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Petrov S, Taskov H, Murdjeva M. Guardians of immunity: NK cell-mediated defense in COVID-19 and post-COVID scenarios. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2024; 66:12-18. [PMID: 38426460 DOI: 10.3897/folmed.66.e113356] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on global health, challenging communities, healthcare systems, and researchers worldwide. As we navigate this unprecedented crisis, this paper embarks on a multifaceted exploration of the pivotal role played by natural killer (NK) cells in the context of COVID-19. A significant portion of this paper is devoted to dissecting the nuanced role that NK cells assume in the context of COVID-19. From the initial acute infection to post-recovery immunity, NK cells emerge as critical players. We scrutinize the activation and dysregulation of NK cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection, shedding light on their potential contribution to disease severity. Moreover, we explore the fascinating landscape of post-COVID immunity, where NK cells are known to interact with adaptive immune responses, providing a foundation for long-term protection. In light of their central role, we investigate therapeutic strategies targeting NK cells in COVID-19 management, presenting an overview of current research efforts and their promise in mitigating disease progression. Lastly, we draw attention to research gaps, emphasizing the need for further investigation into NK cell dynamics during COVID-19. These gaps represent opportunities for advancing our understanding of NK cell biology and, by extension, enhancing our strategies for combating this global health crisis. This comprehensive exploration not only highlights the intricate interplay between NK cells and the COVID-19 pandemic but also underscores the importance of these innate immune warriors in shaping both the acute response and long-term immunity, ultimately contributing to the broader discourse surrounding the pandemic's pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.
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Stoyanova K, Stoyanov D, Petrov S, Baldzhieva A, Bozhkova M, Murdzheva M, Kalfova T, Andreeva H, Taskov H, Vassilev P, Todev A. Conversion and Obsessive-Phobic Symptoms Predict IL-33 and IL-28A Levels in Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1271. [PMID: 37759873 PMCID: PMC10526257 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091271] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first epidemiological wave of the incidence of COVID-19 in Bulgaria was registered in June 2020. After the wave peak, we conducted a study in persons diagnosed with COVID-19 (N = 52). They were assessed with the anxiety-depressive scale (ADS), including basic (BS), vegetative (VS), conversion (CS), obsessive-phobic (OPS), and depressive (DS) symptoms. ADS assessment of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 indicated a correlation between OPS and IL-33 values. IL-10 levels were higher than reference ranges in all patients. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that combination of CS and OPS explained 28% of IL-33 levels, while combination of symptoms from all ADS dimensions explained 24% of IL-33 levels. It was also found that 21% of IL-28A levels was explained from the combination by all ADS dimensions, whereas OPS was the predictor for lower concentrations. The obtained results revealed meaningful correlations between psycho neuro-immunological factors in pathogenesis of illness from the coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stoyanova
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Research Group “Translational and Computational Neuroscience”, SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Drozdstoy Stoyanov
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Research Group “Translational and Computational Neuroscience”, SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Steliyan Petrov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alexandra Baldzhieva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Martina Bozhkova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Mariana Murdzheva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Teodora Kalfova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hristina Andreeva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (H.A.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. George”, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Taskov
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Petar Vassilev
- Department of Infectious Disease, Parasitology, and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (P.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Angel Todev
- Department of Infectious Disease, Parasitology, and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (P.V.); (A.T.)
