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Biomedical subjects

J S Sullivan

Publications and source records attributed to J S Sullivan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The Sydney Blood Bank Cohort: a case-control study using a transfused HIV-1 seronegative group.

PURPOSE: To compare the immunological function of the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort (SBBC), a unique group of individuals who were all infected with a similar, attenuated strain of HIV-1, with a matched HIV-1 seronegative control group. To establish whether the asymptomatic state of the SBBC, in 1996, was likely to continue, and whether the SBBC were free from immunological signs of disease progression. METHODS: A prospective case-control design using a matched transfused HIV-1 seronegative control group. Immunological testing was performed and compared across the groups. These measurements included CD4+, CD8+, CD3 + subsets, total lymphocytes, beta-2-microgloublin (beta2M), and neopterin. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the SBBC and the controls, particularly CD4% (p < 0.05), CD8 counts (p < 0.01), and CD4:CD8 ratios (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that, as a group, the SBBC remained asymptomatic 12 to 16 years after infection with HIV-1. However, elevated CD8+ T lymphocytes, together with decreasing CD4%, suggested that some SBBC members were showing early immunologicalsigns of disease progression during late 1996, confirmed by recent (1998) follow-up studies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Partial protection against Plasmodium vivax blood-stage infection in Saimiri monkeys by immunization with a recombinant C-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 in block copolymer adjuvant.

Merozoite surface protein 1 is a candidate for blood-stage vaccines against malaria parasites. We report here an immunization study of Saimiri monkeys with a yeast-expressed recombinant protein containing the C terminus of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 and two T-helper epitopes of tetanus toxin (yP2P30Pv20019), formulated in aluminum hydroxide (alum) and block copolymer P1005. Monkeys immunized three times with yP2P30Pv20019 in block copolymer P1005 had significantly higher prechallenge titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the immunogen and asexual blood-stage parasites than those immunized with yP2P30Pv20019 in alum, antigen alone, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (P < 0.05). Their peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative responses to immunogen stimulation 4 weeks after the second immunization were also significantly higher than those from the PBS control group (P < 0.05). Upon challenge with 100,000 asexual blood-stage parasites 5 weeks after the last immunization, monkeys immunized with yP2P30Pv20019 in block copolymer P1005 had prepatent periods longer than those for the control alone group (P > 0.05). Three of the five animals in this group also had low parasitemia (peak parasitemia, </=20 parasites/microliter of blood). Partially protected monkeys had significantly higher levels of prechallenge antibodies against the immunogen than those unprotected (P < 0.05). There was also a positive correlation between the prepatent period and titers of IgG antibodies against the immunogen and asexual blood-stage parasites and a negative correlation between accumulated parasitemia and titers of IgG antibodies against the immunogen (P < 0.05). These results indicate that when combined with block copolymer and potent T-helper epitopes, the yeast-expressed P2P30Pv20019 recombinant protein may offer some protection against malaria.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Strong human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity in Sydney Blood Bank Cohort patients infected with nef-defective HIV type 1.

Proposals for the use of live attenuated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) as a vaccine candidate in humans have been based on the protection afforded by attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus in the macaque model. Although it is not yet known if this strategy could succeed in humans, a study of the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort (SBBC), infected with an attenuated HIV-1 quasispecies with natural nef and nef/long terminal repeat deletions for up to 17 years, could provide insights into the long-term immunological consequences of living with an attenuated HIV-1 infection. In this study, HIV-specific cytoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in an SBBC donor and six recipients were examined over a 3-year period with enzyme-linked immunospot, tetrameric complex binding, direct CTL lysis, and CTL precursor level techniques. Strong HIV-specific CTL responses were detected in four of seven patients, including one patient with an undetectable viral load. Two of seven patients had weak CTL responses, and in one recipient, no HIV-specific CTLs were detected. High levels of circulating effector and memory HIV-specific CTLs can be maintained for prolonged periods in these patients despite very low viral loads.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Testing the efficacy of a recombinant merozoite surface protein (MSP-1(19) of Plasmodium vivax in Saimiri boliviensis monkeys.

