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Rawlings SA, Torres F, Wells A, Lisco A, Fitzgerald W, Margolis L, Gianella S, Vanpouille C. Effect of HIV suppression on the cytokine network in blood and seminal plasma. AIDS 2022; 36:621-630. [PMID: 34873090 PMCID: PMC8957508 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV infection disrupts the cytokine network and this disruption is not completely reversed by antiretroviral therapy (ART). Characterization of cytokine changes in blood and genital secretions is important for understanding HIV pathogenesis and the mechanisms of HIV sexual transmission. Here, we characterized the cytokine network in individuals longitudinally sampled before they began ART and after achieving suppression of HIV RNA. METHODS We measured concentrations of 34 cytokine/chemokines using multiplex bead-based assay in blood and seminal plasma of 19 men with HIV-1 prior to and after viral suppression. We used Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to visualize the difference in cytokine pattern between the time points. Any cytokines with VIP scores exceeding 1 were deemed important in predicting suppression status and were subsequently tested using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. RESULTS PLS-DA projections in blood were fairly similar before and after viral suppression. In contrast, the difference in PLS-DA projection observed in semen emphasizes that the immunological landscape and immunological needs are very different before and after ART in the male genital compartment. When tested individually, four cytokines were significantly different across time points in semen (MIG, IL-15, IL-7, I-TAC), and two in blood (MIG and IP-10). CONCLUSION Viral suppression with ART impacts the inflammatory milieu in seminal plasma. In contrast, the overall effect on the network of cytokines in blood was modest but consistent with prior analyses. These results identify specific changes in the cytokine networks in semen and blood as the immune system acclimates to chronic, suppressed HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Torres
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Andrea Lisco
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Wendy Fitzgerald
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sara Gianella
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Christophe Vanpouille
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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2
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Tjagur S, Mändar R, Poolamets O, Pomm K, Punab M. Mycoplasma genitalium Provokes Seminal Inflammation among Infertile Males. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413467. [PMID: 34948264 PMCID: PMC8707260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of sexually transmitted infections (STI) on male fertility is controversial. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of urethritis-associated STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis) among infertile males; to analyze the effect of STIs on semen parameters and blood PSA. Case-control study. Study group (n = 2000): males with fertility problems or desire for fertility check. Control group (n = 248): male partners of pregnant women. Analyses: polymerase chain reaction for STI, seminal interleukin 6 (IL-6), semen and fractionated urine, blood analyses (PSA, reproductive hormones). The prevalence of M. genitalium and chlamydia in the study group was 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively. The prevalence of chlamydia in the control group was 1.6%, while there were no M. genitalium cases. No cases with gonorrhoeae or trichomoniasis or combined infections were observed in neither group. There was a higher seminal concentration of neutrophils and IL-6 among M. genitalium positives compared with STI negatives. There was a trend toward a lower total count of spermatozoa and progressive motility among STI positives. No impact of STIs on PSA was found. The prevalence of STIs among infertile males is low. M. genitalium is associated with seminal inflammation. The impact of STIs on semen parameters deserves further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Tjagur
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Ludvig Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (O.P.); (K.P.); (M.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19 Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (R.M.)
| | - Reet Mändar
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Ludvig Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (O.P.); (K.P.); (M.P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19 Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13 Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (R.M.)
| | - Olev Poolamets
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Ludvig Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (O.P.); (K.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Kristjan Pomm
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Ludvig Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (O.P.); (K.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Ludvig Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (O.P.); (K.P.); (M.P.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19 Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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3
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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4
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Su Q, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Chang S, Zhao P. Semen-Derived Exosomes Mediate Immune Escape and Transmission of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:735280. [PMID: 34659223 PMCID: PMC8517439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.735280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) causes immune-suppression disease in poultry, leading to a significant economic burden worldwide. Recent evidence demonstrated that the REV can enter the semen and then induce artificial insemination, but how the virus gets into semen was little known. Accumulating studies indicated that exosomes serve as vehicles for virus transmission, but the role of exosomes in viral shedding through the semen remains unclear. In this study, exosomes purified from the REV-positive semen were shown with reverse transcription-PCR and mass spectrometry to contain viral genomic RNA and viral proteins, which could also establish productive infections both in vivo and in vitro and escape from the REV-specific neutralizing antibodies. More importantly, compared with the infection caused by free virions, the exosome is more efficient for the virus to ensure effective infection and replication, which can also help the REV compromise the efficacy of the host immune response. In summary, this study demonstrated that semen-derived exosomes can medicate the transmission and immune escape of REV, implicating a novel mechanism for REV entering the semen and leading to vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Zhizhong Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Shuang Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
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5
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Kontsevaya GV, Gerlinskaya LA, Moshkin YM, Anisimova MV, Stanova AK, Babochkina TI, Moshkin MP. The Effects of Sperm and Seminal Fluid of Immunized Male Mice on In Vitro Fertilization and Surrogate Mother-Embryo Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910650. [PMID: 34638989 PMCID: PMC8508670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest vaccination campaign has actualized the potential impact of antigenic stimuli on reproductive functions. To address this, we mimicked vaccination’s effects by administering keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH ) to CD1 male mice and used their sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Two-cell embryos after IVF with spermatozoa from control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice were transferred to surrogate mothers mated with vasectomized control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice, resulting in four experimental groups: C–C, Im–C, C–Im, and Im–Im. The pre-implantation losses were significantly lower in the Im–C group than in the C–Im group. At the same time, the resorption rates reduced markedly in the C–Im compared to the Im–C group. Embryo and placenta weights were significantly higher in the Im–Im group. Although the GM-CSF levels were lower in the amniotic fluid of the gestating surrogate mothers in the Im–Im group, they were strongly correlated with embryo mass. The number–size trade-off was only significant in the Im–Im group. This suggests a positive, cooperative effect of spermatozoa and seminal fluid from immune-primed males on embryo growth and the optimal distribution of surrogate mother maternal resources despite the negative impact of males’ antigenic challenge on the IVF success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Vladimirovna Kontsevaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Ludmila Alekseevna Gerlinskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Yury Mikhailovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Margarita Vladimirovna Anisimova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Aliya Konstantinovna Stanova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Tatyana Ivanovna Babochkina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Mikhail Pavlovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Biological Institute at Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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6
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, van Beelen E, Meuleman T, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Identification of distinct seminal plasma cytokine profiles associated with male age and lifestyle characteristics in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103349. [PMID: 34246867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal plasma contains a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Part of these signalling molecules assist in inducing a state of active maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus. Disbalances in seminal plasma content may contribute to pregnancy loss. This study investigated cytokine expression profiles in seminal plasma of male partners of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the association with clinical and lifestyle characteristics, including smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI). METHODS In the seminal plasma of 52 men who visited a specialised RPL clinic the levels of 25 pre-selected cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured by Bio-Plex assay or ELISA. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Identified patient clusters were compared on clinical and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS Two distinct cytokine expression profiles in the seminal plasma were revealed by cluster analysis. Patient cluster I showed relatively higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α, compared to Patient cluster II. Men belonging to Patient cluster I were significantly older and had significantly more lifestyle risk factors compared to men in Patient cluster II. CONCLUSION Cluster analysis suggested the existence of a less favourable pro-inflammatory cytokine expression profile, being present in part of men affected by RPL and associated with advanced male age and lifestyle risk factors. These findings may serve as a starting point for further research into underlying mechanisms and ultimately lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for couples with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A du Fossé
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - E E L O Lashley
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - T Meuleman
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - S le Cessie
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J M M van Lith
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M L P van der Hoorn
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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7
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Szczykutowicz J, Tkaczuk-Włach J, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Glycoproteins Presenting Galactose and N-Acetylgalactosamine in Human Seminal Plasma as Potential Players Involved in Immune Modulation in the Fertilization Process. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147331. [PMID: 34298952 PMCID: PMC8303229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of recent research, there is increasing evidence showing that extracellular semen components have a significant impact on the immune reaction of the female partner, leading to the tolerogenic response enabling the embryo development and implantation as well as further progress of healthy pregnancy. Seminal plasma glycoproteins are rich in the unique immunomodulatory glycoepitopes that may serve as ligands for endogenous lectins that decorate the surface of immune cells. Such interaction may be involved in modulation of the maternal immune response. Among immunomodulatory glycans, Lewis type antigens have been of interest for at least two decades, while the importance of T/Tn antigens and related structures is still far from understanding. In the current work, we applied two plant lectins capable of distinguishing glycoepitopes with terminal GalNAc and Gal to identify glycoproteins that are their efficient carriers. By means of lectin blotting and lectin affinity chromatography followed by LC-MS, we identified lactotransferrin, prolactin inducible protein as well as fibronectin and semenogelins 1 and 2 as lectin-reactive. Net-O-glycosylation analysis results indicated that the latter three may actually carry T and/or Tn antigens, while in the case of prolactin inducible protein and lactotransferrin LacdiNAc and lactosamine glycoepitopes were more probable. STRING bioinformatics analysis linked the identified glycoproteins in the close network, indicating their involvement in immune (partially innate) processes. Overall, our research revealed potential seminal plasma ligands for endogenous Gal/GalNAc specific lectins with a possible role in modulation of maternal immune response during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szczykutowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Joanna Tkaczuk-Włach
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Techniques, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
- Family Health Centre AB OVO, 20-819 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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8
