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15 pages, 1052 KB  
Article
Prediction of In-Hospital Respiratory Support Among Children Aged 2–59 Months Hospitalized with Pneumonia in Southern Vietnam: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Thi Van Vo, Phuong Minh Nguyen, Dien Tri Lu, Thanh Huy Ong, Tri Duc Nguyen, Dien Minh Thai and Duc Hoang Minh Tran
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072490 (registering DOI) - 24 Mar 2026
Abstract
Respiratory support requirement among children hospitalized with pneumonia is a key marker of disease severity and resource needs, yet scalable risk stratification tools for routine hospital settings in Southern Vietnam remain limited. Background: This study aimed to develop and evaluate clinical and [...] Read more.
Respiratory support requirement among children hospitalized with pneumonia is a key marker of disease severity and resource needs, yet scalable risk stratification tools for routine hospital settings in Southern Vietnam remain limited. Background: This study aimed to develop and evaluate clinical and laboratory-based multivariable models to predict respiratory support requirement in children under five hospitalized with pneumonia, using a routine care dataset. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Southern Vietnam (July 2024–November 2025), children aged 2–59 months hospitalized with pneumonia were included after predefined exclusions. The outcome was the maximum (worst) level of respiratory support required during hospitalization (oxygen therapy, CPAP, or invasive mechanical ventilation), analyzed as a binary endpoint (any support vs. none) for model development. Candidate predictors included bedside clinical variables (age < 12 months, malnutrition, recurrent pneumonia, cyanosis, tachypnea, chest indrawing) and complete blood count-derived inflammatory indices. Univariable logistic regression was used for crude associations. Two multivariable logistic regression models were built: Model 1 (clinical-only) and Model 2 (clinical + neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR]; primary). Discrimination was assessed using area under the ROC curve (AUC), and calibration was evaluated using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and observed-to-expected (O:E) ratio. Results: A total of 1797 children were included; 154 (8.6%) required respiratory support. In the primary model, independent predictors were age < 12 months (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.69–3.92), malnutrition (aOR 4.33, 2.56–7.33), recurrent pneumonia (aOR 1.82, 1.18–2.81), cyanosis (aOR 24.02, 7.41–77.87), chest indrawing (aOR 4.19, 2.73–6.43), and higher NLR (per 1 unit: aOR 1.49, 1.38–1.60), while tachypnea was not independently associated after adjustment. Discrimination improved from Model 1 (AUC 0.754) to Model 2 (AUC 0.840; 95% CI 0.806–0.874). At the optimal probability cut-off (0.122), Model 2 achieved sensitivity 66.2%, specificity 86.2%, PPV 31.1%, NPV 96.5%, and accuracy 84.5%. Calibration was acceptable (Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.662; O:E = 1.00). Conclusions: A simple clinical model strengthened by NLR provided good discrimination and calibration for predicting respiratory support requirement among children under-five hospitalized with pneumonia in Southern Vietnam. This approach may support early triage, prioritization of monitoring intensity, and escalation readiness in resource-constrained settings, although external validation is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Pediatrics)
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19 pages, 1511 KB  
Article
Inflammatory, Nutritional, and Atherogenic Profiles Associated with Histologic Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Dilek Ayvaz and Muammer Bilici
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040740 (registering DOI) - 24 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Histologic remission has emerged as a key treatment target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but routine assessment requires repeated endoscopy and biopsies. Blood-based indices reflecting inflammation, nutritional status and atherogenic risk are inexpensive and widely available, yet their integrated contribution to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Histologic remission has emerged as a key treatment target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but routine assessment requires repeated endoscopy and biopsies. Blood-based indices reflecting inflammation, nutritional status and atherogenic risk are inexpensive and widely available, yet their integrated contribution to histologic activity remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by simultaneously analyzing a broad panel of 44 variables—including nutritional status indicators, CBC-derived inflammation indices, and atherogenic lipid indices—in IBD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 100 patients with IBD (50 Crohn’s disease [CD], 50 ulcerative colitis [UC]) without additional comorbidities and with concomitant histologic assessment were analyzed. Histologic activity was coded as active vs. remission. At the time of biopsy, the complete blood count, biochemistry and lipid profile were used to calculate immuno-nutritional indices (CONUT score, prognostic nutritional index), inflammatory indices (neutrophil-to-platelet ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR], systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic inflammation response index [SIRI], aggregate