Our goal was to explore immunoserological relations between IgM and IgG isotypes of natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) and pathogen (or vaccine)‐induced or disease‐related antibodies in systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD); systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The found significant associations between IgG isotype nAbs and specific humoral antibodies may underscore the immune response‐inducible nature of the diseases investigated, and may corroborate the notion that nAbs can act as a mediator between the innate‐like and the adaptive arms of the immune system .The relationship between protective anti‐dsDNA IgM and the IgM isotype of anti‐F4 and anti‐CS may provide immuno‐serological evidence for the beneficial roles of nAAbs in SLE patients.

In Hungary, between February 2017 and July 2019, 70 confirmed measles cases were reported, raising questions about the adequacy of population-level immunity. Although the assumed vaccination coverage is ≥99%, in a recent study, we detected potential gaps in the anti-measles humoral immunity. In Hungary, according to a decree by the Ministry of Public Welfare, beginning from 2021, the healthcare provider should conduct a serosurvey of anti-measles protection levels of healthcare professionals. To facilitate the compliance with this requirement, we developed a quick ‘three-in-one’ or ‘triple’ MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) indirect ELISA (IgG); an assay format that is currently not available commercially. High throughput applicability of the ‘three-in-one’ ELISA was verified using 1736 sera from routine laboratory residual samples, using an automated platform (Siemens BEP 2000 Advance). Assay verification was performed by comparing the full antigen repertoire-based ‘target’ assay with in-house ‘control’ assays using recombinant viral antigen coatings, and by validated commercially available kits. Indirect immunofluorescence was used as an independent reference method. Data were analysed using OriginLab, IBM SPSS, RStudio and MedCalc. In case of measles, we combined our current results with previously published data (Ntotal measles = 3523). Evaluation of anti-mumps and anti-rubella humoral antibody levels was based on the measurement of 1736 samples. The lowest anti-measles seropositivity (79.3%) was detected in sera of individuals vaccinated between 1978 and 1987. Considering the antigen-specific seropositivity ratios of all samples measured, anti-measles, -mumps and -rubella IgG antibody titres were adequate in 89.84%, 91.82% and 92.28%, respectively. Based on the virus-specific herd immunity threshold (HIT) values (HITMeasles = 92–95%, HITMumps = 75–86%, HITRubella = 83–86), it can be stated that regarding anti-measles immunity, certain age clusters of the population may have inadequate levels of humoral immunity. Despite the potential gaps in herd immunity, the use of MMR vaccine remains an effective and low-cost approach for the prevention of measles, mumps and rubella infections.

No abstract

Lumbricin and its orthologue antimicrobial peptides were typically isolated from annelids. In this report, mRNA for lumbricin and -serendipitously- a novel lumbricin-related mRNA sequence were identified in Eisenia andrei earthworms. The determined mRNA sequences of E. andrei lumbricin and lumbricin-related peptide consist of 477 and 575 nucleotides. The precursors of proline-rich E. andrei lumbricin and the related peptide contain 63 and 59 amino acids, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated close relationship with other annelid lumbricins. Highest expression of both mRNAs appeared in the proximal part of the intestine (pharynx, gizzard), while other tested organs had moderate (body wall, midgut, ovary, metanephridium, seminal vesicles, ventral nerve cord) or low (coelomocytes) levels. During ontogenesis their expression revealed continuous increase in embryos. Following 48 h of in vivo Gram-positive bacteria challenge both mRNAs were significantly elevated in coelomocytes, while Gram-negative bacteria or zymosan stimulation had no detectable effects.

(1) Background: Measles immunization gap(s) raise the concern of potential outbreaks. Both Croatia and Hungary are situated in the vicinity of measles-endemic countries. Potentially compromised immunization activities due to the COVID-19 surge is a ground for concern. Our aim was to compare age-stratified seroprevalence results in the cross-border region. (2) Methods: Anti-MMR specific antibody levels (IgG) of 950 anonymous Croatian samples were compared with previous Hungarian results (n > 3500 samples), and former Croatian seroprevalence data (n = 1205). Seropositivity ratios were determined using our self-developed anti-MMR indirect ELISA (Euroimmun IgG ELISA kits were used as control). (3) Results: Measured seropositivity ratios of the Croatian samples were largely overlapping with our earlier published Hungarian data (the lowest seropositivity ratios were measured among individuals of 34–43 years of age with 78% of seropositivity) and are in accordance with earlier published data of Croatian researchers. (4) Conclusion: Although the epidemiological histories of the two countries are different, analogies in age-specific measles susceptibility have been discovered. We suggest that besides the potential coincidence in vaccination ineffectiveness, the inherent biological dynamics of vaccination-based humoral protection might have also contributed to the experienced similarities. Our findings may also serve as a lesson regarding the current anti-COVID-19 vaccination strategy.