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Guenova ML, Michova A, Balatzenko GN, Yosifov DY, Stoyanov N, Taskov H, Berger MR, Konstantinov SM. A particular expression pattern of CD13 epitope 7H5 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia – a possible new therapeutic target. Hematology 2013; 17:132-9. [DOI: 10.1179/102453312x13376952196296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita L. Guenova
- Laboratory of Haematopathology and ImmunologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Antoaneta Michova
- Laboratory of Haematopathology and ImmunologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of ImmunologyNational Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gueorgui N. Balatzenko
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular BiologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Bulgaria
| | - Deyan Y. Yosifov
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Laboratory for Experimental ChemotherapyMedical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Stoyanov
- Laboratory of Haematopathology and ImmunologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Taskov
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of ImmunologyNational Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin R. Berger
- German Cancer Research CenterToxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Spiro M. Konstantinov
- Center of Excellence – Translational Research in HaematologyNational Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Laboratory for Experimental ChemotherapyMedical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Ivanov IA, Beshkov D, Shankar A, Hanson DL, Paraskevis D, Georgieva V, Karamacheva L, Taskov H, Varleva T, Elenkov I, Stoicheva M, Nikolova D, Switzer WM. Detailed molecular epidemiologic characterization of HIV-1 infection in Bulgaria reveals broad diversity and evolving phylodynamics. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59666. [PMID: 23527245 PMCID: PMC3602066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited information is available to describe the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Bulgaria. To better understand the genetic diversity and the epidemiologic dynamics of HIV-1 we analyzed 125 new polymerase (pol) sequences from Bulgarians diagnosed through 2009 and 77 pol sequences available from our previous study from persons infected prior to 2007. Epidemiologic and demographic information was obtained from each participant and phylogenetic analysis was used to infer HIV-1 evolutionary histories. 120 (59.5%) persons were infected with one of five different HIV-1 subtypes (A1, B, C, F1 and H) and 63 (31.2%) persons were infected with one of six different circulating recombinant forms (CRFs; 01_AE, 02_AG, 04_cpx, 05_DF, 14_BG, and 36_cpx). We also for the first time identified infection with two different clusters of unique A-like and F-like sub-subtype variants in 12 persons (5.9%) and seven unique recombinant forms (3.5%), including a novel J/C recombinant. While subtype B was the major genotype identified and was more prevalent in MSM and increased between 2000–2005, most non-B subtypes were present in persons ≥45 years old. CRF01_AE was the most common non-B subtype and was higher in women and IDUs relative to other risk groups combined. Our results show that HIV-1 infection in Bulgaria reflects the shifting distribution of genotypes coincident with the changing epidemiology of the HIV-1 epidemic among different risk groups. Our data support increased public health interventions targeting IDUs and MSM. Furthermore, the substantial and increasing HIV-1 genetic heterogeneity, combined with fluctuating infection dynamics, highlights the importance of sustained and expanded surveillance to prevent and control HIV-1 infection in Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivailo Alexiev Ivanov
- National Reference Laboratory of HIV, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Nikolova M, Markova R, Drenska R, Muhtarova M, Todorova Y, Dimitrov V, Taskov H, Saltini C, Amicosante M. Antigen-specific CD4- and CD8-positive signatures in different phases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 75:277-81. [PMID: 23276770 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Current diagnostic standards for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection do not distinguish between active and latent tuberculosis (TB). To identify specific biomarkers characterizing the different forms of TB infection, we investigated in parallel with the QuantiFERON -TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) the use of flow cytometry measuring CD4 and CD8 MTB-specific immune response in 17 active-TB patients, 21 health care workers (HCW), 14 recent contacts of TB patients (RC-TB), and 10 bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG)-vaccinated healthy controls (BCG-HC). A correlation (r = 0.4526, P = 0.0002) was found only between the amount of IFN-γ measured by QFT-IT and the frequency of CD4+/CD69+/IFN-γ+ T cells. The frequency of CD4+/CD69+/IFNγ+ responding T cells was higher in active-TB patients (0.254 ± 0.336%, P < 0.01) compared to the other groups. The response of QFT-IT antigen-specific CD8+/CD69+/IFNγ+ T cells was significantly higher in RC-TB (0.245 ± 0.305%, P < 0.05) compared to the other study groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nikolova
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Nikolova M, Stankulova D, Taskov H, Nenkov P, Maximov V, Petrunov B. Polybacterial immunomodulator Respivax restores the inductive function of innate immunity in patients with recurrent respiratory infections. Int Immunopharmacol 2009; 9:425-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Mihaylova N, Voynova E, Tchorbanov A, Nikolova M, Michova A, Todorov T, Srebreva L, Taskov H, Vassilev T. Selective silencing of disease-associated B-lymphocytes by chimeric molecules targeting their Fc IIb receptor. Int Immunol 2007; 20:165-75. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxm133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Petrunov B, Nikolov G, Michova A, Ivanova T, Radenkova-Saeva J, Taskov H. Complex diagnosis of IgE mediated allergy by in vivo and in vitro methods. World Allergy Organ J 2007. [DOI: 10.1097/01.wox.0000301581.16190.6d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
AIM: To investigate reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection as a cause for chronic hepatitis.
