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One-way humoral immune cross-reactivity between bovine spinal cord protein and bovine myelin basic protein.

Whether bovine myelin basic protein (BP) and bovine spinal cord protein (SCP) cross-react at the humoral immune level was assessed with a sensitive solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. We found that a hyperimmune anti-SCP serum reacted strongly with SCP and cross-reacted nearly as well with BP. A hyperimmune anti-BP serum reacted only with BP. Antigenic competition analysis revealed that SCP and BP both inhibited binding of the hyperimmune anti-SCP serum to solid-phase adsorbed SCP and BP, while only BP inhibited binding of the hyperimmune anti-BP serum to solid-phase adsorbed BP. Finally, BP cross-reactivity antibodies were present in early bleedings from rabbits immunized with SCP that had been passed through an anti-BP immunosorbent column. These results clearly show there is a one-way humoral immune cross-reactivity between SCP and BP which goes in the direction of SCP to BP.

Animals↗

Group selection for adaptation to multiple-hen cages: humoral immune response.

A selected line of White Leghorns, which has shown improved survivability and reduced feather loss in large multiple-hen cages, was evaluated for humoral immune response to SRBC under both stressed and unstressed conditions. Three lines of chickens (selected, control, and commercial) were housed in either single- (1 hen) or multiple-hen cages (12 hens, social competition) and subjected to a cold ambient temperature (0 C) at 33 wk of age and to two heating episodes (38 C) at 44 wk of age. Each hen was challenged intravenously with 1 mL of a 7% saline suspension of SRBC at the time that cold exposure was initiated. Hens subjected to high ambient temperatures had been exposed previously to a cold temperature, but were not challenged with SRBC until 16 to 18 h following the end of the second heating episode. Exposure to cold caused immunosuppression in single-caged hens, but not in hens in colony cages. Single- vs colony-caged hens of the control environment challenged with SRBC at 33 wk of age had similar primary hemagglutinin responses to SRBC. Hens subjected to heat experienced immunosuppression at 9 and 12 d following challenge to SRBC when compared to the controls. Hens of multiple-bird cages challenged with antigen at 44 wk of age had a significantly lower hemagglutinin response to SRBC than those reared in single-bird cages. The three lines of genetic stock had similar primary hemagglutinin responses to SRBC; the interactions of genetic stock with cage size or environmental temperature were not significant. It was concluded that genetically selecting hens for survival in multiple-hen cages did not affect their humoral immune response to SRBC.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Humoral immunity to viral and bacterial antigens in lymphoma patients 4-10 years after high-dose therapy with ABMT. Serological responses to revaccinations according to EBMT guidelines.

The aim of this study was to investigate the late effects of ABMT on the immune system with regard to protective humoral immunity against common antigens and responses to recall antigens (vaccines). The vaccines were given according to EBMT guidelines from 1995. The protocol included 35 patients with malignant lymphoma in CR 4-10 years after ABMT, and 35 controls. The results show that prior to ABMT the proportion of patients with protective immunity against poliomyelitis, tetanus and diphtheria was similar to that of controls. At study entry 4-10 years after ABMT, the proportion of patients with protective immunity against poliomyelitis and diphtheria was reduced, while all patients maintained protection against tetanus. A significant decrease in geometric mean antibody concentrations or titres was observed against all three antigens during this period. Serum levels of antibodies against different pneumococcal serotypes were lower in the patients than in the controls prior to vaccination. The responses to pneumococcal vaccination, which is considered to be a T cell-independent vaccine, were studied. Unlike controls, a minority of patients achieved protective levels of antibodies after a single vaccination. Despite persistent levels of protective antibodies in many patients post ABMT, secondary booster responses after one vaccination with T cell-dependent vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) were absent. In conclusion, this study shows that post ABMT, a full re-vaccination program was necessary to mount responses comparable to those observed after a single vaccination in controls.