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Mngomezulu K, Mzobe GF, Mtshali A, Osman F, Liebenberg LJP, Garrett N, Singh R, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Karim SSA, Karim QA, Baxter C, Ngcapu S. Recent Semen Exposure Impacts the Cytokine Response and Bacterial Vaginosis in Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:695201. [PMID: 34177961 PMCID: PMC8221111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.695201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of semen in the vagina from unprotected sex may influence the immune and microbial environment of the female genital tract. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations and BV-associated bacteria in female genital secretions may influence HIV risk, although the effect of recent sexual intercourse on incident BV and the cytokine milieu of cervicovaginal secretions has rarely been measured in previous studies. Here, we investigated the extent to which partner semen impacts the cytokine response and incident BV. Methods At baseline, we assessed the recency of semen exposure in menstrual cup supernatants by quantifying prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels using ELISA in 248 HIV-uninfected women at high risk for HIV infection. Luminex was used to measure 48 cytokines in menstrual cup supernatants and vaginal swabs to diagnose BV by Nugent score. Point-of-care screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was conducted using GeneXpert while OSOM was used for Trichomonas vaginalis detection. Multivariable models, adjusted for age, sexually transmitted infections, BV, current contraception use and condom use, were used to assess the impact of semen exposure on biomarkers of inflammation and BV. Results Presence of PSA, indicating recent semen exposure within 48 hours prior to sampling, was observed in menstrual cup supernatants of 17% (43/248) of women. Of these women, 70% (30/43) had self-reported condom use at their last sex act and 84% (36/43) had BV (Nugent score >7). PSA presence was significantly associated with prevalent BV (Relative Risk (RR), 2.609; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.104 - 6.165; p = 0.029). Furthermore, women with detectable PSA had high median concentrations of macrophage inflammatory protein- beta (MIP-1α, p=0.047) and low median concentration of the stem cell growth factor beta (SCGF-β, p=0.038) compared to those without PSA. Conclusion A degree of discordance between self-reports of consistent condom use and PSA positivity was observed. There was also evidence of a relationship between recent semen exposure, BV prevalence and altered cytokine concentrations. These findings suggest that PSA, as a semen biomarker, should be taken into consideration when investigating biological markers in the female genital tract and self-reported condom use in studies on reproductive and sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu F. Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Services, KwaZulu-Natal Academic Complex, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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9
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Chen R, Zhang W, Gong M, Wang F, Wu H, Liu W, Gao Y, Liu B, Chen S, Lu W, Yu X, Liu A, Han R, Chen Y, Han D. Characterization of an Antiviral Component in Human Seminal Plasma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:580454. [PMID: 33679733 PMCID: PMC7933687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.580454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous types of viruses have been found in human semen, which raises concerns about the sexual transmission of these viruses. The overall effect of semen on viral infection and transmission have yet to be fully investigated. In the present study, we aimed at the effect of seminal plasma (SP) on viral infection by focusing on the mumps viral (MuV) infection of HeLa cells. MuV efficiently infected HeLa cells in vitro. MuV infection was strongly inhibited by the pre-treatment of viruses with SP. SP inhibited MuV infection through the impairment of the virus's attachment to cells. The antiviral activity of SP was resistant to the treatment of SP with boiling water, Proteinase K, RNase A, and DNase I, suggesting that the antiviral factor would not be proteins and nucleic acids. PNGase or PLA2 treatments did not abrogate the antiviral effect of SP against MuV. Further, we showed that the prostatic fluid (PF) showed similar inhibition as SP, whereas the epididymal fluid and seminal vesicle extract did not inhibit MuV infection. Both SP and PF also inhibited MuV infection of other cell types, including another human cervical carcinoma cell line C33a, mouse primary epididymal epithelial cells, and Sertoli cell line 15P1. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was not specific to MuV, as the herpes simplex virus 1, dengue virus 2, and adenovirus 5 infections were also inhibited by SP and PF. Our findings suggest that SP contains a prostate-derived pan-antiviral factor that may limit the sexual transmission of various viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maolei Gong
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiao Gao
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxing Liu
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Song Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aijie Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiqin Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Antoniassi MP, Belardin LB, Camargo M, Intasqui P, Carvalho VM, Cardozo KHM, Bertolla RP. Seminal plasma protein networks and enriched functions in varicocele: Effect of smoking. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13562. [PMID: 32150769 DOI: 10.1111/and.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To verify a possible synergistic effect of smoking and varicocele on the seminal plasma proteome and biological functions, a cross-sectional study was performed in 25 smokers and 24 nonsmokers. Samples were used for conventional semen analysis, functional analysis (DNA fragmentation, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity) and proteomics by a shotgun approach. Functional enrichment of biological pathways was performed in differentially expressed proteins. Smokers presented lower ejaculate volume (p = .027), percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (p = .002), total sperm count (p = .039), morphology (p = .001) and higher percentage of immotile spermatozoa (p = .03), round cell (p = .045) and neutrophil count (p = .009). Smokers also presented lower mitochondrial activity and acrosome integrity and higher DNA fragmentation. We identified and quantified 421 proteins in seminal plasma, of which one was exclusive, 21 were overexpressed and 70 were underexpressed in the seminal plasma of smokers. The proteins neprilysin, beta-defensin 106A and histone H4A were capable of predicting the smoker group. Enriched functions were related to immune function and sperm machinery in testis/epididymis. Based on our findings, we can conclude that cigarette smoking leads to the establishment of inflammatory protein pathways in the testis/epididymis in the presence of varicocele that seems to act in synergy with the toxic components of the cigarette.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana P Antoniassi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa B Belardin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Camargo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo P Bertolla
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Caamaño Trians N, Alonso Otero JM, Mayán Conesa P, Ferreiro Gómez M. Anaphylactic reaction to human seminal fluid. Emergencias 2020; 31:293-294. [PMID: 31347816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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12
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Craenmehr MHC, van der Keur C, Anholts JDH, Kapsenberg JM, van der Westerlaken LA, van Kooten C, Claas FHJ, Heidt S, Eikmans M. Effect of seminal plasma on dendritic cell differentiation in vitro depends on the serum source in the culture medium. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 137:103076. [PMID: 31981817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.103076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are key in shaping immune responses and are recruited to the human cervix after coitus by seminal plasma (SP). SP has been shown to skew the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs towards an anti-inflammatory profile when cultured in medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS). Here, we confirmed that SP skewed DCs cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) towards a tolerogenic profile. To create a setting more similar to the in vivo situations in humans, we tested the immune regulatory effect of SP on DCs in cell cultures containing human serum (HS). SP-DCs cultured in HS did show increased CD14 and decreased CD1a, indicating an inhibited maturation phenotype. Gene expression of TGF-β and IL-10 and IL-10 protein expression were elevated in LPS-activated SP-DCs, whereas IL-12p70 protein levels were decreased compared to LPS-activated control DCs. In contrast to FBS culture conditions, in the presence of HS co-cultures of SP-DCs with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) did not result in decreased T cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production. Thus, under HS culture conditions SP can skew the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs phenotypically towards alternatively activated DCs, but this immune regulatory phenotype is functionally less pronounced compared to SP-treated DCs cultured in FBS containing medium. These findings highlight the importance of the source of the serum that is used in SP treated cell cultures in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Craenmehr
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - C van der Keur
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - J D H Anholts
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - J M Kapsenberg
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - C van Kooten
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - F H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - S Heidt
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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13
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Vojtech L, Zhang M, Davé V, Levy C, Hughes SM, Wang R, Calienes F, Prlic M, Nance E, Hladik F. Extracellular vesicles in human semen modulate antigen-presenting cell function and decrease downstream antiviral T cell responses. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223901. [PMID: 31622420 PMCID: PMC6797208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human semen contains trillions of extracellular vesicles (SEV) similar in size to sexually transmitted viruses and loaded with potentially bioactive miRNAs, proteins and lipids. SEV were shown to inhibit HIV and Zika virus infectivity, but whether SEV are able also to affect subsequent immune responses is unknown. We found that SEV efficiently bound to and entered antigen-presenting cells (APC) and thus we set out to further dissect the impact of SEV on APC function and the impact on downstream T cell responses. In an APC–T cell co-culture system, SEV exposure to APC alone markedly reduced antigen-specific cytokine production, degranulation and cytotoxicity by antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells. In contrast, inhibition of CD4+ T cell responses required both APC and T cell exposure to SEV. Surprisingly, SEV did not alter MHC or co-stimulatory receptor expression on APCs, but caused APCs to upregulate indoleamine 2,3 deoxygenase, an enzyme known to indirectly inhibit T cells. Thus, SEV reduce the ability of APCs to activate T cells. We propose here that these immune-inhibitory properties of SEV may be intended to prevent immune responses against semen-derived antigens, but can be hi-jacked by genitally acquired viral infections to compromise adaptive cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Vojtech
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LV); (FH)
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Veronica Davé
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Claire Levy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sean M. Hughes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ruofan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Fernanda Calienes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Florian Hladik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LV); (FH)
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14
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Krishnan BB, Selvaraju S, Gowda NKS, Subramanya KB, Pal D, Archana SS, Bhatta R. Dietary boron supplementation enhances sperm quality and immunity through influencing the associated biochemical parameters and modulating the genes expression at testicular tissue. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 55:6-14. [PMID: 31345367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dietary boron improves immune and antioxidant status and calcium metabolism in mammals. However, till date the effects of dietary boron supplementation on male reproduction, especially on sperm production and sperm quality in farm animals are not documented. OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed to investigate the influence of dietary boron on semen production, semen quality, immunity and molecular changes in the testis, blood and seminal plasma and to assess the interrelationship with other minerals in male goats. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted in 21 adult male goats divided into 3 groups (control, boron and selenium supplemented groups, n = 7 each). In boron group, boron was supplemented at 40 ppm and in selenium group, selenium was supplemented at 1 ppm over and above the basal level. In control group, only the basal diet was fed without supplementary boron or selenium. The feeding trial was carried out for 60 days. Selenium was taken as a positive control for the dietary boron supplementation experiment. Following feeding trials, the sperm concentration, kinematics and functional attributes, immunity and molecular level changes in the testis, biomolecular changes in the blood and seminal plasma and also interrelationship with other minerals were studied. RESULTS The average sperm concentration (million/ml) and the total sperm production (million/ejaculate) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in boron supplemented group when compared to selenium and control groups. The boron levels in blood plasma (r = 0.65) and seminal plasma (r = 0.54) showed a positive correlation with sperm progressive motility. Blood and seminal plasma metabolic biomarker namely, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower in the boron and selenium supplemented group than control, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the boron supplemented group than selenium and control group. There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of serine proteinase inhibitor (SERPIN) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in the testis of boron supplemented than the control group. Boron supplementation up-regulated the immune-regulatory gene, interleukin 2 (IL2) and antioxidant gene, catalase (CAT) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). On contrary, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated in boron and selenium supplemented groups. CONCLUSION The study revealed that dietary boron supplementation increased the sperm output, sperm motility and enhanced the immune and antioxidant defense capacity in male goats. The improved semen quality can be attributed to enhanced expression of testicular SERPIN, a crucial protein for the regulation of spermatogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binsila B Krishnan
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India.