index of systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio) and atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio). Variable selection was performed separately for CD and UC using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Independently associated predictors were then entered into multivariable logistic regression models, and their discriminative performance was evaluated using ROC analysis with bootstrap-derived 95% confidence intervals. Results: LASSO analysis identified a broadly similar systemic profile associated with histologic activity in CD and UC, dominated by the CONUT score, SIRI, AIP, LMR and red blood cell parameters, whereas demographic features and most routine biochemical markers were shrunk towards zero. Cross-validated AUCs for the LASSO models were 0.93 in CD and 0.87 in UC. sPLS-DA confirmed this pattern: CONUT, SIRI and AIP consistently showed the highest variable importance in projection scores and loadings on the first latent component. In multivariable regression, the CONUT score, SIRI and AIP remained independent predictors of histologic activity in CD, while hematocrit, CONUT score, SIRI and AIP were independently associated with histologic activity in UC. In ROC analysis, AUCs for CONUT, SIRI and AIP were 0.81, 0.89 and 0.87 in UC, and 0.72, 0.82 and 0.83 in CD, respectively. Conclusions: Histologic activity in IBD is characterized by a coupled systemic profile in which immuno-nutritional compromise (captured by CONUT) forms the core signal, supplemented by systemic inflammation (SIRI) and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AIP). These readily available blood-based indices may help to approximate histologic disease activity in clinical practice. However, considering that comorbid diseases may affect these indices, the strict exclusion criteria applied in this study may limit the generalizability of the findings among patients with IBD. Consequently, further validation in larger prospective cohorts is warranted. Full article
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31 pages, 2598 KB  
Review
Emerging CRISPR Approaches for Countering Immune Evasion: Insight from Recent Studies
by Sadam Abubakar, Latifat Abdulsalam, Lamin Fatty, Rimsha Kanwal, Muhammad Naeem and Irshad Ahmad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27072930 - 24 Mar 2026
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently become an essential approach for treating cancer, showing considerable promise as a substitute for surgery, radiation therapy, and conventional chemotherapy. It primarily aims to boost the host’s natural defense system to combat cancer malignancies by utilizing components of immune [...] Read more.
Cancer immunotherapy has recently become an essential approach for treating cancer, showing considerable promise as a substitute for surgery, radiation therapy, and conventional chemotherapy. It primarily aims to boost the host’s natural defense system to combat cancer malignancies by utilizing components of immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), mainly programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), along with elements of adoptive cellular therapies (ACTs) like Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) therapy, T Cell Receptor (TCR) therapy and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. However, cancer cells tend to undermine the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapeutic strategies by employing one or more immune evasion mechanisms. This review briefly highlights how key mechanisms of cancer immune evasion confer resistance to immunotherapy and how the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR)/Cas9 systems, as gene-editing tools, are poised to enhance cancer immunotherapy for treating challenging cancers. We emphasize that CRISPR/Cas9 systems can be used to explore and positively alter the genes of the immune system, boosting the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by editing immune checkpoints, TILs, and CAR-T cells, and disrupting genes, facilitating tumors’ evasion of the immune system. Furthermore, we highlight the growing interest in emerging base editor technology to engineer natural killer (NK) cells to overcome NK-cell-based immunotherapy challenges, particularly human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-mediated limitations, and to engineer CAR-T cells for improved immunotherapy outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cancer Immunotherapy)
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11 pages, 1483 KB  
Article
Differential Promoter Methylation of MMP-9 and E-Cadherin Genes in CLL: Evidence for a Pathogenic Role of MMP-9 Hypomethylation
by Zeki Ali Mohamed
