• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제2권4호
• /
• pp.248-255
• /
• 2002

Background: TAP1 and TAP2 are two ABC transporter genes located within the class II region of the human MHC. Their protein products form a heterodimer whose function is to transport peptides from the cytoplasm into the endoplasmic reticulum. This study was performed to examine the polymorphism of TAP genes and the distribution of HLA-TAP haplotypes in the Korean population through family analysis. Methods: The subjects used in this study were 50 healthy Korean families consisting of 233 individuals. TAP1 (codons 333 and 637) and TAP2 (codons 379, 565, 577, 651, 665, and 687) typings were carried out by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genotyping results from a previous study were used for HLA-TAP haplotype analysis. Results: The number (gene frequency) of TAP1 and TAP2 alleles detected were 3 for TAP1 (A 81.5%, B 17.0%, and C 1.5%) and 8 for TAP2 (A1 32.0%, A2 12.5%, B 34.0%, Bky2 6.5%, C 7.0%, D 3.0%, E 4.5%, and G 0.5%). Eleven TAP1-TAP2 haplotypes were observed with $frequency{\geq}1%$, among which 4 haplotypes (A-B, B-A1, A-Bky2, and C-E) showed weak but significant positive linkage disequilibrium (P<0.05). When DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes were extended to TAP1 and TAP2 loci, much diversification of haplotypes was observed: 19 different DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes formed 58 different haplotypes extended to TAP1 and TAP2 loci. These results add more evidence to the view that recombination hotspot is present within and around TAP gene region. Conclusion: The allele frequencies of TAP1 and TAP2 genes and the distribution of TAP1-TAP2 and HLA-TAP haplotypes were studied in Koreans based on a family study.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제2권4호
• /
• pp.223-226
• /
• 2002

Background: The type 2 deviated immunological state is predominant in lepromatous leprosy. Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immune-complex mediated reaction that typically occurs in lepromatous leprosy. To date, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, IL-10, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-1 receptor antagonist and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were reported to be higher in lepromatous leprosy. TNF-${\alpha}$ is also known to be higher in ENL, which is reduced after thalidomide treatment. However the serum type 2 chemokine levels in lepromatous leprosy patients have not been reported. Methods: The serum levels of the type 2 chemokines such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and eotaxin together with IL-12 and IL-10 in the sera from leprosy patients were detected using an enzyme-linked solvent assay (ELISA) method. Results: The Serum TARC, MDC, eotaxin, IL-10 and IL-12 levels in lepromatous leprosy patients were not significantly different from the normal control levels. The serum levels were not significantly different between the paucibacillary group and multibacillary group. The serum TARC or MDC levels in the ENL patients were more reduced after a treatment containing thalidomide. Conclusion: The type 2 chemokines are not related to the severity of lepromatous leprosy. The larger reducing effect of the TARC or MDC levels in ENL patients by a treatment containing thalidomide suggests the potential role of these chemokines in the development of ENL and the therapeutic mechanism of thalidomide.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제3권2호
• /
• pp.118-125
• /
• 2003

Background: Disialoganglioside GD2 is a tumor-associated antigen that is overexpressed on tumor cells of neuroectodermal origin, such as melanoma and neuroblastoma. Anti-idiotypic antibodies that mimic GD2 may induce more effective immune responses than GD2 antigen itself, because they are protein antigens and are known to be able to break immune tolerance. In this study, to explore the potential of anti-idiotypic antibodies as tumor vaccines, the ability of anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) to induce anti-anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab3) that bind to the original antigen GD2 was investigated. Methods: Six monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies (1A8, 1G5, 2B6, 3A4, 3D6, 3H9) to monoclonal antibody M2058, which is a monoclonal antibody to GD2, were produced in mice. Three (1A8, 3A4, 3H9) of them were selected based on their ability to inhibit the binding of Ab1 to D142.34 (murine melanoma cell expressing GD2). These 3 different Ab2 were injected into rabbits, and rabbit Ab3 induced by each of them were characterized. Results: Ab3-containing sera from two rabbits immunized with 1A8, 3A4, or 3H9 bound significantly (P<0.05) to D142.34 but not to B78.96 (GD2-negative cell), and bound significantly (P<0.05) to isolated GD2 but not to GD1a. Ab3-containing sera from two rabbits immunized with 3A4 or 3H9 inhibited significantly (P<0.05) the binding of Ab1 M2058 to D142.34, and inhibited significantly (P<0.05) the binding of Ab1 M2058 to the Ab2. Conclusion: These results suggest that anti-idiotypic antibodies 3A4 and 3H9 have a potential to be used as vaccines against tumors expressing GD2 by inducing GD2-specific antibodies (Ab3).

