Type I interferon regulates interleukin-1beta and IL-18 production and secretion in human macrophages.

Inflammasomes are immune complexes whose activation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-18 and IL-1ß. Type I IFNs play a role in fighting infection and stimulate the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) involved in inflammation. Despite the importance of these cytokines in inflammation, the regulation of inflammasomes by type I IFNs remains poorly understood. Here, we analysed RNA-sequencing data from patients with monogenic interferonopathies and found an up-regulation of several inflammasome-related genes. To investigate the effect of type I IFN on the inflammasome, we treated human monocyte-derived macrophages with IFN-α and observed an increase in CASP1 and GSDMD mRNA levels over time, whereas IL1B and NLRP3 were not directly correlated to IFN-α exposure time. IFN-α treatment reduced the release of mature IL-1ß and IL-18, but not caspase-1, in response to ATP-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting regulation occurs at cytokine expression levels and not the inflammasome itself. However, more studies are required to investigate how regulation by IFN-α occurs and impacts NLRP3 and other inflammasomes at both transcriptional and post-translational levels.

Risk Factors for Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Persistence of serum antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is associated with a high thrombotic risk, both arterial and venous, and with pregnancy complications. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality associated with the presence of aPL, identifying and recognizing risk factors for the development of aPL and thrombosis in aPL carriers may help to prevent and reduce the burden of disease. Multiple elements are involved in the pathomechanism of aPL development and aPL-related thrombosis such as genetics, malignancy, and infections. This review will address the role of both well-known risk factors and their evolution, and of emerging risk factors, including COVID-19, in the development of aPL and thrombosis in aPL carriers.

Association of IFN-γ +874 A/T SNP and hypermethylation of the -53 CpG site with tuberculosis susceptibility.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is now the 2nd leading infectious killer after COVID-19 and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. Moreover, TB is a lethal combination for HIV-patients. Th1 responses and particularly IFN-γ are crucial for immune protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Many gene variants for IFNG that confer susceptibility to TB have been described in multiple ethnic populations. Likewise, some epigenetic modifications have been evaluated, being CpG methylation the major epigenetic mark that makes chromatin inaccessible to transcription factors, thus avoiding the initiation of IFNG transcription. Methods: We evaluated both genetic and epigenetic changes involved in IFN-γ production and TB susceptibility in Argentine population. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) was performed for the IFN-γ +874 A/T polymorphism (rs2430561) genotyping in 199 healthy donors (HD) and 173 tuberculosis (TB) patients. IFN-γ levels from M. tuberculosis-stimulated PBMCs were measured by ELISA. The methylation status at the -53 CpG site of the IFNG promoter in individuals with latent infection (LTBI), TB and HD was determine by pyrosequencing. Results: Using a case-control study, we found that A allele and, consequently, AA genotype were overrepresented in patients with active disease. Moreover, HD carrying T allele (AT or TT genotype) evidenced an augmented IFN-γ secretion compared to TB patients. Codominance was the genetic model that best fits our results according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC). In addition, increased methylation levels at the -53 CpG site in the IFN-γ promoter were observed in whole blood of patients with active TB compared to LTBI individuals. Discussion: IFN-γ is regulated by genetic variants and epigenetic modifications during TB. Besides, AA genotype of the rs2430561 single nucleotide polymorphism could be considered as a potential TB susceptibility genetic biomarker in Argentina and the methylation of the -53 CpG site could result in a useful predictor of TB reactivation.

Platelets promote human macrophages-mediated macropinocytosis of Clostridioides difficile.

Clostridioides difficile is the main causative agent of hospital-acquired diarrhea and the potentially lethal disease, C. difficile infection. The cornerstone of the current therapy is the use of antibiotics, which is not fully effective. The molecular mechanisms, inflammatory conditions and host-immune responses that could benefit the persistence or elimination of C. difficile remain unclear. Macrophages perform different ways of endocytosis as part of their immune surveillance functions and platelets, classically known for their coagulatory role, are also important modulators of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endocytosis of vegetative C. difficile by human macrophages and the involvement of platelets in this process. Our results showed that both macrophages and platelets interact with live and heat-killed C. difficile. Furthermore, platelets form complexes with human monocytes in healthy donor's fresh blood and the presence of C. difficile increased these cell-cell interactions. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we show that macrophages can internalize C. difficile and that platelets improve this uptake. By using inhibitors of different endocytic pathways, we demonstrate that macropinocytosis is the route of entry of C. difficile into the cell. Taken together, our findings are the first evidence for the internalization of vegetative non-toxigenic and hypervirulent C. difficile by human macrophages and highlight the role of platelets in innate immunity during C. difficile infection. Deciphering the crosstalk of C. difficile with immune cells could provide new tools for understanding the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection and for the development of host-directed therapies.

