Search Results (2,067)

Vaccination remains the primary strategy for controlling infectious diseases in farm animals. However, current conventional vaccines demonstrate clinical limitations including suboptimal immunogenicity and frequent booster requirements, which compromise disease management efficacy. This study presents an innovative vaccine platform combining yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) with inactivated antigens as co-immunization components. We developed two formulations targeting economically significant pathogens: avian Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 (FAdV-4) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). For FAdV-4 vaccine evaluation in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, the IgY-antigen complex demonstrated superior immunogenic properties compared to conventional inactivated vaccines. When administered as a single dose at 14 days of age, the experimental formulation elicited significantly stronger humoral responses as measured by both serum neutralization (SN₅₀) and ELISA. Notably, this vaccination strategy provided 100% protection against lethal FAdV-4 challenge from 0 h to 20 weeks post-vaccination, with complete absence of clinical disease manifestations. In PEDV assessment using mouse models, the IgY-antigen formulation induced significantly higher antibody titers than inactivated antigen alone at all post-immunization timepoints (p < 0.01). Comparative analysis revealed our dual-component platform enhanced both the intensity and rapidity of protective immune responses compared to traditional inactivated vaccines. These findings establish that the IgY-antigen co-immunization strategy represents a promising approach for developing new veterinary vaccines with improved protective efficacy. The platform’s ability to generate robust, rapid-onset immunity while maintaining single-dose effectiveness addresses critical limitations of current vaccine technologies. Full article

Polysaccharides from marine organisms have been extensively studied and utilized as functional food ingredients due to their excellent immunomodulatory properties. However, the immunomodulatory potential of fermented Ruditapes philippinarum polysaccharide (RPP) has not been systematically explored. This study investigated the effects of RPP on immune function in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. These results revealed that RPP alleviated CTX-induced weight loss and restored appetite. Moreover, RPP can promote the morphology and indices of immune organs, as well as increased the number of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb). Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were significantly elevated following RPP treatment. Additionally, RPP improved colonic morphology by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and promoting the secretion of secretory IgA (sIgA). These results indicated that RPP exerted an immune protective effect in BALB/c mice and justified its further potential as a bioactive ingredient for functional foods derived from marine shellfish. Full article

Background: Immunological monitoring in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with disease-modifying drugs may help predict infectious complications and guide treatment. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether anti-CD20 treatments in MS patients induce immunodeficiency and whether certain immunological parameters can predict the risk of infection and response to treatment. Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-centre study included MS patients who started treatment with ocrelizumab or rituximab and received follow-up in the Neuroimmunology Unit of our centre between January 2017 and January 2023. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Immunology Department of this hospital. Results: Fifty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 47 years and a follow-up period of 24 months. Analyses of lymphocyte subpopulations (T, B, NK) and immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) were performed before treatment and at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups. In addition, we carried out an exhaustive study of B cells in the baseline analysis. Sixty-four percent of patients presented infections, mostly due to COVID-19. Three patients developed cryptogenic organising pneumonia. IgG hypogammaglobulinemia was the main risk factor for developing infections. Patients with infections had fewer mature memory B cells and a lower percentage of NK cells. Furthermore, a lower proportion of naïve and mature memory B cells was associated with inflammatory activity and disease progression, respectively. The absence of CD20 depletion during follow-up was associated with clinical worsening. Conclusions: Baseline immunophenotype and immunological monitoring can help predict the risk of infections and the efficacy of anti-CD20 therapy in MS patients. Full article

Glycosylation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a critical regulator of its functional properties. We present an original mathematical model, calibrated and validated using quantitative IgG N-glycosylation data from two independent cohorts, 915 individuals from Korčula Island and 890 individuals from Vis Island, Croatia, reported in prior studies. The datasets comprise relative glycan levels measured by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), represented by 22 chromatographic peaks per individual. By fitting the model to these data, we estimated the total concentrations of seven key enzymes involved in glycan biosynthesis across four Golgi compartments. The model revealed an age-related decline in β-N-acetylglucosaminylglycopeptide β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalT) concentrations in both populations, emphasizing its essential role in driving age-dependent changes in IgG glycan profiles and underscoring its potential as a biomarker of aging. Full article

