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Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is closely linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), notably prevalent in southern China. Although type II latency of EBV plays a crucial role in the development of NPC, some lytic genes and intermittent reactivation are also critical for viral propagation and tumor progression. Since T cell-mediated immunity is effective in targeted killing of EBV-positive cells, it is important to identify EBV-derived peptides presented by highly prevalent human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules throughout the EBV life cycle. Here, we constructed an EBV-positive NPC cell model to evaluate the presentation of EBV lytic phase peptides on streptavidin-tagged specific HLA-I molecules. Utilizing a mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based immunopeptidomic approach, we characterized eleven novel EBV peptides as well as two previously identified peptides. Furthermore, we determined these peptides were immunogenic and could stimulate PBMCs from EBV VCA/NA-IgA positive donors in an NPC endemic southern Chinese population. Overall, this work demonstrates that highly prevalent HLA-I-specific EBV peptides can be captured and functionally presented to elicit immune responses in an in vitro model, which provides insight into the epitopes presented during EBV lytic cycle and reactivation. It expands the range of viral targets for potential NPC early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome have seriously affected the development of the swine breeding industry in China. Vaccine immunization remains the main way to prevent these infections. The aim of this study was to establish an optimized protocol for vaccine immunization against classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods: Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of pigs after immunization, and blood indices, secreted levels of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies associated with humoral immunity, the proliferation capacity of T lymphocytes as a measure of cellular immunity, and secreted levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were determined. Results: The results showed that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV infections induced strong and specific humoral and T-cellular immune responses, high levels of cytokine IFN-γ secretion and delayed secretion of cytokine TNF-α. Moreover, significantly higher lymphocyte percentages and red blood cell and leukocyte counts were found in the group simultaneously immunized against CSFV and PRRSV. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin values, neutrophil counts, and median cell percentages among the S + PRRS, PRRS-S, and S-PRRS groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV had the advantages of inducing a rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting immune response. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a reasonable and optimized vaccine immunization protocol against CSFV and PRRSV in combination with a variety of other vaccine inoculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, data on long-term immune responses to a homogenous booster dose of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine are still limited among people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: A prospective cohort study with a 13-month follow-up was conducted in China between March 2021 and August 2022 to evaluate the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral and cellular immunity against three doses of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine from before the first dose until 6 months after the booster dose vaccination among PLWH in comparison to healthy controls (HC). Results: 43 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 23 HC were enrolled. Compared with HC, the neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) levels among PLWH were significantly lower on days 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 after the booster dose vaccination. Among PLWH, the nAbs titers on days 14, 30, and 60 after the booster dose were significantly higher than the peak of the second dose. However, on day 180 after the booster dose, the nAbs titers were similar to the peak of the second dose vaccination. Compared with HC, the frequencies of IFN-g-secreting and TNF-a-secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among PLWH were lower on days 14 and 180 after the booster dose vaccination. Among PLWH, increased T cell immunity was induced by the booster dose of the vaccine and kept stable on day 180 after the booster dose vaccination. Conclusion: Although a homogenous booster dose following two doses of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine among PLWH could elicit higher nAb titers, reduce antibody decay, and maintain T cell responses even 6 months after vaccination, the overall immunogenicity of the booster dose was found to be lower among PLWH than among healthy controls. Further strategies are needed to improve immunogenicity to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine among PLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome have seriously affected the development of the swine breeding industry in China. Vaccine immunization remains the main way to prevent these infections. The aim of this study was to establish