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Biomedical subjects

J Boniver

Publications and source records attributed to J Boniver.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Mice transgenic for a soluble form of murine cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 are refractory to murine acquired immune deficiency sydrome development.

Interactions between B and CD4+ T cells are central to the pathogenesis of retrovirus-induced murine acquired immune deficiency virus (MAIDS). Prompted by previous work showing that treatment with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig) partly inhibited the disease, we studied the course of infection in mice deficient for CD28-B7 interactions (mCTLA4-Hgamma1 transgenic mice). Despite a relative viral load identical to that of non-transgenic mice, the transgenic mice did not develop any of the major MAIDS symptoms (i.e. lymphoproliferation and immune anergy). The mCTLA4-Hgamma1 did not however, completely inhibit B-cell activation as indicated by a slight hypergammaglobulinaemia and microscopic blastic transformation. Absence of MAIDS in transgenic mice was associated with much lower levels of both interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma transcripts following viral infection. These results support the theory that the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway is a critical determinant to MAIDS development.

Abatacept↗

Hypersensitivity to low single doses and split-dose recovery: two manifestations of induced resistance that might be related.

PURPOSE: To study retrospectively the relationship between intrinsic radiosensitivity (SF2), and both the low-dose inducible response (alpha(s)/alpha(r)) and the amount of split-dose recovery (betaRR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 53 sets of experimental data obtained with 44 human cell lines were collected from the literature and the above relationships were studied. RESULTS: Analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between alpha(s)/alpha(r) and SF2 (p = 0.0023, 10 sets of data), and a statistically significant inverse correlation between betaRR and SF2 (p = 0.0005, 36 sets of data, AT excluded). Furthermore, the analysis of the relationship between the challenge dose SF2 (after a clinical-sized priming dose) and that of the single-dose SF2 (27 sets of data, AT excluded) showed a statistically significant correlation (p<0.0001), which deviates from, and becomes higher than, the one-to-one relationship for single-dose SF2<0.30, suggesting that the final response to fractionated irradiation in radiosensitive cells might not be predictable on the basis of simple reconstitution of survival from the single-dose treatment. CONCLUSION: The comparison between the two relationships: SF2/(alpha(s)/alpha(r)) and SF2/betaRR, suggests some parallelism indicating that these two phenomena may be inversely correlated and could be attributed to induced resistance mechanisms that might be triggered differently in sensitive and resistant cell lines.

Cell Line↗

[Prognostic evaluation of human solid tumors by immunohistology].

The aim of this project is to evaluate the interest of new tumor markers in the most frequent solid tumors (breast, colon, prostatic cancers, ...). For each of these tumors, potential prognostic markers have been selected according to the literature and an immunohistologic technique has been developed to analyse them. We will first discuss the role of pathology in oncology, then briefly describe the analyzed markers and finally give information about a Web site (URL: http:/(/)www.ebm. lib.ulg.ac.be/index.htm) created to help clinicians exploit the laboratory results.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

[Anatomo-pathologic examination of breast cancer: a prerequisite for optimal therapeutic choice].

Breast cancer represents the most frequent cause of cancer deaths in women in Belgium. At the time of diagnosis, the clinician must get the most accurate information on the anatomic features and staging in order to choose the most appropriate therapy. The pathologist play a central role in providing these data. The paper presents a summary of a standardized and reproducible procedure, which is currently used by the pathologists, according to the international recommendations. It consists of several successive steps, from macroscopic examination and dissection of the surgical specimen to histological analysis. The pathologist's protocol contains all the required data and emphasizes the parameters with the most significant prognostic value, such as the histological type and grade and the lymph node status.

Biopsy↗

[Anatomic-clinica dilemma. Case report of renal cell carcinoma].

The authors report the case of a patient with a history of hypertension and multiple intracerebral hemorrhages who was found at post mortem examination to have a renal cell carcinoma. The relationship between renal carcinoma and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhages is discussed.

Aged↗

Decreased protein levels of the c-Cbl protooncogene in murine AIDS.