J. Mol. Pathol. 2026, 7(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmp7010014 - 23 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations. This study aimed to assess the methylation status of E-Cadherin and MMP-9 gene promoters and to explore their relationships with disease pathogenesis and hematological parameters in CLL patients. Methods: A case–control [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations. This study aimed to assess the methylation status of E-Cadherin and MMP-9 gene promoters and to explore their relationships with disease pathogenesis and hematological parameters in CLL patients. Methods: A case–control study was conducted with 70 newly diagnosed CLL patients and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Promoter methylation of E-Cadherin and MMP-9 genes was evaluated using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme PCR (MSRE-PCR), respectively. Results: The median patient age was 62 years, and 68.5% were males. Binet stage A was the most common stage (57.3%). E-Cadherin promoter methylation was detected in 75.7% of CLL patients and 77.1% of controls (p = 0.91), showing no significant association with disease occurrence; however, it showed a significant correlation with higher lymphocyte counts (p = 0.01). In contrast, MMP-9 promoter methylation was significantly less frequent in CLL cases (70.0%) than in controls (100%, p = 0.001). Unmethylated MMP-9 correlated significantly with female gender (p = 0.02), lower hemoglobin (p = 0.031), reduced platelet counts (p = 0.001), and higher lymphocyte counts (p = 0.035). Conclusion: MMP-9 promoter hypomethylation may play a pathogenic role in CLL and is associated with female gender and cytopenia, whereas E-Cadherin methylation appears to be non-specific. MMP-9 methylation status could therefore serve as a potential biomarker for CLL biology and prognosis. Full article
21 pages, 1917 KB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Two Image-Analysis Software Platforms for Microfluidic Assessment of Red Blood Cell Deformability in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
by Anika Alexandrova-Watanabe, Tihomir Tiankov, Aleksandar Iliev, Ariana Langari, Miroslava Ivanova, Lidia Gartcheva, Margarita Guenova, Emilia Abadjieva, Sashka Krumova and Svetla Todinova
Micromachines 2026, 17(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17030389 - 23 Mar 2026
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is a key determinant of microcirculatory flow and can be altered in hematological disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aimed to evaluate RBC deformability under controlled microfluidic flow conditions and to assess the influence of [...] Read more.
Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is a key determinant of microcirculatory flow and can be altered in hematological disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aimed to evaluate RBC deformability under controlled microfluidic flow conditions and to assess the influence of software platform choice on deformability quantification. RBC suspensions from healthy individuals and untreated CLL patients were analyzed using a microfluidic imaging system across a range of shear rates. A dedicated image-processing algorithm was developed and implemented in two software environments (LabVIEW and Python) to automatically detect deformed cells, measure major and minor cell axes, and calculate the deformability index (DI). Both analytical approaches demonstrated a shear-dependent increase in DI in healthy controls, whereas RBCs from CLL patients exhibited reduced deformability and a blunted response to increasing shear rates, particularly at intermediate shear rates. Although LabVIEW produced consistently higher absolute DI values than Python, both platforms showed strong correlation and preserved the same relative trends and group discrimination. These findings demonstrate that microfluidic image flow analysis provides a robust approach for assessing RBC biomechanics and highlight the importance of standardized image-processing workflows for reliable deformability quantification across software platforms. Full article
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12 pages, 484 KB  
Article
On-Demand Loco-Regional Treatment for Intrahepatic Lesions Improves Treatment Outcomes in Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Kazuto Tajiri, Nozomu Muraishi, Eiki Ishizaka, Aiko Murayama, Yuka Hayashi and Ichiro Yasuda
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18061021 - 21 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) is a standard treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its anti-tumor efficacy remains limited. Combining intrahepatic locoregional treatment (IHLRT) with Atez/Bev has been explored as a strategy to overcome this limitation. This study aimed to clarify the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) is a standard treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its anti-tumor efficacy remains limited. Combining intrahepatic locoregional treatment (IHLRT) with Atez/Bev has been explored as a strategy to overcome this limitation. This study aimed to clarify the significance of IHLRT in Atez/Bev treatment for unresectable HCC. Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with unresectable HCC treated with Atez/Bev were retrospectively analyzed. IHLRT was performed in patients with residual viable hepatic lesions amenable to locoregional treatment during Atez/Bev therapy. Anti-tumor response was evaluated by RECIST; and progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), potential biomarkers, and contributing factors to OS were also assessed. Results: IHLRT was selectively performed in 20 patients based on individual clinical conditions. Pretreatment characteristics were comparable between patients who did and did not receive IHLRT. Both best and initial tumor responses were superior in the IHLRT group, and PFS was significantly longer (16.2 vs. 8.4 months, p = 0.019), with comparable rates of severe treatment-related adverse events. On multivariate analysis, hepatic reserve function, objective response, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and IHLRT were independent predictors of OS (HR: 2.17, 3.13, 0.58, and 1.62; p = 0.02, <0.01, 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). Although high NLR was a negative predictive factor, IHLRT appeared to mitigate the negative prognostic impact of an elevated NLR. Conclusions: On-demand, selective IHLRT during Atez/Bev treatment is well tolerated and provides superior and more durable tumor control, particularly in patients achieving an initial objective response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy)
