Abstract. Over the past decade a population of so–called “regulatory T cells” (Treg cells) has been linked to the prevention of autoimmunity. In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms of Treg cells development and function including the identification of the unique molecular marker of Treg cells – the transcription factor Foxp3. We discuss also the mechanisms of suppression, which include the direct cell contact through binding of cell surface molecules CTLA–4 on Treg cells to CD80/CD86 molecules of effector T cells and the local secretion of cytokines (IL–10, TGFβ). Deficiency in or dysfunction of these cells can be a cause of autoimmune disease. These cells are a good target for designing ways to induce or abrogate immunological tolerance to self and non–self antigens. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 4, pp. 347–354)

Abstract. Interleukin–18 is one of the main cytokines, inducing production of IFNg. It is the important factor of anti–infectious and anti–tumor immunity. The review represent molecular–genetic and biochemical characteristics of IL–18. The data about producers, the structure of the receptor and of IL–18 binding protein, as well as signal transduction in the cell are considered. Besides that, the main immune effects of IL–18 are discussed. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 4, pp 355–364)

Abstract. The comparative analysis of phenotypical and functional features of dendritic cells (DCs), generated in presence of GM–CSF and IFNα from blood monocytes of patients with malignant gliomas (MG) and healthy donors, was carried out in this research. The potential value of the DC–based immunotherapy in the induction of anti–tumor response in patients with MG was also examined. Our results show that within generated DCs of healthy donors 90 and 52% cells expressed correspondingly HLA–DR and CD86, only 17–18% cells were CD14+monocytes, whereas 38% cells exhibited the phenotype of mature CD83+ dendritic cells. The both monocyte conditioned medium (MCM, 30% v/v) and Leukinferon® (250 IU of IFNα) were comparably efficient as maturation–induced stimuli. Despite monocyte’s disturbances in malignant gliomas, the analogous population of DCs was efficiently generated in all examined patients with MG. However, the percentage of mature CD83+DCs was significantly decreased compared to that in healthy donors (24 vs 38%), and these data strongly suggest the delay maturation of DCs in MG. Nevertheless the patient’s DCs showed the allostimulatory activity, comparable with healthy donor’s DCs, and 52–62% cells maintained the ability for the receptor–dependent en–docytosis. Moreover, the patient’s DCs effectively presented bacterial and tumor–associated antigens (TAA). Immunotherapy with autologous DCs allowed to induce the TAA–specific immune reactions, both in skin test in vivo and in vitro, in 50% patients with MG. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 4, pp. 365–374)

Abstract. Conformational changes of human serum γ–globulin during interaction with the zinc ions were studied in a solution. It has been shown that the presence of zinc in over its physiological concentrations led to increase in optical density across the whole spectrum of γ–globulin ultraviolet absorption. On the contrary, hypochromia in the spectrum was registered after interaction of the protein with zinc used in subphisiological concentrations. Possible role of divalent metal cations in changes in conformation of the blood serum γ–globulins, and thereby in regulation of their effector functions was discussed. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 4, pp. 375–380)

Abstract. Our general purpose was to investigate bcl–2 gene expression in patients treated by allogeneic unrelated haematopoietic stem cells transplantation (aUHSCT) for the evaluation of aGvHD. Total RNA from the leukocytes of 19 oncohaematological patients was collected before starting the conditioning regimen (D–T), at the day of hematological recovery (D–R) and at the D+30. An original RT–PCR protocol was developed, by quantifying the signals from the target genes, as compared to beta–actin as a reference gene. We have shown that the levels of bcl–2 expression in aGVHD patients were higher, as compared to aGVHD–free patients at D–T (Р=0,011), like as D–R (Р=0,012) time–points. The patients at the D–R and D+30 were divided into two groups, either with or without clinical signs of aGvHD at these observation terms (resp., groups I and II). At D–R point, bcl–2 expression in the 1st group was two–fold higher, than in the patients of second group (P=0,05). By the contrary, bcl–2 expression by the D+30 in group I was two–fold lower, as compared to the patients of second group (Р=0,016). Thus, we suggest the monitoring of bcl–2 expression to be of certain clinical significance. This criterion could be used as additional approach to prediction of aGVHD development and adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy. We also suppose that the role of the bcl–2 in the pathogenesis of aGvHD should be analyzed in more details. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 4, pp. 381–384)

