Zebrafish Model of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Due to JAK3 Mutation

Gene Expression Signatures of Porcine Bone Marrow-Derived Antigen-Presenting Cells Infected with Classical Swine Fever Virus

For a better understanding of classical swine fever (CSF) pathogenesis, a transcriptomic analysis was performed using porcine bone marrow (BM)-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) infected ex vivo with two different cDNA-derived classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains, the low-virulence Pinar de Rio (vPdR-36U) or the lethal vPdR-H30K-5U. The transcriptomic profile of vPdR-36U- or vPdR-H30K-5U-infected versus noninfected cells revealed 946 and 2643 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. The upregulation of ISG15, CXCL-10, ADAM8, and CSF1 was found after infection with vPdR-36U, which could contribute to the generation of mild CSF forms. In contrast, cells infected with the lethal vPdR-H30K-5U overexpressed the immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1, CD276, and LAG3, which are involved in T-cell exhaustion and could be associated with adaptive immunity impairment. vPdR-H30K-5U also induced increased expression of PPBP, IL-8, IL-6, ECE1, and Rab27b, which are mediators of inflammatory responses that can be involved in cytokine storms. The TNF signaling pathway, which is related to the activation and proliferation of different subsets of immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, was notably upregulated in response to the low-pathogenicity virus. The Th17, Th1, and Th2 differentiation pathways were downregulated by the highly pathogenic virus only, supporting the role of T-cell-mediated immunity in protecting against CSFV.

Advancements in Immunology and Microbiology Research: A Comprehensive Exploration of Key Areas

Immunology and microbiology research has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation globally, playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of immune mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the key areas in immunology research, spanning from the utilisation of bacterial proteins as antibody reagents to the intricate realms of clinical immunology and disease management. The utilisation of bacterial immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBPs), including protein A (SpA), protein G (SpG), and protein L (SpL), has revolutionised serological diagnostics, showing promise in early disease detection and precision medicine. Microbiological studies have shed light on antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), guiding antimicrobial stewardship programmes and informing therapeutic strategies. Clinical immunology research has elucidated the molecular pathways underlying immune-mediated disorders, resulting in tailored management strategies for conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), etc. Additionally, significant efforts in vaccine development against tuberculosis and HIV are highlighted, underscoring the ongoing global pursuit of effective preventive measures against these infectious diseases. In summary, immunology and microbiology research have provided significant contributions to global healthcare, fostering collaboration, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.

Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3): A Critical Conserved Node in Immunity Disrupted in Immune Cell Cancer and Immunodeficiency

The Janus kinase (JAK) family is a small group of protein tyrosine kinases that represent a central component of intracellular signaling downstream from a myriad of cytokine receptors. The JAK3 family member performs a particularly important role in facilitating signal transduction for a key set of cytokine receptors that are essential for immune cell development and function. Mutations that impact JAK3 activity have been identified in a number of human diseases, including somatic gain-of-function (GOF) mutations associated with immune cell malignancies and germline loss-of-function (LOF) mutations associated with immunodeficiency. The structure, function and impacts of both GOF and LOF mutations of JAK3 are highly conserved, making animal models highly informative. This review details the biology of JAK3 and the impact of its perturbation in immune cell-related diseases, including relevant animal studies.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency-Classification, Microbiology Association and Treatment

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a primary inherited immunodeficiency disease that presents before the age of three months and can be fatal. It is usually due to opportunistic infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa resulting in a decrease in number and impairment in the function of T and B cells. Autosomal, X-linked, and sporadic forms exist. Evidence of recurrent opportunistic infections and lymphopenia very early in life should prompt immunological investigation and suspicion of this rare disorder. Adequate stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive approach to the microorganisms associated with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and its management. We describe SCID as a syndrome and summarize the different microorganisms that affect children and how they can be investigated and treated.

Zebrafish: A Relevant Genetic Model for Human Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) Disorders?

Primary immunodeficiency (PID) disorders, also commonly referred to as inborn errors of immunity, are a heterogenous group of human genetic diseases characterized by defects in immune cell development and/or function. Since these disorders are generally uncommon and occur on a variable background profile of potential genetic and environmental modifiers, animal models are critical to provide mechanistic insights as well as to create platforms to underpin therapeutic development. This review aims to review the relevance of zebrafish as an alternative genetic model for PIDs. It provides an overview of the conservation of the zebrafish immune system and details specific examples of zebrafish models for a multitude of specific human PIDs across a range of distinct categories, including severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), combined immunodeficiency (CID), multi-system immunodeficiency, autoinflammatory disorders, neutropenia and defects in leucocyte mobility and respiratory burst. It also describes some of the diverse applications of these models, particularly in the fields of microbiology, immunology, regenerative biology and oncology.

Socs3b regulates the development and function of innate immune cells in zebrafish

Introduction

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a critical component of the negative feedback regulation that controls signaling by cytokines and other factors thereby ensuring that important processes such as hematopoiesis and inflammation occur at appropriate levels.

Methods

To gain further insights into SOCS3 function, the zebrafish socs3b gene was investigated through analysis of a knockout line generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.

Results

Zebrafish socs3b knockout embryos displayed elevated numbers of neutrophils during primitive and definitive hematopoiesis but macrophage numbers were not altered. However, the absence of socs3b reduced neutrophil functionality but enhanced macrophage responses. Adult socs3b knockout zebrafish displayed reduced survival that correlated with an eye pathology involving extensive infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages along with immune cell dysregulation in other tissues.

Discussion

These findings identify a conserved role for Socs3b in the regulation of neutrophil production and macrophage activation.