Low ficolin-2 levels in common variable immunodeficiency patients with bronchiectasis

Ficolin-3 and MASP-2 gene variants in Siberian arctic populations: Summarized evidence of selective pressure for the high frequency of lectin complement pathway deficiency

Herewith, we provide novel original data about the prevalence of FCN3 rs532781899 and MASP2 rs72550870 variants among the newborns of aboriginal Siberian Arctic populations (Nenets and Dolgan-Nganasans) and Russians of East Siberia. This novel data has been analysed along with the genetic data about other proteins of the lectin pathway of the complement system (mannose-binding lectin and ficolin-2) obtained earlier. A total of 926 specimens of dried blood spots of the newborns were genotyped. The newborns represented four populations: Nenets, Dolgan-Nganasans, Mixed aboriginal population, and Russians (Caucasians) to study the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms of FCN3 rs532781899 and MASP2 rs72550870. The prevalence of the deletion allele of the rs532781899 variant in the FCN3 gene associated with the decreased production of ficolin-3 was found to be increased in Russians compared to the Nenets aboriginal populations (P = .002). The prevalence of the rs72550870*G allele in the MASP2 gene associated with low serum protease activity was found to be increased in Russians compared with Nenets and Dolgan-Nganasans (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively). The results of the current study and our previous findings corroborate with a hypothesis that human evolution has been directed toward the accumulation of genotypes associated with low activity of the lectin complement activation pathway.

Association of low ficolin-2 concentration in cord serum with respiratory distress syndrome in preterm newborns

Introduction

Ficolin-2 is a serum pattern recognition molecule, involved in complement activation via the lectin pathway. This study aimed to investigate the association of ficolin-2 concentration in cord blood serum with complications related to premature birth.

Methods

546 premature neonates were included. The concentration of ficolin-2 in cord blood serum was determined by a sandwich TRIFMA method. FCN2 genetic variants were analysed with RFLP-PCR, allele-specific PCR, Sanger sequencing or allelic discrimination using TaqMan probes method.

Findings

Cord blood serum ficolin-2 concentration correlated positively with Apgar score and inversely with the length of hospitalisation and stay at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that low ficolin-2 increased the possibility of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) diagnosis [OR=2.05, 95% CI (1.24-3.37), p=0.005]. Median ficolin-2 concentration was significantly lower in neonates with RDS than in premature babies without this complication, irrespective of FCN2 gene polymorphisms localised to promoter and 3'untranslated regions: for patients born <33 GA: 1471 ng/ml vs. 2115 ng/ml (p=0.0003), and for patients born ≥33 GA 1610 ng/ml vs. 2081 ng/ml (p=0.012). Ficolin-2 level was also significantly lower in neonates requiring intubation in the delivery room (1461 ng/ml vs. 1938 ng/ml, p=0.023) and inversely correlated weakly with the duration of respiratory support (R=-0.154, p<0.001). Interestingly, in the neonates born at GA <33, ficolin-2 concentration permitted differentiation of those with/without RDS [AUC=0.712, 95% CI (0.612-0.817), p<0.001] and effective separation of babies with mild RDS from those with moderate/severe form of the disease [AUC=0.807, 95% CI (0.644-0.97), p=0.0002].

Conclusion

Low cord serum ficolin-2 concentration (especially in neonates born at GA <33 weeks) is associated with a higher risk of developing moderate/severe RDS, requiring respiratory support and intensive care.

Association of the FCN2 Gene Promoter Region Polymorphisms with Very Low Birthweight in Preterm Neonates

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) localised to the promoter region of the FCN2 gene are known to influence the concentration of ficolin-2 in human serum and therefore potentially have clinical associations. We investigated the relationships between SNPs at positions −986 (A > G), −602 (G > A), −64 (A > C) and −4 (A > G) and clinical complications in 501 preterms. Major alleles at positions −986 and −64 and A/A homozygosity for both polymorphisms were less frequent among babies with very low birthweight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) compared with the reference group (OR = 0.24, p = 0.0029; and OR = 0.49, p = 0.024, respectively for A/A genotypes). A lower frequency of G/G homozygosity at position −4 was associated with gestational age <33 weeks and VLBW (OR = 0.38, p = 0.047; and OR = 0.07, p = 0.0034, respectively). The AGAG haplotype was protective for VLBW (OR = 0.6, p = 0.0369), whilst the GGCA haplotype had the opposite effect (OR = 2.95, p = 0.0249). The latter association was independent of gestational age. The AGAG/GGAA diplotype favoured both shorter gestational age and VLBW (OR = 1.82, p = 0.0234 and OR = 1.95, p = 0.0434, respectively). In contrast, AGAG homozygosity was protective for lower body mass (OR = 0.09, p = 0.0155). Our data demonstrate that some FCN2 variants associated with relatively low ficolin-2 increase the risk of VLBW and suggest that ficolin-2 is an important factor for fetal development/intrauterine growth.

Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A New Potential Treatment for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales in Decompensated Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe and often fatal infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. The only cure for SBP is antibiotic therapy, but the emerging problem of bacterial resistance requires novel therapeutic strategies. Human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hA-MSCs) possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that can be harnessed as a therapy in such a context.

METHODS

An in vitro applications of hA-MSCs in ascitic fluid (AF) of cirrhotic patients, subsequently infected with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, was performed. We evaluated the effects of hA-MSCs on bacterial load, innate immunity factors, and macrophage phenotypic expression.

RESULTS

hA-MSCs added to AF significantly reduce the proliferation of both bacterial strains at 24 h and diversely affect M1 and M2 polarization, C3a complement protein, and ficolin 3 concentrations during the course of infection, in a bacterial strain-dependent fashion.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the potential usefulness of hA-MSC in treating ascites infected with carbapenem-resistant bacteria and lays the foundation to further investigate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory roles of hA-MSC in in vivo models.

Polymorphisms of the FCN2 Gene 3'UTR Region and Their Clinical Associations in Preterm Newborns

Ficolin-2 is regarded as an important innate immunity factor endowed with both lectin (carbohydrate recognition) qualities and ability to induce complement activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the FCN2 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) polymorphisms with ficolin-2 expression and perinatal complications in preterm neonates. The sequencing analysis allowed us to identify six 3'UTR polymorphisms with minor allele frequency (MAF) >1%: rs4521835, rs73664188, rs11103564, rs11103565, rs6537958 and rs6537959. Except for rs4521835, all adhered to Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Moreover, rs6537958 and rs6537959 were shown to be in perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) with nine other genetic polymorphisms: rs7040372, rs7046516, rs747422, rs7847431, rs6537957, rs6537960, rs6537962, rs11462298 and rs7860507 together stretched on a distance of 1242 bp and very high LD with rs11103565. The 3'UTR region was shown to bind nuclear extract proteins. The polymorphisms at rs4521835 and rs73664188 were found to influence serum ficolin-2 concentration significantly. All polymorphisms identified create (together with exon 8 polymorphism, rs7851696) two haplotype blocks. Among 49 diplotypes (D1-D49) created from rs7851696 (G>T), rs4521835 (T>G), rs73664188 (T>C), rs11103564 (T>C), rs11103565 (G>A) and rs6537959 (T>A), twenty two occurred with frequency >1%. Two diplotypes: D13 (GTTTGT/GGTCGT) and D10 (GTTTGT/GGTCGA), were significantly more frequent among preterm neonates with early onset of infection and pneumonia, compared with newborns with no infectious complications (OR 2.69 and 2.81, respectively; both p<0.05). The minor (C) allele at rs73664188 was associated with an increased risk of very low (≤1500 g) birthweight (OR=1.95, p=0.042) but was associated with the opposite effect at rs11103564 (OR=0.11, p=0.005).

The Plasma Proteome Fingerprint Associated with Circulating Carotenoids and Retinol in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Although diets rich in carotenoids are associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, disability, and other adverse aging outcomes, the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the plasma proteome fingerprint associated with circulating carotenoid and retinol concentrations in older adults.

METHODS

In 728 adults ≥65 y participating in the Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study, plasma α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene were measured using HPLC. The SOMAscan assay was used to measure 1301 plasma proteins. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the relationship of individual carotenoids and retinol with plasma proteins. A false discovery rate approach was used to deal with multiple comparisons using a q-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Plasma β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene were associated with 85, 39, 4, 2, and 5 plasma proteins, respectively, in multivariable linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders (q < 0.05). No proteins were associated with α-carotene or retinol. Two or more carotenoids were positively associated with ferritin, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating), hepcidin, thrombospondin-2, and choline/ethanolamine kinase. The proteins associated with circulating carotenoids were related to energy metabolism, sirtuin signaling, inflammation and oxidative stress, iron metabolism, proteostasis, innate immunity, and longevity.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma proteomic fingerprint associated with elevated circulating carotenoids in older adults provides insight into the mechanisms underlying the protective role of carotenoids on health.