Abstract. The comprehensive clinical-immunological characteristic of a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine En-cepur Adult (Germany), which was studied on a group of residents of Far East of Russia was discussed. Reactogenity in 32,4% of vaccinees was characterized by minor clinical manifestations and was due to the reaction to specific vaccine albumin. Expression of immune response (mean geometric titers) was evaluated in a neutralization test. A group with the reactogenity showed higher geometric mean antibody titers (1:182) compared with a group without the reactogenity (1:97).

All of vaccinees with various levels (high, middle, low) of specific immune response had an increased quantity of CD20+ and CD25+ lymphocytes. We showed a difference in immunologic reactivity of people with high and low levels of specific antibody response. As compared with a low level group the group with a high level of specific response showed significantly higher quantity of lymphocytes and their subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD45RA+) as well as higher levels of IgM, IgG.

We conclude that vaccine Encepur Adult (Germany) possesses a high immunologic activity. It is recommended to use this vaccine as a safe and effective specific preventive remedy in TBE endemic areas.

Abstract. Most data of Heliсobacter pylori (HP) lifelong persistence in gastric mucosa and the intimate mechanisms of resistance to this infection are based only on phenomenological findings, such as absence or low HP colonization in mice and men spontaneously producing high levels of IL-2. 108 patients suffering from HP-associated gastric ulcer disease were randomly divided into two groups. The I group of patients was cured with standard three or four component methods of therapy included of two antibiotics (usually Klaritromycin and Amoxicillin), proton pomp inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists. Patients of the second group were treated with the same therapy, but instead of antibiotics they received 0,1 mg rIL-2 - Roncoleukin dissolved in 2 ml 0,9% NaCl into four - six points аround gastric ulcer submucously using gastroscope techniques and 0,4 mg was dissolved in 400 ml 0,9% NaCl with 4 ml 10% human albumin and infused intravenously. This procedure was performed three times with the interval of 72 hours. Immunotherapy results in increase of CD25+, HLA-DR+ and CD16+CD56+ cells levels and the increase of the serum concentrations of IL-1б (3 folds), IL-6 (4 folds) and IFNг (more than 20 folds). One month after the end of treatment it was found that in the group treated with rIL-2 the HP eradication achieved in 95,4% in comparison to 81,5% in control patients. In Roncoleukin treated group ulcer epithelization period was 10,79±0,46 days and in traditionally treated group - 35,23±1,58 days.

Abstract. Claritromycin influence on the keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation and lymphocytes proliferation and clasters of differentiation expression in vitro was investigated. It was established that claritromycin in dose 2 mkg/ml inhibited psoriatic keratinocytes proliferation and increased its differentiation degree in culture. Claritromycin influence was mediated by CD4+ lymphocytes. Furthermore, claritromycin in vitro decreased the number of СD25+ lymphocytes and spontaneous and PHA-induced lymphocytes proliferation for psoriatic patients. These data allow to include claritromycin in the treatment regimen of psoriasis.

Abstract. With the purpose of establishment of the role of IL-4, IL-13 and IFNγ cytokines in regulation of the general IgE synthesis in serum of patients with different forms of tick-borne borreliosis, 31 patients have been surveyed. The received results have revealed that patients with ITBB irrespective of the level of the general IgE synthesis can be divided into two subgroups. In a subgroup of patients with the increased level of the general IgE, identical dynamics of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, describing the prevalence of the Th2 immune response has been observed. In patients with the reduced level of this antibody the mixed Th1/Th2 type and more smooth course of the illness were observed. Also, direct correlation between high level of the general IgE in serum and IgM titer was shown.