NLRP3 inflammasome triggers interleukin-37 release from human monocytes.

IL-37 is an anti-inflammatory member of the IL-1 family that dampens inflammation associated with many noncommunicable diseases. However, mechanisms of IL-37 regulation remain understudied. We aimed to investigate the enzymatic cleavage of IL-37 that potentiates extracellular signalling, as well as pathways of IL-37 secretion. In human monocytes, mature IL-37 (mIL-37) was released following canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The release of IL-37 was blocked by inhibiting plasma membrane permeability and in gasdermin-D-deficient THP-1 cells. While the cleavage of IL-37 was found to be constitutive, the release of mIL-37 was blocked in NLRP3-deficient THP-1 cells and by NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 in THP-1s and primary human monocytes. IL-37 secretion also occurred after 18-h exposure to LPS, independently of the alternative NLRP3 inflammasome. This LPS-dependent IL-37 secretion required plasma membrane permeability, but not conventional protein secretion apparatus. Mutagenesis of the suggested caspase-1 cleavage site (D20) or the proposed alternative cleavage site (V46) did not completely block IL-37 processing. Therefore, we propose a novel pathway in which IL-37 is cleaved by caspase-1-independent mechanisms and released following canonical and alternative NLRP3 inflammasome triggers by differential pathways.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Deep Non-Carious Cervical Lesion With a CAD/CAM Chairside Restoration in Combination With Periodontal Surgery: A 60-Month Follow-Up Technique Report.

INTRODUCTION: Restoring function and esthetics are essential aspects of periodontology and restorative dentistry. Depending on their extension and the tissues involved, the treatment of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) associated with gingival recessions may require a multidisciplinary approach, and different periodontal and restorative techniques have been described. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents an innovative approach to treat a deep NCCL combined with a gingival recession in a canine region of a female patient. A Computer Aided Design - Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) chairside ceramic restoration in combination with mucogingival surgery procedures is described. A comprehensive analysis of the selected approach and its clinical implications is presented based on a 60-month follow-up. Conclusions After 60-month follow-up, clinical condition maintained stable, and a successful esthetic outcome was accomplished. Complete root coverage was achieved and kept throughout the whole period of tracing.

The adaptive immune response to Clostridioides difficile: A tricky balance between immunoprotection and immunopathogenesis.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the major cause of hospital-acquired gastrointestinal infections in individuals following antibiotics treatment. The pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI) is mediated mainly by the production of toxins that induce tissue damage and host inflammatory responses. While innate immunity is well characterized in human and animal models of CDI, adaptive immune responses remain poorly understood. In this review, the current understanding of adaptive immunity is summarized and its influence on pathogenesis and disease outcome is discussed. The perspectives on what we believe to be the main pending questions and the focus of future research are also provided. There is no doubt that the innate immune response provides a first line of defense to CDI. But, is the adaptive immune response a friend or a foe? Probably it depends on the course of the disease. Adaptive immunity is essential for pathogen eradication, but may also trigger uncontrolled or pathological inflammation. Most of the understanding of the role of T cells is based on findings from experimental models. While they are a very valuable tool for research studies, more studies in human are needed to translate these findings into human disease. Another main challenge is to unravel the role of the different T cell populations on protection or induction of immunopathogenesis.

SLAMF1 signaling induces Mycobacterium tuberculosis uptake leading to endolysosomal maturation in human macrophages.