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) can be viewed as a lymphoproliferative disease which involves B cells as well as T cells from spleen and lymph nodes while thymus and Peyer's patches do not participate in the process. The 120-kDa protooncogene product c-Cbl was initially cloned from the murine Cas NS-1 B cell lymphoma. It is a main target of immunoreceptor (TCR and BCR)-mediated protein tyrosine kinase activity. Moreover, recent data suggest that c-Cbl might play a crucial role in the regulation of cell proliferation through regulation of GTP-binding proteins. Therefore, the involvement of c-Cbl was evaluated in the lymphoproliferative disease induced by the MAIDS virus. The expression of the c-Cbl protein was dramatically reduced in the lymph node of infected mice while it remained normal in the thymus. In contrast, the expression of actin, TCR-zeta chain, ZAP-70, and p59(fyn) remained similar in controls and infected mice. Identical results were obtained with sorted B cells and T cells. Surprisingly, a B cell lymphoma line derived from late stage MAIDS mice displayed a normal level of c-Cbl.

Animals↗

Correlation of T-helper secretory differentiation and types of antigen-presenting cells in squamous intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix.

This study addressed the notion that the progression of cervical cancer is associated with a T-helper 2 (TH2) immunodeviation by analysing cytokine expression in 60 cervical biopsy specimens, spanning the spectrum from normal cervical tissue to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). The biopsies were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of TH1 [interleukin-2 (IL2), interferon gamma (IFN gamma)] and of TH2-type cytokines (IL4, IL6). Positive cells were usually observed in the subepithelial connective tissue, where most CD4+ cells were also detected. The density of IL2+ cells was significantly lower in high-grade SILs than in normal tissues taken either from the ectocervix or from the transformation zone. In contrast, significantly higher densities of IL4+ cells and, to a lesser degree, IL6+ cells were found in SIL biopsies compared with histologically normal tissues taken from the adjacent ectocervical region. A significantly higher IL4+/CD4+ cell ratio was also found in high-grade SILs (82 per cent) than in normal cervical biopsies taken from the transformation zone of healthy women showing squamous metaplasia (27 per cent). The elevated density of TH2+ cells in SIL biopsies was associated with both the expression of HLA-DR by keratinocytes and a diminished number of intraepithelial Langerhans' cells (CD1a+). In conclusion, the increased TH2+/CD4+ cell ratio in SIL biopsies suggest the presence, during cervical carcinogenesis, of a TH2 immunodeviation that could participate in the immunoescape of preneoplastic cervical keratinocytes.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

In vitro propagated dendritic cells from patients with human-papilloma virus-associated preneoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix: use of Flt3 ligand.

Dendritic cells (DC) are the most efficient antigen presenting cells. The clinical use of DC as vectors for antitumor and anti-infectious disease immunotherapy has been limited by their low level and accessibility in normal tissue. Substantial numbers of DC can be generated from peripheral blood cultured in the presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We showed in this study that substantial numbers of DC can be obtained from the peripheral blood of patients with (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix. The procedure required relatively small blood samples (10 ml) and the presence of 100 U/ml IL-4 and 800 U/ml GM-CSF in the culture medium. There was no significant difference in the morphology, yield, phenotype and function of generated DC between patients with cervical (pre)neoplastic lesions and healthy individuals. When the hematopoietic factor Flt3 ligand (Flt3L, 40 ng;ml) was added, there was an average increase in the DC population of 26% compared to cultures with GM-CSF and IL-4 alone. Approximately 1.2 x 10(6) cells with the characteristics of dendritic cells could be obtained when Flt3L was included in the medium. The addition of Flt3L did not modify the phenotypic profile of DC (HLA-DR+, CD1a+, CD4+, CD54+, CD80+, CD86+. CD40+, CD3- and CD14-). In addition, Flt3L generated functional DC capable of stimulating the proliferation of alloreactive T cells. These results suggest that Flt3L, in association with GM-CSF and IL-4, provides an advantageous tool for the large-scale generation of DC and that an immunotherapy based on the use of DC generated in vitro is possible in patients with (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix.