Soluble pattern recognition molecules: Guardians and regulators of homeostasis at airway mucosal surfaces

Maintenance of homeostasis at body barriers that are constantly challenged by microbes, toxins and potentially bioactive (macro)molecules requires complex, highly orchestrated mechanisms of protection. Recent discoveries in respiratory research have shed light on the unprecedented role of airway epithelial cells (AEC), which, besides immune cells homing to the lung, also significantly contribute to host defence by expressing membrane‐bound and soluble pattern recognition receptors (sPRR). Recent evidence suggests that distinct, evolutionary ancient, sPRR secreted by AEC might become activated by usually innocuous proteins, commonly referred to as allergens. We here provide a systematic overview on sPRR detectable in the mucus lining of AEC. Some of them become actively produced and secreted by AECs (like the pentraxins C‐reactive protein and pentraxin 3; the collectins mannose binding protein and surfactant proteins A and D; H‐ficolin; serum amyloid A; and the complement components C3 and C5). Others are elaborated by innate and adaptive immune cells such as monocytes/macrophages and T cells (like the pentraxins C‐reactive protein and pentraxin 3; L‐ficolin; serum amyloid A; and the complement components C3 and C5). Herein we discuss how sPRRs may contribute to homeostasis but sometimes also to overt disease (e.g. airway hyperreactivity and asthma) at the alveolar–air interface.

9q34 & 16p13 chromosome duplications in autism

Epigenetic mechanisms, genetic factors, and environment influence the diversity of phenotypes developed in various diseases. Duplications in several chromosomes are well characterized in the scientific literature, but partial duplications, in some cases, present with milder forms of a disease and are yet to be understood. Fortunately, the identification of genetic diseases has now become more feasible due to several cytogenetic techniques such as microarray analysis and karyotyping. With these tools, together with other laboratory results and clinical examination, we are able to report the first case in the medical literature of double partial trisomy of chromosome 9q34 and 16p13.

Insufficient serum L-ficolin is associated with disease presence and extent of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease

BACKGROUND

The incidence of infectious disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria is increasing worldwide. Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease is difficult to treat with chemotherapy, and its mechanism of infection, infection route, disease onset, and severity remain unknown. Ficolins are oligomeric defense lectins. L-ficolin plays an important role in innate immunity. This study's aim was to identify L-ficolin's role in patients with pulmonary MAC disease.

METHODS

Between April 2011 and September 2017, 61 Japanese patients with pulmonary MAC disease were seen at our hospital. A control group, comprising 30 healthy individuals, without respiratory disease were enrolled in our study. The relationship between serum L-ficolin levels and disease severity was assessed, and L-ficolin's antibacterial role was examined.

RESULTS

Serum L-ficolin levels were significantly lower in patients with pulmonary MAC disease than in healthy subjects (1.69 ± 1.27 μg/ml vs. 3.96 ± 1.42 μg/ml; p < 0.001). The cut-off value, based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results, was 2.48 μg/ml (area under the curve (AUC) 0.90, sensitivity and specificity 83.6 and 86.7%, respectively). Serum L-ficolin levels were significantly lower in the patients with nodular bronchiectatic type disease compared with the patients with fibrocavitary type disease and were lower in the high-resolution computed tomography high-scoring group compared with low-scoring group. An in vitro analysis showed that purified recombinant L-ficolin bound to M. avium and its major cell wall component, lipoarabinomannan, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, recombinant L-ficolin suppressed M. avium growth in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient serum L-ficolin is associated with disease progression in pulmonary MAC disease, and the level of serum L-ficolin is a possible biomarker.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with UMIN ( UMIN000022392 ).

Role of lectin pathway complement proteins and genetic variants in organ damage and disease severity of systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is controversial. This study investigated the role of the lectin pathway of complement as a mediator of ischemia/reperfusion injury in SSc.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 211 SSc patients and 29 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon in undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) at risk of developing SSc from two outpatient clinics. Serum levels of lectin pathway proteins (FCN-2, FCN-3, MBL, and MASP-2) and eight MBL2 and FCN2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analyzed by sandwich-type immunoassays and genotyping and examined for their association with disease manifestations.