Diagnosis and prognosis of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) spectrum remain largely dependent on clinical assessments due to a lack of established fluid biomarkers. While neurofilaments and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated-tau/total-tau ratio (pTau:tTau) have been studied, their limitations, including their lack of clinical implementation and low specificity, necessitate multimodal approaches. This study aimed to characterize the biological features of the ALS/FTD spectrum through integration of clinically available parameters. We conducted a retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study analyzing routinely collected clinical, neuroimaging, CSF, and serum data from 229 samples, including 45 from patients with ALS, 26 from patients with FTD, 158 from patients with other neurodegenerative diseases, and 29 from cognitively healthy controls. We implemented propensity score-weighted comparisons, an F1 score-based optimal cut-point determination for the pTau:tTau ratio, and a regularized XGBoost-based multimodal feature modeling approach. The biomarker and model performance was evaluated by the area under the precision–recall curve (AUC-PR). Feature importance analysis identified characteristic indicators of the ALS/FTD spectrum. Consistent with the prior literature, the pTau:tTau ratio was significantly reduced in ALS/FTD, but the classification performance was modest (AUC-PR 0.32). A multimodal model integrating clinical, biofluid, and neuroimaging features achieved a notably better performance (AUC-PR 0.75). Feature importance analysis revealed an ALS/FTD signature beyond the pTau:tTau ratio characterized by higher global cognition, younger age, an altered Aβ42/pTau ratio, and immunoglobulin changes (CSF IgG:IgA, serum IgG). Integration of clinical routine data centered on tau, amyloid, and immunological pathophysiology as well as temporal disease dynamics provide a contextualized biological characterization of the ALS/FTD spectrum. This approach offers a foundation for hypothesis generation regarding ALS/FTD pathophysiology and biomarker-supported diagnosis. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells characterized by bone marrow infiltration and excessive production of monoclonal immunoglobulins, leading to end-organ damage such as osteolytic bone lesions. Despite substantial therapeutic progress achieved with proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, multiple myeloma remains incurable, and outcomes for triple-class-refractory patients remain dismal, with median survival below one year. Bispecific T cell engaging antibodies (TCEs) have recently emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach capable of redirecting cytotoxic T cells to eliminate malignant plasma cells. These engineered antibodies simultaneously engage CD3 on T cells and a tumor-associated antigen such as B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), or Fc receptor homolog 5 (FcRH5), thereby forming an immune synapse that triggers T cell activation, cytokine secretion, and perforin–granzyme-mediated apoptosis of the targeted B cell. This review summarizes the molecular design, mechanism of action, and clinical development of TCEs in MM, encompassing early bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTE) constructs such as AMG 420 and next-generation IgG-like molecules including teclistamab. Pivotal clinical trials have demonstrated overall response rates between 43% and 73%, accompanied by durable remissions and manageable safety profiles. Future directions include earlier-line integration, synergistic combinations with immunomodulatory or costimulatory agents, and the development of trispecific formats to overcome antigen escape and T cell exhaustion. Collectively, TCEs represent a paradigm shift toward durable, immune-mediated disease control in multiple myeloma. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (CAL) on the laying performance, follicular development, and cecal microorganisms of breeder geese. The experiment was conducted at a goose farm in Lu’an City, Anhui Province, from April to December 2024. A total of 5965 geese (male-to-female ratio of 1:4.75) were used and divided into three groups with CAL supplementation levels of 0 ppm, 60 ppm, and 100 ppm. Changes in laying performance, serum hormones, follicle number, and fecal microorganisms were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the total number of eggs laid in the 100 ppm BS group increased by 2.77 eggs (p < 0.05), and the number of graded follicles was significantly increased by 78.2% (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum reproductive hormones among all groups (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that the 100 ppm CAL group had a significantly higher abundance of Firmicutes, with enrichment of the genera Bacillus and Lactococcus. Additionally, the relative abundance of Bacillus was significantly positively correlated with the level of intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) (p < 0.05). However, the egg weight and egg shape index in the 60 ppm CAL group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in hatching rate among all groups (p > 0.05). This study indicated that CAL has precise application value in the green breeding of breeder geese. It is recommended to add CAL at a dose of 100 ppm, which can improve the laying performance and optimize the follicular development of breeder geese by enhancing intestinal microecology and mucosal immune function. The results provide a direct theoretical basis and practical reference for the scientific application of CAL in breeder goose breeding. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with biochar and Tribulus terrestris (TT) on oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in New Zealand White rabbits. A total of 80 weaned rabbits (35 days of age) were assigned to four groups (20 each): a control group (C) and three experimental groups supplemented with 0.25% biochar (E1), 0.25% biochar and 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E2), or 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E3). The feeding experiment lasted 78 days following a 7-day adaptation period. Hematological, biochemical, and redox parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total reducing capacity (FRAP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and testosterone levels, were assessed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Rabbits from group E1 exhibited the highest FRAP values (8.16 µmol/L; p < 0.05), whereas MDA concentrations were significantly elevated in groups E1 and C (2.02 and 1.83 µmol/L; p < 0.05), indicating increased lipid peroxidation. Groups E2 and E3 showed lower MDA levels (1.38 and 1.59 µmol/L; p < 0.05) and higher IgG concentrations (44.72 and 37.82 ng/mL; p < 0.05) compared to the control, suggesting improved antioxidant defense and immune status. GSH levels were significantly higher in groups E1 and E2 (6.34 and 6.79 µmol/L; p < 0.05). No adverse changes were observed in basic hematological and biochemical parameters. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with biochar and T. terrestris is safe and can beneficially modulate redox balance and immune response in rabbits, confirming their potential as natural feed additives in sustainable rabbit production. Full article