Adult↗

Organotypic culture of HPV-transformed keratinocytes: a model for testing lymphocyte infiltration of (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix.

The aim of our study was to establish the relevance of an in vitro model for analysing the ability of human lymphocytes to infiltrate human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix. To mimic these lesions, we have used the organotypic raft culture of HPV-transformed keratinocytes (SiHa). The SiHa organotypic raft culture was co-cultured with resting or prestimulated (IL-2 or IL-2+anti-CD3 mAb) allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for 24 and 72 h. The majority of infiltrating cells were T lymphocytes. Occasional NK cells were also identified. The stimulation with IL-2+anti-CD3 mAb induced the highest number of infiltrating cells, with the maximum lymphocyte infiltration observed after 24 h of co-culture. The lymphocyte infiltration was associated with an increased number of apoptotic cells in the organotypic cultures. The ability of PBMC and purified T cell and NK cell populations to lyse HPV-transformed keratinocytes was also investigated on monolayer cultures. As expected in an allogenic model, the highest cytotoxicity was mediated by NK cells activated by IL-2 or IL-2+anti-CD3 mAb. The cytotoxic activity of T cells was weak but, interestingly, increased in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA), assuming that T cells were able to kill HPV-infected keratinocytes when a bridge between T cells and keratinocytes was provided. In conclusion, the organotypic culture of HPV-transformed keratinocytes may provide an effective in vitro model for investigating novel T cell-based immunotherapy protocols for the treatment of HPV-associated lesions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma and trisomy 11.

Cytogenetic analysis of a congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) in a 1-month-old boy showed a 48,XY, +10, +11 karyotype. In this particular tumor type, chromosomal changes are found in almost all cases. Among the numerical changes, trisomy 11 stands out, whereas involvement of the long arm of chromosome 15 may be a nonrandomly occurring structural change.

Chromosome Banding↗

Inverse modulation of IL-10 and IL-12 in the blood of women with preneoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix.

It has been postulated that an impaired immune response may contribute to the progression of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated preneoplastic lesions. Based on this hypothesis, we evaluated the cytokine production in the blood of patients with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) of the uterine cervix. The levels of type-1 (interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-12) and type-2(IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines were measured in whole blood culture supernatants of patients with low- and high-grade SIL and control women. There was no difference in IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels between patients with SIL and the control group. In contrast, the ratio of IL-12/IL-10 levels was significantly lower in patients with SIL compared with the control group. A lower IL-12/IL-10 ratio in women with SIL was also observed when peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatants and plasma samples were analysed. In patients, neither the lower expression of the CD3epsilon chain nor the higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*1501 expression could be correlated with abnormal cytokine production. These results suggest that a part of the cytokine network, namely IL-10 and IL-12, is perturbed in patients with SIL. A better knowledge of the role of these cytokines in regulating the growth of HPV-associated SIL might have practical implications for the development of vaccines or immunomodulatory strategies in the treatment of cervical cancers.

Adult↗

Cytokine expression in squamous intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix: implications for the generation of local immunosuppression.

We have addressed the notion that the progression of cancer of the uterine cervix is associated with a preferential constraint on the development of a type 1 cellular mediated response, which is necessary to efficiently eliminate (pre)neoplastic cells. Based on the importance of cytokines in the regulation of an appropriate immune response, we have evaluated the expression of IL-12p40, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the expression of these three cytokines was evaluated in both low-grade (LG) and high-grade (HG) cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and in normal exocervix and transformation zone biopsies. Our results show that the average level of IL-12 increases within both the LG and HG SIL, compared with both control groups. Interestingly, the percentage of HG SIL expressing IL-12p40 was lower compared with LG SIL. In contrast, the expression of IL-10 increased in parallel with the severity of the lesion to a maximal level in HG SIL. Using immunohistochemistry, we ascertained the presence of IL-12 protein in SIL and IL-10 protein in the transformation zone and SIL biopsies. Both IL-12- and IL-10-producing cells were localized in the stroma, not within the SIL. Furthermore, in this study we also observed that the region of the cervix the most sensitive to lesion development, the transformation zone, was associated with higher average levels of the immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta1.

