• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권8호
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• pp.613-619
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• 2014

The optic nerve often suffers regenerative failure after injury, leading to serious visual impairment such as glaucoma. The main inhibitory factors, including Nogo-A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, and myelin-associated glycoprotein, exert their inhibitory effects on axonal growth through the same receptor, the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR). Oncomodulin (OM), a calcium-binding protein with a molecular weight of an ~12 kDa, which is secreted from activated macrophages, has been demonstrated to have high and specific affinity for retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and promote greater axonal regeneration than other known polypeptide growth factors. Protamine has been reported to effectively deliver small interference RNA (siRNA) into cells. Accordingly, a fusion protein of OM and truncated protamine (tp) may be used as a vehicle for the delivery of NgR siRNA into RGC for gene therapy. To test this hypothesis, we constructed OM and tp fusion protein (OM/tp) expression vectors. Using the indirect immunofluorescence labeling method, OM/tp fusion proteins were found to have a high affinity for RGC. The gel shift assay showed that the OM/tp fusion proteins retained the capacity to bind to DNA. Using OM/tp fusion proteins as a delivery tool, the siRNA of NgR was effectively transfected into cells and significantly down-regulated NgR expression levels. More importantly, OM/tp-NgR siRNA dramatically promoted axonal growth of RGC compared with the application of OM/tp recombinant protein or NgR siRNA alone in vitro. In addition, OM/tp-NgR siRNA highly elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and inhibited activation of the Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA). Taken together, our data demonstrated that the recombinant OM/tp fusion proteins retained the functions of both OM and tp, and that OM/tp-NgR siRNA might potentially be used for the treatment of optic nerve injury.

• 대한미생물학회지
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.159-169
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• 2000

Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi characterized by fever, headache, lymphadenopathy and eschar formation. Infiltration of inflammatory cells around blood vessels and within the affected organs isS known to be pathologic hallmark of the scrub typhus. Recently, expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells was implicated as an important pathogenic mechanism in rickettsial disease. This study was performed to examine the expression of adhesion molecules and to investigate its role in the pathogenesis of O. tsutsugamushi infection. The expression of adhesion molecules on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was measured by flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence. Expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly increased 4 hours after the infection and persisted at least for 24 hours. Expression of those molecules was not induced by killed O. tsutsugamushi. Adhesion of polymorphonuclear cells and mononuclear cells to HUVEC was increased after the infection with O. tsutsugamushi. In conclusion, adhesion molecules are expressed on HUVEC during the infection of live O. tsutsugamushi and those molecules can contribute to the infiltration of inflammatory cells during the infection.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.41-47
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• 2007

The Hantaan virus (HTNV) is an enveloped virus that is capable of inducing low pH-dependent cell fusion. We molecularly cloned the viral glycoprotein (GP) and nucleocapsid (NP) cDNA of HTNV and expressed them in Vero E6 cells under the control of a CMV promoter. The viral gene expression was assessed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and immunoprecipitation. The transfected Vero E6 cells expressing GPs, but not those expressing NP, fused and formed a syncytium following exposure to a low pH. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against envelope GPs inhibited cell fusion, whereas MAbs against NP did not. We also investigated the N-linked glycosylation of HTNV GPs and its role in cell fusion. The envelope GPs of HTNV are modified by N-linked glycosylation at five sites: four sites on G1 (N134, N235, N347, and N399) and one site on G2 (N928). Site-directed mutagenesis was used to construct eight GP gene mutants, including five single N-glycosylation site mutants and three double-site mutants, which were then expressed in Vero E6 cells. The oligosaccharide chain on residue N928 of G2 was found to be crucial for cell fusion after exposure to a low pH. These results suggest that G2 is likely to be the fusion protein of HTNV.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.628-634
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• 2002

