Article
Microbiology
Silvia Lucena Lage, Chun-Shu Wong, Eduardo Pinheiro Amaral, Daniel Sturdevant, Denise C. Hsu, Adam Rupert, Eleanor M. P. Wilson, S. Sonia Qasba, Nuha Sultana Naqvi, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Andrea Lisco, Maura Manion, Irini Sereti
Summary: In TB-IRIS patients, inflammasome activation on monocytes is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, while complement deposition may lead to a positive feedback loop in the inflammatory responses observed.
Article
Microbiology
Polidy Pean, Yoann Madec, Eric Nerrienet, Laurence Borand, Didier Laureillard, Marcelo Fernandez, Olivier Marcy, Daniel Scott-Algara, CAMELIA Study Team
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reconstitution of NK cells in HIV-infected patients with TB-IRIS compared to those without IRIS. The results showed that NK cell reconstitution appeared to be better in TB-IRIS subjects. However, the development of IRIS does not appear to affect the NK cell reconstitution in HIV and TB-infected individuals.
Article
Immunology
Caian L. Vinhaes, Virginia Sheikh, Deivide Oliveira-de-Souza, Jing Wang, Adam Rupert, Gregg Roby, Maria B. Arriaga, Kiyoshi F. Fukutani, Fred Sawe, Doug Shaffer, Jintanat Ananworanich, Nittaya Phanuphak, Bruno B. Andrade, Irini Sereti
Summary: The study found that systemic inflammatory profiles in people with severe immunosuppression can predict the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). By developing a composite score incorporating various biomarkers, including interleukin-6, IL-10, IL-27, sCD14, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, hyaluronic acid, D-dimer, body mass index, and hemoglobin, accurate predictions of IRIS occurrence and death risk can be made.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Marina Nosik, Konstantin Ryzhov, Irina Rymanova, Alexandr Sobkin, Alexey Kravtchenko, Ulyana Kuimova, Vadim Pokrovsky, Vitaly Zverev, Oxana Svitich
Summary: Coinfection with HIV/TB suppresses both Th1 and Th2 immune responses, leading to delayed immune recovery and potentially providing IL-6 as a potential marker for early detection of TB infection in HIV-infected individuals, with IL-1Ra emerging as a potential predictive biomarker for TB-IRIS development and treatment outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Joseph M. Rocco, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Frances Galindo, Megan Anderson, Ornella Sortino, Safia Kuriakose, Andrea Lisco, Maura Manion, Irini Sereti
Summary: People with HIV and mycobacterial infections may develop immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting antiretroviral therapy. The pathophysiology of mycobacterial-IRIS overlaps with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH). By evaluating protein-altering variants in genes associated with HLH, it was found that 23.2% of IRIS patients had these variants, compared to only 3.8% of those without IRIS. These findings suggest a possible genetic component in the risk of mycobacterial IRIS in people with HIV and mycobacterial infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joseph M. Rocco, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Frances Galindo, Megan Anderson, Adam Rupert, Jeanette Higgins, Ornella Sortino, Ana M. Ortega-Villa, Virginia Sheikh, Gregg Roby, Safia Kuriakose, Andrea Lisco, Maura Manion, Irini Sereti
Summary: Severe mycobacterial IRIS in HIV can cause secondary HLH driven by pathologic IFN gamma production and T-cell activation, leading to worse outcomes. Increased ferritin, anemia, CXCL9, and sCD25 associate with this phenotype and may be used for risk stratification and treatment optimization.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shuangjun Liu, Feng Huo, Guorui Dai, Jie Wu, Maoquan Qin, Huawei Mao, Quan Wang
Summary: This case report describes a patient who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, following severe disseminated infection caused by bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. The patient experienced complications including veno-occlusive disease and acute graft-versus-host disease post-transplant, with symptoms of IRIS emerging after immunosuppressants were withdrawn.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Mollie A. A. Boyd, David van Bockel, Cynthia Mee Ling Munier, Anthony D. Kelleher
Summary: This review examines the complex immune response in treated and untreated individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection, as well as the long-term comorbidities resulting from persistent immune alterations years after viral suppression. Furthermore, it discusses the research on the latent reservoir in treated patients and the need for further investigation into its mechanism.
CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Stanley Kimbung Mbandi, Hannah Painter, Adam Penn-Nicholson, Asma Toefy, Mzwandile Erasmus, Willem A. Hanekom, Thomas J. Scriba, Rachel P. J. Lai, Suzaan Marais, Helen A. Fletcher, Graeme Meintjes, Robert J. Wilkinson, Mark F. Cotton, Savita Pahwa, Mark J. Cameron, Elisa Nemes
Summary: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a complication of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with advanced HIV, but its pathogenesis is uncertain. This study found that immune-based blood transcriptomic signatures (RISK6 and Sweeney3) have the potential to predict and diagnose IRIS in HIV+ children and adults.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Luxin Pei, Kiyoshi F. Fukutani, Rafael Tiburcio, Adam Rupert, Eric W. Dahlstrom, Frances Galindo, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Andrea Lisco, Maura Manion, Bruno B. Andrade, Irini Sereti
Summary: The study identified metabolic disturbances in IRIS before and during the event, linking oxidative stress, tryptophan pathway, and lipid signaling with IRIS development. Metabolic pathways of lipids and amino acids were significantly associated with inflammatory biomarkers like IL-12p70 and IL-8 during the IRIS event, suggesting the impact of cellular metabolism on immune cell activation and vice versa.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Katalin A. Wilkinson, Deborah Schneider-Luftman, Rachel Lai, Christopher Barrington, Nishtha Jhilmeet, David M. Lowe, Gavin Kelly, Robert J. Wilkinson
Summary: Analysis of host immune responses in individuals coinfected with HIV-1 and latent TB during the first 6 months of ART revealed a significant decrease in immune activation and inflammation, potentially reducing susceptibility to tuberculosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kimesha Pillay, Lara Lewis, Santhuri Rambaran, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Derseree Archary, Santhanalakshmi Gengiah, Dhineshree Govender, Razia Hassan-Moosa, Natasha Samsunder, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Lyle R. McKinnon, Nesri Padayatchi, Kogieleum Naidoo, Aida Sivro
Summary: The study suggests that increased risk of TB recurrence in HIV infected individuals on ART is likely associated with HIV mediated translocation of microbial products and resulting chronic immune activation. This indicates that immunological markers play an important role in the risk of TB recurrence.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
You Ge, Ying Zhou, Yahong Liu, Jing Lu, Tao Qiu, Ling-En Shi, Zhi Zhang, Haiyang Hu, Pingmin Wei, Gengfeng Fu
Summary: This study analyzed longitudinal samples from 1557 male patients receiving cART and found that both heterosexual and MSM patients showed an increasing trend in CD4(+) T cell counts after treatment. However, heterosexual patients had a lower CD4(+) T cell recovery rate compared to MSM patients. Heterosexuality was identified as an independent risk factor for immunological non-responders and was associated with lower probability of achieving conventional and optimal immune recovery.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
J. Kim, H-J Nam, S-J Kang, S- Jung, C. H. Hwang, Y-S Kim, H-H Chang, S-W Kim, K-Hwa Park
Summary: This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of IRIS in Korean HIV patients initiating ART, with an overall IRIS incidence of 9.4% and no association between INSTI treatment and IRIS occurrence.
Article
Immunology
Ran Tao, Xiaorong Peng, Xiang Liu, Junwei Su, Guanjing Lang, Ying Huang, Yafei Zhang, Biao Zhu
Summary: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a common opportunistic infection in HIV patients. This study reports two cases of CM-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) treated with lenalidomide, which resulted in rapid clinical remission and improved cognitive function. The study also suggests that lenalidomide may improve cognitive function by regulating intracranial inflammation through multiple pathways, not just by TNF-α blocking.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Denis Nono, Nolbert Gumisiriza, Christopher Tumwine, Luis-Jorge Amaral, Herbert Elvis Ainamani, Seggane Musisi, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the access and use of health services by children with epilepsy in Uganda. The study found that COVID-19-related restrictions created challenges for children with epilepsy, their parents, and healthcare providers, including reduced access to healthcare services, food insecurity, and inability to afford essential medicines. However, several coping strategies, such as parents engaging in casual work and healthcare workers intensifying outreach services, were adopted to address these challenges.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Editorial Material
Behavioral Sciences
Van Cutsem Gilles, Colebunders Robert
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Amber Hadermann, Luis-Jorge Amaral, Gilles Van Cutsem, Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is an important neglected public health problem in areas with high ongoing onchocerciasis transmission. The risk that children in such areas develop epilepsy is related to their Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial (mf) load. It is possible that microfilariae enter the brain and, upon dying, cause an inflammatory reaction inducing seizures.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
G. Van Cutsem, J. N. Siewe Fodjo, M. C. J. Dekker, L. J. Amaral, A. K. Njamnshi, R. Colebunders
Summary: Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is a neglected public health problem in areas with inadequate onchocerciasis control. An internationally accepted case definition of OAE is needed to identify areas requiring treatment and prevention interventions. By including OAE as a manifestation of onchocerciasis, accuracy of disease burden estimation will be improved and more support for research and control efforts can be expected.
