patient survival. Methods: In order to clarify and identify which immune-associated (IA) genes were the most involved in GBM, we studied the expression of 791 immune genes in GBM and normal brains samples. Interactions between IA genes were studied through an analysis of co-expression network. We then searched for a link between IA genes and patient survival according to 3 statistical methods, before defining a mathematical risk model based on different data sets. Finally, we studied the infiltrative immune population of 73 GBM by cytometry. Results: A significantly different profile of IA genes expression between healthy brains and GBM was consistently defined, but not among GBM. The analysis of co-expression network revealed 6 modules, 5 of which were enriched by genes associated with patient survival. 108 IA genes have a significant association with patient survival and the 6-IA gene risk predictor allowed us to distinguish two groups of patients according to their survival, including patients whose tumor had a methylated MGMT gene promoter and in the subset of proneural GBM. Finally, in every analyzed GBM sample, we have shown that there was a leukocyte infiltration by macrophages/microglial cells and sometimes by lymphocytes or granulocytes. Only the lymphocytes infiltration was significantly associated with the survival in our group of patients. Conclusion: IA genes that are involved in various immune functions are expressed differentially between healthy brains and GBM and amongst GBM. A robust 6-IA gene risk predictor was defined: it divides patients into two low and high risk groups, including those who have a good prognosis. Finally, we revealed an infiltration of immune cells in a series of GBM, only the lymphocytic infiltration was positively associated with patient survival.

The consumption of fungal- and plant-derived non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition to promote physiochemical effects on the gastrointestinal tract and serve as substrate for the intestinal microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids, NSP can interact with immune system cells including macrophages, which are crucial for tissue repair, lipid metabolism and host defense against foreign substances and pathogens. However, the effects of NSP in macrophages depends on their structure. Recently, it was showed that the chayote (Sechium edule) and the fungus Pleurotus albidus are promising sources of NSP with potential immunomodulatory effects in macrophages. In this study, it was explored the effects of cooking on the composition of NSP from chayote and evaluated their biological effects in macrophages. Furthermore, it was optimized a method for the extraction of mushroom NSP and characterized the structure and biological effects of NSP from P. albidus in macrophages. Results showed that the NSP from chayote pulp regulate cytokine secretion and phagocytosis by macrophages, and minor changes in composition during cooking influences their effects in macrophages. Furthermore, NSP from chayote induces cholesterol efflux and inhibits the expression of genes required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages previously exposed to cholesterol crystals. Then, it was showed that the optimized method for the extraction of NSP from mushroom reduces by up to half the extraction time commonly required. Furthermore, results showed that P. albidus is source of easily extractable glucans with biological effects in macrophages. Results also suggest that glucans from P. albidus inhibit lipid-induced inflammation and foam-cell formation at distinct levels, with significant effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Taken together, the results suggest that the benefits of chayote NSP is beyond their physical properties on the gastrointestinal tract, and that the P. albidus NSP offers potential health benefits that might be of relevance as a functional food ingredient. / O consumo de polissacarídeos não-amido (PNA) de fungos e plantas tem sido associado a redução do risco de doenças cardiovasculares. Além de promoverem efeitos físicos no trato gastrointestinal e serem utilizados como substratos pela microbiota intestinal, os PNA podem interagir com células do sistema imune, como macrófagos, cruciais no reparo tecidual, metabolismo lipídico, e na defesa do organismo contra patógenos. Entretanto, os efeitos em macrófagos dependem da estrutura do PNA. Recentemente, foi observado que o chuchu (Sechium edule) e o fungo Pleurotus albidus são fontes de PNA com potencial efeito sobre macrófagos. Assim, foram avaliados os efeitos dos PNA do chuchu fresco e cozido em macrófagos. Além disso, foi otimizado um método para extração de polissacarídeos de cogumelo, e avaliada a estrutura e os efeitos biológicos dos PNA do P. albidus em macrófagos. Foi observado que os PNA do chuchu regulam a secreção de citocinas e o processo de fagocitose por macrófagos, e alterações na composição de PNA durante o cozimento tem um impacto em seus efeitos biológicos. Além disso, os PNA do chuchu induzem o efluxo de colesterol e regulam a expressão de genes necessários para a ativação do inflamassoma NLRP3 em macrófagos previamente tratados com cristais de colesterol. Também foi demonstrado que o método otimizado de extração de PNA de cogumelos reduz em até pela metade o tempo de extração normalmente empregado. Além disso, foi verificado que o P. albidus é fonte para extração de glicanos com efeitos em macrófagos. Os resultados também sugerem que os glicanos obtidos do P. albidus inibem em diferentes níveis a inflamação induzida por lipídeos e a formação de células espumosas, com efeitos significativos sobre a ativação do inflamassoma NLRP3. Tais diferenças parecem estar associadas à estrutura dos glicanos. Por fim, os resultados sugerem que os benefícios dos PNA do chuchu estão além dos seus efeitos físicos sobre o trato gastrointestinal, e que os PNA do P. albidus promovem benefícios que podem ser relevantes para explorar sua utilização como um alimento ou fonte para extração de ingredientes funcionais.