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제12권6호
• /
• pp.284-290
• /
• 2012

Innate immune cells sense and respond to the cytoplasmic infection of bacterial pathogens through NLRP3, NLRC4 or AIM2 inflammasome depending on the unique molecular pattern of invading pathogens. The infection of flagellin- or type III secretion system (T3SS)-containing Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) triggers NLRC4-dependent caspase-1 activation leading to the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1-beta (IL-$1{\beta}$) and IL-18. Previous studies have shown that apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) is also required for Salmonella-induced caspase-1 activation, but it is still unclear how ASC contributes to the activation of NLRC4 inflammasome in response to S. typhimurium infection. In this study, we demonstrate that S. typhimurium triggers the formation of ASC oligomer in a potassium depletion-independent manner as determined by in vitro crosslinking and in situ fluorescence imaging. Remarkably, inhibition of potassium efflux failed to block Salmonella-promoted caspase-1 activation and macrophage cell death. These results collectively suggest that ASC is substantially oligomerized to facilitate the activation of caspase-1 in response to S. typhimurium infection. Contrary to NLRP3 inflammasome, intracellular potassium depletion is not critical for NLRC4 inflammasome signaling by S. typhimurium.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제10권3호
• /
• pp.99-103
• /
• 2010

Background: Glycogen synthase kinase $3{\beta}$ ($GSK3{\beta}$) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase that is regulated by serine phosphorylation at 9. Recent studies have reported the beneficial effects of a number of the pharmacological $GSK3{\beta}$ inhibitors in rodent models of septic shock. Since most of the $GSK3{\beta}$ inhibitors are targeted at the ATP-binding site, which is highly conserved among diverse protein kinases, the development of novel non-ATP competitive $GSK3{\beta}$ inhibitors is needed. Methods: Based on the unique phosphorylation motif of $GSK3{\beta}$, we designed and generated a novel class of $GSK3{\beta}$ inhibitor (GSK3i) peptides. In addition, we investigated the effects of a GSK3i peptide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokine production and septic shock. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with GSK3i peptide and monitored over a 7-day period for survival. Results: We first demonstrate its effects on LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12p40. LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-12p40 production in macrophages was suppressed when macrophages were treated with the GSKi peptide. Administration of the GSK3i peptide potently suppressed LPS-mediated endotoxin shock. Conclusion: Collectively, we present a rational strategy for the development of a therapeutic GSK3i peptide. This peptide may serve as a novel template for the design of non-ATP competitive GSK3 inhibitors.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
• /
• 제23권2호
• /
• pp.71-84
• /
• 2010

Purpose: In the theory of traditional medicine, Glenditsia spina(GS) can resolve carbuncle, relive swelling, dispel wind and destroy parasites. This study was designed to investigate the effects of GS on gene expression of ovarian tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) rats. Methods: In this experiment, female rats injected with a single dose of 2 mg estradiol valerate(EV) and GS was given for 5 weeks. The genetic profile for the effects on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats was measured using microarray technique, and the functional analysis on these genes was conducted. Results: 985 genes were increased in control and restored to normal level in GS group. (B), 733 genes were decreased in control group and restored to normal level in GS group. (F). Metabolic pathways related in B group genes were Graft-versus-host disease, Allograft rejection, Autoimmune thyroid disease, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Small cell lung cancer, Type I diabetes mellitus. Metabolic pathways related in F group genes were Antigen processing and present, Adipocytokine signalling pathway, Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Pancreatic cancer, Notch signalling pathway, Tight junction. The network of total protein interactions was measured using cytoscape program, and some key molecules, such as c-Fos, c-Myc, ABL1 related in B group, MAPK8, RASA1, CALR related in F group that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future were identified. Conclusion: These results suggest possibility of GS as anti-cancer and anti-hyperplasia drug in PCOS. In addition, the present author also suggests that related mechanisms are involved in suppression of proto-oncogene such as c-Fos, c-Myc and ABL1, and in regulation of cell cycle such as RASA1.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제10권6호
• /
• pp.198-205
• /
• 2010

Background: A crucial limitation of DNA vaccines is its weak immunogenicity, especially in terms of eliciting antibody responses in non-human primates or humans; therefore, it is essential to enhance immune responses to vaccination for the development of successful DNA vaccines for humans. Methods: Here, we approached this issue by evaluating interleukin-7 (IL-7) as a genetic adjuvant in cynomolgus monkeys immunized with multigenic HCV DNA vaccine. Results: Codelivery of human IL-7 (hIL-7)-encoding DNA appeared to increase DNA vaccine-induced antibody responses specific for HCV E2 protein, which plays a critical role in protecting from HCV infection. HCV-specific T cell responses were also significantly enhanced by codelivery of hIL-7 DNA. Interestingly, the augmentation of T cell responses by codelivery of hIL-7 DNA was shown to be due to the enhancement of both the breadth and magnitude of immune responses against dominant and subdominant epitopes. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that the hIL-7-expressing plasmid serves as a promising vaccine adjuvant capable of eliciting enhanced vaccine-induced antibody and broad T cell responses.