Tuberculosis dates back to ancient times but it is not a problem of the past. Each year, millions of people die from tuberculosis. After inhalation of infectious droplet nuclei, Mycobacterium tuberculosis reaches the lungs where it can manipulate the immune system and survive within host macrophages, establishing a persistent infection. The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1) is a self-ligand receptor that can internalize gram-negative bacteria and regulate macrophages' phagosomal functions. In tuberculosis, SLAMF1 promotes Th1-protective responses. In this work, we studied the role of SLAMF1 on macrophages' functions during M. tuberculosis infection. Our results showed that both M. tuberculosis and IFN-γ stimulation induce SLAMF1 expression in macrophages from healthy donor and Tohoku Hospital Pediatrcs-1 cells. Costimulation through SLAMF1 with an agonistic antibody resulted in an enhanced internalization of M. tuberculosis by macrophages. Interestingly, we found that SLAMF1 interacts with M. tuberculosis and colocalizes with the bacteria and with early and late endosomes/lysosomes markers (EEA1 and LAMP2), suggesting that SLAMF1 recognize M. tuberculosis and participate in the endolysosomal maturation process. Notably, increased levels of SLAMF1 were detected in CD14 cells from pleural effusions of tuberculosis patients, indicating that SLAMF1 might have an active function at the site of infection. Taken together, our results provide evidence that SLAMF1 improves the uptake of M. tuberculosis by human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Autoimmune sequential overlap syndrome (autoimmune hepatitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis) and inflammatory bowel disease: three clinical cases.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is related to different liver extraintestinal manifestations and occurs with or without a link to disease activity. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is the most common hepatobiliary manifestation. Other autoimmune hepatopathies may develop during the evolution of the latter, which is known as overlap syndrome. Sequential overlap syndrome occurs when these conditions appear in subsequent stages, and it is less frequently associated with IBD. We report three cases of sequential overlap syndrome with autoimmune hepatitis as the first manifestation, followed by PSC after 7-19 years and subsequently IBD. Liver extraintestinal manifestations may precede IBD by several years. Therefore, it is crucial to keep this association in mind, thereby reducing the diagnostic delay.

The Non-synonymous rs763780 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in IL17F Gene Is Associated With Susceptibility to Tuberculosis and Advanced Disease Severity in Argentina.

Th17 lymphocytes, that produce IL17A, IL17F, and IL22, play a crucial role during the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Whereas, the contribution of IL17A in immunity to tuberculosis is usually accepted, the role of IL17F has been scarcely studied so far. The aim of this work was to evaluate the existence of a potential association of the non-synonymous variant rs763780 SNP of the IL17F gene with human tuberculosis. Accordingly, by comparing healthy donors (HD) and tuberculosis patients (TB) populations we demonstrated an association between the C allele of the SNP and the susceptibility to tuberculosis disease in Argentina. Furthermore, we found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with a more effective immune response against Mtb secreted the highest levels of IL17F when stimulated with a lysate of Mtb (Mtb-Ag). Besides, we evidenced that Mtb-Ag-stimulated PBMCs from HD carrying the C variant of the SNP displayed the lowest IFNG secretion, proliferation index, and SLAM expression as compared to TT carriers. Moreover, Mtb-Ag-stimulated PBMCs from TB carrying the C allele produced the lowest levels of IFNG, the highest level of IL17A, and the minimum proliferation indexes as compared to TT TB, suggesting a relationship between the C allele and tuberculosis severity. In fact, TB carrying the C allele presented a more severe disease, with the highest bacilli burden in sputum. Together, our findings identify the IL17F rs763780 SNP as a biomarker of tuberculosis susceptibility and advanced disease severity in Argentina, suggesting that IL17F could be a critical cytokine in tuberculosis immunity.

Colangitis esclerosante primaria y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: interrelación intestino-hígado / Primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: Intestine-liver interrelation

La asociación entre enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y colangitis esclerosante primaria debe ser considerada una entidad distinta. Su asociación involucra alteraciones genéticas, epidemiológicas (mayor frecuencia en varones y sin una clara distribución geográfica) y un cuadro clínico en el que destaca con mayor frecuencia un compromiso inflamatorio subclínico, el predominio de colon derecho (demostrado por endoscopia e histología), la presencia de ileítis por reflujo y la ausencia de compromiso rectal. A su vez, existe un mayor riesgo de cáncer de colon y colangiocarcinoma. El objetivo de esta revisión es mostrar como la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal influye en su evolución, en los requerimientos de trasplante y en la recurrencia. A su vez, señalar la evidencia actual sobre el uso de la terapia biológica en este grupo de pacientes

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis should be considered a distinct clinical entity. This association involves genetic abnormalities, epidemiological factors (more common in men, with no a geographical pattern) and, commonly, subclinical inflammation, predominance of the right colon (endoscopic and histological), backwash ileitis and rectal sparing. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this review is to show how IBD influences the progression of this entity, transplantation requirements and recurrence. We also discuss the current evidence on the use of biological therapy in this group of patients

Aminosalicilatos, tiopurínicos y metotrexato en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, ¿es posible suspender el tratamiento? / Aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it possible to discontinue the treatment?