SEIZURE-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPILEPSY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samit Bhattacharyya, Natalie V. S. A. Vinkeles Melchers, Joseph Siewe Fodjo, Amit Vutha, Luc Coffeng, Makoy Logora, Robert Colebunders, Wilma Stolk
Summary: Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus transmitted by black flies. It is most common in Africa and South America, infecting approximately 35 million Africans. The disease causes itching, dermatitis, blindness, and epilepsy. Raising awareness about the association between onchocerciasis and epilepsy can improve treatment adherence and motivate efforts to fight onchocerciasis.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luis-Jorge Amaral, Dan Bhwana, Athanas D. Mhina, Bruno P. Mmbando, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that onchocerciasis may be one of the causes of nodding syndrome (NS), but other causes have been considered. A study in Mahenge found that a probable Mansonella perstans infection was associated with a higher epilepsy rate, but onchocerciasis and onchocerciasis-associated skin lesions were stronger risk factors. Therefore, onchocerciasis remains the most likely main risk factor for NS.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Camille Locht
Summary: This article summarizes the main contributions of scientists from Pasteur Institutes to the current knowledge of toxins produced by Bordetella pertussis. It highlights the identification of B. pertussis as the causative agent of whooping cough and the significant contributions made by Pasteurians in understanding the structure-function relationship of key toxins. It also discusses the potential applications of this knowledge in various fields, including protein-protein interaction studies, antigen delivery tools, and vaccine development.
Review
Immunology
Neema Ahishakiye Jumapili, Maida Zivalj, Romina Mora Barthelmess, Geert Raes, Timo W. M. De Groof, Nick Devoogdt, Benoit Stijlemans, Cecile Vincke, Jo A. Van Ginderachter
Summary: mAbs have limitations in their distribution and penetration in tumor microenvironment, as well as their ability to reach the brain. Nanobodies, being smaller in size, possess superior abilities in tumor penetration and infiltration into brain tumors. However, the rapid clearance of nanobodies from circulation may affect their suitability for therapy, although their noncovalent binding to albumin can help increase their serum half-life.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tessa De Pauw, Lynn De Mey, Jens M. Debacker, Geert Raes, Jo A. Van Ginderachter, Timo W. M. De Groof, Nick Devoogdt
Summary: Monoclonal antibodies have played a significant role in personalized medicine for cancer, but their size and complexity may hinder certain cancer diagnosis and therapy applications. Nanobodies, with their unique structure and pharmacological features, have shown promising potential as complementary tools for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. This overview provides insights into nanobody-based diagnostics and therapeutics that have been tested in clinical trials and highlights upcoming preclinical developments.
EXPERT OPINION ON INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Gilles Van Cutsem, Luis-Jorge Amaral, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study aims to investigate epilepsy-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and its possible association with onchocerciasis endemicity. The results showed that high-risk onchocerciasis sites had higher mortality rates and case fatality rates compared to low-risk sites. The leading causes of epilepsy-related deaths were status epilepticus, drowning, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. This suggests the urgent need for better epilepsy prevention and care in onchocerciasis-endemic areas in SSA.
SEIZURE-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPILEPSY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Blessing Ankrah, Stephen Agyemang Opoku, Dennis Ofori Kyei, Rhoda Hagan, Richmond Ababio, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph G. Bamfo, Joseph Ameyaw, Abdul Sakibu Raji, Amber Hadermann, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: The prevalence of onchocerciasis and associated dermatological and ophthalmological manifestations in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass treatment was determined. The persistence of Onchocerca volvulus infection and related pathologies despite prolonged treatment is concerning, indicating the need to include morbidity management in elimination programmes and better understand treatment coverage and adherence to ivermectin.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert Colebunders, Amber Hadermann, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
Summary: Nodding syndrome (NS) is a phenotype of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). OAE is a significant public health problem in areas with high transmission of Onchocerca volvulus. Strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs can prevent OAE, including NS. The presence of tau in OAE postmortem brains may be the result of neuroinflammation directly or indirectly induced by O. volvulus.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dan Bhwana, Luis-Jorge Amaral, Athanas Mhina, Paul Matine, Filbert Francis, Joseph Siewe N. Fodjo, Bruno P. Mmbando, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Tanzanian Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme has switched from annual to bi-annually community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTi) to control onchocerciasis. After this switch, the CDTi coverage increased, and the number of new epilepsy cases decreased.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Blessing Ankrah, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Emmanuel Sam Donkoh, Fiona Amoabil Avarikame, Fredrick Obeng Ofori-Appiah, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph Ameyaw, Joseph Gyekye Bamfo, Raji Abdul Sakibu, Daniel Antwi-Berko, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA). The prevalence of epilepsy in the Bono region was found to be 1.4%, with generalized seizures being the most common type. The study also revealed a high microfilarial prevalence and low coverage of ivermectin treatment. Therefore, there is a need for the Ghana Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme to enhance its efforts to achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Violaine Dubois, Jonathan Chatagnon, Manon Depessemier, Camille Locht
Summary: Maternal aP vaccination can protect infants from lung colonization by Bordetella pertussis, but it leads to prolonged nasal carriage of the bacteria and increases the risk of infection. This effect can be transferred to the offspring through the placenta or breastfeeding and persists into adulthood.