• 디지털콘텐츠학회 논문지
• /
• 제11권1호
• /
• pp.99-104
• /
• 2010

화학물질은 생체에 들어오면 여러 가지 독성반응을 나타내는데, 독성반응에 따른 유전자 발현을 분석하기 위해 바이오 칩 등을 이용한 신기술이 확산되면서 바이오 디지털 콘텐츠가 다량으로 생성되고 있다. 이 콘텐츠는 그 자체로는 의미가 적고 컴퓨터를 이용한 분석과 보정과정을 거쳐 생물학적으로 의미 있는 값들을 선별하여야 한다. 이런 콘텐츠에는 유전자들의 발현 양상 측정을 목적으로 하는 유전체학(genomics), 유전자의 발현 양상을 측정하는 전사체학(transcriptomics), 단백질의 발현을 측정하는 단백체학(proteomics), 대사체의 발현을 측정하는 대사체학(metabolomics) 등이 있으며, 이를 통칭하여 오믹스(omics)라고 부른다. 오믹스 기술을 독성을 연구하는 분야에 접목한 것이 독성유전체학(toxicogenomics)이며, 이에 대한 콘텐츠를 분석함으로써 독성을 예측하고 독성기전을 규명할 수 있다. 독성분석에 있어서 초기 단계의 분석은 향후 만성독성의 예측에 있어서 중요한 부분을 차지하고 있다. 바이오 디지털 콘텐츠를 이용하여 독성을 예측함에 있어 기존의 방법보다 더 빠르고 정확하게 예측하기 위해서는 많은 정보에 대한 분석기술의 진보가 필요하다. 또, 바이오 디지털 콘텐츠를 이용한 독성예측에 있어서 전체세포보다는 생물학적 현상을 일으키는 특이세포에서 이런 정보를 얻는 것이 중요하다고 생각된다. 또, 향후 바이오 디지털 콘텐츠 분석은 전략적 실험설계에 의한 데이터가 분석되고 축적되어야 하고, 분석알고리즘을 통한 네트워크 분석이 이루어져야 하며, 통합적 데이터 구축을 통해 이루어져야 할 것으로 생각된다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제6권2호
• /
• pp.102-110
• /
• 2006

Background: Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells in the immune system and can induce T cell response against virus infections, microbial pathogens, and tumors. Therefore, immunization using DC loaded with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) is a powerful method of inducing anti-tumor immunity. For induction of effective anti-tumor immunity, antigens should be efficiently introduced into DC and presented on MHC class I molecules at high levels to activate antigen-specific $CD8^+$ T cells. We have been exploring methods for loading exogenous antigens into APC with high efficiency of Ag presentation. In this study, we tested the effect of the cationic liposome (Lipofectin) for transferring and loading exogenous model antigen (OVA protein) into BM-DC. Methods: Bone marrow-derived DC (EM-DC) were incubated with OVA-Lipofectin complexes and then co-cultured with B3Z cells. B3Z activation, which is expressed as the amount of ${\beta}$-galactosidase induced by TCR stimulation, was determined by an enzymatic assay using ${\beta}$-gal assay system. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with OVA-pulsed DC to monitor the in vivo vaccination effect. After vaccination, mice were inoculated with EG7-OVA tumor cells. Results: BM-DC pulsed with OVA-Lipofectin complexes showed more efficient presentation of OVA-peptide on MHC class I molecules than soluble OVA-pulsed DC. OVA-Lipofectin complexes-pulsed DC pretreated with an inhibitor of MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation, brefeldin A, showed reduced ability in presenting OVA peptide on their surface MHC class I molecules. Finally, immunization of OVA-Lipofectin complexes-pulsed DC protected mice against subsequent tumor challenge. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence that antigen-loading into DC using Lipofectin can promote MHC class I- restricted antigen presentation. Therefore, antigen-loading into DC using Lipofectin can be one of several useful tools for achieving efficient induction of antigen-specific immunity in DC-based immunotherapy.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제2권1호
• /
• pp.19-24
• /
• 2002

Background: Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a traditional oriental medicine, has been reported to have anti-tumor properties, but its exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated several of the molecular events that occur in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells and human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Methods: For this purpose, we evaluated the growth-inhibitory effect of SM in association with the expressions of p53, p21, cyclin D1, and pRb, which are known to be involved in cell cycle arrest. The extent of thymidine incorporation was also examined to assess G1/S phase cell cycle arrest in both cells by $^3H$-thymidine incorporation. Results: Our results show that SM inhibits the growth and the proliferation of MCF-7 and A549 cells. Furthermore, we also observed increased expression of p21 via a p53-dependent pathway in both cell lines after treating with SM. In addition, treatment with SM for 24 hours caused the suppression of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb) expression and the dephosphorylation of pRb. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the growth inhibitory and the anti-proliferation effects of SM on MCF-7 cells and A549 cells are mediated via the decreased expression and dephosphorylation of pRB by p21 up-regulation in a p53-dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report upon the molecular mechanisms involved in SM-induced tumor cell growth inhibition.