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Glucose oxidase (GOx) and Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on immune response, antioxidant capacity, gut microbiota, and metabolome in cats. Methods: Twenty-four cats were randomly divided into four groups: basal diet (CON group), basal diet + 0.03% GOx (GOD group), basal diet + 0.03% MCE (MCE group), and basal diet + 0.03% GOx and 0.03% MCE (GM group). Results: Compared to the CON group, the GOD group exhibited elevated levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and decreased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) (p < 0.05). MCE increased concentrations of IgA, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and sIgA, alongside a reduction in interleukin-2 (IL-2). The GM group exhibited markedly elevated concentrations of IL-2 and IgG, and decreased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10). Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing showed differences in the fecal microbiota among the four dietary groups. Analyses of fecal and serum metabolomics demonstrated that differential metabolites were primarily associated with cat amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Gox and MCE may enhance immune function, mitigate oxidative stress in cats, and increase the relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota. Moreover, our results may provide evidence for GOx and MCE as novel nutritional additives in pet food. It should be noted that this study is limited by its sample size; while the results provide promising insights, future studies with larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm these observations. Full article

Background: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a well-established biomarker of neuroaxonal damage, detectable in serum through immunoassays. Its potential relevance in psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa (AN), is currently under investigation. This study aims to quantify serum NfL levels in individuals with AN, evaluate their correlation with autoantibodies detection, and critically examine the specificity of NfL as a biomarker in this context. Methods: A total of 100 participants were enrolled, comprising 50 individuals diagnosed with AN and 50 age-matched, normal-weight controls. Serum concentrations of NfL and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies reactive to hypothalamic antigens were measured using validated immunoassay techniques. Results: Serum NfL concentrations were markedly higher in the AN group compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, NfL levels tended to decrease with longer disease duration and with the recovery of body mass index (BMI), indicating a possible association between clinical improvement and reduced neuroaxonal damage. Furthermore, the results confirmed the presence of anti-hypothalamic autoantibodies and revealed a positive correlation between their levels and serum NfL concentrations. Conclusions: Clinical remission in AN appears to be linked to a decrease in both markers neuronal damage and hypothalamic autoimmunity. However, as elevated serum NfL is observed across a spectrum of neurological and psychiatric disorders, its specificity as a biomarker for AN should be further investigated. While NfL may reflect neuroaxonal injury in AN, its interpretation should be contextualized within a broader clinical and immunological framework. Full article

