Thus, the increase in numbers of TLR2+ and IFN-γ+ cells induced by Lc431 could indicate activation of myeloid dendritic cells in PPs and activation of the Th1 response. In addition, considering the concept of a common mucosal immune system, it is possible that some Th1 cells, when moving from inductor to effectors sites in the gut, are directed to and located in the respiratory

tract. In fact, preliminary results from our laboratory demonstrate increased numbers of CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells in the lungs of Lc431 and Lr1505 treated mice and not in the lungs of mice receiving Lr1506 (Villena et al., unpublished results, 2012). In conclusion, we have demonstrated an immunomodulatory effect of three probiotic lactobacilli

on immune cells distant from the gut: peritoneal and BMS-354825 alveolar macrophages. We accordingly suggest that consumption of some probiotic strains could be useful as an adjuvant for the respiratory immune system. More studies are necessary to prove this mucosal adjuvant effect against different respiratory pathogens and to confirm the possibility that the improved function of alveolar macrophages after oral treatment with probiotics is related to the mobilization of CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells from the gut to the lungs. This work was supported by grants INK128 from Proyectos de Investigación Plurianuales (PIP 632/2009), Consejo de Investigaciones de la Universidad Nacional de Tucuman (CIUNT 26 D/403) and Proyectos de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (PICT 1381/2010). G. Marranzino, J. Villena, S. Salva and S. Alvarez

all have no conflicts of interest to disclose. “
“Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) play crucial role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling immune responses. To investigate the influence of KIR and HLA-C ligands on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), we studied 200 patients Rebamipide who were confirmed to have PTB and 200 healthy controls on the different frequencies of KIR and HLA-C ligands. Genotyping of these genes was conducted by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. Gene frequencies were compared between PTB group and the control group by χ2 test, and P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. As a result, the frequency of KIR genotype A/B was increased in PTB than controls but A/A was decreased. Moreover, striking differences were observed in the frequencies of HLA-Cw*08 between the two groups. Besides, the frequencies of ‘2DL2/3 with C1’ in PTB were increased compared with control group. In addition, individuals with no KIR2DS3 and no Cw*08 were higher in controls than in PTB. KIR2DS1 was increased in PTB when HLA-C group 2 alleles were missing. In conclusion, KIR and HLA-C gene polymorphisms were related to susceptibility to PTB.