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Nisarani Kollurappa Shivakumar Gowda
- Micronutrient Laboratory, Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Karthik Bhat Subramanya
- Micronutrient Laboratory, Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Dintaran Pal
- Micronutrient Laboratory, Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Santhanahalli Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Raghavendra Bhatta
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru 560 030, India
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15
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Abdulhaqq SA, Martinez M, Kang G, Rodriguez IV, Nichols SM, Beaumont D, Joseph J, Azzoni L, Yin X, Wise M, Weiner D, Liu Q, Foulkes A, Münch J, Kirchhoff F, Coutifaris C, Tomaras GD, Sariol C, Marx PA, Li Q, Kraiselburd EN, Montaner LJ. Repeated semen exposure decreases cervicovaginal SIVmac251 infection in rhesus macaques. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3753. [PMID: 31434895 PMCID: PMC6704120 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen is the vehicle for virion dissemination in the female reproductive tract (FRT) in male-to-female HIV transmission. Recent data suggests that higher frequency semen exposure is associated with activation of anti-HIV mechanisms in HIV negative sex workers. Here, we use a non-human primate (NHP) model to show that repeated vaginal exposure to semen significantly reduces subsequent infection by repeated low-dose vaginal SIVmac251 challenge. Repeated semen exposures result in lower CCR5 expression in circulating CD4+ T-cells, as well as higher expression of Mx1 (in correlation with IFNε expression) and FoxP3 in the cervicovaginal mucosa, and increased infiltration of CD4+ T-cells. Establishing in vivo evidence of competing effects of semen on transmission impacts our basic understanding of what factors may determine HIV infectivity in humans. Our results clearly indicate that repeated semen exposure can profoundly modulate the FRT microenvironment, paradoxically promoting host resistance against HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melween Martinez
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Guobin Kang
- School of Biological Sciences University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Idia V Rodriguez
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Stephanie M Nichols
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - David Beaumont
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Megan Wise
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Qin Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carlos Sariol
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Preston A Marx
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, and Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Qingsheng Li
- School of Biological Sciences University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Edmundo N Kraiselburd
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
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16
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Tanaka M, Nakagawa Y, Kotobuki Y, Katayama I. A case of human seminal plasma allergy sensitized with dog prostatic kallikrein, Can f 5. Allergol Int 2019; 68:259-260. [PMID: 30181013 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukinobu Nakagawa
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yorihisa Kotobuki
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichiro Katayama
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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17
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Müller JA, Harms M, Krüger F, Groß R, Joas S, Hayn M, Dietz AN, Lippold S, von Einem J, Schubert A, Michel M, Mayer B, Cortese M, Jang KS, Sandi-Monroy N, Deniz M, Ebner F, Vapalahti O, Otto M, Bartenschlager R, Herbeuval JP, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Roan NR, Münch J. Semen inhibits Zika virus infection of cells and tissues from the anogenital region. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2207. [PMID: 29880824 PMCID: PMC5992203 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04442-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) causes severe birth defects and can be transmitted via sexual intercourse. Semen from ZIKV-infected individuals contains high viral loads and may therefore serve as an important vector for virus transmission. Here we analyze the effect of semen on ZIKV infection of cells and tissues derived from the anogenital region. ZIKV replicates in all analyzed cell lines, primary cells, and endometrial or vaginal tissues. However, in the presence of semen, infection by ZIKV and other flaviviruses is potently inhibited. We show that semen prevents ZIKV attachment to target cells, and that an extracellular vesicle preparation from semen is responsible for this anti-ZIKV activity. Our findings suggest that ZIKV transmission is limited by semen. As such, semen appears to serve as a protector against sexual ZIKV transmission, despite the availability of highly susceptible cells in the anogenital tract and high viral loads in this bodily fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis A Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Krüger
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Groß
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Joas
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manuel Hayn
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea N Dietz
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sina Lippold
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens von Einem
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Schubert
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manuela Michel
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mirko Cortese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karen S Jang
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Miriam Deniz
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Florian Ebner
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Frauenklinik, Helios Amper Klinik, 85221, Dachau, Germany
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology and Immunology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Herbeuval
- Chemistry, Biology, Modeling and Immunotherapy (CBMIT), CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, Université Paris Descartes, CICB Paris, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadia R Roan
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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18
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Introini A, Boström S, Bradley F, Gibbs A, Glaessgen A, Tjernlund A, Broliden K. Seminal plasma induces inflammation and enhances HIV-1 replication in human cervical tissue explants. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006402. [PMID: 28542587 PMCID: PMC5453613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most immediate and evident effect of mucosal exposure to semen in vivo is a local release of proinflammatory mediators accompanied by an influx of leukocytes into the female genital mucosa (FGM). The implication of such response in HIV-1 transmission has never been addressed due to limitations of currently available experimental models. Using human tissue explants from the uterine cervix, we developed a system of mucosal exposure to seminal plasma (SP) that supports HIV-1 replication. Treatment of ectocervical explants with SP resulted in the upregulation of inflammatory and growth factors, including IL-6, TNF, CCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, and CXCL8, and IL1A, CSF2, IL7, PTGS2, as evaluated by measuring protein levels in explant conditioned medium (ECM) and gene expression in tissue. SP treatment was also associated with increased recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils, as observed upon incubation of peripheral blood leukocytes with ECM in a transwell system. To evaluate the impact of the SP-mediated response on local susceptibility to HIV-1, we infected ectocervical explants with the CCR5-tropic variant HIV-1BaL either in the presence of SP, or after explant pre-incubation with SP. In both experimental settings SP enhanced virus replication as evaluated by HIV-1 p24gag released in explant culture medium over time, as well as by HIV-1 DNA quantification in explants infected in the presence of SP. These results suggest that a sustained inflammatory response elicited by SP soon after coitus may promote HIV-1 transmission to the FGM. Nevertheless, ectocervical tissue explants did not support the replication of transmitted/founder HIV-1 molecular clones, regardless of SP treatment. Our system offers experimental and analytical advantages over traditional models of HIV-1 transmission for the study of SP immunoregulatory effect on the FGM, and may provide a useful platform to ultimately identify new determinants of HIV-1 infection at this site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Introini
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stéphanie Boström
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frideborg Bradley
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Gibbs
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Axel Glaessgen
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Unilabs AB, Capio St Göran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Moi L, Salvadé I, Ribi C. [Allergy to human seminal plasma]. Rev Med Suisse 2017; 13:748-753. [PMID: 28722364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypersensitivity to human seminal plasma is rare, but probably under-diagnosed. It should be suspected in women with unexplained anaphylaxis, vulvo-vaginitis, pelvic pain and dyspareunia. The diagnosis relies on the clinical presentation, the exclusion of other causes, a positive skin test result to seminal plasma and the detection of IgE directed to allergenic proteins (such as prostate specific antigen). Use of condoms is the best preventive measure. Premedication with antihistamines or anti-inflammatory agents is often unreliable. Some patients may benefit from intra-vaginal or subcutaneous desensitization procedures to seminal plasma, which then require to measures to uphold tolerance. In case of pregnancy wish, artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization with spermatozoids is an alternative to desensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moi
- Service d'immunologie et allergie, Département de médecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne
| | - Igor Salvadé
- Service d'immunologie et allergie, Département de médecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Service d'immunologie et allergie, Département de médecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne
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Abstract
Immunoinfertility due to antisperm antibodies and semen hyperviscosity are among major causes of male infertility. Although the modulation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been investigated in prostate abnormalities, its role and the effect of its dysfunction in male fertility/infertility have not been extensively examined. The present study was conducted to examine the presence of PSA antibodies locally in the seminal plasma of men having immunoinfertility and semen hyperviscosity. Seminal plasma samples from immunoinfertile men (n=25), men with hyperviscous semen (n=25), and normal men (n=24) were collected and analyzed for immunoreactivity with PSA in ELISA and Western blot. In the immunoinfertile group, seminal plasma from 20% of men reacted positively with PSA. In the hyperviscous group, seminal plasma from 28% of men reacted positively with PSA. None (0%) of the seminal plasma from the normal group showed immunoreactivity to PSA. This is the first study ever to indicate the presence of PSA antibodies in semen of men having immunoinfertility or hyperviscosity. These findings may have clinical significance in the specific diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men and contraceptive vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A Cuppett
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Suresh C Sikka
- Department of Urology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Rajesh K Naz
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA,
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21
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Froeschl G, Huber K, von Sonnenburg F, Nothdurft HD, Bretzel G, Hoelscher M, Zoeller L, Trottmann M, Pan-Montojo F, Dobler G, Woelfel S. Long-term kinetics of Zika virus RNA and antibodies in body fluids of a vasectomized traveller returning from Martinique: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:55. [PMID: 28068904 PMCID: PMC5223480 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The magnitude of the current Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic has led to a declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Findings of viable viral particles in semen for several weeks are corroborating reports of sexual transmission of ZIKV. Serious consequences of a positive diagnostic result particularly in the pregnant patient are calling for precise diagnostic tools also at later time points after infection. Currently, recommendations suggest a diagnostic period of direct viral detection of 5 to 7 days after onset of symptoms in serum or plasma, and up to 3 weeks in urine samples. CASE PRESENTATION A vasectomized 41-year-old German returning from Martinique presented at the outpatient clinic of the Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Munich, with subfebrile temperature, rash, malaise, severe retro-orbital pain and occipital lymphadenopathy. The main complaints resolved after ten days without specific treatment. We are reporting on clinical course and results of direct and indirect detection methods of ZIKV in different sample types including whole blood, ejaculate, urine, serum, plasma and saliva samples up to 119 days post symptom onset. Ejaculate samples remained PCR positive for ZIKV until day 77, whole blood samples until day 101. CONCLUSIONS The case presentation adds to the still limited knowledge of kinetics of detection of ZIKV by direct as well as indirect methods. Here, a complete data set including results from PCR, serology and cell culture is provided allowing an improved evaluation of optimum diagnostic periods for testing a variety of sample types. Moreover, a high viral load of ZIKV RNA was detected in ejaculate of the vasectomized patient. This finding sheds new light on the possible localizations of ZIKV replication in the human male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guenter Froeschl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, 80802 Germany
| | - Kristina Huber
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Frank von Sonnenburg
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Nothdurft
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Bretzel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, 80802 Germany
| | - Lothar Zoeller
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, 80802 Germany
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (BwIM), Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Trottmann
- Department of Urology, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Francisco Pan-Montojo
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, 80802 Germany
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (BwIM), Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Woelfel
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, 80802 Germany
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (BwIM), Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
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22
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Huang P, Yang ZF, Xu YX, Bao JY, Zhang N, Cao XE, Li WS. [Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against human LYZL4 and its expression in the testis]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2017; 23:3-10. [PMID: 29658230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prepare a polyclonal antibody against human lysozyme-like protein 4 (LYZL4) expressed in the prokaryotic system and identify the distribution of LYZL4 in the testis. METHODS The full-length cDNA of LYZL4 was cloned into the pET32a plasmid and the expression of the recombinant LYZL4 (rLYZL4) was induced by IPTG. The rLYZL4 was purified by Ni-NTA and chitin affinity chromatography respectively and its bactericidal activity was observed by bilayer agar plate diffusion assay. The purified rLYZL4 was used as an immunogen to generate the polyclonal antibody, followed by examination of the antibody titer by ELISA and its specificity by Western blot. The distribution of LYZL4 in human tissue, sperm and seminal plasma was identified and its subcellular localization in the testis was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS rLYZL4 was expressed efficiently in the prokaryotic system and exhibited no bacteriolytic activity against M. lysodeikticus and E. coli. The anti-rLYZL4 polyclonal antibody could bind the recombinant protein with a high sensitivity and specificity. LYZL4 was identified in the testis, epididymis and sperm protein extracts and localized in the acrosomal region of round and elongating spermatids. CONCLUSIONS An anti-rLYZL4 polyclonal antibody was successfully prepared using the prokaryotic expression system. LYZL4 was detected in the acrosomal region of round and elongating spermatids, suggesting an association with the structure and function of the acrosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Yi-Xin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jian-Ying Bao
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Xiao-E Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Wen-Shu Li
- School of Arts and Sciences, Shanghai New York University, Shanghai 200122
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23
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Mansour RG, Stamper L, Jaeger F, McGuire E, Fouda G, Amos J, Barbas K, Ohashi T, Alam SM, Erickson H, Permar SR. The Presence and Anti-HIV-1 Function of Tenascin C in Breast Milk and Genital Fluids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155261. [PMID: 27182834 PMCID: PMC4868279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tenascin-C (TNC) is a newly identified innate HIV-1-neutralizing protein present in breast milk, yet its presence and potential HIV-inhibitory function in other mucosal fluids is unknown. In this study, we identified TNC as a component of semen and cervical fluid of HIV-1-infected and uninfected individuals, although it is present at a significantly lower concentration and frequency compared to that of colostrum and mature breast milk, potentially due to genital fluid protease degradation. However, TNC was able to neutralize HIV-1 after exposure to low pH, suggesting that TNC could be active at low pH in the vaginal compartment. As mucosal fluids are complex and contain a number of proteins known to interact with the HIV-1 envelope, we further studied the relationship between the concentration of TNC and neutralizing activity in breast milk. The amount of TNC correlated only weakly with the overall innate HIV-1-neutralizing activity of breast milk of uninfected women and negatively correlated with neutralizing activity in milk of HIV-1 infected women, indicating that the amount of TNC in mucosal fluids is not adequate to impede HIV-1 transmission. Moreover, the presence of polyclonal IgG from milk of HIV-1 infected women, but not other HIV-1 envelope-binding milk proteins or monoclonal antibodies, blocked the neutralizing activity of TNC. Finally, as exogenous administration of TNC would be necessary for it to mediate measurable HIV-1 neutralizing activity in mucosal compartments, we established that recombinantly produced TNC has neutralizing activity against transmitted/founder HIV-1 strains that mimic that of purified TNC. Thus, we conclude that endogenous TNC concentration in mucosal fluids is likely inadequate to block HIV-1 transmission to uninfected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin G Mansour
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Stamper
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Frederick Jaeger
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin McGuire
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Genevieve Fouda
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joshua Amos
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Barbas
- Lactation Support Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tomoo Ohashi
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - S. Munir Alam
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Harold Erickson
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sallie R. Permar