Adolescent↗

Specific cellular and humoral immune responses induced by different antigen preparations of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

A specific proliferation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by antigens of Echinococcus sp. has been shown in patients with cystic as well as alveolar echinococcosis. However, the development of a major granulomatous reaction around the parasitic larvae is a characteristic feature of the local immune response to E. multilocularis while humoral immune responses seem to predominate in E. granulosus infection. The aim of this study was to analyse the specific proliferation of the PBMC from 36 patients with alveolar echinococcosis, and 23 controls, induced by a crude preparation of E. multilocularis (EmcAg) as well as by two E. multilocularis specific antigen preparations, the Em2 antigen and the protoscolex (ESAg) antigen. The significant correlation observed between the proliferation index either by Em2 and ES or by Emc suggests that both antigens account for an important part of the lymphocyte proliferative response. The strong effect of these species specific antigens on lymphocyte proliferation is confirmed by the comparison of the results obtained in this study to those obtained in a previous study of specific cellular immunity to E. granulosus antigens in patients with cystic echinococcosis. The proliferation indices were significantly elevated in all those 7 patients with a proven AE who were sero-negative using the Emc ELISA as well as in the 12 patients also seronegative, but using the Em2 ELISA. In 5 seronegative patients who had had a complete resection of the parasitic lesions two years before the lymphocyte proliferation evaluation, the PI was above the threshold value for two dilutions of EmcAg. PI under the threshold values were obtained only in patients with residual lesions. These results suggest that E. multilocularis specific antigens promote the proliferation of lymphocytes which could be TH1 cells, responsible for the intense periparasitic granulomatous reaction characteristic of alveolar echinococcosis.

Adult↗

Immune surveillance and antigen conformation determines humoral immune response to the prion protein immunogen.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are progressive degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. PrP(Sc) is a TSE-specific marker derived from the host-encoded glycoprotein, PrPc. The generation of antibodies to PrP plays an important role in the diagnosis of these diseases. In this study the role of the PrP immunogen and the species being immunized was examined in relation to specific epitopes. Various mammals (mice, hamsters, rabbits and PrP null mice) were immunized with formic acid-treated PrP(Sc) isolated from mice, hamsters and sheep. Both the species being immunized and the source of immunogen played an important role in the antibody response. Response to a limited number of linear epitopes was seen among the various immunized animals. One region in the C-terminal portion of PrP appeared highly immunogenic in all species. Comparison of immunoreactivity and the pepscan-defined linear epitope sites suggests both linear and conformational directed responses in many of the animals. Information on the forces directing immune responses to PrP will lead to a better understanding of host-PrP interactions. It will also assist in the development of new strategies for generating additional tools for immunodiagnosis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Calorie-protein deficiencies and the immune response of the chicken I. Humoral immunity.

How dependent is the chicken on the calorie (C) and amino acid (AA) levels of the diet? This question was addressed by formulating diets that were two-thirds deficient in C and AA. Feeding the one-third C-one-third AA, one-third C and one-third AA diets for 5 weeks, in general reduced the primary response to 5% sheep red blood cells (SRBC) but not to .5% SRBC. The C/AA deficient birds were returned to a basal diet at 5 weeks and three weeks later reimmunized with SRBC. The secondary response, immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer, of the latter birds after 3 weeks on a basal diet was significantly lower than controls. Total serum protein was significantly depressed during the feeding of one-third AA diet. Transferrin, IgG, and IgM were not affected while albumin was significantly reduced. Gain in body weight was reduced in all groups receiving the C/AA deficient diets. Three weeks after repletion, all groups gained equally.

Animals↗

The endocrine function of the immune cells in the initiation of humoral immunity.

The endocrine functions of different hormones are well documented. Recently, however, evidence of the immune function of several hormones has been accumulated. These findings raised the possibility that immune cells might secrete hormones and in turn self-regulate different immune functions. Indeed, immune cells have been found to secrete different peptide and protein hormones. Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) is the most studied and was found to be secreted by lymphocytes. In the present authors' laboratory, it was found that not only do lymphocytes secrete ACTH but also that circulating concentrations of corticosterone increased following antigen challenge. It was also observed that at the time of the increased corticosterone, there was a redistribution of different lymphocyte subpopulations from the blood to spleen, the site of antigen presentation and antibody production. It was concluded that the endocrine function of lymphocytes might be important in the initiation of antibody production in chickens.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

The effect of humoral immunity against adducted benzo[a]pyrene on DNA damage elicited by acute carcinogen exposure in Swiss mice.