RESULTS

Lectin pathway protein levels and SNPs were similar between SSc and UCTD patients. FCN-2 levels were however higher in SSc patients with present evidence of digital ulcers (mean 1.4 vs. 1.0 μg/mL, p = 0.05), pitting scars (mean 1.3 vs. 1.0 μg/mL, p = 0.01), and puffy fingers (mean 1.2 vs. 1.0 μg/mL, p = 0.04). Similarly, higher FCN-2 levels were observed in SSc patients with Scl-70 autoantibodies (mean 1.5 vs. 1.0 μg/mL, p = 0.001), interstitial lung disease (mean 1.2 vs. 0.9 μg/mL, p = 0.02), and a forced vital capacity (FVC) below 80% (mean 1.4 vs. 1.0 μg/mL, p = 0.02). In line, variant alleles in the FCN-2 SNP at position + 6359 were associated with a significantly reduced FVC and diffusion capacity. Furthermore, patients with SSc renal crisis harbored higher MBL levels (mean 2.7 vs. 1.5 μg/mL, p = 0.04). No other lectin pathway protein levels or polymorphisms were associated with disease manifestations, low complement C3 and/or C4 levels, or inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not support a relevant role for several lectin pathway complement proteins in the pathogenesis of SSc. Higher FCN-2 levels were however associated with Scl-70 autoantibody positivity, interstitial lung involvement, and digital vasculopathy. Elevated MBL levels were associated with renal crisis.

The Lectin Pathway of Complement Activation in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complement activation. Activation of complement through the classical pathway (CP) is well established. However, complement activation through pattern recognition not only happens through the CP, but also through the lectin pathway (LP). We investigated the hypothesis that the LP is activated in SLE and involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

METHODS

Using immunoassays developed in-house, we measured concentrations of LP proteins in a cohort of 372 patients with SLE and 170 controls. We estimated complement activation measuring total C3, and investigated whether LP protein concentrations were associated with complement activation and disease activity. Protein changes and disease activity over time were assessed in a cohort of 52 patients with SLE followed with repeated samples over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Concentrations of LP proteins in SLE were altered compared with controls. The differences observed in LP proteins associated with complement activation were reflected by a decrease in total C3. The pattern recognition molecules (M-ficolin, CL-L1, and CL-K1), the serine protease (MASP-3), and the associated protein (MAp19) displayed a negative correlation with disease activity. Changes in MASP-2 concentrations over time correlated significantly with increased disease activity. Association between active proteinuria and serum concentration was observed for MASP-3 and MAp19.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SLE, we measured specific changes in LP proteins that are associated with complement activation and disease activity, indicating that the LP is activated in patients with SLE. These novel findings substantiate the involvement of the LP in SLE.

Lectin pathway factors in patients suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Both complement activation and certain infections (including those with Yersinia sp.) may contribute to the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We investigated factors specific for the lectin pathway of complement: mannose-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins and MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), in 144 patients and 98 controls. One hundred and six patients had oligoarticular disease and 38 had polyarticular disease. In 51 patients (out of 133 tested), Yersinia-reactive antibodies were found (JIA Ye+ group). MBL deficiency was significantly more frequent in the JIA Ye+ group than in patients without Yersinia-reactive antibodies or in controls. Median serum ficolin-2 level was significantly lower (and proportion of values deemed ficolin-2 insufficient greater) in JIA patients irrespective of their Yersinia antibody status. The minority (C) allele at -64 of the FCN2 gene was less frequent among JIA patients than among control subjects. No differences were found in the frequency of FCN3 gene +1637delC or MASP2 +359 A>G mutations nor for median values of serum ficolin-1, ficolin-3 or MASP-2. However, high levels of serum ficolin-3 were under-represented in patients, in contrast to MBL. MBL, ficolin-1, ficolin-2, ficolin-3 and MASP-2 were also readily detectable in synovial fluid samples but at a considerably lower level than in serum. Our findings suggest a possible role for the lectin pathway in the pathogenesis of JIA, perhaps secondary to a role in host defence, and indicate that investigations on the specificity of lectin pathway recognition molecules towards specific infectious agents in JIA might be fruitful.