Saimiri boliviensis monkeys were immunized with the yeast-expressed recombinant protein yP2P30Pv200(19). The antigen consisted of the C-terminus (amino acid Asn1622-Ser1729) of the merozoite surface protein 1 of the Plasmodium vivax Salvador I strain. Two universal T helper cell epitopes (P2 and P30) of tetanus toxin and six histidine residues for purification purposes were attached to the N- and C-termini, respectively. Four groups of five monkeys were given three immunizations at four-week intervals with either 250 microg of yP2P30Pv200(19) formulated with nonionic block copolymer P1005, 250 microg of antigen adsorbed to alum, 250 microg of antigen in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or PBS alone. Five weeks after the last immunization, each animal was inoculated with 100,000 parasitized erythrocytes of the Salvador I strain of P. vivax. Animals were splenectomized one week after challenge to increase parasite densities; after seven weeks of infection, animals were treated. Eighteen weeks later, the animals were rechallenged with the homologous parasite. Following the first challenge, three monkeys immunized with the antigen with P1005 were protected; no animals were protected from rechallenge. One monkey immunized with yP2P30Pv200(19) with alum was protected; no protection was seen after rechallenge. Two monkeys immunized with antigen alone were protected; none were protected from rechallenge. One control animal had a low parasite count following primary infection; none were protected against rechallenge. Adverse reactions were only observed with animals receiving P1005. It is proposed that splenectomy of the monkeys prevented adequate assessment of the efficacy of this antigen. Identification of a monkey host that supports high density parasitemia without splenectomy appears needed before further testing of blood-stage vaccines against P. vivax.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Adaptation of the AMRU-1 strain of Plasmodium vivax to Aotus and Saimiri monkeys and to four species of anopheline mosquitoes.

A chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium vivax (AMRU-1) from Papua New Guinea has been adapted to grow in 4 species of Aotus monkeys (Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus vaciferans, Aotus nancymai, and Aotus azarae boliviensis), hybrid Aotus monkeys, and Saimiri boliviensis monkeys. Whereas it was possible to infect Saimiri monkeys with this parasite by inoculation of parasitized erythrocytes, only 42% of Saimiri monkeys became infected, compared to 92% of Aotus monkeys attempted. Comparative mosquito feedings showed that only A. vociferans, A. l. griseimembra, and Saimiri boliviensis monkeys produced infections in mosquitoes. Oocysts were observed on the guts of the 4 species of mosquitoes used (Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles freeborni, and Anopheles dirus), but sporozoite transmission was effected only with the intravenous inoculation of sporozoites from An. dirus into an A. l. griseimembra monkey.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Salvador II strain of Plasmodium vivax in Aotus monkeys and mosquitoes for transmission-blocking vaccine trials.

Infections with the Salvador II strain of Plasmodium vivax in Aotus lemurinus griseimambra monkeys were fed upon by Anopheles freeborni mosquitoes. Periods of mosquito infectivity were determined to establish a model system for the testing of transmission-blocking vaccines. The highest levels of mosquito infection were associated with the ascending asexual parasitemia after reaching 1,000/microl, and before the peak asexual parasite count. Sporozoite-induced infections were more infectious than were trophozoite-induced infections. Secondary episodes of parasitemia were also infectious, indicating the lack of development of naturally developing transmission-blocking immunity to this strain of P. vivax in splenectomized Aotus monkeys following single infections.

Animals↗

Attempts to transmit the N-3 strain of Plasmodium fieldi to Aotus monkeys.

Aotus lemurinus griseimembra monkeys inoculated with parasitized erythrocytes of the N-3 strain of Plasmodiumfieldi had transient low-density parasitemia. Exoerythrocytic stages of this strain of parasite were demonstrated in sections of liver from Aotus vociferans monkeys taken 8 days after the intravenous inoculation of sporozoites dissected from the salivary glands of Anopheles dirus mosquitoes; no blood-stage infections were observed.

Animals↗

Adaptation of a strain of Plasmodium vivax from Mauritania to New World monkeys and anopheline mosquitoes.

A strain of Plasmodium vivax from Mauritania was adapted to develop in Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus nancymai, Saimiri boliviensis, and hybrid Aotus monkeys. Infections were induced via the inoculation of sporozoites dissected from the salivary glands of Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles freeborni, and Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes or the intravenous passage of infected erythrocytes. Infections in 3 A. lemurinus griseimembra monkeys readily infected mosquitoes. Four lines of the Mauritania parasites have been stored frozen for further reference.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Lymphoproliferative immune function in the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort, infected with natural nef/long terminal repeat mutants, and in other long-term survivors of transfusion-acquired HIV-1 infection.