Immunoglobulins G (lgG) specific for benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts were elicited in Swiss mice by repeated subcutaneous injections of a high molecular weight benzo[a]pyrene-DNA conjugate-adjuvant mix. The immunization procedure resulted in the production of specific antibodies against adducted benzo[a]pyrene B[a]P in all treated animals. One week after completion of the immunization procedure, groups of ten immunized and ten non immunized female mice were treated by single intraperitoneal injection with two different doses of B[a]P. The mice were sacrificed 48 hours after treatment, and both liver and bone marrow cells were isolated for subsequent determinations of DNA binding and micronucleus induction, respectively. Covalent benzo[a]pyrene adducts in liver DNA were detected by competitive ELISA and the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was evaluated by scoring one thousand cells per animal. The determination of DNA adducts in liver revealed significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of B[a]P adducts in immunized mice compared to non-immunized animals at both doses, whereas no significant difference was observed between controls. Administration of benzo[a]pyrene produced moderate, dose-related increases in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in all treated groups, with no significant difference between immunized and non-immunized mice. The decrease of covalent DNA adducts in the liver of immunized mice suggests that the specific humoral immunity elicited by repeated carcinogen exposure may act as a relevant modulating factor in chemical carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Autogenous immunity to endogenous RNA tumor virus: humoral immune response to virus envelope antigens.

Autogenous immune sera from several strains of mice have been examined for type-, group-, or interspecies-specific reactivities against leukemia virus envelope antigens and virus-induced cell surface proteins. The natural antibody of these test sera react with gp69/71, gp43, and p15 structural components on murine leukemia viruses including AKR, Friend, Rauscher, Moloney, and xenotropic BALB:virus-2. Furthermore, comparable radioimmune titration curves are obtained when these viruses are used in radioimmune precipitation assays. Competition experiments, however, suggest that natural immune sera are predominantly type specific and only weakly cross-react with the Rauscher or Friend virus. Natural immune sera react with the virion envelope but not with the virus-induced cell surface antigen. With respect to the biological activity of autogenous immune sera, there appears to be an inconsistency between the spectrum of virus-precipitating antibody and virus-neutralizing antibody. Although normal mouse serum readily neutralizes xenotropic viruses (BALB:virus-2), only weak neutralization of the ecotropic viruses can be achieved in vitro. Although there is a lack of direct evidence to indicate that autogenous immunity to murine leukemia virus is involved in the control of virus-mediated neoplasia, several empirical correlations point in this direction.

Animals↗

A study of cellular and humoral immunity in three species of armadillos. Part I.

In the present study the membrane receptors of immunocompetent cells and immunoglobulins in three varieties of armadillos were explored for determining, in later studies, the possible differences in inoculated animals developing leprosy. The studies of cellular immunity were performed in five Chaetophroctus villosus (Ch.v), one Dasypus hibridus septecinctus (DHS) and one Zaedus Pichei (ZP), while the humoral immunity was studied with a serum pool of 17 Ch.v and 6 DHS. The results obtained demonstrate that the lymphocytes of the three species studied have receptors for SRBC, C3 and Ig-s, and no receptors for Fc segment of immunoglobulins. With reference to immunoglobulins no definite alteration of the humoral immunity was observed with the exception that DHS presents increased IgG levels and Ch.v increased IgM.

Animals↗

Schistosomiasis mansoni in the hamster: cellular and humoral immune responses to soluble egg antigens (SEA).

Cellular and humoral immune responses to soluble egg antigens (SEA) were studied in the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the hamster. No immune response to SEA could be detected before the parasite had started oviposition. The liver granuloma size reached a maximum 6 weeks after infection and decreased rapidly thereafter. The in vitro cell-mediated immune response to SEA (lymphocyte blast transformation) showed a maximum reaction 12 to 16 weeks after infection (depending on the infection rate) and also declined later. Parallel to the lowered reactivity of the lymphocytes to SEA in vitro, responsiveness to the nonspecific T-cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin M, was also reduced in chronic infections. Humoral anti-SEA antibodies could be detected in increasing amounts up to 10 weeks after exposure.