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13 pages, 246 KB  
Article
Seroepidemiology and Reactivation Rates of Cytomegalovirus in HIV-Positive Patients in Istanbul: A Retrospective Analysis
by Derya Sevimli Saydan, Murat Hakan Kir, Muammer Osman Köksal, Kutay Sarsar, Arat Hulikyan, Atahan Cagatay, Mehmet Demirci, Pınar Soguksu, Eray Yurtseven, Serra Zeynep Akkoyunlu, Sevim Meşe, Ali Agacfidan and Hayriye Kirkoyun Uysal
Viruses 2026, 18(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18030394 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 34
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine [...] Read more.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were enrolled. Serological assessments were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while molecular analyses were conducted through PCR-based methods. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. Of the participants, 90% were male, with an age range of 18–76 years. Serological testing demonstrated CMV IgG positivity in 292 patients (97.3%) and CMV IgM positivity in 11 patients (4.07%). CMV DNA was detected in 91 patients (30.3%) by molecular assays, with viral loads ranging from <150 to 2,404,678 copies/mL. CMV DNA positivity was significantly more frequent in older patients (p < 0.05) and was associated with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. CMV disease was identified in 50 patients (16.7%), with organ involvement (64%) representing the most common clinical manifestation. CMV seropositivity is remarkably high in HIV-positive individuals, and reactivation rates are increased, particularly in older patients and those with advanced immunosuppression. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of routine CMV surveillance in the management of HIV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
16 pages, 1835 KB  
Article
Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Neutrophil Counts, Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio, Pan-Immunoinflammatory Score, Systemic Immunoinflammatory Index, and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index in Brain Tumors
by Murat Ozcan Yay, Adem Keskin, Mahmut Ali Osman Eryilmaz and Cagatay Kaya
Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060933 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 23
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between systemic inflammation parameters and tumor presence in brain tumor patients with high morbidity and mortality rates, to examine the discriminative performance of these markers and, furthermore, to investigate the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between systemic inflammation parameters and tumor presence in brain tumor patients with high morbidity and mortality rates, to examine the discriminative performance of these markers and, furthermore, to investigate the relationship of these markers with the clinical findings of patients at different time points. Methods: This study included 99 patients with brain tumors as the case group and 99 healthy individuals as the control group. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet levels, as well as indices and ratios derived from these parameters, were compared among the participants. Binary logistic regression and ROC analyses were applied to variables showing significant differences, and the relationship between these variables and demographic and clinical findings was also evaluated. Results: The neutrophil count, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pan-immunoinflammatory value (PIV), systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) values of the case group were higher compared to the control group. While these parameters were associated with the presence of brain tumors, the highest odds ratio, area under the curve, and specificity were found in the neutrophil count, and the highest sensitivity was found in the SIRI parameter. Some or all of these parameters differed according to tumor type, localization, motor weakness, 3-month adjuvant treatment, 6-month recurrence, postoperative day 1, 3-month and 6-month neurological deficits and 3-month and 6-month Karnofsky Performance Status. Conclusions: These parameters can be considered useful biomarkers that show moderate discrimination in patients with brain tumors and can support clinical evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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28 pages, 5094 KB  
Review
Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction: Functional Immune Profiling in Transplantation and Beyond
by Nurtilek Galimov, Aruzhan Asanova, Sholpan Altynova and Aidos Bolatov
Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060929 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 67
Abstract
The mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) is a classic functional assay that models in vitro interactions between responder T cells and allogeneic antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It quantifies the magnitude and quality of alloreactivity, integrating signals from allorecognition, co-stimulation, inflammatory context, and minor histocompatibility antigens [...] Read more.
The mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) is a classic functional assay that models in vitro interactions between responder T cells and allogeneic antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It quantifies the magnitude and quality of alloreactivity, integrating signals from allorecognition, co-stimulation, inflammatory context, and minor histocompatibility antigens that may not be captured by molecular matching alone. This review is narrative in nature and is intended as a practical, non-systematic synthesis of the field. To provide a modern, practice-oriented synthesis of MLR designs, readouts, and translational uses, highlighting how new technologies have expanded MLR from bulk proliferation into multidimensional immune profiling.We summarize why MLR remains valuable as a functional compatibility probe beyond HLA typing, including the high baseline frequency of alloreactive T cells that produces robust signals without priming. We then review key design options (one-way vs. two-way formats; stimulator inactivation; responder definition; APC source and maturation) and how these choices affect interpretation for rejection and graft-versus-host disease risk modeling, tolerance-focused studies, and immunomodulatory screening. Next, we outline major readouts—radiometric and flow cytometric proliferation (dye dilution, Ki-67), cytokine/chemokine profiling, cytotoxicity adaptations, and next-generation add-ons (e.g., scRNA-seq, TCR sequencing)—emphasizing complementary strengths and common pitfalls. Finally, we consolidate practical quality and reproducibility controls (donor variability, dynamic range, timing, batch effects, and acceptance criteria) to improve cross-study comparability and translational readiness. Modern MLR platforms combine controllable allogeneic stimulation with scalable, high-resolution readouts for mechanistic discovery, immune monitoring and translational immune profiling. Standardized modular design and rigorous quality control can improve reproducibility and support broader adoption across transplantation, immunotherapy, and immune-modulation research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
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15 pages, 2342 KB  
Article
Early Pregnancy Immune Signatures May Distinguish Aneuploid Miscarriage from Euploid Pregnancy Loss and Live Birth
by Margarita Ruseva, Dimitar Parvanov, Rumiana Ganeva, Maria Handzhiyska, Jinahn Safir, Lachezar Jelezarsky, Stefka Nikolova, Dimitar Metodiev, Maria Pancheva, Maria Serafimova, Blaga Rukova, Rada Staneva, Georgi Stamenov and Savina Hadjidekova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062823 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 16
Abstract
Pregnancy loss affects ~15% of couples and often results from embryonic chromosomal abnormalities. Early peripheral biomarkers that signal abnormal development could improve counseling and clinical decision-making. Here, we analyzed early-pregnancy peripheral blood from patients who conceived via assisted reproduction without preimplantation aneuploidy testing. [...] Read more.
