• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.38.1-38.12
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• 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that initiate both T-cell responses and tolerance. Tolerogenic DCs (tDCs) are regulatory DCs that suppress immune responses through the induction of T-cell anergy and Tregs. Because lactoferrin (LF) was demonstrated to induce functional Tregs and has a protective effect against inflammatory bowel disease, we explored the tolerogenic effects of LF on mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). The expression of CD80/86 and MHC class II was diminished in LF-treated BMDCs (LF-BMDCs). LF facilitated BMDCs to suppress proliferation and elevate Foxp3⁺ induced Treg (iTreg) differentiation in ovalbumin-specific CD4⁺ T-cell culture. Foxp3 expression was further increased by blockade of the B7 molecule using CTLA4-Ig but was diminished by additional CD28 stimulation using anti-CD28 Ab. On the other hand, the levels of arginase-1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (known as key T-cell suppressive molecules) were increased in LF-BMDCs. Consistently, the suppressive activity of LF-BMDCs was partially restored by inhibitors of these molecules. Collectively, these results suggest that LF effectively causes DCs to be tolerogenic by both the suppression of T-cell proliferation and enhancement of iTreg differentiation. This tolerogenic effect of LF is due to the reduction of costimulatory molecules and enhancement of suppressive molecules.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제44권5호
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• pp.342-355
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• 2021

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor family (MiT family) proteins are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that perform many essential biological functions. In mammals, the MiT family consists of MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor or melanocyte-inducing transcription factor), TFEB (transcription factor EB), TFE3 (transcription factor E3), and TFEC (transcription factor EC). These transcriptional factors belong to the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor family and bind the E-box DNA motifs in the promoter regions of target genes to enhance transcription. The best studied functions of MiT proteins include lysosome biogenesis and autophagy induction. In addition, they modulate cellular metabolism, mitochondria dynamics, and various stress responses. The control of nuclear localization via phosphorylation and dephosphorylation serves as the primary regulatory mechanism for MiT family proteins, and several kinases and phosphatases have been identified to directly determine the transcriptional activities of MiT proteins. In different immune cell types, each MiT family member is shown to play distinct or redundant roles and we expect that there is far more to learn about their functions and regulatory mechanisms in host defense and inflammatory responses.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.18-27
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• 2016

Background: It is not clear whether ginseng affects cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced desirable immunosuppressive action. In this study, we evaluated the immunological influence of combined treatment of ginseng with CsA. Methods: Using CD4+ T cells from mouse spleens stimulated with the T cell receptor (TCR) or allogeneic antigen-presenting cells (APCs), we examined the differentiation of naïve T cells into T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and their cytokine production during treatment by Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) and/or CsA. The influence of KRGE on the allogeneic T cell response was evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). We also evaluated whether signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 are implicated in this regulation. Results: Under TCR stimulation, KRGE treatment did not affect the population of CD4+interferon gamma ($IFN{\gamma}$)+ and CD4+interleukin (IL)-4+ cells and their cytokine production compared with CsA alone. Under the Th17-polarizing condition, KRGE significantly reduced the number of CD4+IL-17+ cells and CD4+/phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3)+ cells, but increased the number of CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+ cells and CD4+/p-STAT5+ cells compared with CsA alone. In allogeneic APCs-stimulated CD4+ T cells, KRGE significantly decreased total allogeneic T cell proliferation. Consistent with the effects of TCR stimulation, KRGE reduced the number of CD4+IL-17+ cells and increased the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells under the Th17-polarizing condition. Conclusion: KRGE has immunological benefits through the reciprocal regulation of Th17 and Treg cells during CsA-induced immunosuppression.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.172-180
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• 2015

