scholarly journals Dynamic changes in innate immune and T cell function and composition at the nasal mucosa across the human lifespan

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Reiné ◽  
Beatriz F. Carniel ◽  
Carla Solórzano ◽  
Elena Mitsi ◽  
Sherin Pojar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization ◽  
System Changes ◽  
Pneumococcal Colonization ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

AbstractThe very young and very old are at increased risk of serious infections, including pneumonia. This may relate to changes in the immune system as young children have limited immunological memory, while immunosenescence, inflammaging and a decreased pool of naïve immune cells are described with advanced age. How the immune system changes with age at mucosal surfaces, from where infections frequently develop, is not very clear as access to human tissue samples is limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the composition and activation state of the immune system at the human mucosa. Here, we profiled nasal immune cells from 207 individuals between 1 to 80 years old using flow cytometry. Neutrophil and monocyte functionality were measured using whole blood assays. Levels of thirty nasal cytokines were measured from nasal lining fluid. Nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae was assessed using classical microbiology and associated with immune responses. We found that young children have a striking paucity of granulocytes at the nasal mucosa compared to adults. In addition, T cell numbers at the nasal mucosa decreased progressively with age and were almost absent in older adults. While nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae was associated with elevated levels of inflammation it had a limited effect on nasal immune composition, including levels of monocytes and neutrophils. These results show that the immune system at the nasal mucosal surface changes drastically with age and provides explanations for the increased susceptibility to infections in young and old age.Significance statementHow the immune system changes with age is an intensive area of research, but has been primarily studied in blood. However, blood poorly reflects the immune system at the mucosa, from where infections develop. This manuscript provides a first characterization of how the composition and function of the immune system in the upper respiratory tract changes with age, providing explanations for increased susceptibility to infection in the very young and old. Furthermore, by linking mucosal and systemic measurements with pneumococcal colonization, we observed that reduced monocyte and neutrophil responses associate with the increased burden of pneumococcal colonization in children. This study highlights the need to study the immune system also at other mucosal sites in the context of aging.

scholarly journals Protection against Nasopharyngeal Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae Is Mediated by Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cells

2008 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 2678-2684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Trzciński ◽  
Claudette M. Thompson ◽  
Amit Srivastava ◽  
Alan Basset ◽  
Richard Malley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Bacterial Clearance ◽  
Antigen Specificity ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization ◽  
Pneumococcal Colonization

ABSTRACT CD4+ T-cell-dependent acquired immunity confers antibody-independent protection against pneumococcal colonization. Since this mechanism is poorly understood for extracellular bacteria, we assessed the antigen specificity of the induction and recall of this immune response by using BALB/c DO11.10Rag−/− mice, which lack mature B and T cells except for CD4+ T cells specific for the OVA323-339 peptide derived from ovalbumin. Serotype 6B Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 603S and unencapsulated strain Rx1ΔlytA were modified to express OVA323-339 as a fusion protein with surface protein A (PspA) (strains 603OVA1 and Rx1ΔlytAOVA1) or with PspA, neuraminidase A, and pneumolysin (Rx1ΔlytAOVA3). Whole-cell vaccines (WCV) were made of ethanol-killed cells of Rx1ΔlytA plus cholera toxin (CT) adjuvant, of Rx1ΔlytAOVA1 + CT (WCV-OVA1), and of Rx1ΔlytAOVA3 + CT (WCV-OVA3). Mice intranasally immunized with WCV-OVA1, but not with WCV or CT alone, were protected against intranasal challenge with 603OVA1. There was no protection against strain 603S in mice immunized with WCV-OVA1. These results indicate antigen specificity of both immune induction and the recall response. Effector action was not restricted to antigen-bearing bacteria since colonization by 603S was reduced in animals immunized with vaccines made of OVA-expressing strains when ovalbumin or killed Rx1ΔlytAOVA3 antigen was administered around the time of challenge. CD4+ T-cell-mediated protection against pneumococcal colonization can be induced in an antigen-specific fashion and requires specific antigen for effective bacterial clearance, but this activity may extend beyond antigen-expressing bacteria. These results are consistent with the recruitment and/or activation of phagocytic or other nonspecific effectors by antigen-specific CD4+ T cells.

scholarly journals The impact of body mass index on adaptive immune cells in the human bone marrow

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Pangrazzi ◽  
Erin Naismith ◽  
Carina Miggitsch ◽  
Jose’ Antonio Carmona Arana ◽  
Michael Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Memory T Cells ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
Adaptive Immune Cells