METHODS: Patients with occasionally established elevated serum aminotransferases were studied. HIV, HBV and HCV-infections were excluded as well as any other immunosuppressive factors, metabolic or toxic disorders. EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG and IgM, EA-R and EA-D IgG and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) were measured using IFA kits. Immunophenotyping of whole blood was performed by multicolor flow cytometry. CD8+ T cell responses to EBV and PHA were determined according to the intracellular expression of IFN-γ.
RESULTS: The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) values exceeded twice the upper normal limit, AST/ALT ratio < 1. Serology tests showed reactivated EBV infection in all patients. Absolute number and percentages of T, B and NK cells were within the reference ranges. Fine subset analysis, in comparison to EBV+ healthy carriers, revealed a significant decrease of naive T cells (P < 0.001), accompanied by increased percentage of CD45RA- (P < 0.0001), and terminally differentiated CD28-CD27-CD8+ T cells (P < 0.01). Moderately elevated numbers of CD38 molecules on CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05) proposed a low viral burden. A significantly increased percentage of CD8+ T cells expressing IFN-γ in response to EBV and PHA stimulation was registered in patients, as compared to controls (P < 0.05). Liver biopsy specimens from 5 patients revealed nonspecific features of low-grade hepatitis.
CONCLUSION: Chronic hepatitis might be a manifestation of chronic EBV infection in the lack of detectable immune deficiency; the expansion of CD28-CD27- and increase of functional EBV-specific CD8+ T cells being the only surrogate markers of viral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Petrova
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical Institute Ministry of Interior, Skobelev 79, Sofia 1606, Bulgaria.
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Michova A, Abugalia M, Ivanova T, Nikolov G, Taskov H, Petrunov B. Comparision of two-flow cytometry methods for basophil degranulation in patients sensitized to grass pollen. Allergy 2006; 61:1078-83. [PMID: 16918510 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01087.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two-flow cytometry methods for quantification of degranulated basophil after allergen-specific activation were discussed. The methods are discerned by used membrane receptors--FcepsilonRI or IL-3Ralpha Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the methods and to correlate them to allergen-specific IgE detection and skin prick test (SPT). METHODS Patient's and control's groups were studied with Bulgarian grass pollen allergen B1 simultaneously by flow cytometry kits: Basotest and BD FastImmune test. Allergy diagnosis was based on clinical history and SPT. The determination of specific IgE was performed by ELISA--RIDASCREEN. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the patient's results from Basotest and FastImmune (P>0.05). A significant correlation between values, analyzed by Basotest and by FastImmune was found (r=0.88). The sensitivity and specificity of the Basotest, FastImmune, specific IgE and SPT were 85%, 72%, 92% and 92% sensitivity and 100%, 92%, 100% and 85% specificity respectively. The efficiency was between 82% and 97%. There were a significant correlation between the specific IgE and flow cytometry tests: tau=0.92 (Basotest) and tau=0.71 (FastImmune) and a moderate significant correlation between the SPT and the in vitro tests: tau=0.26 (Basotest) and tau=0.31 (FastImmune). CONCLUSION The successful use of the Bulgarian grass pollen allergen B1 and both flow cytometry tests was presented. These methods could be as specific tools for IgE-mediated diagnosis especially FastImmune in the case of low IgE receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Michova
- Central Laboratory of Immunology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Petrunov B, Marinova S, Markova R, Nenkov P, Nikolaeva S, Nikolova M, Taskov H, Cvetanov J. Cellular and humoral systemic and mucosal immune responses stimulated in volunteers by an oral polybacterial immunomodulator "Dentavax". Int Immunopharmacol 2006; 6:1181-93. [PMID: 16714223 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 10/18/2005] [Revised: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The oral polybacterial immunomodulator Dentavax (D), composed of killed cells from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus and their lysates was created for immunoprophylaxis and therapy of oral mucosa and parodont inflammations. The stimulating effect of the preparation was evaluated in twelve volunteers immunized for 10 consecutive days. On days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 49 after the last immunization peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subsets, T lymphocyte activation and PB phagocytic activity, were studied by flow cytometry. PB lymphocyte proliferative responses to PHA, rIL-2, LPS and D were evaluated radiometrically. The production of TNF-alpha in supernatants of in