|
|
The Effect of Aire Deficiency on Antibody Responses Against TH17 Effector Cytokines and Candida albicans
Liberdová, Jana ; Dobeš, Jan (advisor) ; Schwarzer, Martin (referee)
The Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) is a well-known master regulator of central tolerance, promoting the expression of antigens restricted to peripheral tissues in the thymus. These antigens are presented to developing T cells, ensuring the elimination of self-reactive clones based on their ability to recognize them. Aire dysfunction leads to the development of multiorgan autoimmune pathologies and susceptibility to chronic mucosal fungal infections. The emergence of autoimmunity is largely explained by the disruption of the thymic regulation of peripheral antigen expression. However, the mechanisms underlying fungal infection susceptibility are much less understood. Mucosal anti-fungal immune defense in general primarily relies on the mobilization of TH17 cells and IgA antibodies. Defective cellular TH17 response and autoantibodies against TH17 effector cytokines observed in Aire deficiency are associated with higher susceptibility to fungal infection. However, the integrity of IgA response in Aire deficiency has not been addressed so far. In my thesis, I confirmed that Aire deficient mice develop elevated levels of autoantibodies against TH17 effector cytokines. These autoantibodies are not affected by experimental fungal colonization, suggesting that active fungal infection is not enhancing the...
|
|
|
Recent diagnostic challenges in schistosmiasis
Liberdová, Jana ; Chanová, Marta (advisor) ; Horák, Petr (referee)
Schistosomiasis is debilitating waterborne helminthiasis of global medical and veterinary importance. It is caused by digenetic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. More than 250 million people are currently infected, and 700 million people are at daily risk of acquiring this neglected tropical disease. Schistosomiasis is prevalent mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in poor communities living in impoverished conditions with limited access to safe water. The global control of this disease relies on single drug-oriented preventive chemotherapy campaigns. Changing epidemiological situation together with the general nature of this parasitosis (long-term development in several phases, multiorgan pathogenesis with complex manifestations) makes its diagnosis difficult. Current diagnostic standards may be unreliable in many specific settings, and their universal use needs to be reconsidered. In schistosomiasis diagnostics, the choice of specific methodology should be made accordingly to the particular situation requirements. The present thesis reviews recent approaches and challenges in schistosomiasis diagnostics. Key words: schistosomiasis, diagnostics, neglected diseases, global control, elimination
|
guest ::