OBJECTIVES: To assess T-helper cell immune function (proliferation) in members of the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort (SBBC) compared with other individuals with transfusion- and sexually acquired HIV-1 infection and with matched HIV-negative controls. DESIGN AND METHODS: Decreasing CD4 counts and T-helper cell function are associated with disease progression. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from study subjects were assayed for in vitro proliferative responses to HIV-1-derived antigens, recall antigens and alloantigen. T-helper cell function and CD4 counts in members of the SBBC were followed longitudinally. RESULTS: Proliferative responses and CD4 counts from members of the SBBC were similar to or better than those of other transfusion- or sexually-acquired HIV-1-positive long-term non-progressors (LTNP), including the HIV-negative matched SBBC control groups. However, individuals with disease progression had reduced or undetectable proliferative responses to recall antigens but a conserved response to alloantigen; they also had low CD4 counts and low CD4:CD8 ratios. In the SBBC, these immune parameters were usually stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: The unique SBBC with natural nef/long terminal repeat deletions in the HIV-1 genome were genuine LTNP without showing signs of disease progression. They appeared to be a group distinct from the tail-end of the normal distribution of disease progression rates, and may remain asymptomatic indefinitely. The SBBC virus may form the basis of a live attenuated immunotherapeutic or immunoprophylactic HIV vaccine.

Adult↗

Protective immunity induced in squirrel monkeys with a multiple antigen construct against the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium vivax.

Saimiri boliviensis monkeys were immunized with a multiple antigen construct [(PvCS)2]2(P2)2 directed against the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium vivax or a combination of the multiple antigen construct with nonionic copolymer P1005, with P1005 and lipopolysaccharide, with muramyl tripeptide Mf-75, or with alum. Following intravenous challenge with 10,000 sporozoites of the Salvador I strain of P. vivax, 11 of the 26 monkeys were protected against patent parasitemia. Ten additional animals were partially protected. Following rechallenge of the 26 monkeys with 30,000 sporozoites of the homologous strain of parasite, four monkeys were totally protected and nine animals were partially protected.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

The Malayan IV strain of Plasmodium falciparum in Aotus monkeys.

Forty-nine infections with the Malayan IV strain of Plasmodium falciparum were induced in different species of Aotus monkeys. The parasite was shown to be infective to four different species of Aotus monkeys via the inoculation of parasitized erythrocytes. Sporozoite transmission was obtained to A. lemurinus griseimembra, A. vociferans, and hybrid monkeys with A. azarae boliviensis x A. nancymai and A. lemurinus griseimembra x A. nancymai parentage. Anopheles freeborni and An. stephensi mosquitoes fed readily on animals and through membranes; both supported the development of infective sporozoites. Markedly increased levels of mosquito infection were routinely obtained by membrane feeding, indicating the presence of serum factors inhibitory to infection. The Malayan IV strain appears suitable for blood-stage and transmission-blocking vaccine trials.

Animals↗

Studies on a primaquine-tolerant strain of Plasmodium vivax from Brazil in Aotus and Saimiri monkeys.

A nonimmune American acquired an infection of Plasmodium vivax Type 1 malaria in Brazil in 1994. After returning to the U.S.A., he had a primary attack followed by 3 relapses. The primary attack and first 2 relapses were treated with a standard regimen of chloroquine, followed by 14 days of primaquine (15 mg/day). Following the third relapse, the primaquine treatment was extended to 28 days. No further relapses occurred. The lack of response to primaquine by this strain may recommend it as a suitable candidate for chemotherapeutic study if it can be adapted to an animal model. Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes infected by feeding on the patient during the first relapse were used to establish the strain in Aotus and Saimiri monkeys. Monkeys supported well the development of long-lasting parasitemia. Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles stephensi, and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were readily infected by feeding on the monkeys and by membrane feeding on diluted blood. Monkey-to-monkey transmission was obtained via the bites of infected mosquitoes and the intravenous injection of sporozoites dissected from salivary glands. This parasite is designated as the Brazil I/CDC strain of P. vivax.

Animals↗

Infection of Anopheles freeborni mosquitoes on New World monkeys infected with the Uganda I/CDC strain of Plasmodium malariae.