vitro stimulated lymphocytes and specific IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and saliva was determined by ELISA. Ultrastructural morphologic changes in T and B lymphocyte populations were also investigated. Although no significant changes in the levels of basic lymphocyte subsets were detected, the early/late (CD57+/CD57-) CD8 T effectors ratio was increased at the end of the studied period, as were the percentage of PHA-responding (CD69+) T cells and PB phagocytizing cells. The most prominent lymphoprolipherative responses were measured upon costimulation with LPS+D and PHA+D on day 21. Electron-microscopic studies demonstrated a significant effect of D on both T and B cell activity. TNF-alpha concentration increased progressively from day 7 till the end of the investigation. Maximal concentrations were observed after stimulation with D and LPS. An increased level of specific salivary and serum antibodies against the components of D was found, with highest levels between days 7 and 21. Specific secretory IgA predominated in saliva as compared to IgM and IgG. Our results demonstrate the stimulating effect of Dentavax on PB lymphocyte functional activity and the specific humoral systemic and mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Petrunov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), Sofia, Bulgaria
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Nikolova M, Guenova M, Taskov H, Marie-Cardine A, Boumsell L, Bensussan A. SC3 monoclonal antibody defines a novel specific human B-cell surface antigen differentially expressed on B-cell leukaemias and lymphomas and involved in the proliferation of normal and malignant B lymphocytes. Cell Immunol 2005; 236:92-100. [PMID: 16197933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2005.08.013] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Accepted: 05/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The monoclonal antibody SC3 was raised against the NK leukaemia cell line YTindi. It detected a 98-kDa surface antigen with weak expression on a restricted number of leukaemia cell lines under reducing conditions. SC3 mAb labelled 5-10% of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes corresponding almost exclusively to B lymphocytes, and 60-70% of tonsillar B cells. It did not react with erythrocytes, platelets or monocytes whereas it stained granulocytes. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression and functional effects of SC3 mAb reactive epitope on normal and malignant B cells. Most SC3+ B cells from healthy donors were CD23+, some co-expressed CD5 and CD27 and a few were CD38+. SC3 epitope was expressed exclusively by B-lineage malignant proliferations, including B-lineage ALL. Practically, all B-CLL studied expressed SC3 mAb reactive epitope although with variable intensity, while MCL and PLL were negative. Other low grade and high grade B-NHL were variably stained. SC3 mAb alone triggered the proliferation of CD2-depleted PBL and significantly increased the proliferation induced by suboptimal concentrations of LPS. This effect was much weaker with B-CLL cells but was increased after cross-linking with an anti-IgM antibody. The restricted expression pattern combined with molecular weight and functional data indicate that SC3 mAb may detect a novel B-cell antigen mostly expressed by early and naive B cells. Although its expression in B-cell malignancies was not limited to a single differentiation stage, it might confer specific functional characteristics to the positive malignant cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibody Specificity
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Humans
- Leukemia, B-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/immunology
- Lymphopoiesis
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Molecular Weight
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nikolova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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13
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Woodhead VE, Stonehouse TJ, Binks MH, Speidel K, Fox DA, Gaya A, Hardie D, Henniker AJ, Horejsi V, Sagawa K, Skubitz KM, Taskov H, Todd RF, van Agthoven A, Katz DR, Chain BM. Novel molecular mechanisms of dendritic cell-induced T cell activation. Int Immunol 2000; 12:1051-61. [PMID: 10882417 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/12.7.1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we have re-examined the molecular mechanisms involved in activation of T cells by dendritic cells (DC). Human peripheral blood DC (PBDC) were derived by 2 h adhesion followed by 7 day culture in a combination of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor and IL-4, and depletion of residual T and B cells. These PBDC were used to induce autologous T cell proliferation in a CD3-dependent response, and antibodies against CD11a/18 and CD86 were used as control inhibitors of accessory function. Antibodies against five of the cell surface molecules that we have recently identified on the surface of DC, CD13, CD87, CD98, CD147 and CD148, and an antibody which recognizes a