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma alteração neuromuscular hereditária e progressiva que afeta humanos do sexo masculino. O modelo canino Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD) é considerado modelo experimental para estudos de novas propostas terapêuticas e melhor entendimento da fisiopatogênica da DMD. O processo progressivo da distrofia está relacionado com alterações nas populações celulares que compõe o sistema imune dos pacientes, pois devido a ausência da proteína distrofina na membrana sarcoplasmática, o músculo fica mais susceptível à lesões, ocorrendo liberação de citocinas, que recrutam e estimulam células do sistema imune, principalmente macrófagos e linfócitos T. A longo prazo, essa resposta inflamatória contínua e persistente, leva a uma série de reações que culminam com danos cada vez maiores, a ponto de ocorrer um esgotamento de células satélites e fibrose do tecido muscular. Uma das propriedades mais estudadas das células tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) é sua capacidade imunomoduladora, fazendo com que essas células se tornem promissoras na utilização da terapia celular. Neste contexto, esta ferramenta imunomoduladora pode atuar como uma estratégia interessante na manipulação do sistema imune. O estudo proposto foi elaborado com a finalidade de trazer subsídios para viabilização de experimentos de terapia celular na distrofia muscular, por meio do conhecimento sobre a imunomodulação durante o tratamento in vitro, contribuindo para uma possível aplicação terapêutica em humanos. Para tanto, foram estudados dois grupos de cães, um grupo controle (GR; n=5) e um grupo de cães afetados (GRMD; n=9), compostos por machos e fêmeas. O estudo consistiu na avalição da proliferação de linfócitos na presença de MSC em diferentes concentrações, bem como da proliferaçao de linfócitos específicos como o Tauxiliar (CD4+FoxP3-) e Tregulatórios (CD4+FoxP3+) com as MSCs. Adicionalmente, realizamos a dosagem de nitrito com o intuito de quantificar a produção de óxido nítrico (NO) através do cocultivo de macrófagos com as MSCs. Neste estudo foi possível observar que as MSCs estimularam a proliferação significativa de linfócitos T regulatórios. Adicionalmente, essa porcentagem de divisão aumentou em cocultivos que utilizaram maiores concentrações de MSC. Maior concentração de nitrito também foi encontrada no cocultivos de MSC e macrófagos estimulado com LPS. Estas informações geram incrementos no entendimento de como as MSCs podem agir no organismo distrófico e como poderemos explorar essa fonte para promover um retardamento no processo inflamatório e consequentemente melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente. / The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive hereditary neuromuscular disorder that affects human males. The canine model Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD) is considered experimental model for studies of new therapies and better understanding of the DMD. The process of progressive dystrophy is related to changes in cell populations that comprise the immune system of patients, because due to the absence of the protein dystrophin in the sarcoplasmic membrane, the muscle is more susceptible to injury, occurring release of cytokines that recruit and stimulate cell immune, mainly macrophages and T lymphocytes in the long term, this continuous and persistent inflammatory response, the system takes a series of reactions that culminate with increasing damage to the point of exhaustion of satellite cells of muscle tissue and fibrosis occur. One of the most studied properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is their immunomodulatory capacity, making these cells become promising in the use of cell therapy. In this context, this immunomodulatory can act as an interesting strategy in manipulating the immune system. The proposed study was designed in order to provide support for the feasibility of cell therapy trials in muscular dystrophy, through the knowledge of immunomodulation during treatment in vitro, contributing to a possible therapeutic application in humans. In this purpose, two groups were studied, a group of affected dog (GRMD, n=9) and a control group (GR, n=5 GR). The study consisted of rating of lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of MSCs in different concentrations as well as the proliferation of specific