an optimized protocol for vaccine immunization against classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods: Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of pigs after immunization, and blood indices, secreted levels of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies associated with humoral immunity, the proliferation capacity of T lymphocytes as a measure of cellular immunity, and secreted levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were determined. Results: The results showed that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV infections induced strong and specific humoral and T-cellular immune responses, high levels of cytokine IFN-γ secretion and delayed secretion of cytokine TNF-α. Moreover, significantly higher lymphocyte percentages and red blood cell and leukocyte counts were found in the group simultaneously immunized against CSFV and PRRSV. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin values, neutrophil counts, and median cell percentages among the S + PRRS, PRRS-S, and S-PRRS groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV had the advantages of inducing a rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting immune response. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a reasonable and optimized vaccine immunization protocol against CSFV and PRRSV in combination with a variety of other vaccine inoculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome have seriously affected the development of the swine breeding industry in China. Vaccine immunization remains the main way to prevent these infections. The aim of this study was to establish an optimized protocol for vaccine immunization against classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods: Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of pigs after immunization, and blood indices, secreted levels of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies associated with humoral immunity, the proliferation capacity of T lymphocytes as a measure of cellular immunity, and secreted levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were determined. Results: The results showed that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV infections induced strong and specific humoral and T-cellular immune responses, high levels of cytokine IFN-γ secretion and delayed secretion of cytokine TNF-α. Moreover, significantly higher lymphocyte percentages and red blood cell and leukocyte counts were found in the group simultaneously immunized against CSFV and PRRSV. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin values, neutrophil counts, and median cell percentages among the S + PRRS, PRRS-S, and S-PRRS groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV had the advantages of inducing a rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting immune response. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a reasonable and optimized vaccine immunization protocol against CSFV and PRRSV in combination with a variety of other vaccine inoculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is the most important pest in China. Serratia marcescens (SM1) can infect insects. In our lab, we found that SM1 can kill R. chinensis. However, the mechanisms underlying the immune defense of R. chinensis against SM1 is unknown. Therefore, understanding the interaction between R. chinensis and SM1 is important for termite control. In this study, immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in R. chinensis were identified and analyzed after SM1 infection. The results increased our understanding of immune responses in pests. This study was helpful for the development of immune suppressive agents in R. chinensis management. Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is an important pest species in China. Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) is a potent biological bacterium. In our lab, we found that SM1 can kill R. chinensis. To date, the interaction between R. chinensis and SM1 has not been studied. Here, we explored immune responses of R. chinensis against SM1 using transcriptome sequencing. To elucidate immune-related genes, we identified 126,153 unigenes from R. chinensis. In total, 178 immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that many cellular responses were enriched in the top 20 terms. Then, we systematically analyzed several cellular immune pathways involved in the response of R. chinensis to SM1, including phagocytosis, autophagy, and endocytosis pathways. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the cellular immune-related genes were assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and the expression levels of the selected genes were upregulated. Further results revealed SM1-mediated activation of humoral immune responses genes, including Toll, IMD, and melanization pathways, which suggested the involvement of humoral immune responses in the defense against SM1. This research elucidated the mechanisms underlying the immune defense of R. chinensis against SM1, providing a solid theoretical basis for exploiting new immune suppressive agents to control R. chinensis. Moreover, this study will facilitate the better control of R. chinensis using SM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) continues to confound transplant surgeons and physicians. There are no effective methods to predict the patients at risk for recurrence so