ABSTRACT
En el presente trabajo, dedicado a los 50 años de trabajo del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología, se describe el desarrollo de la especialidad de Inmunología, sus principales alcances y logros científicos en las líneas de desarrollo fundamentales como: la introducción de técnicas de avanzada, el estudio inmunológico de hemopatías y el diagnóstico de las inmunodeficiencias primarias y secundarias. Dentro de estos se destacan la introducción de la citometría de flujo que permitió resultados relevantes en inmunología básica, en su aplicación al estudio de hemopatías como la anemia drepanocítica y el perfeccionamiento del diagnóstico inmunológico de las leucemias agudas del país. También, la caracterización de células madre procedentes de la médula ósea, utilizadas en la terapia celular regenerativa, y el estudio inmunológico del enfermo con insuficiencia renal crónica en espera de trasplante renal en Cuba(AU)
The present work, devoted to the 50 years of work of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, describes the development of the Immunology specialty, its main achievements and scientific results on the fundamentals development lines, such as the introduction of advanced techniques, the immunological study of hemopathies and the diagnosis of primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Among these, we highlight the introduction of flow cytometry that allowed relevant results in basic immunology, in its application to the study of hemopathies such as sickle cell anemia and the improvement of the immunological diagnosis of acute leukemias in the country. Also, the characterization of stem cells from the bone marrow used in regenerative cell therapy and the immunological study of the patient with chronic renal failure pending renal transplantation in Cuba(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Immunologic Techniques/methods , Flow Cytometry/methods , Hematologic Diseases/immunologyABSTRACT
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the homeostasis of the immune system and in the modulation of the immune response. Tregs have emerged as key players in the development and maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. Broadly speaking, CD4+ T cells possessing the ability to suppress immune responses can be divided into two types: naturally occurring (nTreg) and inducible (iTreg) or adaptive regulatory cells. Naturally occurring thymus-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs are a subset of T cells which have immunosuppressive properties and are 5%–10% of the total peripheral CD4+ T cells. In normal conditions, Tregs regulate ongoing immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. Imbalanced function or number of these cells, either enhanced or decreased, might lead to tumour development and autoimmunity, respectively. These cells thus play a major role in autoimmune diseases, transplantation tolerance, infectious diseases, allergic disease and tumour immunity. These natural properties make Tregs attractive tools for novel immunotherapeutic approaches. The in vivo manipulation or depletion of Tregs may help devise effective immunotherapy for patients with cancer, autoimmunity, graftversus- host disease, infectious diseases and allergic diseases. It is crucial to understand the biology of Tregs before attempting therapies, including (i) the injection of expanded Tregs to cure autoimmune disease or prevent graft-versus-host disease or (ii) the depletion or inhibition of Tregs in cancer therapy. Recent findings in murine models and studies in humans have opened new avenues to study the biology of Tregs and their therapeutic potential. This overview provides a framework for integrating these concepts of basic and translational research.
Subject(s)
Animals , Autoimmunity , Communicable Diseases/immunology , Hematologic Diseases/immunology , Humans , Immune Tolerance/immunology , Immune Tolerance/physiology , Immunotherapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Phenotype , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/cytology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Transplantation ImmunologyABSTRACT
Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is currently used in the treatment of various haematological and non-haematological cancers. Until recently, colony forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) assay and mononuclear cell (MNC) count were the indices commonly used to determine the quality of stem cell grafts and the haematopoietic reconstitutive capacity of transplanted stem cells. However, the discovery of CD34 as a stem cell marker has revolutionized the assessment of progenitor cells present in the peripheral blood stem cell graft. Many studies have included enumeration of CD34+ cells, MNCs and CFU-GM assay in stem cell grafts, and their correlation with engraftment has also been studied. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimum dose of each parameter that ensures haematopoietic recovery in all patients. We discuss the stem cell biology and review the literature on stem cell characteristics influencing successful haemopoietic reconstitution.
Subject(s)
Antigens, CD34/analysis , Biological Assay , Biomarkers , Hematologic Diseases/immunology , Hematopoiesis/physiology , Humans , Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation , Research , Transplantation, AutologousABSTRACT
Over the last few decades many biological factors have been discovered. Among these immunoglobulins are currently being used for large number of indications. Initially it was used for primary and secondary immunodeficiency states. Subsequently, intravenous immunoglobulins are being used for variety of immunohematological, autoimmune, and immunopathological disorders. In the present communication besides it basic structure, pharmacology and immunoregulation, its use in various hematological disorders is being reviewed. Currently, it is the preferred treatment for conditions such as immune mediated thrombocytopenic purpura, neutropenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , Hematologic Diseases/immunology , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Se describe el procedimiento para la titulacion de los anticuerpos primarios y los antisueros conjugados, que hizo posible la introduccion en el Instituto de Hematologia Inmunologia, de un ultrametodo inmunocitoquimico para el estudio del inmunofenotipo en enfermedades inmunologicas y en las hemopatias malignas. Este metodo emplea celulas no deshidratadas adheridas a laminas portaobjetostratadas con poli-lisina. Al determinar la dilucion de trabajo de 32 anticuerpos monoclonales y 3 policlonales, se observo que con la misma cantidad de estos reactivos se pueden realizar entre 5 y 100 veces mas determinaciones con respecto al metodo de inmunofluorescencia indirecta. Entre otras ventajas, este metodo permite realizar 21 determinaciones en una misma lamina portaobjeto, requiere una menor cantidad de celulas, los resultados se evaluan en un microscopio de luz visible y las colaboraciones no se desvanecen con el tiempo, lo que permite realizar estudios retrospectivos
Subject(s)
Blood Cells/cytology , Hematologic Diseases/immunology , Immune System Diseases/immunology , Histocytochemistry/methodsABSTRACT
Seroconversion of human immunodeficient virus (HIV)-antibody post blood transfusion has been reported (Jett et al, 1983; Cumming et al, 1989). We report here, six hematologic patients who became HIV-antibody positive after receiving HIV seronegative blood and blood components during their illness. There were three cases of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, one thalassemia, one dyshemopoiesis and one hemophilia A. Thus, the risk of acquiring HIV infection from transfusion remains, despite the routine serological screening of donated blood by HIV ELISA tests. So the laboratory screening of blood should be improved by using more sensitive and specific antibody kits, including the use of HIV antigen testing, which have been reported to be useful in the diagnosis of patients with the early HIV infection.