It is well reported that tumor cells can regulate host immune systems. To identify the detailed changes of immune cells between tumor bearing mice and normal mice, we evaluated the systemic immune cell phenotype of B16F10 tumor bearing mice in a time dependent manner. The lymphocytic population (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) of tumor bearing mice significantly decreased compared to that of normal mice. We found that the Foxp3+CD25+ CD4 T cell decreased, but the Foxp3+$CD25^{high}$ CD4 T cell significantly increased. All subpopulations of CD8 T cells decreased, except the CD62L-CD44+ CD8 T cell subpopulation. The myeloid cell population (CD11b+ and Gr-1+ cells) of tumor bearing mice significantly increased. Specifically, Foxp3+$CD25^{high}$ CD4 T cell and CD11b+Gr-1+ cells significantly increased in early phase of tumor progression. These results are helpful to understand the change of the systemic immune cell subpopulation of tumor bearing mice in a time-dependent manner.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제50권3호
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• pp.304-312
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 면역 억제 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있는 조절 T 세포 (regulatory T cell, Treg)의 새로운 생리학적 기능 대하여 확인해보고자 하였다. 시험관내나 동물실험에서 조절 T 세포가 분비하는 transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$)에 의하여 이식 직전까지 췌장섬세포의 생존률을 향상시키면서 동시에 혈당조절 기능이 향상될 수 있을 것이라는 가설이다. 이를 증명하기 위하여 마우스를 이용한 1형 당뇨병 모델을 제작한 뒤, 180 IEQ (islet equivalents)의 췌장섬세포를 동종간 이식하였다. 췌장섬세포는 이식 수술 시행 전까지 48시간 동안 $4{\times}10^6$의 Treg 세포와 함께 배양하여 Treg 유래 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 충분히 노출시킨 뒤 사용하였다. Treg 단독군, 췌장섬세포 단독군 및 Treg/islet 동시 배양군에서 각각 $TGF-{\beta}1$, IL-6 및 인슐린 분비 수준의 변화를 측정하였다. Treg/islet 동시 배양군에서 IL-6와 인슐린 분비는 증가하였고 (P<0.0005, P<0.005), 췌장섬세포 단독군과 비교하여 생존율이 향상되었다(P<0.005). 또한, 이식 후, 동시 배양된 췌장섬세포는 1형 당뇨병 마우스 모델에서 혈당 수치를 보다 효율적으로 조절하였다. 이러한 결과는 Treg 세포가 $TGF-{\beta}1$ 분비를 통하여 췌장섬세포의 기능과 생존력을 향상시킬 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Gut and Liver
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.664-673
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Regulatory dendritic cells (rDCs), which can be induced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), play an important role in inducing and maintaining homeostasis of regulatory T cells and exhibit anti-inflammatory functions. In this study, we investigated whether MSCs could differentiate DCs into rDCs and compared the therapeutic effects of rDCs and MSCs on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced chronic colitis mice. Methods: Immature DCs (imDCs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mature DCs (mDCs) were co-cultured with MSCs for 48 hours, and then the profiles of surface markers and cytokines and regulatory roles of these DCs for primary splenocytes were analyzed. In addition, the therapeutic effects of MSCs and DCs co-cultured with MSCs were compared in chronic colitis mice. Results: After co-culture of imDCs (MSC-DCs) or LPS-treated mDCs (LPS+MSC-DCs) with MSCs, the expression of CD11c, CD80, CD86, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), was decreased, but that of CD11b, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) was increased. Furthermore, MSC-DCs and LPS+MSC-DCs induced the expression of CD4, CD25, and Foxp3 in primary splenocytes isolated from mice. In DSS-induced colitis mice, MSCs and MSC-DCs increased colon length, body weight, and survival rate and induced histological improvement. Moreover, in the colon tissues, the expression of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ decreased, but that of IL-10, TGF-${\beta}$, and Foxp3 increased in the MSC- and MSC-DC-injected groups. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MSCs differentiate DCs into rDCs, which ameliorate chronic colitis. Thus, rDCs stimulated by MSCs may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.46-52
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• 2008

Background: Oral tolerance is defined by the inhibition of immune responsiveness to a protein previously exposed via the oral route. Protein antigens exposed via the oral route can be absorbed through the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract and can make physical contact with immune cells residing in the intestinal lamina propria (LP). However, the mechanisms of oral tolerance and immune regulation in the intestines currently remain to be clearly elucidated. Methods: In order to determine the effect of oral protein antigen intake (ovalbumin, OVA) on the intestinal LP, we assessed the expression profile of the T cell receptor and the co-receptors on the cells from the intestines of the tolerant and immune mouse groups. Results: We determined that the proportion of OVA-specific B cells and ${\gamma}{\delta}$ T cells had decreased, but the CD8${\alpha}{\beta}$ and D8${\alpha}{\alpha}$ T cells were increased in the LP from the tolerant group. The proportion of CD8＋ T cells in the spleen did not evidence any significant differences between treatment groups. Conclusion: These results indicate that CD8＋ T cells in the intestinal LP may perform a regulatory role following antigen challenge via the oral route.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.124-132
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• 2007

Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been investigated intensively for some decades. These cells regulate the immune system, prevent overactivated immune responses and can be used therapeutically. For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), understanding the functions and status of Tregs is an important step for understanding immune regulation in this autoimmune disease. Methods: We investigated the percentages, phenotypes and suppressive functions of $CD4^+CD25^+$ Tregs in peripheral blood (PB) of patients with RA. Results: The percentages were higher in the patients (n=12) than in healthy controls (n=10), and the cells expressed the $CD45RB^{low}$, CTLA-4 and CCR7 phenotypes. We also investigated the expression of Foxp3 and secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 induced $CD4^+CD25^+$ Tcells by anti-CD3 antibody treatment. A suppressive function of the patients' cells was shown through coculture with $CD4^+CD25^-$ T cells in vitro. Conclusion: We suggest that, despite their increased numbers and suppressive function, they manage the ongoing inflammation ineffectively. It might be possible to apply IL-10 to induce the proliferation of IL-10-producing Tregs as therapy for RA.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.136-145
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• 2024

People with obesity maintain low levels of inflammation; therefore, their exposure to foreign antigens can trigger an excessive immune response. In people with obesity or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), symptoms are exacerbated by a reduction in the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10/TGF-β-modified macrophages (M2 macrophages) at the inflammatory site. Benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) have been demonstrated for many diseases; however, the immune responses regulated by macrophages and CD4⁺T cells in obese ACD animal models are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether IF suppresses inflammatory responses and upregulates the generation of Tregs and M2 macrophages in experimental ACD animal models of obese mice. The IF regimen relieved various ACD symptoms in inflamed and adipose tissues. We showed that the IF regimen upregulates Treg generation in a TGF-β-dependent manner and induces CD4⁺T cell hypo-responsiveness. IF-M2 macrophages, which strongly express TGF-β and inhibit CD4⁺T cell proliferation, directly regulated Treg differentiation from CD4⁺T cells. These results indicate that the IF regimen enhances the TGF-β-producing ability of M2 macrophages and that the development of Tregs keeps mice healthy against ACD exacerbated by obesity. Therefore, the IF regimen may ameliorate inflammatory immune disorders caused by obesity.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2006

The methanolic (MeOH) extract of A. fruticosa bark, which showed immune-regulatory activities, was separated to purify an active compared by means of a multi-stage column chromatography. This resulted in the isolation and characterization of an isoflavone glycoside named 4', $6-Dimethoxyisoflavone-7-O-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$. Immuno-regulatory activities of the crude extract of Amorpha fruticosa LINNE bark were compared with that of an isoflavone glycoside (4', $6-dimethoxyisoflavone-7-O-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$). The crude methanolic extract of A. fruticosa and purified single compound showed 16% of relatively low cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration of 1.0 g/L in cultivated normal human lung cell line (HEL299). Cell growth of human T cells was increased up to 15%, 0.5 g/L of the crude extract added group. This was higher than a single compound added one. On the other hand, specific production rates of IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from T cell were higher in the purified compound treat group ($0.82{\times}10^{-4}\;pg/cell$ and $1.08{\times}10^{-4}\;pg/cell$, respectively), compared to 0.5 g/L of the crude extract added group ($0.65{\times}10^{-4}\;pg/cell$ and $0.84{\times}10^{-4}\;pg/cell$, respectively). In addition, the growth of NK-92MI cells incubated with the crude extract was higher up to 56% over the cells grown with a single compound (0.5 g/L). In overall, the crude extract showed relatively higher immuno-regulatory activities compared with a single compound, probably due to the synergic effect given by other substances existed in the crude extract. Even though the siolated compound stimulated higher secretion of cytokines from human T cells.