Abstract. Chronical course of infection caused by hepatitis C virus is accompanied by increase Fas-positive lymphocytes of peripheral blood. Cultivation of agglutinin-stimulated mononuclear blood cells of patients with chronic hepatitis C revealed inhibition of apoptotic reactions of blood lymphocytes. This fact correlated with decrease in production of TNFα and accelerated synthesis of soluble receptor for this cytokine. We suggest a virus-specific influence on apoptosis regulation of target cells.

Abstract. The capacity of mononuclear cells of peripheral blood and bone marrow of 36 patients with aplastic anemia to produce multi-colony-stimulating factor - IL-3 have been studied. It was established that the cells of immune system produce the amount of cytokine comparable to normal values, and the depression of hemopoesis in this disease is not connected with insufficient synthesis of IL-3 by mononuclear cells and is possibly due to other factors.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to verify etiological agents of CNS perinatal damages in children of early age and to study peculiarities of immune and cytokine statuses during pathogenetically grounded therapy.

618 children aged from 1 month till 3 years were examined. Changes of neurologic status were interrogated and complete standard paraclinical examination was carried out. Basic clinical groups were formed.

Immunoassay program, which included verification of a causative agent and determination of indices of cellular and humoral immunities, was used to identify a causative agent and to determin infectious activity. Direct methods of investigation which reveal a causative agent and indirect methods which register specific immune response were used. Patients were divided into groups on the basis of etiological agent.

The program of pharmacotherapy was based on findings, immune status and in particular immune mediators. This program included specific anti-infectious therapy and adequate immunorehabilitation. Data analysis was made for groups of patients who got symptomatic therapy in neurologic disease and who got immunocorrective and anti-infectious therapy in addition to standard treatment. Comparison of clinical characteristics showed considerable improvement of patients in the latter group, what correlated with laboratorial data. Normalization of principal indices of immune and cytokine statuses which ensure development of anti-infectious immunity resulted in persistent infectious remission, noticeable improvement of clinical state of the invalidity rate.

Abstract. Present medical research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ximedonum, а new clinically developed russian product to treat patients suffering from toxicodermia with psychical disorders. There has been made clinical and laboratory examination of 80 patients at the age from 15 to 75 years. The control group consisting of 39 patients was provided bу traditional treatment of toxicodermia while the basic group of 41 patients was prescribed 0,5 gr. х 3 time ximedonum before meal within 3 weeks. Examination of cellular immunity was carried out prior to treatment and after it.

The statistically analyzed results of the tests have established high therapeutic effect of ximedonum in treatment toxicodermia with psychical disorders and proved that this product саn bе recommended to the patients of different age. Ximedonum has immunovodulatory effects in patients with toxicodermia.

Abstract. The study of immune parameters of 25 healthy fertile women, 63 women with uterine myoma of small stable size and 84 women with rapidly growing myoma was performed. The peritoneal fluid was taken as the material for investigation. It was found that rapid growth of myoma was accompanied by impairment of functional activity of immunocompetent cells of peritoneal fluid such as interruption of regulatory lymphocytes activity and functional activity of macrophages, increase in the amount of immature lymphocytes and activation of cytokine cascade with elevation of growth factors production.

Abstract. The aim of the present research was to study the expression of Fas-receptor and differentiation antigens CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD20 on mononuclear cells of peripheral blood in the group of people with asimptomatic Zn-deficiency caused by geochemical conditions (the Zn level in the soil < 0,1 mg/kg and in human diet 9,1 mg /d at norm 15 mg/d). Simultaneously, we estimated lymphocyte proliferative activity characterizing the cell functional state contrary to apoptosis. We found the association of Zn - deficiency with insufficiency of the T-cell compartment of the immune system most likely caused by accelerated apoptosis of T-lymphocytes.