Tree pollen is the most abundant in the Community of Madrid (CAM), and specifically, pollen types from Olea, Cupressaceae, and Platanus are the most allergenic, after Gramineae, in this Spanish region. Air pollutants are one of the most significant stress factors for wind-pollinated vegetation, especially in urban areas, and can cause alterations in the immune system and the consequent triggering of type I hypersensitivity reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). This study analyses the allergic sensitization caused by the interrelation of O₃, NO₂, and PM₁₀ pollutants with the tree pollen types Olea, Cupressaceae, and Platanus in the period 2017–2021. To this end, general linear models were calculated using the Statgraphics Centurion 19 tool. The data collected came from the Air Quality Networks of the CAM and Madrid City Council, the CAM Palynological Network, and the Allergy Services of the reference hospitals in the five study areas. This research confirms a statistically significant correlation between allergic sensitivity to pollen types and their concentrations in the air, and those of atmospheric pollutants, in the different areas and years studied. These pollen and pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere of the CAM jointly influence the prevalence of allergic sensitisation, as is evident in all the models calculated. Full article

Background: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is applied to address clinical pharmacology issues including dose selection and exposure assessments for special populations (e.g., pediatrics, and renally or hepatically impaired patients). The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive performance of a PBPK model for dosing assessment of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and anti-D immunoglobulin (anti-D Ig) products in pregnant women. Methods: A minimal PBPK (mPBPK) model that incorporates pregnancy-specific physiological parameters and allometric scaling approaches was developed and evaluated for predicting the exposure of IVIG and anti-D Ig in pregnant women. The concentration versus time data were obtained from the published literature. Results: The IVIG (n = 22) and anti-D Ig (n = 29) concentrations were predicted using the mPBPK model with an average fold error of 1.17 and 1.22, respectively. A total of 100% and 95% of IVIG concentrations were predicted within the 0.5–2-fold and 0.5–1.5-fold prediction error ranges, respectively. For anti-D Ig, predictions fell within the 0.5–2-fold and 0.5–1.5-fold ranges for 93% and 76% concentrations, respectively. A mPBPK model-based simulation following administration of 0.5 g/kg IVIG in 100 virtual nonpregnant and pregnant subjects revealed that the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 15% lower and trough concentration (Ctrough) was 8% lower during the third trimester of pregnancy compared to nonpregnant subjects. In contrast, with flat dosing, Cmax and Ctrough were 32% and 26% lower in pregnant subjects, respectively. Overall, the model demonstrated reasonable predictive performance, and bodyweight-based dosing regimen is an acceptable approach that results in minimal change in exposure of IVIG in pregnant women. Full article