Abstract Background. Obesity has been associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both conditions play a determinant role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, such as immunosenescence. Adipose tissue can modulate the function of the immune system with the secretion of molecules influencing the phenotype of immune cells. The importance of the bone marrow (BM) in the maintenance of antigen-experienced adaptive immune cells has been documented in mice. Recently, some groups have investigated the survival of effector/memory T cells in the human BM. Despite this, whether high body mass index (BMI) may affect immune cells in the BM and the production of molecules supporting the maintenance of these cells it is unknown.Methods. Using flow cytometry, the frequency and the phenotype of immune cell populations were measured in paired BM and PB samples obtained from persons with different BMI. Furthermore, the expression of BM cytokines was assessed. The influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on T cell subsets was additionally considered, dividing the donors into the CMV- and CMV+ groups.Results. Our study suggests that increased BMI may affect both the maintenance and the phenotype of adaptive immune cells in the BM. While the BM levels of IL-15 and IL-6, supporting the survival of highly differentiated T cells, and oxygen radicals increased in overweight persons, the production of IFNγ and TNF by CD8+ T cells was reduced. In addition, the frequency of B cells and CD4+ T cells positively correlated with BMI in the BM of CMV- persons. Finally, the frequency of several T cell subsets, and the expression of senescence/exhaustion markers within these subpopulations, were affected by BMI. In particular, the levels of bona fide memory T cells may be reduced in overweight persons.Conclusion. Our work suggests that, in addition to aging and CMV, obesity may represent an additional risk factor for immunosenescence in adaptive immune cells. Metabolic interventions may help in improving the fitness of the immune system in the elderly.

scholarly journals Prolonged activation of nasal immune cell populations and development of tissue-resident SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8 T cell responses following COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna H.E. Roukens ◽  
Marion König ◽  
Tim Dalebout ◽  
Tamar Tak ◽  
Shohreh Azimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Effector Memory ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Activated T Cells

AbstractThe immune system plays a major role in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis, viral clearance and protection against re-infection. Immune cell dynamics during COVID-19 have been extensively documented in peripheral blood, but remain elusive in the respiratory tract. We performed minimally-invasive nasal curettage and mass cytometry to characterize nasal immune cells of COVID-19 patients during and 5-6 weeks after hospitalization. Contrary to observations in blood, no general T cell depletion at the nasal mucosa could be detected. Instead, we observed increased numbers of nasal granulocytes, monocytes, CD11c+ NK cells and exhausted CD4+ T effector memory cells during acute COVID-19 compared to age-matched healthy controls. These pro-inflammatory responses were found associated with viral load, while neutrophils also negatively correlated with oxygen saturation levels. Cell numbers mostly normalized following convalescence, except for persisting CD127+ granulocytes and activated T cells, including CD38+ CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells. Moreover, we identified SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cells in the nasal mucosa in convalescent patients. Thus, COVID-19 has both transient and long-term effects on the immune system in the upper airway.

Body mass index affects adaptive immune cells in the human bone marrow

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Pangrazzi ◽  
Erin Naismith ◽  
Carina Miggitsch ◽  
Jose’ Antonio Carmona Arana ◽  
Michael Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
Adaptive Immune Cells

Abstract Background. Obesity has been associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both conditions play a determinant role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, such as immunosenescence. Adipose tissue can modulate the function of the immune system with the secretion of molecules influencing the phenotype of immune cells. Recently, the importance of the bone marrow (BM) in the maintenance of antigen-experienced adaptive immune cells has been documented. Despite this, whether high body mass index (BMI) may affect immune cells in the BM and the production of molecules supporting the maintenance of these cells it is unknown. Methods. Using flow cytometry, the frequency and the phenotype of immune cell populations were measured in paired BM and PB samples obtained from persons with different BMI. Furthermore, the expression of BM cytokines was assessed. The influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on T cell subsets was additionally considered, dividing the donors into the CMV - and CMV + groups. Results. Our study suggests that increased BMI may affect both the maintenance and the phenotype of adaptive immune cells in the BM. While the BM levels of IL-15 and IL-6, supporting the survival of highly differentiated T cells, and oxygen radicals increased in overweight persons, the production of IFNγ and TNF by CD8 + T cells was reduced. In addition, the frequency of B cells and CD4 + T cells positively correlated with BMI in the BM of CMV - persons. Finally, the frequency of several T cell subsets, and the expression of senescence/exhaustion markers within these subpopulations, were affected by BMI. In particular, the levels of bona fide memory T cells may be reduced in overweight persons. Conclusion. Our work suggests that obesity may represent an independent risk factor supporting immunosenescence, in addition to aging and CMV. Metabolic interventions may help in improving the fitness of the immune system in the elderly.