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Liu YY, Chen XF, Hu JW, Chen ZW, Zhang LJ, Cao MJ, Liu GM. Purification and Characterization of Protamine, the Allergen from the Milt of Large Yellow Croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea), and Its Components. J Agric Food Chem 2016; 64:1999-2011. [PMID: 26886067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The protamine in fish milt can cause anaphylaxis in humans. To determine the allergen in the milt of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea), crude extracts were incubated with sera from allergic patients. The results showed that a 12 kDa multicomponent protein was the major allergen in the milt of large yellow croaker. The multicomponent protein was purified, and physicochemical characterization showed that it was a glycoprotein, highly stable in acid-alkali conditions, and weakly retained immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding activity at high temperatures. Separation and immunoreactivity analysis of the components of the multicomponent protein showed that it had six components, and component 5 had the strongest IgE-binding activity with patient sera. N-terminal sequencing confirmed the multicomponent protein was protamine. Following analysis of protamine from different fish by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and circular dichroism spectra, the protamines from different fish were found to have a similar secondary structure, although their components were different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yun Liu
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Jia-Wei Hu
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Zhong-Wei Chen
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Ling-Jing Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Min-Jie Cao
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
| | - Guang-Ming Liu
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Functional Food, Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Functional Food, Jimei University , 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Jimei University , Xiamen
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Sharkey DJ, Schjenken JE, Mottershead DG, Robertson SA. Seminal fluid factors regulate activin A and follistatin synthesis in female cervical epithelial cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 417:178-90. [PMID: 26415587 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Seminal fluid induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and elicits an inflammation-like response in the cervix. Here, Affymetrix microarray and qPCR was utilised to identify activin A (INHBA) and its inhibitor follistatin (FST) amongst the cytokines induced by seminal plasma in Ect1 ectocervical epithelial cells, and a similar response was confirmed in primary ectocervical epithelial cells. TGFB is abundant in seminal plasma and all three TGFB isoforms induced INHBA in Ect1 and primary cells, and neutralisation of TGFB in seminal plasma suppressed the INHBA response. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide in seminal plasma also elicited INHBA, but potently suppressed FST production. There was moderate reciprocal inhibition between FST and INHBA, and cross-attenuating effects were seen. These data identify TGFB and potentially LPS as factors mediating seminal plasma-induced INHBA synthesis in cervical cells. INHBA and FST induced by seminal fluid in cervical tissues may thus contribute to regulation of the post-coital response in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David G Mottershead
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Tchiokadze S, Galdava G. CLINICAL AND ANAMNESTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT OF ANTISPERM IMMUNITY IN INFERTILE MEN. Georgian Med News 2015:18-22. [PMID: 26355309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the research was to establish connection between the roles of infertility duration, patient age, various extragenital and genital pathologies in ASA pathogenesis. The work is based on retrospective analysis of 496 outpatient cards, which covered detailed anamnestic data and results of past complex clinico-laboratory tests. Criteria for inclusion in the study was infertility during marriage for at least 18 month, high concentration of ASA-s in booth blood and sperm. It was found that there is no statistically significant connection between the ASA and past illnesses, profession, family history, accompanying autoimmune diseases and extragenital pathologies. Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis compared to other STDs, cause statistically significant increase of ASAs concentration in blood serum, as well as in ejaculate (p<0,001). Testicle associated pathologies plays an important role in development of antisperm immunity, especially orchitis and epididymitis, during which statistically insignificant increase of levels of ASA has been detected in blood, as well as in semen (p<0,001). Thus, we can conclude that, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, orchitis and epididymitis causes malfunction of blood-testicular barrier, which resulted in inflammatory and toxic damage of spermatogenic epithelium, which in turn plays significant role in the development of autoimmune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sh Tchiokadze
- D. Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi; I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Medical Faculty; National Centre of Dermatology and Venerology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - G Galdava
- D. Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi; I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Medical Faculty; National Centre of Dermatology and Venerology, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Madison MN, Jones PH, Okeoma CM. Exosomes in human semen restrict HIV-1 transmission by vaginal cells and block intravaginal replication of LP-BM5 murine AIDS virus complex. Virology 2015; 482:189-201. [PMID: 25880110 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are membranous extracellular nanovesicles secreted by diverse cell types. Exosomes from healthy human semen have been shown to inhibit HIV-1 replication and to impair progeny virus infectivity. In this study, we examined the ability of healthy human semen exosomes to restrict HIV-1 and LP-BM5 murine AIDS virus transmission in three different model systems. We show that vaginal cells internalize exosomes with concomitant transfer of functional mRNA. Semen exosomes blocked the spread of HIV-1 from vaginal epithelial cells to target cells in our cell-to-cell infection model and suppressed transmission of HIV-1 across the vaginal epithelial barrier in our trans-well model. Our in vivo model shows that human semen exosomes restrict intravaginal transmission and propagation of murine AIDS virus. Our study highlights an antiretroviral role for semen exosomes that may be harnessed for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat HIV-1 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa N Madison
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
| | - Philip H Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Abstract
Recognition of foreign paternal antigens expressed in the semi-allogeneic fetus by maternal immune cells is a requirement for successful pregnancy. However, despite intensive research activity during the last decades, the precise mechanisms contributing to the acceptance of the paternal alloantigens are still puzzling and pregnancy remains a fascinating phenomenon. Moreover, most studies focused on the maternal and fetal contribution to pregnancy success, and relatively little is known about the paternal involvement. In the current review, we address the contribution of paternal-derived factors to fetal-tolerance induction. First, we discuss data suggesting that in both humans and mice, the female body gets prepared for a pregnancy in every cycle, also in regard to male alloantigens delivered at coitus. Then, we provide an overview about factors present in seminal fluid and how these factors influence immune responses in the female reproductive tract. We further discuss ways of paternal alloantigen presentation and identify the immune modulatory properties of seminal fluid-derived factors with a special focus on Treg biology. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of seminal fluid in different clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Gerhart-Hauptmann Straße 35, 39108, Magdeburg, Germany
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Shi B, Wei RX, Cui Y, Zhou J, Zhang XX. [IL-6 and sICAM-1 in seminal plasma relate to male immune infertility]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2014; 20:1098-1102. [PMID: 25597177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sI- CAM-1) in the seminal plasma of infertile men and explore the role of inflammatory cytokines in male immune infertility. METHODS Based on the results of the sperm-bound antibody immunobead test, 123 males with clinically suspected infertility were divided into an immune infertility group (n = 41), other infertility group A (n = 37), and other infertility group B (n = 45). The immune infertility patients were further subdivided into a leukocyte-positive and a leukocyte-negative group according to the results of leukocyte peroxidase staining. The control group included 31 males confirmed to be fertilein the clinic. Statistical analyses were conducted on the differences in inflammatory cytokines expressions and main parameters in the seminal plasma among different groups. The seminal liquefaction time was measured by visual and microscopic observation, sperm concentration and motility detected using the computer-assisted sperm analysis system, sperm viability determined by hypotonic swelling assay, and the expression levels of IL-6 and sICAM-1 meas- ured by ELISA. RESULTS The infertility groups showed significantly lowers perm viability (P < 0.05) and progressive motility (P < 0.01) than the fertile control, but no remarkable differences from the latter in sperm concentration (P > 0.05) and semen liquefaction time (P > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in seminal parameters between the immune infertility group and other infertility groups (P > 0.05). The IL-6 and sICAM-1 levels in the seminal plasma were extremely significantly higher in the im- mune infertility group ([37.92 ± 17.01] ng/L and [89.15 ± 41.82] ng/ml), other infertility group A ([22.23 ± 13.77] ng/L and [67.81 ± 33.24] ng/ml), and other infertility group B ([18.75 ± 14.32] ng/L and [53.25 ± 27.09] ng/ml) than in the normal control group ([9.47 ± 5.76] ng/L and [19.46 ± 9.77] ng/ml) (P <0.01) , with remarkable differences between the immune infertility group and the other two infertility groups (P < 0.05). The leukocyte-positive patients showed significantly increased levels of IL-6 ([49.25 ± 21.46] ng/L) and sICAM-1 ([104.36 ± 46.41] ng/ml) as compared with the leukocyte-negative ones ([31.38 ± 15.54] ng/Land [80.38 ± 35.52] ng/ml) (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION IL-6 and sICAM-1 in the seminalplasma are involved in male immune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shi
- Ningbo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China.