Los objetivos actuales del tratamiento en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII), tanto en enfermedad de Crohn como en colitis ulcerosa, son alcanzar la remisión clínica, endoscópica e idealmente histológica, mejorando de esta manera la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Las terapias actuales son efectivas en lograr estos objetivos, pero no existen guías claras respecto de la duración óptima del tratamiento de mantención. Esta revisión tiene por objetivo evaluar la evidencia actual respecto del retiro de la terapia con 5-aminosalicilatos, tiopurínicos y metotrexato. A su vez, buscamos determinar grupos específicos de pacientes que, encontrándose en remisión y en ausencia de factores de riesgo, pudieran suspender la terapia con el menor riesgo de recaída posible

The current goals of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease, both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are to achieve clinical, endoscopic and ideally histological remission and improve the quality of life of these patients. Current therapies are effective in achieving remission in most cases, but there is a lack of clear guidelines on their optimal duration. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the withdrawal of therapy with 5-aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate. We also aim to identify which specific group of patients, while in remission and in the absence of risk factors, may be able to discontinue therapy without a significant risk of relapse

Aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it possible to discontinue the treatment? / Aminosalicilatos, tiopurínicos y metotrexato en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, ¿es posible suspender el tratamiento?

The current goals of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease, both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are to achieve clinical, endoscopic and ideally histological remission and improve the quality of life of these patients. Current therapies are effective in achieving remission in most cases, but there is a lack of clear guidelines on their optimal duration. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the withdrawal of therapy with 5-aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate. We also aim to identify which specific group of patients, while in remission and in the absence of risk factors, may be able to discontinue therapy without a significant risk of relapse.

Evaluación del retiro progresivo y/o la suspensión de la terapia anti-TNF-alpha en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Evaluation of de-escalation of anti-TNF-alpha therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

La efectividad de la terapia con fármacos antifactor de necrosis tumoral alpha en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal ha sido probada en la práctica clínica. Tras más de una década de uso de este tipo de fármacos, surge la interrogante acerca de si existe un momento apropiado para suspender estas terapias, y de qué manera esta debiera realizarse. Esta revisión tiene por objetivo evaluar la evidencia actual acerca del retiro de la terapia con antifactor de necrosis tumoral alpha y, eventualmente, identificar las condiciones o los subgrupos de pacientes potencialmente candidatos a la suspensión o el retiro de esta

Anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy in inflammatory bowel disease has been shown to be effective in clinical practice. After more than a decade using these therapies the question arises about whether there is an appropriate time to suspend these therapies, and how this should be done. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on these topics concerning anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapies, and eventually identify conditions and subgroups of patients that could potentially be candidates for withdrawal

Evaluation of de-escalation of anti-TNF-α therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. / Evaluación del retiro progresivo y/o la suspensión de la terapia anti-TNF-α en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy in inflammatory bowel disease has been shown to be effective in clinical practice. After more than a decade using these therapies the question arises about whether there is an appropriate time to suspend these therapies, and how this should be done. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on these topics concerning anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapies, and eventually identify conditions and subgroups of patients that could potentially be candidates for withdrawal.

Reacciones adversas asociadas a la vacuna del meningococo B (4CMenB) en adultos en situaciones especiales / Adverse reactions associated with meningococcal group B vaccine (4CMenB) in adults in special situations

Objetivo: Conocer el perfil de seguridad de la vacuna del meningococo B (4CMenB) en adultos en situaciones especiales. Método: Estudio prospectivo de seguridad de fase IV. Se aplicaron criterios de inclusión y ciertas condiciones de vacunación. Se recogieron las reacciones adversas descritas en la ficha técnica. La evaluación de las reaccio nes adversas se realizó a las 24 horas de la vacunación ("solicitadas") y durante los siete primeros días ("no solicitadas"). Resultados: Se incluyeron 72 pacientes (54,2% hombres; media de edad 52,5 años; 81,9% asplenia anatómica). La frecuencia de fiebre > 38 ºC en las primeras 24 horas fue mayor de la observada en la ficha técnica para el grupo de adultos (12,5% versus no conocida). Más del 75% de los pacientes refirió dolor local en las primeras horas [media de la puntuación de la Escala Visual Analógica 3,22 (IC95%: 2,67-3,76) en la primera dosis y 3,23 (IC95%: 2,69-3,78) en la segunda dosis]. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El 97,22% registró síntomas hasta los siete días postvacunación. Conclusiones: 4CMenB muestra un buen perfil de seguridad en adultos en situaciones especiales. La frecuencia de fiebre > 38 ºC es mayor que la esperada. El dolor local es la reacción adversa más frecuentemente registrada, pero la intensidad es baja. Estos resultados invitan a una revisión de la situación de cara a sugerir una posible modificación de la ficha técnica

