• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.486-493
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• 2007

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and the pathogenesis of AD is associated with the release of various cytokines/chemokines due to activated $Th_2$ immune responses. Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotide in the context of particular base sequence (CpG motifs) are known to have the immunostimulatory activities in mice and to convert from Th2 to Th1 immune responses in AD. We aimed to investigate that CpG ODN, especially phosphodiester form, can stimulate the protective immunity in NC/Nga mice with AD. We isolated BMDCs from NC/Nga mice and then, cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for 6 days, and treated for 2 days by either phosphorothioate ODN or phosphodiester ODN. CpG ODN-treated DCs resulted in more production of IL-12. When CpG ODN-treated DCs were intravenously injected into the NC/Nga mice, the NC/Nga mice with CpG ODN-treated DCs showed significant improvement of AD symptoms and decrease of IgE level. Histopathologically, the NC/Nga mice skin with CpG ODN-treated DCs showed the decreased IL-4 and TARC expression comparing with non-injected mice. These results may suggest that phosphodiester CpG ODN-treated DCs might function as a potent adjuvant for AD in a mouse model.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2021

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG phosphorothioate (PS CpG-ODN) are known to decrease IgE synthesis in Th2 allergy responses. Nonetheless, the therapeutic role of PS CpG-ODN is limited due to cytotoxicity. Therefore, we developed a phosphodiester (PO) form of CpG-ODN (46O) with reduced toxicity but effective against allergies. In this study, we first compared the toxicity of 46O with CpG-ODNs containing a PS backbone (1826S). We also investigated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of 46O injected intravenously in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). To elucidate the mechanism of 46O underlying the inhibition of IgE production, IgE- and TGF-β-associated molecules were evaluated in CD40/IL-4- or LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells. Our data showed that the treatment with 46O was associated with a lower hematological toxicity compared with 1826S. In addition, injection with 46O reduced erythema, epidermal thickness, and suppressed IgE and IL-4 synthesis in mice with OVA-induced AD. Additionally, 46O induced TGF-β production in LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells via inhibition of Smad7, which suppressed IgE synthesis via interaction between Id2 and E2A. These findings suggest that enhanced TGF-β signaling is an effective treatment for IgE-mediated allergic conditions, and 46O may be safe and effective for treating allergic diseases such as AD and asthma.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.11
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• pp.758-763
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• 2011

Immunostimulatory CpG-DNA targeting TLR9 is one of the most extensively evaluated vaccine adjuvants. Previously, we found that a particular form of natural phosphodiester bond CpG-DNA (PO-ODN) encapsulated in a phosphatidyl-${\beta}$-oleoyl-${\gamma}$-palmitoyl ethanolamine (DOPE) : cholesterol hemisuccinate (CHEMS) (1 : 1 ratio) complex (Lipoplex(O)) is a potent adjuvant. Complexes containing peptide and Lipoplex(O) are extremely useful for B cell epitope screening and antibody production without carriers. Here, we showed that IL-12 production was increased in bone marrow derived dendritic cells in a CpG sequence-dependent manner when PO-ODN was encapsulated in Lipoplex(O), DOTAP or lipofectamine. However, the effects of Lipoplex(O) surpassed those of PO-ODN encapsulated in DOTAP or lipofectamine and also other various forms of liposome-encapsulated CpG-DNA in terms of potency for protein antigen-specific IgG production and Th1- associated IgG2a production. Therefore, Lipoplex(O) may have a unique potent immunoadjuvant activity which can be useful for various applications involving protein antigens as well as peptides.

• Proceedings of the Polymer Society of Korea Conference
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• 2006.10a
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• pp.89-89
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• 2006

Polyalkylene phosphates - polymers that are built on the repeating unit of the diester of phosphoric acid: -[OP(O)(OH)Oalkylene]-, are known to form backbones of nucleic and teichoic acids. Various synthetic ways will be reported for the synthesis of the bare chains, where "alkylene" in the formula above means mostly two or three methylene groups. Some other structures have also been prepared. Several applications of these polymers are to be discussed, namely as liquid membranes, as components of two-block copolymers (ionic-nonionic diblock dihydrophilic) used as modifiers of CaCO3 crystallization, and as components of the inorganic-polymer hybrid materials. Some other applications in the biomedical field will also be discussed.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.119-131
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• 2001

Exposure of the human skin to UV-light can cause sun-tanning, photoaging and even photo-carcinogenesis. Melanin is important in protecting the skin against UV damage, but excessive or uneven melanin production can lead to the formation of freckles and aged spot. Control of hyperpigmentation is becoming even more important as aged population continues to grow. These needs led us to develop effective and safe depigmenting-agent, kojyl 3-aminopropyl phosphate (kojyl-APPA), called Whitegen. The development of whitegen was based on the fact that phosphate group of 3-aminopropyl phosphate can make kojic acid more compatible to the skin membrane and more stable. Instability of kojic acid has been a problem in cosmetic use. The insertion of phosphoester group has been recognized as a powerful tool to improve such physical properties as solubility and stability, because the phosphodiester residue is well characterized as a non-toxic moiety, having a high affinity for cell membranes. Kojyl-APPA showed no tyrosinase inhibition effect compared to kojic acid in vitro, but showed tyrosinase inhibition effect in situ. It means that kojyl-APPA is converted to kojic acid enzymatically in cells. Kojyl-APPA showed the inhibitory activity on melanin synthesis in mouse melanoma and normal humal melnaocytes and also showed long-lasting stability in comparison with its original form (kojic acid). Kojyl-APPA showed depigmenting effects when applied to UVB-induced hyperpigmentated region of guinea pig skin. Based on these results, kojyl 3-aminopropyl phosphate can be used as a safe and effective ingredient for the brightness and cleanness of skin.