Introduction/Goal: Stress and negative emotions have been shown to exert a substantial impact on cancer patients, affecting their ability to adapt to therapy and the overall effectiveness. Elevated cortisol levels, a stress-induced hormone, have been shown to suppress immune system function, potentially reducing the body’s capacity to combat cancer cells. On the contrary, prolactin, a hormone that stimulates the immune system, has shown potential in this context but requires further study. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute physiological changes that occur during a single Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) session, as part of a larger investigation on Integrative Breathwork Psychotherapy (IBP), a novel integrative psychosomatic intervention designed to improve psychosomatic and immune status in cancer patients. Methods: The project involved 93 breast cancer patients hospitalized for postoperative radiotherapy who participated in a ten-session IBP program. Fifty-six patients agreed to participate (response rate: 60%). During the experiment, 8 patients were excluded from the analysis. IBP consisted of small group sessions (up to six participants) conducted three times weekly. Each session included 45 min of CCB—defined as rhythmic circular nasal breathing at a depth exceeding resting tidal volume, without breath-holding, performed in a state of mindful acceptance—followed by 15 min of free emotional expression (verbal articulation of emerging feelings and sensations). This was a within-subject pre-post design: physiological measurements were obtained immediately before and 30 min into the tenth session (when participants had achieved technical proficiency) in all participants, who served as their own controls. Outcome measures included: arterialized capillary blood gas parameters (pH, pCO₂, pO₂, ctO₂, COHb, HHb, cH⁺), serum cortisol and prolactin concentrations, and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Results: During the CCB session, blood gas analysis revealed significant changes consistent with mild respiratory alkalosis: decreases in pCO₂ (p = 0.003), pO₂ (p < 0.001), cH⁺ (p < 0.001), ctO₂ (p < 0.001), COHb (p = 0.03), and HHb (p = 0.004), alongside an increase in pH (p < 0.001). Concurrently, prolactin levels increased significantly (p < 0.001), while cortisol (p < 0.001) and IgA (p < 0.001) decreased. Conclusions: This study is the first to analyze acute changes in capillary blood gas parameters and neuroendocrine balance during Conscious Connected Breathing sessions in cancer patients, revealing measurable immunostimulatory and stress-modulatory effects. The observed shift toward respiratory alkalosis, combined with increased prolactin and decreased cortisol, suggests that CCB may facilitate favorable neuroendocrine-immune interactions. These findings support the potential of breathwork as a complementary therapy for cancer patients. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and assess long-term psychological and immunological impacts. Full article

The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the diagnostic standard for canine leptospirosis. However, it is a time-consuming process and does not differentiate between infection- and vaccine-induced antibodies. Canine Leptospira spp.-specific antibody point-of-care (POC) tests provide the rapid detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or G (IgG). IgM POC tests are considered to become negative more rapidly after vaccination, making them more effective at diagnosing leptospirosis in not-recently vaccinated dogs. This study analysed 582 serum samples of 97 healthy dogs using five different POC tests and the MAT before vaccination and 2, 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks afterwards. Among the POC tests, three detected IgM antibodies, one detected IgG antibodies, and one detected both IgM and IgG. The results were analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression. Before vaccination, only 2/291 IgM tests were positive (0.7%), compared to 45/194 IgG tests (23.2%). All the POC tests became positive after vaccination, but IgM positivity occurred significantly less frequently (59/1746), especially >4 weeks post-vaccination (7/59 positive results), with 94.5–99.6% specificity compared to 41.4–77.8% in IgG tests. These findings support the use of IgM POC tests in vaccinated dogs, while IgG POC tests are more difficult to interpret. Full article

Background/Objectives: Following the global spread of SARS-CoV-2, there was an urgent need for vaccine development to support immune protection. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of active and hybrid immunity on the durability of immunoglobulin G (IgG), neutralizing antibodies, and cellular immune responses over a two-year period. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted from February 2021 to December 2023 at the Public Health Institute in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Anti-S IgG was measured using ELISA (Euroimmun), neutralizing antibodies via an in-house virus neustralization test (VNT), and cellular immune response using the IGRA test (ELISA, Euroimmun). Participants also completed a questionnaire on demographics, COVID-19 history, symptoms, and vaccination. Statistical analysis included descriptive and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis) at a 5% significance level. Results: The cohort included 149 individuals, 97.3% of whom were vaccinated with Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech). A total of 17% had confirmed infection prior to vaccination and showed up to two-fold higher neutralizing antibody levels (p < 0.001) within 2–6 weeks postvaccination. Postvaccination infection was reported in 35% of participants. Although antibody levels declined over the 2–100 week period, participants remained seropositive across all three parameters. Cellular immune response (interferon-γ) remained consistently high throughout follow-up. Conclusions: The study demonstrates long-term durability of IgG and neutralizing antibodies and confirms durable cellular immunity up to two years postvaccination. Hybrid immunity significantly enhanced neutralizing antibody levels, supporting its added value in protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Full article