The Lack of Association between FCN2 Gene Promoter Region Polymorphisms and Dental Caries in Polish Children

The aim of this study was to examine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ficolin-2 protein (FCN2 gene) at positions -986 (rs17514136), -602 (rs3124953), and -4 (rs3124952) with dental caries in Polish children. Two hundred and sixty Polish Caucasian children aged 15 years were enrolled in this study: 82 with "higher" caries experience (DMFT >5) and 178 with "lower" caries experience (DMFT ≤5). In addition, subjects with caries experience (DMFT ≥1) and caries-free subjects (DMFT = 0) were compared. FCN2 SNPs were genotyped with PCR-RFLP methods. There were no significant differences in the genotype, allele, or haplotype distributions in 3 analyzed SNPs of the FCN2 gene between children with "higher" and those with "lower" caries experience as well as between children with caries experience and caries-free children. In conclusion, we did not find any association of FCN2 promoter polymorphisms at positions -986, -602, and -4 with dental caries in Polish children.

Six-SOMAmer Index Relating to Immune, Protease and Angiogenic Functions Predicts Progression in IPF

RATIONALE

Biomarkers in easily accessible compartments like peripheral blood that can predict disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) would be clinically useful regarding clinical trial participation or treatment decisions for patients. In this study, we used unbiased proteomics to identify relevant disease progression biomarkers in IPF.

METHODS

Plasma from IPF patients was measured using an 1129 analyte slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMAmer) array, and patient outcomes were followed over the next 80 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated sensitivity and specificity for levels of each biomarker and estimated area under the curve (AUC) when prognostic biomarker thresholds were used to predict disease progression. Both logistic and Cox regression models advised biomarker selection for a composite disease progression index; index biomarkers were weighted via expected progression-free days lost during follow-up with a biomarker on the unfavorable side of the threshold.

RESULTS

A six-analyte index, scaled 0 to 11, composed of markers of immune function, proteolysis and angiogenesis [high levels of ficolin-2 (FCN2), cathepsin-S (Cath-S), legumain (LGMN) and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFsR2), but low levels of inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) or trypsin 3 (TRY3)] predicted better progression-free survival in IPF with a ROC AUC of 0.91. An index score ≥ 3 (group ≥ 2) was strongly associated with IPF progression after adjustment for age, gender, smoking status, immunomodulation, forced vital capacity % predicted and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide % predicted (HR 16.8, 95% CI 2.2-126.7, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

This index, derived from the largest proteomic analysis of IPF plasma samples to date, could be useful for clinical decision making in IPF, and the identified analytes suggest biological processes that may promote disease progression.

Frequency and distribution of FCN2 and FCN3 functional variants among MBL2 genotypes

The six types of pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) that initiate complement via the lectin pathway (LP) comprise collectins and ficolins. The importance of having various PRMs to initiate the LP is currently unclear. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin member of the LP PRMs. MBL deficiency is common with mild clinical consequence. Thus, the lack of MBL may be compensated for by the other PRMs. We hypothesized that variants FCN2 + 6424 and FCN3 + 1637delC that cause gene-dose-dependent reduction in ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 levels, respectively, may be rare in MBL-deficient individuals due to the importance of compensation within the LP. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and frequency of these variants among MBL2 genotypes in healthy subjects. The allele frequency of FCN2 + 6424 and FCN3 + 1637delC was 0.099 and 0.015, respectively, in the cohort (n = 498). The frequency of FCN2 + 6424 tended to be lower among MBL-deficient subjects (n = 53) than among MBL-sufficient subjects (n = 445) (0.047 versus 0.106, P = 0.057). In addition, individuals who were homozygous for FCN2 + 6424 were sufficient MBL producers. The frequency of FCN3 + 1637delC did not differ between the groups. The frequency of FCN2 + 6424 was similar in FCN3 + 1637delC carriers (n = 15) versus wild type (n = 498). Furthermore, subjects that were heterozygote carriers of both FCN2 + 6424 and FCN3 + 1637delC were sufficient MBL producers. In conclusion, FCN2 + 6424 carriers with MBL deficiency tend to be rare among healthy individuals. MBL-deficient individuals with additional LP PRM defects may be at risk to morbidity.