Biopsy↗

Reciprocal regulation of protein tyrosine kinases p56lck and p59fyn, and altered tyrosine phosphorylation in murine AIDS.

Murine AIDS (MAIDS), caused by a defective murine leukemia virus, is a severe lymphoproliferative disease associated with profound immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Most subsets of lymphocytes, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, are refractory to mitogen stimulation. As a first step to examine proximal signal transduction in the infected mice, Western and Northern blot analyses were performed, and showed that p56lck is dramatically decreased at the protein as well as the mRNA level in the lymph nodes (LN). In contrast, p59(fyn) and its mRNA were slightly increased in the LN of the same mice. Similar results were obtained with purified T cells. Interestingly, the thymus of the infected animals did not show any abnormality regarding p56(lck) or p59(fyn). Tyrosine phosphorylation was constitutively increased in the infected mice and was barely amplified by anti-CD3 mAb stimulation. A similar pattern was observed when tyrosine phosphorylation was selectively examined at the level of ZAP-70. Our results suggest that a reciprocal regulation of p56(lck) and p59(fyn) protein tyrosine kinases, previously described in various models of anergy, could also be involved in the pathogenesis of MAIDS.

Animals↗

CD28-B7 costimulatory blockade by CTLA4Ig delays the development of retrovirus-induced murine AIDS.

Mouse AIDS (MAIDS) induced in C57BL/6 mice by infection with a replication-defective retrovirus (Du5H) combines extensive lymphoproliferation and profound immunodeficiency. Although B cells are the main target of viral infection, recent research has focused on CD4(+) T cells, the activation of which is a key event in MAIDS induction and progression. A preliminary observation of increased expression of B7 molecules on B cells in MAIDS prompted us to address the possible involvement of the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway in MAIDS. Mice infected with the MAIDS-inducing viral preparation were treated with murine fusion protein CTLA4Ig (3 x 50 microg/week given intraperitoneally), a competitive inhibitor of physiological CD28-B7 interactions. In CTLA4Ig-treated animals, the onset of the disease was delayed, lymphoproliferation progressed at a much slower rate than in untreated mice, and the loss of in vitro responsiveness to mitogens was reduced. Relative expression of Du5H did not differ between treated and untreated animals. These results suggest that the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway contributes to MAIDS development.

Abatacept↗

[Cancer of the cervix uteri: analysis of the cost-benefit and efficacy of opportunistic screening versus organized screening].

Cervical cancer is the fourth cancer in women. It is the first malignancy for which mass population screening has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the mortality due to this disease. In Belgium, the mortality associated to cervical cancer decreased from 6 to 4 per 100,000 women-years from 1955-1959 to 1985-1989. European recommendations regarding cervical cancer screening are to perform a cervical smear each three years in women aged 25 to 65 years. In Belgium, while the Flemish region has decided to organize the cervical cancer screening according to the European recommendations, the screening in the French part of the country is essentially opportunistic. In this short review, the cost/benefit of the organized screening versus the opportunistic screening is discussed.

Adult↗

[Myelodysplastic syndromes: preleukemic syndromes].

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias with a hypercellular bone marrow exhibiting dyspoiesis. The predominant in elderly patients are associated with a high risk of progression to acute myelogenous leukemia. The etiology of MDS is unknown in most cases. About 10% of MDSs are secondary. MDS are classified by the French American British (FAB) classification into five subgroups. The incidence of the disorders is difficult to estimate but it seems to be increasing. Clonal cytogenetic aberrations are found in 30 to 50% of de novo MDS. The only currative treatment for MDS is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Aged↗

[Anatomo-clinical correlation. A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis].

This report describes a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis affecting a young female patient who had benefited from a liver transplantation for a fulminant hepatic failure. Infections following liver transplantation can happen but in this case the short delay to the fatal outcome is unusual (6 days). Corticotherapy given prior to transplantation could have impaired the immune system. The authors discuss the infections due to Aspergillus species and particularly invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Adult↗