Pregnancy loss affects ~15% of couples and often results from embryonic chromosomal abnormalities. Early peripheral biomarkers that signal abnormal development could improve counseling and clinical decision-making. Here, we analyzed early-pregnancy peripheral blood from patients who conceived via assisted reproduction without preimplantation aneuploidy testing. Samples were collected ≤12 weeks’ gestation for complete blood counts with differentials and multiparameter flow cytometry to quantify major lymphocyte subsets (total T, B, cytotoxic T cells, T helpers (Th), Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Treg)). Participants were followed until pregnancy resolution (live birth, euploid or aneuploid miscarriage), and immune profiles were compared by outcome using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Exploratory discriminative analyses were performed with significantly different immune cell quantities. Basophils were highest in the aneuploid miscarriage group (n = 26), distinguishing them from both euploid miscarriage (n = 27) and live birth (n = 91). Th9 cells were lower in aneuploid miscarriages compared to euploid miscarriages. Th17 levels were higher in live births compared with both miscarriage groups. Additional aneuploidy-type-specific immune differences were observed. These alterations may reflect maternal immune recognition of a non-viable conceptus and localized immune activation at the fetal–maternal interface. If validated in larger cohorts, these early peripheral markers may help identify pregnancies at risk for miscarriage, particularly those involving chromosomal abnormalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)
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14 pages, 1688 KB  
Article
Oral Islatravir in Macaques Decreases Lymphocytes and Monocytes and Is Associated with Immune Alterations
by Michele B. Daly, Daniel Kim, Seidu Inusah, Dawn Little, Jiyoung S. Kim, Natalia Makarova, Tiancheng E. Edwards, James Mitchell, Walid Heneine, Yi Pan, Charles W. Dobard and J. Gerardo García-Lerma
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030381 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 111
Abstract
Background: Islatravir (ISL) is a first-in-class nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor with high potency and long half-life in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). However, treatment and prevention of HIV with oral ISL in humans has been associated with decreases in total lymphocytes, CD4 [...] Read more.
Background: Islatravir (ISL) is a first-in-class nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor with high potency and long half-life in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). However, treatment and prevention of HIV with oral ISL in humans has been associated with decreases in total lymphocytes, CD4 T-cells, and B-cells in a dose-dependent manner. We investigated in macaques the effects of oral ISL on lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and gene expression in PBMCs. Methods: Female pig-tailed macaques (n = 5) received an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis dose of oral ISL adjusted allometrically once a week for 12 weeks. Complete blood counts and B- and T-cells were monitored prior to, during, and after ISL treatment, and changes in counts were evaluated by using a repeated measures model. Changes in gene expression were investigated in PBMCs during treatment and following treatment discontinuation. Results: ISL treatment was associated with declines in lymphocytes (11.9%, p = 0.0015) and monocytes (22.4%, p = 0.0003), but not granulocytes (0.3%, p = 0.9781). Total lymphocytes and monocytes returned to pre-treatment levels 6 weeks after treatment cessation (p = 0.8244 and p = 0.4620, respectively). Lymphocyte subpopulation analyses showed a significant decline in CD8 (−18.4%, p = 0.0364) and CD20 (−35.3%; p = 0.0002) cells but not CD4 cells (−7.4%; p = 0.3470). Gene set enrichment analysis showed negative enrichment (padj < 0.05) of gene pathways associated with immune regulation, cell proliferation, and inflammation. Conclusions: ISL treatment resulted in significant reductions in lymphocytes reproducing clinical toxicity. This effect was reversed after treatment cessation as observed in humans. Our results highlight the value of the macaque model to study immune alterations at the preclinical stage. Full article
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13 pages, 525 KB  
Article
Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as New Prognostic Factor in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
by Luca Canali, Francesca Gaino, Claudia Valenziano, Giulio Sandri, Alberto Paderno, Fabio Ferreli, Luca Malvezzi, Gherardo Mazziotti, Andrea Lania, Giuseppe Spriano and Giuseppe Mercante
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2363; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062363 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 40
Abstract
Objectives: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare but biologically aggressive neuroendocrine tumor for which reliable preoperative prognostic biomarkers are still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative blood immunological markers and disease recurrence in patients with MTC undergoing curative [...] Read more.