molecule that has not as yet been identified, all inhibited the CD3-induced T cell proliferation. These findings were observed not only when antibodies were present throughout the culture, but also when they were prepulsed on to the surface of the DC, suggesting the inhibition was mediated via the antigen-presenting cells rather than the T cell. The same set of antibodies also inhibited an allospecific mixed lymphocyte reaction, confirming that the inhibitory effect was not dependent on the use of a CD3 antibody as the stimulating agent. All the antibodies of known specificity inhibited both CD4 and CD8 T cells equally. Unlike CD87, CD98 and CD147 antibodies, which inhibited activation of both CD45RA (naive) T cells and CD45RO (memory) T cells, CD13 and CD148 appeared to be involved in activation of naive cells only. The molecules identified in this study have not previously been demonstrated to play a role as accessory molecules on DC, the cells that are pivotal for immune induction. Therefore they may provide new potential targets for modulation of the immune response at the APC level.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E Woodhead
- Department of Immunology, Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences, UCL Medical School, 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 6DB, UK
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14
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Abstract
The levels of CD98 antigen expression were studied in 62 consecutive cases of adult acute leukemia including 24 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 38 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using the monoclonal antibody CAF7 and flow cytometry. The mean follow-up was 13.5 months. The mean relative fluorescence intensity (MIF) of CAF7 varied between 6 and 83 channels (256 channels resolution). No correlation was established between CAF7 cell surface density and most of the predictive parameters such as age, sex, blood counts, immunophenotype, proliferative index (PI) or DNA index. Nevertheless expression of CAF7 correlated positively with survival duration (mean 210 vs 391 days, P = 0.048) and complete remission (CR) duration (mean 132 vs 361, days P = 0.032). The levels of CAF7 differed significantly between ALL and AML (P < 0.001), the ALL cases being all CAF7intermediate or CAF7high. In the AML group the low levels of CAF7 expression correlated with shorter CR duration (mean 132 vs 414 days, P = 0.017). The lack of correlation with other clinical and biological parameters suggested that CAF7 might have an independent prognostic significance in adult AML. Although PI was also positively related to survival duration (P = 0.02), it did not correlate with CR duration or the expression of CAF7. We suppose that the prognostic impact of CD98 is related to the control of cell growth and survival in which the molecule normally participates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nikolova
- Department of Immunology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Abstract
The humoral immune response against elastin and collagen was studied in parallel with the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to elastin and the percentage of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in 20 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). An increase of anti-elastin antibodies of all subclasses was found with a significant prevalence of IgE and IgA antibodies. The profile of anti-collagen type I and type IV antibodies showed an increase of IgE isotypes. In 25% of the patients (5 out of 20) positive DTH reactions to elastin were observed as compared to the negative skin reactions in all control individuals. At the same time a significant hyporeactivity to common bacterial and mould antigens was found in 40% of the patients (versus 16% in the control group) which could be an explanation for the low incidence of positive anti-elastin DTH reaction. The DTH hyporeactivity in SSc cases was in contrast with the increased percentage of CD4 T cells (58.4 vs. 42.0) and increased CD4/CD8 ratio (2.5 vs. 1.5) in the peripheral blood of the patients. This finding together with the increased IgE antibodies to elastin and collagen type I and type IV might suggest a possible shift of the immune balance towards the Th2 type of immune response. This is in line with the increased CD8+CD57+ cells which correlated with the highest number of other parameters studied - disease duration, total skin score, IgE anti-elastin antibodies, IgG anti-collagen type I antibodies, CD4/CD8 ratio and CD19 B cells. The results of this study demonstrated the existence of both humoral and cell-mediated immune response against elastin in SSc patients. However, we could not define whether this was an essential part of pathogenetic mechanisms or a secondary phenomenon reflecting the extent of the damage of connective tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Daskalova
- Department of Biology and Immunology, Medical University, Pleven
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16
