The Formation of Non-Specific Immunological Memory Phenotype in Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 and U-937 Cell Lines.

We studied the formation of the phenotype of non-specific immunological memory (trained immunity) in human monocyte-like THP-1 and U-937 cell lines. The absence of the lag phase after primary contact with the pathogen (Mycobacterium bovis, BCG vaccine) does not contribute to the formation of the trained immunity phenotype in the cells. The presence of the lag phase promotes the development of the trained immunity phenotype, especially in THP-1 cells. The second stimulation (bacterial LPS) did not increase the production of lactate, nitric oxide, and glucose consumption by cells, which can be a consequence of the Warburg phenomenon in these monocyte-like human cell lines.

Photodynamic Inactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using Alluminium Phthalocyanine.

In a series of in vitro experiments, the optimum regimes of laser treatment were determined for effective photodynamic inactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at a constant dose of aluminum phthalocyanine. Reference laboratory drug-susceptible strain H37Rv and clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis with varying degrees of resistance to antibiotics were used. Suspensions of M. tuberculosis were incubated with aluminum phthalocyanine in a concentration of 5 µg/ml and then subjected to photodynamic inactivation with high- or low- intensity laser irradiation at λ=662 nm at various parameters of light power density. Mycobacteria survival rate was assessed by CFU assay on solid media. It was shown that at the specified dose of the photosensitizer, the photodynamic inactivation of mycobacterium was characterized by inhibition and complete cessation of their growth depending on the dose density of the laser energy. Effective photodynamic inactivation started from a light dose density of 46.9 J/cm2 at a radiation power of 0.01 W and from 56.25 J/cm2 at a radiation power of 0.1 W. Photodynamic inactivation at low laser power is more effective against drug-susceptible strains of M. tuberculosis.

Pathogenic Effects of M. tuberculosis-Specific Proteins ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in Macrophage Culture and in 3D-Granulemogenesis Model In Vitro.

We studied the effects of M. tuberculosis secretory proteins ESAT-6 and CFP-10 on the properties of vaccinal mycobacteria BCG not producing these proteins. Phagocytosis of M. bovis by macrophages, proliferation of mycobacteria in macrophages, apoptosis and necrosis of macrophages, and the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were studied. It was shown that both ESAT-6 and CFP-10 significantly increased the number of phagocytized mycobacteria by increasing the number of phagocytic-active macrophages and augment the intracellular proliferation of the pathogen. At the same time, macrophages preincubated with ESAT-6 and CFP-10 reduce the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and are more susceptible to apoptosis and necrosis in the presence of mycobacteria. In summary, these proteins suppress macrophage-mediated mechanisms of anti-tuberculosis resistance and impart pronounced pathogenic properties to non-pathogenic mycobacteria that do not secrete ESAT-6 and CFP-10.

Delayed results of transplantation of fetal neurogenic tissue in patients with consequences of spinal cord trauma.

We analyzed delayed effects of transplantation of nervous and hemopoietic fetal cells to patients with consequences of spinal trauma. A decrease in neurological deficit associated with pronounced improvement of functional independence was observed in 48.9% cases. The best results were observed in patients receiving cell transplantation within the first 2 years after trauma and in younger individuals. The pattern of morphological changes in the spinal cord at site of injury, severity of damage, and the method of transplantation had no appreciable effects on its delayed results.