A microfilament-based motility in Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) Is involved in host cell invasion, yet the exact mechanism has not yet been determined. Accordingly, the current study examined the localization of actin and tubulin in T gondii using immunofluorescent (IF) and immunogold staining for electron microscopy. Indirect immunofluorescence (IF) staining using anti-actin and anti-tubulin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed localization of fluorescence on the entire surface of the tachyzoites. The actin in T. gondii was observed by immunogold staining, and the gold particles were seen on the surface, especially at the anterior end and in the cytoplasm of the parasite. However, there were no gold particles in the nucleus, rhoptries, and dense granules. The tubulin in T gondii was located on the surface and in the cytoplasm of the tachyzoites in the extracellular parasite, compared with anterior part of tachyzoites in the intracellular parasite. The antigens of T gondii recognized by anti-actin mAb were 107 kDa, 50 kDa, 48 kDa, and 40 kDa proteins, while those recognized by anti-tubulin mAb were 56 kDa, 52 kDa, and 34 kDa proteins. Tachyzoites of T gondii pretreated with the actin inhibitor, cytochalasin D (20 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml), and tubulin inhibitor, colchicine (2$\times$10$\^$-6/ M), for 30 min at 37$\^{C}$ were used to infect the isolated mouse macrophages (tachyzo ites:macrophage=2:1). Pretreatment with the inhibitors resulted in lower multiplication of tachyzoites within the macrophages than in the untreated group 18 h post infection (p<0.05). Therefore, the present results suggest that actin and tubulin appear to be involved in the invasion of and multiplication in host cells.

• 한국동물위생학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.101-111
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) in suckling piglets by oral administration of IgY. Twenty piglets were divided into two groups with the same number: group I (treated with IgY) and group II (not treated). Group I was administerd orally with IgY for three days from one-day-old and experimentally challenged with PEDV and TGEV at four-day-old. The other was administered with saline solution and challenged with PEDV and TGEV at four-day-old. Serum antibody titers against PEDV and TGEV were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the detection of PEDV or TGEV antigen from feces and small intestines was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The antibody titers of the group I was higher than that of the other, and lasted at the end of experiment. In the detection tests of both virus from feces and small intestine, the rate of the group I was lower. Based on these results, oral administration of IgY may be effective to prevent the diarrhea caused by PEDV and TGEV.

• 동국한의학연구소논문집
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.117-131
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• 1999

Yangkyuksanhoa-tang is frequently used for cerebrovascular accident(CVA). The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Yangkyuksanhoa-tang on the peri vascular immunoreactive nerve fiber of the basilar artery after experimentally induced subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 350-400g were used. The SAH induced by injection of the fresh autologus heart blood(0.3-0.4ml) into the cisterna magna through the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane. Sample group was given a $3.3m{\ell}/kg/day$ of Yangkyuksanhoa-tang extracts for 2 days after SAH. The experimental animals divided into 48hrs after SAH. The changes of perivascular immunoreactive nerve fiber was examined by using indirect immunofluorescence method. The meshlike perivascular nerve fiber appeared in the basilar artery of normal rats. In basilar artery of SAH elicitated rat, the distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactivity(IR) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP)-IR of the perivascular nerve fiber were remarkably diminished, also dopamine beta hydroxylase(DBH)-IR, neuropeptide Y(NPY)-IR and serotonin-IR were diminished. In SAH elicitated rat with Yangkyuksanhoa-tang treatment, the CGRP-IR and VIP-IR degree were repaired as well as normal rat's, but DBH-IR, NPY-IR and serotonin-IR had no changes. These results provide the basic data to investigate the effect of Yangkyuksanhoa-tang on the vasospasm after SAH.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.27-37
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• 1990

흰 쥐 내피세포의 배양에 있어서 세포골격단백의 변화 양상과 심근세포와의 공존 배양시의 영향 그리고 colchicine 이 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보고자 monoclonal antibodies를 이용한 간접면역형광법으로 actin과 tubulin염색을 시행하여 microtubule과 microfilament의 변화 양상을 일령별로 관찰하였다. 실험결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 세포질이 넓게 퍼지고 많은 돌기를 가진 세포에서 섬유사형태의 반응이 강하였으며 내피세포가 단층을 형성하면서 섬유사형태의 반응이 약해졌다. 심근세포를 혼합배양한 군에서 내피세포가 단층을 형성하면서 microtubule은 대조군과 같은 수준으로 섬유사형태의 반응이 감소하였으나 microfilament는 여전히 강한 섬유사형태의 반응을 유지하였다. Colchicine을 처리한 군에서 microfilament는 대조군과의 차이점이 발견되지 않았으나 microtubule에서는 colchicine 처리 직후부터 섬유사 형태의 감소경향을 보였으며 1일 이후가 가장 현저한 감소를 보이다가 2일 이후에는 대조군의 수준으로 돌아왔다.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.665-671
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• 1993