Anopheles freeborni mosquitoes fed during 85 primary and 26 recrudescent infections of the Uganda I/CDC strain of Plasmodium malariae in Saimiri and Aotus monkeys were examined for the presence of oocysts. Of these, 42 primary and 14 recrudescent infections were infective. Mosquitoes were more frequently infected when fed upon A. lemurinus griseimembra animals. A retrospective examination indicated the greatest mosquito infectivity occurred before the maximum parasite count. Mosquito infection was highest 4, 5, and 6 days after the parasite count exceeded 1,000/microl. Overall, 98 of 304 positive lots (32.2%) had > or = 50% of the individual mosquitoes infected. In addition, lots of An. freeborni were fed through membranes on the blood of 34 monkeys. During the days following the parasite count reaching > or = 1,000/microl, feedings on the animals resulted in lower levels of infection than membrane feeding, thus extending the period of mosquito infection.

Animals↗

Adaptation of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum from a Montagnard refugee to Aotus monkeys.

A strain of Plasmodium falciparum from a Montagnard refugee was shown to produce large numbers of gametocytes in culture. Attempts were made to establish this strain in Aotus monkeys via trophozoite and sporozoite inoculation. The Montagnard S-1 strain was readily adapted to A. l. griseimembra monkeys via trophozoite inoculation. Other species of Aotus failed to support the development of high density parasitemia. None of 12 attempts to transmit the infection via sporozoites from Anopheles freeborni or An. dirus mosquitoes was successful; however, developing exoerythrocytic stages were demonstrated in hepatocytes of an A. lemurinus griseimembra monkey.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Comparative assessment of pediatric intensive care in Moscow, the Russian Federation: a prospective, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Comparative assessment of pediatric intensive care. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter study. SETTING: Four pediatric intensive care units in Moscow, the Russian Federation. PATIENTS: Consecutive unselected admissions (n = 583), < or = 14 yrs of age, in a 6-month period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Effectiveness was defined as the ratio of observed to predicted mortality, based on prediction by Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) severity of illness scoring. Efficiency (on the day of admission only) depended on either a mortality risk of > 1% or the administration of intensive care unit-dependent therapies. In all four hospitals, observed mortality rates were higher than expected, with a range of standardized mortality ratios between 1.10 and 1.83 (mean 1.32). The excess mortality was found in the low- and medium-risk strata (risk of mortality of < 1% to 15%). Admission efficiency ratings did not fluctuate greatly between institutions (mean 60.4%, range 55.7 to 65.9). CONCLUSIONS: We provided a quantitative description and assessment of pediatric intensive care in Moscow. Moderate efficiency may reflect a low threshold for ICU admission due to poor nurse/patient ratios on the wards. Effectiveness in the low- and medium-risk strata is below standard, as compared with a Western reference population. Excess mortality was concentrated in the low- and medium-risk strata, and can only partially be explained by the inclusion of co-morbidity. Future analysis should focus on specific treatment protocols, protocol adherence, and the determination of infectious and therapeutic complications.

Child↗

Twin studies demonstrate a host cell genetic effect on productive human immunodeficiency virus infection of human monocytes and macrophages in vitro.

Biological and genetic variability is a prominent feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains, especially in tropism, syncytium formation, and replicative capacity. To determine whether there were variable host cell effects on HIV replication in monocytes, three different strains of low-passage-number monocytotropic blood isolates of HIV and the laboratory-adapted strain Ba-L were inoculated into panels of adherent monocytes drawn from 44 different donors, and peak extracellular HIV p24 antigen titers were compared. The clinical HIV strains showed patterns of either moderate or low-level replication in most donor monocytes (20 to 4,000 pg/ml). However, within this range there was marked variation in peak titers in most donors. HIV type 1 Ba-L replicated in all donor monocytes to much higher levels with less variability (30 to 40 ng/ml). Furthermore, replication of 21 clinical blood-derived strains of HIV in blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from pairs of identical twins and age-matched unrelated donors (URD) of the same sex were compared. In all of the seven pairs of identical twins, the kinetics of replication (measured by extracellular HIV p24 antigen) of panels of four clinical HIV type 1 isolates in monocytes were similar within pairs. However, marked and significant differences in kinetics of HIV production occurred within 10 of the 12 unrelated donor pairs (P = 0.0007). The remaining two URD pairs showed similar kinetic patterns, but only one pair had the same HLA-DR genotype. Similar results were observed with monocytes/MDMs obtained from a second bleed of the same donor. Hence, discordant patterns of HIV replication kinetics between URD monocyte pairs contrasted with concordant patterns in identical twin monocytes. These data strongly suggest a host cell genetic effect on productive viral replication in monocytes and MDMs. So far, no consistent genetic linkage of HIV replication pattern with HLA-DR genotype has been observed.

Adult↗