Pediatric bronchiectasis: No longer an orphan disease

Bronchiectasis is described classically as a chronic pulmonary disorder characterized by a persistent productive cough and irreversible dilatation of one or more bronchi. However, in children unable to expectorate, cough may instead be wet and intermittent and bronchial dilatation reversible in the early stages. Although still considered an orphan disease, it is being recognized increasingly as causing significant morbidity and mortality in children and adults in both affluent and developing countries. While bronchiectasis has multiple etiologies, the final common pathway involves a complex interplay between the host, respiratory pathogens and environmental factors. These interactions lead to a vicious cycle of repeated infections, airway inflammation and tissue remodelling resulting in impaired airway clearance, destruction of structural elements within the bronchial wall causing them to become dilated and small airway obstruction. In this review, the current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathobiology, clinical features, and management of bronchiectasis in children are summarized. Recent evidence has emerged to improve our understanding of this heterogeneous disease including the role of viruses, and how antibiotics, novel drugs, antiviral agents, and vaccines might be used. Importantly, the management is no longer dependent upon extrapolating from the cystic fibrosis experience. Nevertheless, substantial information gaps remain in determining the underlying disease mechanisms that initiate and sustain the pathophysiological pathways leading to bronchiectasis. National and international collaborations, standardizing definitions of clinical and research end points, and exploring novel primary prevention strategies are needed if further progress is to be made in understanding, treating and even preventing this often life-limiting disease.

Alcohol Consumption Modulates Host Defense in Rhesus Macaques by Altering Gene Expression in Circulating Leukocytes

Several lines of evidence indicate that chronic alcohol use disorder leads to increased susceptibility to several viral and bacterial infections, whereas moderate alcohol consumption decreases the incidence of colds and improves immune responses to some pathogens. In line with these observations, we recently showed that heavy ethanol intake (average blood ethanol concentrations > 80 mg/dl) suppressed, whereas moderate alcohol consumption (blood ethanol concentrations < 50 mg/dl) enhanced, T and B cell responses to modified vaccinia Ankara vaccination in a nonhuman primate model of voluntary ethanol consumption. To uncover the molecular basis for impaired immunity with heavy alcohol consumption and enhanced immune response with moderate alcohol consumption, we performed a transcriptome analysis using PBMCs isolated on day 7 post-modified vaccinia Ankara vaccination, the earliest time point at which we detected differences in T cell and Ab responses. Overall, chronic heavy alcohol consumption reduced the expression of immune genes involved in response to infection and wound healing and increased the expression of genes associated with the development of lung inflammatory disease and cancer. In contrast, chronic moderate alcohol consumption upregulated the expression of genes involved in immune response and reduced the expression of genes involved in cancer. To uncover mechanisms underlying the alterations in PBMC transcriptomes, we profiled the expression of microRNAs within the same samples. Chronic heavy ethanol consumption altered the levels of several microRNAs involved in cancer and immunity and known to regulate the expression of mRNAs differentially expressed in our data set.

Association of the FCN2 Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Ficolin-2 (FCN2) is an innate immune pattern recognition molecule that can activate the complement pathway, opsonophagocytosis, and elimination of the pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the association of the FCN2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A total of seven SNPs in exon 8 (+6359 C>T and +6424 G>T) and in the promoter region (-986 G>A, -602 G>A, -557 A>G, -64 A>C and -4 A>G) of the FCN2 gene were genotyped using the PCR amplification and DNA sequencing methods in the healthy controls group (n = 254) and the pulmonary TB group (n = 282). The correlation between SNPs and pulmonary TB was analyzed using the logistic regression method. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the distribution of allelic frequencies of seven SNPs between the pulmonary TB group and the healthy controls group. However, the frequency of the variant homozygous genotype (P = 0.037, -557 A>G; P = 0.038, -64 A>C; P = 0.024, +6424 G>T) in the TB group was significantly lower than the control group. After adjustment for age and gender, these variant homozygous genotypes were found to be recessive models in association with pulmonary TB. In addition, -64 A>C (P = 0.047) and +6424 G>T (P = 0.03) were found to be codominant models in association with pulmonary TB. There was strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.80, P < 0.0001) between 7 SNPs except the -602 G>A site. Therefore, -557 A>G, -64 A>C and +6424 G>T SNPs of the FCN2 gene were correlated with pulmonary TB, and may be protective factors for TB. This study provides a novel idea for the prevention and control of TB transmission from a genetics perspective.