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30
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Bromfield JJ. Seminal fluid and reproduction: much more than previously thought. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:627-36. [PMID: 24830788 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0243-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of seminal plasma on the cytokine and immune uterine environment is well characterised in mice and humans, while the effects of disruption to uterine seminal plasma exposure on pregnancy and offspring health is becoming more clearly understood. The cellular and molecular environment of the uterus during the pre- and peri-implantation period of early pregnancy is critical for implantation success and optimal foetal and placental development. Perturbations to this environment not only have consequences for the success of pregnancy and neonatal health and viability, but can also drive adverse health outcomes in the offspring after birth, particularly the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance. It is now reported that an absence of seminal plasma at conception in mice promotes increased fat accumulation, altered metabolism and hypertension in offspring. The evidence reviewed here demonstrates that seminal plasma is not simply a transport medium for sperm, but acts also as a key regulator of the female tract environment providing optimal support for the developing embryo and benefiting future health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA,
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Gallup GG, Reynolds CJ. Evolutionary medicine: semen sampling and seminal plasma hypersensitivity. Evol Psychol 2014; 12:245-50. [PMID: 25299762 PMCID: PMC10426837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that each male may have a unique semen signature, and there are reasons to consider the possibility that semen sampling (i.e., being inseminated by different prospective mates during courtship) may be part of an evolved female mate assessment strategy. Here we theorize that seminal plasma hypersensitivity represents the extreme negative end of this continuum and functions as a deterrent to mating with genetically incompatible suitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon G. Gallup
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Collin J. Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
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Sohn SW, Lee HS, Yoon YS, Park HS. Successful intravaginal desensitization in a woman with seminal plasma anaphylaxis after artificial insemination failure. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2014; 24:276-277. [PMID: 25219113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
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Bernard-Stoecklin S, Gommet C, Corneau AB, Guenounou S, Torres C, Dejucq-Rainsford N, Cosma A, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Le Grand R. Semen CD4+ T cells and macrophages are productively infected at all stages of SIV infection in macaques. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003810. [PMID: 24348253 PMCID: PMC3861532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The mucosal events of HIV transmission have been extensively studied, but the role of infected cells present in the genital and rectal secretions, and in the semen, in particular, remains a matter of debate. As a prerequisite to a thorough in vivo investigation of the early transmission events through infected cells, we characterized in detail by multi-parameter flow cytometry the changes in macaque seminal leukocytes during SIVmac251 infection, focusing on T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Using immunocytofluorescence targeting SIV proteins and real-time quantitative PCR targeting SIV DNA, we investigated the nature of the infected cells on sorted semen leukocytes from macaques at different stages of infection. Finally, we cocultured semen CD4+ T cells and macrophages with a cell line permissive to SIV infection to assess their infectivity in vitro. We found that primary infection induced strong local inflammation, which was associated with an increase in the number of leukocytes in semen, both factors having the potential to favor cell-associated virus transmission. Semen CD4+ T cells and macrophages were productively infected at all stages of infection and were infectious in vitro. Lymphocytes had a mucosal phenotype and expressed activation (CD69 & HLA-DR) and migration (CCR5, CXCR4, LFA-1) markers. CD69 expression was increased in semen T cells by SIV infection, at all stages of infection. Macrophages predominated at all stages and expressed CD4, CCR5, MAC-1 and LFA-1. Altogether, we demonstrated that semen contains the two major SIV-target cells (CD4+ T cells and macrophages). Both cell types can be productively infected at all stages of SIV infection and are endowed with markers that may facilitate transmission of infection during sexual exposure. Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection is predominantly transmitted by mucosal exposure, after sexual intercourse. Although substantial progresses have been recently achieved in our understanding of the mechanisms of HIV mucosal transmission, many questions remain. Semen is one of the major sources for HIV which contains both cell-free viral particles and viral infected cells. However, today, the role of cell-associated virus has been largely understudied. We provide here a detailed characterization of the semen leukocyte populations in the highly relevant experiment model of SIV infection of macaques. We demonstrate that the major target cells for the virus, CD4+ T cells and macrophages, are present in macaques semen at all stages of infection. Both cell types are productively infected in vivo and are endowed with adhesion and migration markers that may facilitate virus transmission during sexual exposure. The acute phase of infection is associated with a strong seminal inflammation that may increase semen leukocytes infectivity. This work supports for a role of cell-associated virus in HIV transmission which needs to be considered for the design of prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Bernard-Stoecklin
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Céline Gommet
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Aurélien B. Corneau
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Sabrina Guenounou
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Claire Torres
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- INSERM U1085-IRSET, Université de Rennes 1, Structure Fédérative Recherche Biosit, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Antonio Cosma
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
| | - Roger Le Grand
- CEA, Division of Immuno-Virology, iMETI/DSV, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- UMR-E1, Université Paris Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Vaccine Research Institute (VRI), Créteil, France
- * E-mail:
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Gupta S, Gach JS, Becerra JC, Phan TB, Pudney J, Moldoveanu Z, Joseph SB, Landucci G, Supnet MJ, Ping LH, Corti D, Moldt B, Hel Z, Lanzavecchia A, Ruprecht RM, Burton DR, Mestecky J, Anderson DJ, Forthal DN. The Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) enhances human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcytosis across epithelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003776. [PMID: 24278022 PMCID: PMC3836734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) crosses mucosal surfaces to establish infection are unknown. Acidic genital secretions of HIV-1-infected women contain HIV-1 likely coated by antibody. We found that the combination of acidic pH and Env-specific IgG, including that from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids of HIV-1-infected individuals, augmented transcytosis across epithelial cells as much as 20-fold compared with Env-specific IgG at neutral pH or non-specific IgG at either pH. Enhanced transcytosis was observed with clinical HIV-1 isolates, including transmitted/founder strains, and was eliminated in Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn)-knockdown epithelial cells. Non-neutralizing antibodies allowed similar or less transcytosis than neutralizing antibodies. However, the ratio of total:infectious virus was higher for neutralizing antibodies, indicating that they allowed transcytosis while blocking infectivity of transcytosed virus. Immunocytochemistry revealed abundant FcRn expression in columnar epithelia lining the human endocervix and penile urethra. Acidity and Env-specific IgG enhance transcytosis of virus across epithelial cells via FcRn and could facilitate translocation of virus to susceptible target cells following sexual exposure. HIV-1 causes a sexually transmitted disease. However, the mechanisms employed by the virus to cross genital tract tissue and establish infection are uncertain. Since cervicovaginal fluid is acidic and HIV-1 in cervicovaginal fluid is likely coated with antibodies, we explored the effect of low pH and HIV-1-specific antibodies on transcytosis, the movement of HIV-1 across tight-junctioned epithelial cells. We found that the combination of HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhanced transcytosis as much as 20-fold. Virus that underwent transcytosis under these conditions was infectious, and infectivity was highly influenced by whether or not the antibody neutralized the virus. We observed enhanced transcytosis using antibody from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids and using transmitted/founder strains of HIV-1. We also found that the enhanced transcytosis was due to the Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn), which binds immune complexes at acidic pH and releases them at neutral pH. Finally, staining of human tissue revealed abundant FcRn expression on columnar epithelial cells of penile urethra and endocervix. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism wherein HIV-1 may facilitate its own transmission by usurping the antibody response directed against itself. These results have important implications for HIV vaccine development and for understanding the earliest events in HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Johannes S. Gach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Juan C. Becerra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Tran B. Phan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zina Moldoveanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Sarah B. Joseph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gary Landucci
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Medalyn Jude Supnet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Li-Hua Ping
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Davide Corti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Humabs BioMed SA, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Brian Moldt
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Zdenek Hel
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Antonio Lanzavecchia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth M. Ruprecht
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dennis R. Burton
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jiri Mestecky
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First School of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Saftlas AF, Rubenstein L, Prater K, Harland KK, Field E, Triche EW. Cumulative exposure to paternal seminal fluid prior to conception and subsequent risk of preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 101-102:104-110. [PMID: 24011785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of literature suggests that prior and prolonged exposure to paternal antigens in seminal fluid induces maternal tolerance to the allogeneic fetus, protecting it from rejection and facilitating successful implantation and placentation. In this case-control study of nulliparous women, we test the hypothesis that increased exposure to paternal seminal fluid via the vaginal or oral route will confer a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia cases (n=258) and normotensive controls (n=182) were selected from live births to Iowa women over the period August 2002 to April 2005. Disease status was verified by medical chart review. Seminal fluid exposure indexes incorporated information on type and frequency of sexual practices, contraceptive use, and ingestion practices prior to conception with the baby's father. Preeclampsia risk decreased significantly with increasing vaginal exposure to paternal semen (test for trend p<0.05). Women in the highest 10th percentile of vaginal exposure had a 70% reduced odds of preeclampsia relative to women in the lowest 25th percentile of exposure (aOR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Oral seminal fluid exposure was not associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia. These findings are congruent with the immune maladaptation hypothesis of preeclampsia causation and indicate that paternal antigen exposure via the vaginal mucosa may facilitate immune tolerance to paternal HLA. Thus, advising nulliparous women to decrease their use of barrier contraceptive methods and to increase vaginal sexual intercourse prior to conceiving may reduce their risk of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey F Saftlas
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Linda Rubenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kaitlin Prater
- Department of Epidemiology, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Karisa K Harland
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Elizabeth Field
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Tsiporenko SI, Loskutova IV. [Influence of phytotherapy on pro- and antioxidant status in spermatozoa, seminal plasma and immunologic status of sperm in men with chronic inflammation of the urogenital tract complicated by infertility]. Lik Sprava 2013:102-110. [PMID: 24605643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the blood of men with oligosymptomatic forms of chronic inflammation of the urogenital tract complicated by infertility are studied. Studied cytokine status of sperm in infertile men. The positive effect of imupret in combination with gepatomax on the oxidative activity systems, which leads to an improvement of leukocyte subpopulations of sperm, to normalize the concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and therefore, an increase in fertilizing are shown.