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Sarafian V, Dimova P, Georgiev I, Taskov H. ABH blood group antigen significance as markers of endothelial differentiation of mesenchymal cells. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 1997; 39:5-9. [PMID: 9314660] [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: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression pattern of A, B and H blood group antigens was evaluated by staining frozen sections with specific monoclonal antibodies developed by us and using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. The expression of blood group antigens was ubiquitously upregulated in the endothelial cells of fetal organs. In the process of their differentiation to endothelial naive embryonic mesenchymal cells expressed cytoplasmic ABH antigens. They were assumed as products of the activation of the respective genes. ABH antigen expression was considered as suggestive evidence for the assumption that blood group antigens could serve as early immunomorphologic markers of endothelial differentiation of mesenchymal cells, thus specifying the location of future blood vessels. Extending the conceptual framework of blood group antigens' significance we consider them as being possibly involved in the process of fetal morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Higher Medical Institute, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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17
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Guenova M, Taskov H, Zechev J. CD4+ acute undifferentiated leukaemia, probably early monoblastic type, developing in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis. Leuk Lymphoma 1997; 26:399-403. [PMID: 9322904 DOI: 10.3109/10428199709051791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We report here a patient who presented with pancytopenia, hypercellular bone marrow and three-lineage dysplasia associated with an increase of reticulin fibres. After a 5-month period, anaemia and thrombocytopenia progressed very rapidly and the white blood count increased showing 45% blasts with monocytoid morphology, but cytochemically undifferentiated in nature. The immunophenotype revealed an unusual expression of CD4, CD36 and HLA-DR in the absence of any other myeloid or lymphoid lineage-associated markers. The patient died unexpectedly during the course of chemotherapy. The occurrence of CD4, CD36 and HLA-DR on the blast cells cannot determine the lineage of differentiation with certainty but provides some evidence that the leukaemic cells were probably derived from a very early monocytic progenitor with maturation arrest. These cells had apparently complex interactions with pathologic megakaryocytes and cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guenova
- National Center of Clinical & Transfusional Haematology, Sofia, Bulgaria
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18
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Taskov H, Pashov A, ffmitrova E, Yordanova M, Serbinova M. Levels of CAF7 (CD98) expression correlate with the complete remission duration in childhood acute leukemia. Leuk Res 1996; 20:75-9. [PMID: 8632680 DOI: 10.1016/0145-2126(95)00114-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The levels of expression of the activation antigen CD98 were studied by mAB CAF7 in 51 newly diagnosed consecutive cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged from 1 to 13 years. The mean follow-up was 8 months. A wide range of CAF7 expression was observed, the highest mean fluorescence intensity exceeding the lowest by 20 times. No correlation was revealed between CAF7 cell surface density on the one hand and sex, age, WBC, platelet count, LDH level, FAB groups and immunophenotypes on the other. A positive association between the levels of CAF7 expression and the complete remission (CR) duration was observed. The group of CAF7(low) patients had a significantly shorter CR duration compared to the CAF7(intermediate) and CAF7(high) cases (P=0.0099). Half of the CAF7(low) patients did not respond to the induction therapy and failed to achieve remission. These correlations were clearly marked in common ALL (cALL), which was usually considered to have a favorable outcome. All CAF7(low) cALL cases had a significantly shorter CR duration (P=0.027). Thus CAF7 appears to provide additional information on the biological characteristics of childhood ALL and may have prognostic value regarding the response to therapy and remission duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Taskov
- Department of Immunology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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19
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Abstract