far although many studies have sought meaningful biomarkers. The ImmuKnow (IMK) assay is an immune cell function assay that detects cell-mediated immunity in an immunosuppressed population, mainly measuring peripheral blood CD4(+) adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cellular immune function measured by the ImmuKnow assay and HCC recurrence post-OLT.Methods: A total of 76 HCC cases underwent Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD) liver transplant, which confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma by histology postoperatively. The ImmuKnow assay was prospectively performed in these cases at a range of 6-36 months post-OLT. Every test was repeated 1 week later, obtaining the average value for every patient. In addition, every case had liver imaging findings at approximately the exam time.Results: Fifteen cases with liver imaging findings showed HCC recurrence (19.7%) post-OLT, and the average ImmuKnow assay in these patients was 190 ± 48 ng/ml, which was less (p < 0.05) than in patients without HCC recurrence, whose average ATP level was 313 ± 90 ng/ml. ATP levels post-OLT were found to be significantly associated with the risk of tumour recurrence. The ratio of T reg cells and the levels of TGFβ and IL-10 were higher in recurrence patients than in recurrence-free patients.Conclusion: Greater suppression of cellular immunity, as measured by the ImmuKnow assay, was associated with progression of HCC recurrence post-OLT. ImmuKnow assay was helpful in determining the risk of early recurrence of HCC postliver transplant. A pathway consisting of T reg cells, TGFβ and IL-10 might be the HCC recurrence-predominant pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Interleukin (IL)-12 plays a vital role in regulating cell-mediated immunity against tuberculosis (TB). Methods. To test whether IL12B genetic polymorphisms might contribute to human TB susceptibility, we examined the genotype frequencies of 5 IL12B polymorphisms (at promoter, intron 2, intron 4, exon 5, and 3' untranslated region [UTR]) in 516 patients with TB and 514 healthy control subjects from the Hong Kong Chinese population. Results. Individuals homozygous for the IL12B intron 2-repeat marker (ATT)8 had a 2.1-fold increased risk of developing TB (P < .001) (odds ratio, 2.14 [95% confidence interval, 1.45-3.19]). Estimation of the frequencies of multiple-locus haplotypes composed of IL12B promoter, intron 2, intron 4, and 3' UTR alleles revealed potential risk haplotypes (designated "A" and "K") and protective haplotypes (designated "B") for TB. Furthermore, combining the genotype data of the 4 informative IL12B loci revealed a strong association between a specific genotype pattern, termed "diplotype I" (heterozygous A and K haplotypes), and TB. In contrast, diplotype II (homozygous BB haplotypes) appeared protective against TB. Conclusions. These findings support the association between IL12B intron 2 polymorphism and TB and between specific IL12B haplotypes and TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)-induced pneumonia (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019 in China, spreading worldwide. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the immunological response and the clinical subset of peripheral lymphocyte subset alteration in COVID-19 infection. Methods: the study was conducted on four different clinical groups (n = 4; total n = 138). Each individual was assigned to different groups based on specific criteria evaluated at the admission such as fever, dyspnea, arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), oral-nasopharyngeal swab/RT-PCR, and thoracic CT-scan. Treatment was performed only after blood samples were collected from each patient (PP and PP) at day 1. The blood samples were analyzed and tested the same day (CBC and Flowcytometry). The positive–positive group (PP n = 45; F = 18/ M = 27; median age = 62.33), comprised individuals affected by COVID-19 who showed fever, dyspnea (ABG = pO2 < 60), confirmed positive by oral-nasopharyngeal swab/RT-PCR and with CT-scan showing ground-glass opacities. The negative–positive (NP; n = 37; F = 11/M = 26; median age = 75.94) or "COVID-like" group comprised individuals with fever and dyspnea (ABG = pO2 < 60), who tested negative to nasopharyngeal swab/RT-PCR, with CT-scans showing ground-glass opacities in the lungs. The negative–affected group (NA; n = 40; F = 14/M = 26; median age = 58.5) included individuals negative to COVID-19 (RT-PCR) but affected by different chronic respiratory diseases (the CT-scans didn't show ground-glass opacities). Finally, the negative–negative group (NN; n = 16; F = 14/M = 2) included healthy patients (NN; n = 16; median age = 42.62). Data and findings were collected and compared. Results: Lymphocytes (%) cells showed a decline in COVID-19 patients. The subsets showed a significant association with the inflammatory status in COVID-19, especially with regard to increased neutrophils, T-killer, T-active, T-suppressor, and T-CD8+CD38+ in individuals belong to the either COVID-19 and Covid-like NP group. Conclusions: Peripheral lymphocyte subset alteration was associated with the clinical characteristics and progression of COVID-19. The level of sub-set cells T-lymphocytes (either high or low) and B-lymphocytes could be used as an independent predictor for COVID-19 severity and treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]