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Tan J, Bernstein JA. Fertility and human seminal plasma (HSP) hypersensitivity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2013; 111:145-6. [PMID: 23886238 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
We studied the concentration of metalloproteinases, pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, lymphocyte activation markers in seminal plasma of men with oligosymptomatic forms of chronic inflammation of the urogenital tract complicated with infertility. It was shown that chronic inflammation of the urogenital tract shifts the levels of cytokine profile, reduces the concentration of metalloproteinase-2 (576.4 +/- 89.3 ng/ml, P < 0.001), chemokines - fractalkine (16.3 +/- 1.3 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and chemmmokine regulated by activation, expression and secretion of normal T-cells (RANTES (12.7 +/- 1.0 pg/ ml, P < 0.001). Additionally, we observed a sharp increase in IL-8 (215.5 +/- 7.8 pg/ml, P < 0.01), MCP-1 (926.4 +/- 30.2 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and elevation of the CD25 + / CD95 + ratio. These observations point for alterations in apoptotic mechanisms in pathological forms of the generative cells and their accumulation in the sperm. Prolonged inflammation of the genital area is accompanied by depletion of the local immune system resulting in the development of infertility. The multidirectional shifts in IL-10/IL-12 index have been established: an increase in the group of patients with elevated level of hypercapitated spermatozoa and its reduction in microsomatic morphotype of spermatozoa. These data emphasize the importance of the microenvironment in maturation of gametes. It was shown that an inclusion of alfagin and gepatomax in immunorehabilitation of men with oligosymptomatic forms of urogenital infections improves leukocyte subpopulation content of sperm and concentrations of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and therefore, results in an increase in fertilizing potential.
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Tang R, Chen S. One case of seminal fluid induced anaphylaxis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2013; 126:2198. [PMID: 23769585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
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LISCO A, INTROINI A, MUNAWWAR A, VANPOUILLE C, GRIVEL JC, BLANK P, SINGH S, MARGOLIS L. HIV-1 imposes rigidity on blood and semen cytokine networks. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:515-21. [PMID: 23006048 PMCID: PMC3493688 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Although it is established that the levels of individual cytokines are altered by HIV-1 infection, the changes in cytokine interrelations that organize them into networks have been poorly studied. Here, we evaluated these networks in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals in fluid compartments that are critical for HIV-1 pathogenesis and transmission, namely blood and semen. METHOD OF STUDY In samples collected from therapy-naïve HIV-1-infected and HIV-1-uninfected individuals, we measured HIV-1-load, CD4 cell count, and levels of 21 cytokines using a multiplex bead assay. RESULTS Cytokine networks in blood and semen were different for HIV-1-infected and HIV-1-uninfected individuals. In both compartments of HIV-1-infected individuals, the cytokine networks were more interlocked than in controls: HIV-1 infection resulted in the establishment of new correlations and in the strengthening of pre-existing correlations between different cytokines. In blood and semen of HIV-infected patients, there were, respectively, 68 and 72 statistically significant correlations between cytokines, while in uninfected individuals, there were 18 and 21 such correlations. CONCLUSION HIV-1 infection reorganizes the cytokine networks, establishing new strong correlations between various cytokines and thus imposes a high rigidity on the cytokine network. This rigidity may reflect the impairment of the ability of the immune system to respond to microbial challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea LISCO
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Andrea INTROINI
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Arshi MUNAWWAR
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Christope VANPOUILLE
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Jean-Charles GRIVEL
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Paul BLANK
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Sarman SINGH
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Leonid MARGOLIS
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
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Short SM, Wolfner MF, Lazzaro BP. Female Drosophila melanogaster suffer reduced defense against infection due to seminal fluid components. J Insect Physiol 2012; 58:1192-201. [PMID: 22698822 PMCID: PMC3423548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Reduced defense against infection is commonly observed as a consequence of reproductive activity, but little is known about how post-mating immunosuppression occurs. In this work, we use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to test the role of seminal fluid components and egg production in suppressing post-mating immune defense. We also evaluate whether systemic immune system activity is altered during infection in mated females. We find that post-mating reduction in female defense depends critically on male transfer of sperm and seminal fluid proteins, including the accessory gland protein known as "sex peptide." However, the effect of these male factors is dependent on the presence of the female germline. We find that mated females have lower antimicrobial peptide gene expression than virgin females in response to systemic infection, and that this lower expression correlates with higher systemic bacterial loads. We conclude that, upon receipt of sperm and seminal fluid proteins, females experience a germline-dependent physiological shift that directly or indirectly reduces their overall ability to defend against infection, at least in part through alteration of humoral immune system activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Short
- Field of Genetics and Development, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Letiaeva OI, Gizinger OA, Zigashin OR. [Chronic infection urethroprostatit: a new look at old problem]. Urologiia 2012:44-49. [PMID: 23116022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An open, short-term, prospective, randomized study was conducted. 114 men with chronic urethroprostatitis against chlamydial-mycoplasmal infection, mean age 41,2 +/- 0,4 years, were observed. Follow investigations were performed: PCR, microscopic examination of urethral secretions and semen, transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound examination of prostate, evaluation of indicators of local and systemic immunity. In patients with chronic urethroprostatitis, abnormal urethral secretions were dominated; according to data of ultrasound examination, changes in the prostate were registered in all patients, as well as disturbances in cellular and humoral immunity. Depending on the method of treatment, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received an immunomodulator Lavomax and basic treatment: azithromycin at a dose 1.0 g once a week for 3 weeks, Celebrex, physiotherapy (low-intensity laser radiation), prostate massage; and Group 2 received only basic therapy. The control group consisted of 30 healthy men. The most pronounced normalization of cellular immunity (decreased number of leukocytes, reduction of lysosomal activity, increased activity and intensity of phagocytosis, and functional reserve of neutrophils in the ejaculate), as well as normalization of lymphocyte subpopulation composition, immunoregulatory index in the peripheral blood, and levels of IgA, IgG, IL-8, INF-gamma, resolution of clinical symptoms were observed among patients in Group 1. Moreover, the rate of elimination of infectious agents was significantly higher in Group 1. Thus, the use of immunomodulator Lavomax is pathogenetically substantiated treatment for chronic urethroprostatite against chlamydial and mycoplasmal infection, which allows to include Lavomax in a comprehensive treatment of this disease.
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Lozano-Hernández R, Vivas-Acevedo G, Muñoz de Vera MG. [Mycoplasmas and antibodies anti-Chlamydia in semen of infertile men and their relationship with seminal quality and markers of male accessory sex glands]. Invest Clin 2012; 53:138-147. [PMID: 22978046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility may be due to inflammation or infection of the genital tract among other causes. Male accessory sex glands and sperm function may also be involved in the problem of infertility. This study tries to associate the most frequent bacteria in semen of infertile men including Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum with the seminal characteristics and levels of fructose, citric acid and alpha-neutral glucosidase as markers of the accessory glands. Detection of antibodies anti Chlamydia trachomatis indicated that it was the most prevalent germ. Antibodies (Ab) anti-Chlamydia, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were associated with a decrease of the glandular markers fructose and alpha-neutral glucosidase. On the other hand, there were increased pH and leukocytospermia in men positive for antibodies anti-Chlamydia. Microbiological and biochemical evaluation of semen could orient more about the spread of infection and allow for the selection of the most effective therapy. We find that microbiological and glandular accessory markers assessments in semen are important to diagnose and to treat infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Lozano-Hernández
- Centro Diagnóstico de Infertilidad y Enfermedades Genéticas (CEDIEG), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela.