The rate of 67 neonatal calves's infection of Theileria sergenti was investigated in random samples on the farms located in Kyeongki, Chonbuk and Jeju districts of Korea. The criteria used in verifying infection with T sergenti included the detection of parasites by giemsa's stain and acridine orange stain in the blood smear slides. Further evidence of current or previous exposure to T sergenti was based on the demonstration of T sergenti-specific antibody and antigen by the western immunoblot and the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test in the peripheral blood of the calves. The prevalence rates were 35%, 50% and 100% in Kyeongki, Chonbuk and Jeju provinces respectively and the overall prevalence in all the farms was 43.2% by means of acridine orange stain. The parasites that were observed in the peripheral blood of calves was shown surely by the western immunoblot to the characteristic 34KD antigen among the proteins of T sergenti (Korean Isolate). And the antibody of the neonatal calves reacted at the very highest titer(1 : >2,520). These data highlight the significance of T sergenti in the neonatal calf disease in Korea.

• 대한미생물학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.197-208
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• 1987

Chlamydia trachomatis has now shown that this interesting intracellular parasite is a cause of nongonococcal urethritis, infantile pneumonia, pelvic inflammatory disease and epididymitis, in addition to lymphogranuloma venerum and inclusion conjunctivitis. There are several diagnostic methods for C. trachomatis, but the method using monoclonal antibody is the most sensitive and specific. The hybride cell were prepared by fusion of myeloma cell($P_3X_{63}\;Ag_8{\cdot}V_{653}$) of mouse and lymphocyte of mouse(BALB/c) that were immunized with formalin killed C. trachomatis serotype D. The cell mixtures after fusion were dispensed into 640 wells of the 96 well culture plates and continuously cultured in HAT medium for 2 weeks. The supernatants of culture media in 83(13%) wells were reacted with C. trachomatis, which were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 96 well microplate. The clones that secreted antibody to C. trachomatis were cloned by limiting dilution. Only six monoclones secreted antibody to C. trachomatis. The antibody titer of ascitic fluid that collected from same BALB/c mice bearing hybridoma cells was above 1:100,000. These monoclonal antibodies that were IgG reacted with elementary and reticulate bodies of all serotypes(Ba, D, E, F, G, H, J and LGV type-I) using ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence stain, but there were no cross reaction with other bacteria(coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Proteus and E. coli). We concluded these six monoclones secreted the same monoclonal antibody to C. trachomatis. The sensitivity and specificity of the monoclonal antibody compared with Microtrak(confirmatory test of C. trachomatis, Syva) was 100%, respectively.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.45.1-45.13
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• 2021

Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an infectious disease caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) that mainly produces respiratory symptoms in affected animals, resulting in great losses in the world's agriculture industry every year. Single-domain variable heavy chain (VHH) antibody fragments, also referred to as nanobodies, have high expression yields and other advantages including ease of purification and high solubility. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to obtain a single-domain antibody with good reactivity and high specificity against PPRV. Methods: A VHH cDNA library was established by immunizing camels with PPRV vaccine, and the capacity and diversity of the library were examined. Four PPRV VHHs were selected, and the biological activity and antigen-binding capacity of the four VHHs were identified by western blot, indirect immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. ELISA was used to identify whether the four VHHs were specific for PPRV, and VHH neutralization tests were carried out. ELISA and western blot analyses were used to identify which PPRV protein was targeted by VHH2. Results: The PPRV cDNA library was constructed successfully. The library capacity was greater than 2.0 × 10⁶ cfu/mL, and the inserted fragment size was approximately 400 bp to 2000 bp. The average length of the cDNA library fragment was about 1000 bp, and the recombination rate was approximately 100%. Four single-domain antibody sequences were selected, and proteins expressed in the supernatant were obtained. The four VHHs were shown to have biological activity, close affinity to PPRV, and no cross-reaction with common sheep diseases. All four VHHs had neutralization activity, and VHH2 was specific to the PPRV M protein. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary research of PPRV VHHs showed that four screened VHH antibodies could be useful in future applications. This study provided new materials for inclusion in PPRV research.