Objectives: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare but biologically aggressive neuroendocrine tumor for which reliable preoperative prognostic biomarkers are still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative blood immunological markers and disease recurrence in patients with MTC undergoing curative surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary academic center including 52 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for MTC between January 1999 and December 2023. The study size was determined by including all eligible consecutive patients meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria within the study period. Preoperative inflammatory indices (MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI) were calculated from standardized complete blood count tests performed within 30 days before surgery. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with a backward stepwise selection based on the Akaike Information Criterion was used to identify independent predictors of recurrence, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The mean age was 55.0 years (range 31–75), and 73% of patients were female. The ROC-derived cut-off for preCT was 181 pg/mL. Locally advanced disease (T3-T4) was observed in 12% of cases, and cervical node metastases in 27%. With a mean follow-up of 75.48 months, the 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 91% and 86%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression, a high monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR ≥0.37), positive surgical margins, and pathological nodal involvement remained independently associated with worse DFS after confounder adjustment (HR 9.73, 10.78, and 17.71, respectively). Conclusions: Elevated MLR, histological node metastases, and positive surgical margins independently predict recurrence in MTC after curative treatment. Preoperative MLR may represent a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible biomarker to improve preoperative risk stratification and personalize surgical and follow-up strategies: patients with MLR ≥0.37 may benefit from more aggressive management and/or closer follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer)
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12 pages, 586 KB  
Article
In Vitro Analysis of the Tissue Distribution, Lifespan, and Antigen-Dependent Maintenance of Specific Antibody-Secreting Cells in Nile Tilapia
by Yu Huang, Zhe Cai, Bijian Pang, Zaohe Wu, Bei Wang, Jia Cai and Jichang Jian
Fishes 2026, 11(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030184 - 19 Mar 2026
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Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the key characteristics of the humoral immune response and the tissue distribution of specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A specific immune model was established by immunizing fish with human IgG. Lymphocytes were [...] Read more.
This study aimed to elucidate the key characteristics of the humoral immune response and the tissue distribution of specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A specific immune model was established by immunizing fish with human IgG. Lymphocytes were isolated from the head kidney, spleen, and peripheral blood and subjected to antigen stimulation in vitro. The MTT assay, reflecting cell metabolic activity and viability, identified the optimal culture conditions as a cell concentration of 2.5 × 106 cells/mL, an antigen concentration of 2 μg/mL, and a culture duration of 72 h. Under these conditions, peripheral blood lymphocytes exhibited the most increase in metabolic activity, followed by head kidney lymphocytes, while splenic lymphocytes showed no significant response. Subsequent dynamic monitoring of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) using ELISPOT revealed that, in the absence of antigen stimulation, ASC numbers from all three tissues declined over time. Notably, head kidney ASCs retained approximately 50% of their initial number by day 5, whereas ASCs in peripheral blood and spleen decayed to barely detectable or completely undetectable levels, respectively. These findings suggest that the head kidney may serve as a primary site for ASC persistence during the effector phase, potentially contributing to sustained humoral immunity. Although antigen stimulation did not induce significant ASC expansion, it significantly slowed their decay rate (p < 0.05), indicating an antigen-dependent maintenance role. ELISA detection of antibody levels in the culture supernatants showed a consistent trend with the ELISPOT results, further confirming the sustained functional support of antigen for ASCs. Additionally, LPS stimulation experiments demonstrated that all three tissues contained plasmablasts activatable by non-specific stimuli, with peripheral blood showing the highest proliferation fold (4–6 times). In conclusion, this study provides insights into the tissue-specific distribution, in vitro persistence, and antigen-dependent maintenance of ASCs in Nile tilapia, providing insights into the cellular basis that may contribute to humoral immune memory and laying a theoretical foundation for the rational design and application of tilapia vaccines. Full article
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19 pages, 1003 KB  
Article
Immunogenicity of Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients Under Immunocompromising Treatment
by Jerónimo Cruces-Párraga, Ana Muñoz-Jurado, Begoña M. Escribano, Francisco A. Martín-Hersog, Clara Triguero-Ortiz, Claudia Carmona-Medialdea, Isaac Túnez, Javier Caballero-Villarraso and Eduardo Agüera-Morales