With regards to the geographical variation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) distribution, we present data from the immunophenotyping of 171 newly diagnosed cases of childhood ALL in Bulgaria during a 4 year period (1990-1994). On the basis of 17 phenotypic markers the distribution of immunological subtypes was as follows: AUL 4%; Pro-B ALL 13%; common ALL 42%; Pre-B ALL 11%; B-ALL 1%; T-ALL 28% and unclassified 2%. Most of the cases were between 2 and 5 years of age. Common ALL was predominant (53%) in this age group. The male:female ratio was 1.7:1. The frequency of T-ALL (28%) was significantly higher (P < 0.01; t = 3.49) in comparison to that reported for the U.S.A. and West European countries (mean 13%). It was close to the frequency reported by some authors for France (20%), Greece (26%) and south Italy (28.1%). These countries and Bulgaria might form an environmental area with a moderate frequency of T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Taskov
- Department of Immunology, National Center of Infectious Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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20
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Fichorova RN, Dimitrova E, Nakov L, Tzvetkov D, Penkov R, Taskov H. Detection of antibodies toward epididymal sperm antigens--an obligatory step in evaluation of human immunologic infertility? Am J Reprod Immunol 1995; 33:341-9. [PMID: 7576115 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1995.tb00902.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To test the relative impact of epididymal versus ejaculated sperm in immunologic infertility. METHOD Human antibody binding to epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa was compared by flow cytometry (FCM) since it allows quantitative analysis of viable sperm while ignoring nonsperm cells. To select sera for FCM, GAT, TAT, and ELISA were applied on 145 sera from fertile men, idiopathically infertile and varicocele patients. RESULTS All GAT/TAT-positive infertile patients, a representative group of varicocele patients and the fertile control, were assessed by FCM. Higher reactivity toward epididymal sperm revealed 18/22 sera while only four out of them bound to ejaculated sperm stronger than the control. All varicocele sera were positive against epididymal while negative against ejaculated spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Epididymal sperm antigens may play a predominant role in some cases of immunologic infertility. Such patients might not be adequately diagnosed and respectively treated due to the limitations of diagnostic procedures applying only ejaculated spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Fichorova
- Department of Biology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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21
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Abstract
The expression of a novel B-cell-associated carbohydrate epitope (1D8) was studied by means of flow cytometry in 153 well defined cases of leukemias and lymphomas and 19 cases of lymphadenopathy used as controls. The 1D8 epitope was detected preferentially in proliferations of mature B-lymphocytes (11/15 CD20+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 14/16 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 4/7 mantle cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), 3/8 follicle cell NHL. However its expression did not appear lineage- or differentiation stage-restricted. Intensive expression on in vivo and in vitro-activated lymphocytes as well as in some high grade malignancies indicated a relationship to the functional state of cells. Bearing in mind the enhanced detection of 1D8 upon desialylation, the epitope might be involved in the regulation of adhesion/migration potential of normal leukocytes and their malignant counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Taskov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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22
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Nikolova M, Taskov H. Monoclonal antibody 1D8 detects an activation-related molecule on human B lymphocytes and on a minor T-lymphocyte subpopulation. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 1994; 13:271-9. [PMID: 7528720 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.1994.13.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A novel murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1D8 was produced after immunization with the nylon wool-adherent fraction of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC). Its reactivity pattern was studied on a panel of hemopoetic normal cells, cell lines and malignancies. Mab 1D8 detects a lymphocyte-specific surface antigen expressed on a major subpopulation of mature B lymphocytes as well as on a minor T-cell subset. Activation-related changes in the expression of 1D8 molecule were observed on both B and T lymphocytes. As compared with the pattern of known activation-associated antigens, 1D8 seems to play a role in the early stages of lymphocyte activation. The antigen could not be immunoprecipitated by the conventional methods for glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nikolova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Disease, Sofia, Bulgaria
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23