Immune system changes and immunosenescence

2017 ◽  
pp. 331-336
Author(s):  
Graham Pawelec ◽  
Ludmila Müller ◽  
Tamas Fülöp ◽  
Deborah Dunn-Walters
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Older People ◽  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Degenerative Diseases ◽  
System Changes ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

The immune system defends against infection, but older people paradoxically suffer not only from failing immunity resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and decreased responsiveness to vaccination, but at the same time increased inflammation and immunopathology accompanying immune responses. Interventions to reduce such deleterious effects while enhancing protective immunity are challenging but need to be confronted if we are to deal successfully with the increasing numbers of elderly and frail people in modern societies. To do this, we need to understand the mechanisms responsible for age-associated increased susceptibility to infections and immune-influenced chronic degenerative diseases of ageing. Defining relevant age-associated alterations and identifying reliable biomarkers for monitoring clinically-relevant immune status in the elderly population is crucial to overcoming these problems. Here, we briefly outline age-associated changes to immunity collectively termed ‘immunosenescence’.

scholarly journals Microbial Infections, Immunomodulation, and Drugs of Abuse

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herman Friedman ◽  
Catherine Newton ◽  
Thomas W. Klein
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

SUMMARY The use of recreational drugs of abuse has generated serious health concerns. There is a long-recognized relationship between addictive drugs and increased levels of infections. Studies of the mechanisms of actions of these drugs became more urgent with the advent of AIDS and its correlation with abused substances. The nature and mechanisms of immunomodulation by marijuana, opiates, cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol are described in this review. Recent studies of the effects of opiates or marijuana on the immune system have demonstrated that they are receptor mediated, occurring both directly via specific receptors on immune cells and indirectly through similar receptors on cells of the nervous system. Findings are also discussed that demonstrate that cocaine and nicotine have similar immunomodulatory effects, which are also apparently receptor mediated. Finally, the nature and mechanisms of immunomodulation by alcohol are described. Although no specific alcohol receptors have been identified, it is widely recognized that alcohol enhances susceptibility to opportunistic microbes. The review covers recent studies of the effects of these drugs on immunity and on increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, including AIDS.

scholarly journals Immunization with Recombinant Streptococcus pneumoniae Neuraminidase NanA Protects Chinchillas against Nasopharyngeal Colonization

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 7775-7778 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Tong ◽  
D. Li ◽  
S. Chen ◽  
J. P. Long ◽  
T. F. DeMaria
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Control Cohort ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization ◽  
Pneumococcal Colonization

ABSTRACT Immunization with recombinant S. pneumoniae neuraminidase NanA (rNanA) resulted in a significant reduction in pneumococcal colonization in the chinchilla model. The bacteria were eliminated from the nasopharynx 1 week earlier than that from the control cohort. Our data suggest that rNanA affords protection against pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization.

scholarly journals The impact of body mass index on adaptive immune cells in the human bone marrow

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Pangrazzi ◽  
Erin Naismith ◽  
Carina Miggitsch ◽  
Jose’ Antonio Carmona Arana ◽  
Michael Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Memory T Cells ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
Adaptive Immune Cells

Abstract Background. Obesity has been associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both conditions play a determinant role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, such as immunosenescence. Adipose tissue can modulate the function of the immune system with the secretion of molecules influencing the phenotype of immune cells. The importance of the bone marrow (BM) in the maintenance of antigen-experienced adaptive immune cells has been documented in mice. Recently, some groups have investigated the survival of effector/memory T cells in the human BM. Despite this, whether high body mass index (BMI) may affect immune cells in the BM and the production of molecules supporting the maintenance of these cells it is unknown.Methods. Using flow cytometry, the frequency and the phenotype of immune cell populations were measured in paired BM and PB samples obtained from persons with different BMI. Furthermore, the expression of BM cytokines was assessed. The influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on T cell subsets was additionally considered, dividing the donors into the CMV- and CMV+ groups.Results. Our study suggests that increased BMI may affect both the maintenance and the phenotype of adaptive immune cells in the BM. While the BM levels of IL-15 and IL-6, supporting the survival of highly differentiated T cells, and oxygen radicals increased in overweight persons, the production of IFNγ and TNF by CD8+ T cells was reduced. In addition, the frequency of B cells and CD4+ T cells positively correlated with BMI in the BM of CMV- persons. Finally, the frequency of several T cell subsets, and the expression of senescence/exhaustion markers within these subpopulations, were affected by BMI. In particular, the levels of bona fide memory T cells may be reduced in overweight persons.Conclusion. Our work suggests that, in addition to aging and CMV, obesity may represent an additional risk factor for immunosenescence in adaptive immune cells. Metabolic interventions may help in improving the fitness of the immune system in the elderly.

scholarly journals Minimally-invasive nasal sampling in children offers accurate pneumococcal colonization detection

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissavet Nikolaou ◽  
Annie Blizard ◽  
Sherin Pojar ◽  
Elena Mitsi ◽  
Esther L. German ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization ◽  
Filter Strips ◽  
Fluid Filter ◽  
Pneumococcal Colonization

AbstractNasopharyngeal colonization of potential respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major source of transmission and precursor of invasive disease. Swabbing deeply the nasopharynx, which is currently recommended by WHO, provides accurate pneumococcal detection but is unpleasant. We showed that nasal lining fluid filter strips offer equal detection sensitivity.

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