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2801; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062801 - 19 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). By acting on the immune system, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can control disease activity, but they indirectly increase susceptibility to infections, so different vaccines are necessary to prevent it. [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). By acting on the immune system, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can control disease activity, but they indirectly increase susceptibility to infections, so different vaccines are necessary to prevent it. DMTs may potentially affect vaccine-induced seroconversion. We aim to analyse the response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine (Engerix-B) in relapsing–remitting MS patients (RRMS) using these therapies because the scientific literature remains limited in this area. A retrospective observational study of RRMS patients vaccinated against HBV was conducted. Acquired immunity after vaccination was determined, and an analysis of immunogenicity was conducted based on the type of DMT (immunomodulators/immunosuppressants), vaccine doses, total lymphocyte count (TLC), age, and sex. 200 patients were included, with a mean age 47.79 years, and 140 (70%) were women. A lower vaccine response was observed in patients treated with immunosuppressive DMTs (51.8%, p < 0.001), particularly with fingolimod (32.4%, p < 0.001), and a higher response was seen with immunomodulators like teriflunomide and interferon-β1a (100%, p < 0.001). Using logistic regression, a model was obtained that included the number of vaccine cycles, lymphopenia and type of DMT associated with the response to the HBV vaccine. It is necessary to adapt HBV vaccination protocols for MS patients, considering the type of DMT used and baseline immune status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Molecular Research in Neuroimmunology)
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14 pages, 982 KB  
Article
Early Ibrutinib Dose Modifications in CLL: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Real-World EVIdeNCE Study
by Stefano Molica, Potito Rosario Scalzulli, Lydia Scarfò, Carla Minoia, Roberta Murru, Paolo Sportoletti, Francesco Albano, Nicola Di Renzo, Alessandro Sanna, Luca Laurenti, Massimo Massaia, Ramona Cassin, Marta Coscia, Caterina Patti, Elsa Pennese, Agostino Tafuri, Annalisa Chiarenza, Piero Galieni, Omar Perbellini, Carmine Selleri, Catello Califano, Felicetto Ferrara, Antonio Cuneo, Marco Murineddu, Gaetano Palumbo, Ilaria Scortechini, Alessandra Tedeschi, Livio Trentin, Marzia Varettoni, Fabrizio Pane, Francesco Merli, Lucia Morello, Gerardo Musuraca, Monica Tani, Adalberto Ibatici, Maria Palma, Danilo Arienti and Francesca Romana Mauroadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18061000 - 19 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ibrutinib has significantly improved outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but evidence from real-world settings on the impact of early dose modifications and consequent relative dose intensity (RDI) maintenance on survival outcomes is limited. This study evaluated the impact of dose [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ibrutinib has significantly improved outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but evidence from real-world settings on the impact of early dose modifications and consequent relative dose intensity (RDI) maintenance on survival outcomes is limited. This study evaluated the impact of dose reductions and RDI maintenance during the first 90 days of treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with CLL receiving ibrutinib in routine clinical practice. Methods: A post hoc analysis of the prospective observational EVIdeNCE study (NCT03720561) was conducted, including 275 patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib. Baseline clinical and biological factors associated with early dose modifications and RDI maintenance over the first 90 days were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for disease- and patient-related covariates, were applied to assess associations with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using a landmark approach to control for immortal time bias. Results: Patients with higher comorbidity burden—indicated by higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale scores and poorer ECOG performance status—were more likely to undergo early dose reductions. RDI declined slightly over 90 days, but most patients maintained ≥80% of their RDI. The impact of disease-risk factors appeared more clearly when assessing the relationship between 100% RDI at 90 days and PFS, with ibrutinib at 100% RDI associated with improved PFS (hazard ratio, HR 2.26, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.23–4.15). However, after adjusting for patient characteristics (e.g., comorbidity burden and cardiovascular history), the 100% RDI rate no longer showed a statistically significant effect on PFS (HR 1.84, 95% CI: 0.93–3.63). Conclusions: Baseline comorbidities and functional status drive early dose modifications, but these adjustments and RDI variability do not independently impact survival outcomes, confirming the overall tolerability of ibrutinib in real-world CLL management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Research of Cancer)
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