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Sarafian V, Popov A, Taskov H. Expression of A, B and H blood-group antigens and carcinoembryonic antigen in human tumours. Zentralbl Pathol 1993; 139:351-354. [PMID: 8130167] [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: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The parallel expression of ABH blood-group antigens and of the carcinoembryonic antigen was examined applying the biotin-streptavidin immunostaining system. Monoclonal antibodies to the ABH antigens newly produced by us and a polyclonal antibody to the carcinoembryonic antigen (Ortho) were used as primary antibodies. Human tumours derived from six different organs were studied. ABH antigens showed a heterogeneous expression. They were entirely missing in some neoplastic tissues and found in single or in clustered tumour cells in others. The staining for the carcinoembryonic antigen revealed stronger intensity and covered large malignant areas. The possible functions of ABH blood-group antigens as tumour-associated structures are discussed. A number of tumour-associated antigens have been identified which may serve to improve the early diagnostics of tumour processes in man. Recently, the blood-group antigens (BGA) from the ABO/H system have attracted the attention of many investigators who regard them as differentiation antigens and as tumour-associated structures. Oncogenesis is accompanied by a block in BGA biosynthesis as a result of an altered ontogenetical programme. This process leads to: a) deletion of BGA-structures in malignant cells; b) neoantigen expression (onco-developmental markers) and c) appearance of BGA-incompatible antigens. The aim of the present investigation is to examine the coexpression of A, B and H BGA and of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in malignant human tissues. Using the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to ABH-BGA newly produced in our laboratory, some insufficiently explored organs like the mammary gland and especially its metastases were also tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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24
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Abstract
The present study assesses the influence of the immunophenotyping procedure, the type of monoclonal antibody (MAb) and flow cytometer used, upon the reproducibility of the results of estimation of the normal values for CD3, CD4, and CD8 positive lymphocyte subpopulations. A hundred healthy adults were immunophenotyped by direct immunofluorescence with commercially available (OKT3-FITC, OKT4-PE and OKT8-PE), and locally prepared (HL3-FITC, HL4-PE and HL8-PE)MAb. The samples were analysed on FACStar flow cytometer. The maximal values of the analytical (CD3-0.96, CD4-1.05, CD8-1.02), the individual (CD3-2.33, CD4-2.88, CD8-2.86), and the population (CD3-8.7, CD4-8.8, CD8-7.5) variation prove that the precision of immunophenotyping procedure has no effect on the variation of the values of the CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations. The values of all three markers showed Gaussian type of distribution. Regression analysis proved that the values of these subpopulations determined by MAb from two sources were highly correlated (r > 0.9) but the paired t-test gave statistically significant difference in the values of CD8 (1.23%, P > 0.001). Mean, SD and 95% range of the sizes of the positive subsets determined by OKT3, OKT4 and OKT8 showed that the results were very close to the results from a multicenter study of adult Caucasians. The values we find fall within the cited critical range for these markers; so we can conclude that if good care is taken for the precision of the procedure, MAb source and type of flow cytometer do not influence the values of the assayed subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dimitrova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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25
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Lohmann-Matthes ML, Domzig W, Taskov H. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against tumor cells. I. Cultivated bone marrow-derived macrophages kill tumor targets. Eur J Immunol 1979; 9:261-6. [PMID: 467489 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830090403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mouse bone marrow cells are cultivated in a liquid culture system in the presence of fibroblast conditioned medium. Under these conditions, proliferation of macrophage and granulocyte precursor cells is induced. Cells of a 5-day-old culture are shown to act as cytotoxic effector cells against tumor targets such as P815, E14, YAC and L5178Y. The effector cell is of macrophage origin since it is susceptible to treatment with the alloantiserum Mph-1.2 plus complement. The kinetics of the reaction resembles the kinetics for killer (K) lymphocyte lysis. In contrast to bone marrow cells, peritoneal macrophages do not show cytotoxic activity against antibody-coated tumor targets although they are susceptible to activation to cytotoxicity by lymphokines. The possible relationship of bone marrow effector cells and K lymphocytes is discussed.
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