Objective: To know the safety profile of the 4CMenB vaccine in adults in special situations. Method: Security prospective study of phase IV. Inclusion criteria and some vaccination conditions were applied. The adverse reactions described in the data sheet were collected. The adverse reactions evaluation was performed 24 hours after vaccination ("requested") and during the first seven days ("not requested"). Results: 72 patients were included (54.2% men, mean age 52.5 years, 81.9% anatomic asplenia). The frequency of fever > 38 ºC in the first 24 hours of vaccination was higher than the observed in the summary of product characteristics for the group of adults (12.5% vs. not known). More than 75% of the patients reported local pain in the first hours [average of the Analog Visual Scale score 3.22 (95% CI: 2.67-3.76) in the 1st dose and 3.23 (95% CI: 2.69-3.78) in the 2nd dose]. There were no statistically significant differences. 97.22% registered symptoms until 7 days after vaccination. Conclusions: 4CMenB shows a good safety profile in adults in special situations. The frequency of fever > 38 ºC is higher than expected. Local pain is the most frequently recorded adverse reactions, but the intensity is low. These results suggest a review of the situation in order to suggest a possible modification of the summary of product characteristics of the vaccine

Adverse reactions associated with meningococcal group B vaccine (4CMenB) in adults in special situations.

OBJECTIVE: To know the safety profile of the 4CMenB vaccine in adults in special situations. METHOD: Security prospective study of phase IV. Inclusion criteria and some  vaccination conditions were applied. The adverse reactions described in the data  sheet were collected. The adverse reactions evaluation was performed 24 hours  after vaccination ("requested") and during the first seven days ("not  requested"). RESULTS: 72 patients were included (54.2% men, mean age 52.5 years, 81.9%  anatomic asplenia). The frequency of fever > 38 ºC in the first 24 hours of  vaccination was higher than the observed in the summary of product characteristics for the group of adults (12.5% vs. not known). More than 75% of the patients reported local pain in the first hours [average of the Analog Visual Scale score 3.22 (95% CI: 2.67-3.76) in the first dose and 3.23 (95% CI: 2.69-3.78) in the second dose]. There were no statistically significant differences. 97.22% registered symptoms until 7 days  after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: 4CMenB® shows a good safety profile in adults in special situations. The frequency of fever > 38 ºC is higher than expected. Local  pain is the most frequently recorded adverse reactions, but the intensity is low.  These results suggest a review of the situation in order to suggest a possible  modification of the summary of product characteristics of the vaccine.

Objetivo: Conocer el perfil de seguridad de la vacuna del meningococo B  (4CMenB) en adultos en situaciones especiales.Método: Estudio prospectivo de seguridad de fase IV. Se aplicaron criterios de  inclusión y ciertas condiciones de vacunación. Se recogieron las reacciones adversas descritas en la ficha técnica. La evaluación de las reacciones adversas se realizó a las 24 horas de la vacunación ("solicitadas") y  durante los siete primeros días ("no solicitadas").Resultados: Se incluyeron 72 pacientes (54,2% hombres; media de edad 52,5  años; 81,9% asplenia anatómica). La frecuencia de fiebre > 38 ºC en las  primeras 24 horas fue mayor de la observada en la ficha técnica para el grupo  de adultos (12,5% versus no conocida). Más del 75% de los pacientes refirió  dolor local en las primeras horas [media de la puntuación de la Escala Visual  Analógica 3,22 (IC95%: 2,67-3,76) en la primera dosis y 3,23 (IC95%: 2,69- 3,78) en la segunda dosis]. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas.  El 97,22% registró síntomas hasta los siete días postvacunación.Conclusiones: 4CMenB® muestra un buen perfil de seguridad en adultos en  situaciones especiales. La frecuencia de fiebre > 38 ºC es mayor que la  esperada. El dolor local es la reacción adversa más frecuentemente registrada,  pero la intensidad es baja. Estos resultados invitan a una revisión de la situación  de cara a sugerir una posible modificación de la ficha técnica.