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Edström Hägerwall AML, Rydengård V, Fernlund P, Mörgelin M, Baumgarten M, Cole AM, Malmsten M, Kragelund BB, Sørensen OE. β-Microseminoprotein endows post coital seminal plasma with potent candidacidal activity by a calcium- and pH-dependent mechanism. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002625. [PMID: 22496651 PMCID: PMC3320615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune factors controlling Candida albicans are mostly unknown. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is common in women and affects approximately 70–75% of all women at least once. Despite the propensity of Candida to colonize the vagina, transmission of Candida albicans following sexual intercourse is very rare. This prompted us to investigate whether the post coital vaginal milieu contained factors active against C. albicans. By CFU assays, we found prominent candidacidal activity of post coital seminal plasma at both neutral and the acid vaginal pH. In contrast, normal seminal plasma did not display candidacidal activity prior to acidification. By antifungal gel overlay assay, one clearing zone corresponding to a protein band was found in both post coital and normal seminal plasma, which was subsequently identified as β-microseminoprotein. At neutral pH, the fungicidal activity of β-microseminoprotein and seminal plasma was inhibited by calcium. By NMR spectroscopy, amino acid residue E71 was shown to be critical for the calcium coordination. The acidic vaginal milieu unleashed the fungicidal activity by decreasing the inhibitory effect of calcium. The candidacidal activity of β-microseminoprotein was mapped to a fragment of the C-terminal domain with no structural similarity to other known proteins. A homologous fragment from porcine β-microseminoprotein demonstrated calcium-dependent fungicidal activity in a CFU assay, suggesting this may be a common feature for members of the β-microseminoprotein family. By electron microscopy, β-microseminoprotein was found to cause lysis of Candida. Liposome experiments demonstrated that β-microseminoprotein was active towards ergosterol-containing liposomes that mimic fungal membranes, offering an explanation for the selectivity against fungi. These data identify β-microseminoprotein as an important innate immune factor active against C. albicans and may help explain the low sexual transmission rate of Candida. The innate immune factors controlling Candida albicans are mostly unknown. Sexual transmission of Candida during vaginal intercourse is very rare. This prompted us to investigate whether the post coital vaginal milieu contained innate immune factors active against Candida. We found potent candidacidal activity of acidic post coital seminal plasma mediated by β-microseminoprotein, while seminal plasma did not possess any fungicidal activity prior to acidification. The fungicidal effect of β-microseminoprotein was regulated by a novel calcium and pH-dependent mechanism uniquely suited for the post coital vaginal environment. At neutral pH, the fungicidal activity of β-microseminoprotein was inhibited by calcium. The acidic vaginal pH, on the other hand, unleashed the fungicidal activity by decreasing the inhibitory effect of calcium. The fungicidal activity of β-microseminoprotein was mapped to a fragment of the C-terminal domain with no structural similarity to other known proteins. Experiments with a homologous fragment from porcine β-microseminoprotein demonstrating calcium-dependent fungicidal activity suggest this to be a common feature for members of the β-microseminoprotein family. These data may help explain the low transmission rate of Candida after vaginal sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Rydengård
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Fernlund
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Matthias Mörgelin
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Baumgarten
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alexander M. Cole
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Birthe B. Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole E. Sørensen
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Kofler L, Kofler H, Mattsson L, Lidholm J. A case of dog-related human seminal plasma allergy. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 44:89-92. [PMID: 22768730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Allergy to human seminal plasma (HSP) is rare. It presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from localized changes to generalized reactions or even anaphylactic shock. Symptoms typically start within minutes to one hour after exposure. Diagnosis is based on history, evidence of specific IgE antibodies and skin prick testing (SPT). A 25-year-old Caucasian woman presented with eyelid swelling, generalized urticaria and dyspnea immediately after unprotected coitus with her partner. No symptoms occurred when barrier contraception was used. SPTand IgE testing (ImmunoCAP) demonstrated sensitization to HSP and dog dander. The patient's self-designed desensitization protocol, consisting of H1 blocker premedication followed by unprotected sexual intercourse, ameliorated her systemic reactions gradually and reduced the frequency of emergency hospital visits. She had a known allergy to male but not female dogs, and was highly sensitized to dog allergen Can f 5, a protein homologous to human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), suggesting a possible link to her HSP allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kofler
- Allergieambulatorium Hall i.T, Austria.
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Brázdová A, Zídková J, Senechal H, Peltre G, Cibulka J, Ulčová-Gallová Z. Female serum immunoglobulins G, A, E and their immunological reactions to seminal fluid antigens. Folia Biol (Praha) 2012; 58:251-255. [PMID: 23438851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
One in five couples of reproductive age has been diagnosed with infertility. Some diagnoses indicate an immunological basis for this disorder. Female immune infertility may be caused by iso-immunization by seminal components. We focused on the characterization of seminal proteins to illustrate the IgG, IgA and IgE immune responses of 31 infertile women. The biochemical characterization was performed by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, both of which were followed by immunoblotting analyses. IgG mainly recognized the antigens with relative molecular masses (Mr) 95 and 183 kDa and isoelectric points ranging from 6.9 to 7.0. The immunodominant antigens recognized by IgA had the Mr of 35 kDa and isoelectric points ranging from 6.2 to 7.2. The reactivity of IgE was not confirmed within our group of patients. The seminal IgG- and IgA -binding patterns were analysed immunochemically to determine the characteristics of possible seminal proteins associated with female immune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brázdová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Lisco A, Munawwar A, Introini A, Vanpouille C, Saba E, Feng X, Grivel JC, Singh S, Margolis L. Semen of HIV-1-infected individuals: local shedding of herpesviruses and reprogrammed cytokine network. J Infect Dis 2012; 205:97-105. [PMID: 22107749 PMCID: PMC3242745 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semen is the main carrier of sexually transmitted viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). However, semen is not just a mere passive transporter of virions but also plays an active role in HIV-1 transmission through cytokines and other biological factors. METHODS To study the relationship between viruses and the chemokine-cytokine network in the male genital tract, we measured the concentrations of 21 cytokines/chemokines and the loads of HIV-1 and of 6 herpesviruses in seminal and blood plasma from HIV-1-infected and HIV-uninfected men. RESULTS We found that (1) semen is enriched in cytokines and chemokines that play key roles in HIV-1 infection or transmission; (2) HIV-1 infection changes the chemokine-cytokine network in semen, further enriching it in cytokines that modulate its replication; (3) HIV-1 infection is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) compartmentalized seminal reactivation; (4) CMV and EBV concomitant seminal shedding is associated with higher HIV-1 loads in blood and seminal plasma; and (5) CMV seminal reactivation increases the seminal levels of the CCR5 ligands RANTES and eotaxin, and of the CXCR3 ligand monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG). CONCLUSIONS HIV-1 infection results in an aberrant production of cytokines and reactivation of EBV and CMV that further changes the seminal cytokine network. The altered seminal milieu in HIV-1 infection may be a determinant of HIV-1 sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lisco
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Arshi Munawwar
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
| | - Andrea Introini
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Christophe Vanpouille
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Elisa Saba
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
- AIDS Immunopathogenesis Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Xingmin Feng
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jean-Charles Grivel
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Sarman Singh
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
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Repin EV, Dolgikh VT, Dolgikh TN, Ershov AV, Repina TV. [Effects of immunocorrective therapy on immunological indices in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis]. Urologiia 2011:50-54. [PMID: 22448482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A total of 57 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis were divided into two groups. The control group (n = 28) received standard treatment, the study group (n = 29) received treatment including immunomodulator likopid. The tests for IgA, IgM, IgG, compliment components C3, C4, circulating immune complexes were made, immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed, chemiluminescence parameters of whole blood and plasma, content of IL-10, TNF-alpha, IL-lbeta in seminal fluid were assessed. The detected abnormalities in parameters of systemic and mucose-associated immunity give ground for inclusion of immunomodulators in combined treatment of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis.
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Abstract
The epidemiology of seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) is unknown. Case reports and a previous survey have identified two distinct phenotypes: localized and systemic reactors. The objective of this study was to use an Internet-based questionnaire to characterize and examine the differences among a population of women with suspected SPH. A questionnaire designed to distinguish women with probable SPH was made available via the Internet. Systemic symptoms included generalized pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of consciousness whereas localized symptoms included vaginal burning, pain, swelling, erythema, or blister formation. Respondents with localized or systemic symptoms and whose symptoms were prevented with the use of a condom were included in the analysis. Frequency and means were calculated and further analyzed using chi-square and t-test analyses. A total of 165 women with probable SPH, 79 with systemic symptoms and 86 with only localized symptoms, were included in the analysis. Systemic compared with localized respondents were significantly older (mean age, 29.2 years versus 26.4 years; p = 0.01), had longer duration of symptoms (mean, 58 months versus 40.8 months; p = 0.03), and more frequently reported a family history of atopy (65.8% versus 50%; p < 0.05). Interestingly, significantly more systemic compared with localized respondents reported dog sensitization (11.4% versus 2.3%; p = 0.02). Localized and systemic SPH are more common than previously realized and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis, vulvovaginitis, and dyspareunia. Additional research investigating the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, and treatment of this disorder is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wesley Sublett
- Division of Immunology/Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267-0563, USA
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50
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Stura EA, Muller BH, Bossus M, Michel S, Jolivet-Reynaud C, Ducancel F. Crystal structure of human prostate-specific antigen in a sandwich antibody complex. J Mol Biol 2011; 414:530-44. [PMID: 22037582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human prostate-specific antigen (PSA or human kallikrein-related peptidase 3) present in small quantities in the sera of healthy men becomes elevated in prostate cancer (PCa) and other prostate disorders. The ability to identify the free PSA fraction associated with PCa could increase the reliability of the PSA diagnostic test. Here we present the crystal structure of human PSA from seminal fluid in a sandwich complex with two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). MAb 5D5A5 captures total PSA with exceptionally high affinity, and mAb 5D3D11 selectively discriminates between free PSA subforms that are more abundant in sera from patients with PCa. Although the antigen is not of seric origin, several insights into cancer diagnosis can be discerned from this complex. MAb 5D3D11 recognizes a PSA conformation different from that previously reported. Interacting with the kallikrein loop, the PSA N-linked glycan attached to asparagine 61 is an uncommonly complex sialated triantennary chain. O-linked glycosylation is observed at threonine 125. The description of how PSA subforms in prostatic fluid can be discriminated using pairs of antibodies is a first step in the design of new strategies that are capable of real discrimination among PSA subforms, which will lead to the formulation of more reliable diagnostic tests. In a companion article [Muller, B. H., Savatier, A., L'Hostis, G., Costa, N., Bossus, M., Michel, S., et al. (2011). In vitro affinity maturation of an anti-PSA antibody for prostate cancer diagnostic assay. J. Mol. Biol.], we describe engineering efforts to improve the affinity of mAb 5D3D11, a first step towards such goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico A Stura
- CEA, iBiTec-S, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Laboratoire de Toxinologie Moléculaire et Biotechnologies, Gif-sur-Yvette F-91191, France.
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