lymphocytes as Thelper (CD4+FoxP3-) and Tregulatory (CD4+FoxP3+) to MSCs. In addition, the dosage of nitrite performed in order to quantify the production of nitric oxide (NO) by coculture with macrophages MSCs. In this study we observed that MSCs stimulated significant proliferation of regulatory T lymphocytes. Additionally, this percentage split increased cocultivos that used higher concentrations of MSC. Highest concentration of nitrite was also found in cocultivos of MSC and macrophages stimulated with LPS. This information generates increments in understanding how MSCs may act in the body dystrophic and how we exploit this source to promote a delay in the inflammatory process and consequently improve the quality of life of patients

Imunossenescência, termo que designa o envelhecimento do sistema imune, contribui com o aumento das infecções, doença autoimune, câncer e baixa eficiência das vacinações, favorecendo o aumento da morbi-mortalidade entre os indivíduos idosos. Dentre as mudanças, destacam-se as alterações no tamanho da subpopulação de célula T, com aumento de células de memória e diminuição de células naive; no padrão de secreção de citocinas, na capacidade de replicação das células e na produção de anticorpos, as quais culminam em um estado pró-inflamatório chamado \'inflamm-aging\' e uma capacidade diminuída para responder a novos antígenos. Além disto, o acúmulo de linfócitos T CD8+CD28- nos idosos também se correlaciona com uma diminuição do controle sobre a infecção. No entanto, há poucos relatos sobre o papel do exercício regular na prevenção ou tratamento de imunossenescência. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos da atividade física intensa e regular na imunossenescência de idosos. Foram selecionados 15 indivíduos idosos em treinamento intenso de corrida (meia maratona e/ou maratona há pelo menos 5 anos, TI), e 16 indivíduos idosos não praticantes de atividade física, NT. Todos os indivíduos eram do sexo masculino, com idade entre 65 a 85 anos, apresentavam auto percepção de saúde positiva e ausência de co-morbidades e/ou em tratamento com impacto significativo para o sistema imune. Foram avaliadas as subpopulações de células T (CD8+CD28+ e CD8+CD28-; CD4+ naive e de memória) em relação ao comprimento de seus telômeros, resposta proliferativa e marcadores de apoptose, síntese de citocinas (Th1/Th2); níveis séricos de citocinas inflamatórias; frequência das subpopulações (naive, memória central, memória efetora e terminalmente diferenciada) dos linfócitos T CD4+ e CD8+ no sangue periférico e a quantificação da produção de anticorpos anti-Influenza. Verificamos no grupo TI, em relação ao NT, aumento de células TME e diminuição de TEMRA; maior proliferação de linfócitos T CD4+ naive estimulados com mitógeno; maior comprimento do telômero em linfócitos T CD3+, T CD3+CD8+ e T CD3+CD8+CD28-, esta última considerada subpopulação associada à imunossenescência; preservação dos mecanismos anti-apoptóricos, verificado pelo aumento da expressão in vitro de Bcl-2 e redução de caspase-3 em células TCD4+ (memória e naive) e T CD8+ (senescentes e não senescentes) não estimuladas; parâmetros estes denotando uma provável melhor capacidade funcional de células T. Além disso, verificamos aumento da produção sérica de títulos de anticorpos anti-influenza pré e pós-vacinação, evidenciando possível papel adjuvante do exercício intenso na resposta vacinal. E finalmente, observamos equivalência entre os dois grupos com relação ao padrão de secreção de citocinas séricas e secretadas in vitro associadas com o Inflammaging. Os resultados evidenciaram que a prática da atividade física intensa e regular teria um efeito protetor contra alguns parâmetros associados à imunossenescência / Immunosenescence, the term used to designate the process of aging of the immune system, is associated with to the increased rate of infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and low efficiency of vaccinations in elderly, favoring their increased morbidity and mortality. Immunosenescence is associated with changes in the size of the T cell subpopulation with increased proportion of memory T cells and decrease proportion of naive T cells, in the pattern of cytokine secretion, in cell replication capability and in antibody production, all of which culminate in a pro-inflammatory state called \"inflamm-aging\" and diminished capacity to responding to new antigens. In addition, the accumulation of CD8+CD28- lymphocytes in elderly also correlates with a decreased control of infections. However, there are few reports on the role of chronic regular exercise in the prevention or treatment of immunosenescence. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intense regular physical activity on immunosenescence of elderly men. We selected 15 elderly men with intensive training for at least the last 5 years (IT, participating in half marathon and/or marathon), and 16 elderly men not training, NT. They were 65-85 years and had self perception of positive health and lack of co-morbidities and/or treatment with significant impact on the immune system. T-cell subpopulations were assessed (CD8+CD28+ and CD8+CD28-; CD4+ naive and memory) with respect to telomere length, proliferative responses, apoptosis markers, cytokine synthesis (Th1/Th2); serum levels of inflammatory cytokines; distribution of the naive, central memory, effector memory, and terminally differentiated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood, and anti-influenza antibodies production. We found in the IT group, compared with the NT, in the T-cell subsets, increased percentages of effector memory T-cells and decreased percentages of terminally differentiated T-cells; higher proliferation of naive CD4+T cells stimulated with mitogen; larger telomere length in TCD3+, TCD3+CD8+ and TCD3+CD8+CD28- cells (the latter subset being a marker of immunosenescence), preservation of the anti-apoptotic mechanisms, indicated by increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased caspase-3 expression in in vitro resting memory and naive CD4+ T-cell and in senescent and non-senescent CD8+ T-cells; all of which denote a potentially better T-cell functioning. There was also increased anti-influenza antibody titers pre and post-vaccination, indicating a possible adjuvant role of intense exercise in vaccine responses. Finally there was a similar pattern between the two groups in in vitro secreted and in serum cytokines associated with Inflamm-aging. The results showed that the practice of regular intense physical activity has a protective effect against some parameters associated with immunosenescence

A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM), doença sistêmica de caráter granulomatoso, é causada pelo fungo termodimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). A gp43 secretada pelo Pb, possui um trecho específico de 15 aminoácidos designado como (P10), é reconhecido por linfócitos T. No presente trabalho, avaliamos a ativação da resposta imune e o efeito aditivo da imunização com o peptídeo P10, em camundongos induzidos à imunossupressão com dexametasona. Os resultados indicam um efeito aditivo da imunização com P10 e o tratamento com as drogas em camundongos BALB/c imunossuprimidos e infectados; associado a redução da carga fúngica no pulmão, baço e fígado desses animais, detectamos aumento de citocinas proinflamatorias, no homogenato de pulmão e no sobrenadante de cultura celular. Animais imunossuprimidos e imunizados com P10 apresentaram um aumento significativo na produção de Óxido Nítrico (NO). A eficiencia na resposta levou a um aumento na sobrevida de 100%. Estes resultados sugerem que o P10, representa uma alternativa promisoria na geração de uma vacina anti-PCM. / Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). The gp43 secreted by Pb has a 15-mer peptide designated as P10 that is recognized by T lymphocytes. In the present work we evaluated the activation of immune response and the additive effect of P10 immunization in BALB/c mice induzed to immunossupression with Dexamethasone. Results indicate an additive effect of P10 immunization and the treatment with drugs in BALB/c mice immunosuppressed and infected; associated with a significant reduction in fungal burden in the lung, spleen and liver of these animals. Also, we detected an increase of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-<font face=\"symbol\">g, TNF-<font face=\"symbol\">a e IL-12, in lung homogenates and cell culture supernatant. Immunosuppressed animals that were immunized with P10 showed an increase in the Nitric Oxide production. The efficiency of response led to a 100% survival in animals immunized with P10 and treated with antifungal drugs. Our results suggest that P10 represents a promising alternative of anti-PCM vaccine generation.