Animals↗

Heavy metal exposure affects the humoral immune response in a free-living small songbird, the great tit (Parus major).

Although many studies have investigated possible effects of heavy metal contamination on components of the immune system in captive birds, studies on the effects of chronic exposure to heavy metals on the immune system of free-living birds are rare. Therefore we studied the effect of heavy metal exposure on the humoral immune responsiveness in free-living great tit (Parus major) populations from four study sites along a pollution gradient near a metallurgic smelter. Although there were no differences in body condition or hematocrit values among great tits from the four study sites, the heavy metal exposure appeared to affect an individual's humoral immune responsiveness, as measured by antibody titers to sheep red blood cells. Great tits from the study site farthest away from the smelter complex had a significantly higher immune responsiveness than birds from the two areas closest to the metallurgic smelter. Further work is now necessary to establish a causal association between heavy metal contamination and immunosuppression.

Animals↗

[Humoral immunity and antigens of HLA system in acute pancreatitis].

In the authors investigations patients with acute pancreatitis had antibodies to endogenic antigens: to o-DNA--in 58.5%, to d-DNA--in 53.7%, to n-DNA in 51.2%, to trypsin--in 42.7%, to insulin--in 28.1% and to the tissue antigen of the pancreas--in 19.5%. A rise of serum immunoglobulins' and circulating immune complexes' levels were established. Alterations of humoral immunity in connection with high frequency of antigens HLA A1, B8, B18 associated with disregulation among T- and B-links of immune system detected in patients with acute pancreatitis, represent genetic and humoral mechanisms which mediate the development of autoimmune reactions in this disease.

Acute Disease↗

Long-term exposure to arsenic affects head kidney and impairs humoral immune responses of Clarias batrachus.

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of long-term arsenic exposure on the head kidney (HK) and ensuing humoral immune responses in Clarias batrachus L. Long-term exposure (150 days) to non-lethal concentrations of arsenic (42.42 microM) resulted in significant time-dependent alterations in HK cell number eventually affecting the HK somatic index. Prolonged exposure to arsenic also suppressed HK-B cell proliferation and led to significant reduction in serum immunoglobulin levels and antigen-specific serum bacterial agglutinin titers. A decline in the number of antigen-specific plaque-forming cells with duration of arsenic exposure was noted in the HK. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays further revealed that arsenic exposure inhibited the release of "IL-4 like factors" from HK-T cells. Histological studies documented time-dependent changes in the structure and cellular composition of HK characterized by extensive lymphocytopenia, decrease in melano-macrophage population and hemosiderin accumulation. From exposure-challenge studies with Aeromonas hydrophila it was evident that pathogens could efficiently disseminate and colonize distant host tissues in the exposed fish. Moreover, the ability to decrease the pathogen load was also significantly reduced in the arsenic-exposed fish. Thus long-term exposure to non-lethal concentrations of arsenic affects HK and interferes with the humoral immune system of C. batrachus rendering them immunocompromised and susceptible to pathogenic challenge.

Aeromonas hydrophila↗

Age-related decline in humoral immune function in Collared Flycatchers.

Although immune function usually declines with age in humans and captive animals, little is known about whether immune function deteriorates with age in natural populations. Here we present evidence for such an age-related deterioration in humoral immune function from a wild population of the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). In this study, young (1-year old), mid-age (3-year old) and old (5-6-year old) females were challenged with a nonpathogenic antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC), while provisioning their nestlings. The level of antibodies against SRBC was measured thereafter. Old females showed markedly lower humoral immune response and produced fledglings of lower body mass in comparison with the other two age classes. Moreover, the age classes differed in the relationship between immune response and fledgling body mass with mid-age females showing a significant positive relationship while the relationship was negative but nonsignificant among young and old females. The results are discussed in light of existing theories of optimal resource allocation, ageing and the theory of terminal investment.

Aging↗