Dimensional Variations in the Soft Tissue Profile After Removal of Implant-Supported Fixed Interim Restorations: A Pilot Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To measure dimensional changes of the periimplant soft tissue profile after removal of a single implant fixed interim restorations using digital impression procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten participants presenting with single implant-supported fixed interim restorations (ISFIRs) on the maxillary esthetic zone. A 2-step silicone impression was made of the maxillary arch with the ISFIRs. The experimental procedure was obtained by making digital impressions of the gingival contours immediately after ISFIR removal. The control procedure was formed by fabricating definitive casts from the conventional impression using the ISFIRs as a customized impression transfer and making digital impressions of these definitive casts. Both images of paired groups were digitally overlapped on the computer, and their profiles were measured at the coronal, midlevel gingiva in the buccolingual and mesiodistal width. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the ISFIR emergence profile width and the unsupported soft tissue profile width were observed at the midlevel gingiva in the buccolingual dimension (1.35 mm) and at the coronal (0.51 mm) and midlevel gingiva (1.29 mm) in the mesiodistal dimension. CONCLUSIONS: A digital impression, as used in this pilot study, does not capture accurately the desired soft tissue dimensions immediately after removal of the ISFIR.

Restimulation-induced T-cell death through NTB-A/SAP signaling pathway is impaired in tuberculosis patients with depressed immune responses.

Production of IFN-γ contributes to host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. We previously demonstrated that Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP) expression on cells from tuberculosis (TB) patients was inversely correlated with IFN-γ production. Here we first investigated the role of NK, T- and B-cell antigen (NTB-A)/SAP pathway in the regulation of Th1 response against Mtb. Upon antigen stimulation, NTB-A phosphorylation rapidly increases and afterwards modulates IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion. To sustain a healthy immune system, controlled expansion and contraction of lymphocytes, both during and after an adaptive immune response, is essential. Besides, restimulation-induced cell death (RICD) results in an essential homeostatic mechanism for precluding excess T-cell accumulation and associated immunopathology during the course of certain infections. Accordingly, we found that the NTB-A/SAP pathway was required for RICD during active tuberculosis. In low responder (LR) TB patients, impaired RICD was associated with diminished FASL levels, IL-2 production and CD25high expression after cell-restimulation. Interestingly, we next observed that SAP mediated the recruitment of the Src-related kinase FYNT, only in T cells from LR TB patients that were resistant to RICD. Together, we showed that the NTB-A/SAP pathway regulates T-cell activation and RICD during human TB. Moreover, the NTB-A/SAP/FYNT axis promotes polarization to an unfavorable Th2-phenotype.

A Mycobacterium tuberculosis Dormancy Antigen Differentiates Latently Infected Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated Individuals.

IFN-γ release assays (IGRAs) are better indicators of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection than the tuberculin skin test (TST) in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated populations. However, IGRAs do not discriminate active and latent infections (LTBI) and no gold standard for LTBI diagnosis is available. Thus, since improved tests to diagnose M. tuberculosis infection are required, we assessed the efficacy of several M. tuberculosis latency antigens. BCG-vaccinated healthy donors (HD) and tuberculosis (TB) patients were recruited. QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube, TST and clinical data were used to differentiate LTBI. IFN-γ production against CFP-10, ESAT-6, Rv2624c, Rv2626c and Rv2628 antigens was tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. LTBI subjects secreted significantly higher IFN-γ levels against Rv2626c than HD. Additionally, Rv2626c peptide pools to which only LTBI responded were identified, and their cumulative IFN-γ response improved LTBI discrimination. Interestingly, whole blood stimulation with Rv2626c allowed the discrimination between active and latent infections, since TB patients did not secrete IFN-γ against Rv2626c, in contrast to CFP-10 + ESAT-6 stimulation that induced IFN-γ response from both LTBI and TB patients. ROC analysis confirmed that Rv2626c discriminated LTBI from HD and TB patients. Therefore, since only LTBI recognizes specific epitopes from Rv2626c, this antigen could improve LTBI diagnosis, even in BCG-vaccinated people.