• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.433-445
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• 2012

During the course of evolution, animals encountered the harmful effects of fungi, which are strong pathogens. Therefore, they have developed powerful mechanisms to protect themselves against these fungal invaders. ${\beta}$-Glucans are glucose polymers of a linear ${\beta}$(1,3)-glucan backbone with ${\beta}$(1,6)-linked side chains. The immunostimulatory and antitumor activities of ${\beta}$-glucans have been reported; however, their mechanisms have only begun to be elucidated. Fungal and particulate ${\beta}$-glucans, despite their large size, can be taken up by the M cells of Peyer's patches, and interact with macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) and activate systemic immune responses to overcome the fungal infection. The sampled ${\beta}$-glucans function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells. Dectin-1 receptor systems have been incorporated as the PRRs of ${\beta}$-glucans in the innate immune cells of higher animal systems, which function on the front line against fungal infection, and have been exploited in cancer treatments to enhance systemic immune function. Dectin-1 on macrophages and DCs performs dual functions: internalization of ${\beta}$-glucan-containing particles and transmittance of its signals into the nucleus. This review will depict in detail how the physicochemical nature of ${\beta}$-glucan contributes to its immunostimulating effect in hosts and the potential uses of ${\beta}$-glucan by elucidating the dectin-1 signal transduction pathway. The elucidation of ${\beta}$-glucan and its signaling pathway will undoubtedly open a new research area on its potential therapeutic applications, including as immunostimulants for antifungal and anti-cancer regimens.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.251-255
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• 2009

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. Today, around 60% of all cases of sepsis are caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The cell wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main initiator of the cascade of cellular reactions in Gram-negative infections. The core receptors for LPS are toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MD-2 and CD14. Attempts have been made to antagonize the toxic effect of endotoxin using monoclonal antibodies against CD14 and synthetic lipopolysaccharides but there is as yet no effective treatment for septic syndrome. Here, we describe an inhibitory effect of a phosphatidylethanolamine derivative, PE-DTPA (phosphatidylethanolamine diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) on LPS recognition. PE-DTPA bound strongly to CD14 ($K_d$, $9.52{\times}10^{-8}M$). It dose dependently inhibited LPS-mediated activation of human myeloid cells, mouse macrophage cells and human whole blood as measured by the production of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and nitric oxide, whereas other phospho-lipids including phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine had little effect. PE-DTPA also inhibited transcription dependent on $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation when it was added together with LPS, and it rescued LPS-primed mice from septic death. These results suggest that PE-DTPA is a potent antagonist of LPS, and that it acts by competing for binding to CD14.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.291-299
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenosides of Korean Red Ginseng extracts (RGE) and its saponin components suppress secretion of inflammasome-mediating cytokines, whereas the nonsaponin fraction (NS) of RGE oppositely stimulates cytokine secretion. Although direct exposure of NS to macrophages in mice induces cytokine production, oral administration of NS has not been studied in inflammasome-related disease in animal models. Methods: Mice were fed RGE or NS for 7 days and then developed peritonitis. Peritoneal cytokines were measured, and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) were collected to assay expression levels of a set of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines in response to NS ingestion. In addition, the role of intestinal bacteria in NS-fed mice was assessed. The effect of preexposure to NS in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) on cytokine production was further confirmed. Results: NS ingestion attenuated secretion of peritoneal cytokines resulting from peritonitis. In addition, the isolated PECs from NS-fed mice presented lower TLR transcription levels than PECs from control diet-fed mice. BMDMs treated with NS showed downregulation of TLR4 mRNA and protein expression, which was mediated by the $TLR4-MyD88-NF{\kappa}B$ signal pathway. BMDMs pretreated with NS produced less cytokines in response to TLR4 ligands. Conclusion: NS administration directly inhibits TLR4 expression in inflammatory cells such as macrophages, thereby reducing secretion of cytokines during peritonitis.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.251-264
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• 2021

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) are the main viral contributors to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) with high mortality and morbidity. BRD control measures include vaccination that modulates immunological profiles reflected in blood cells, serum, and body secretions, such as milk. This study evaluated the immune responses to an inactivated BRD vaccine in lactating cows reared in a natural environment on a dairy farm. The cows were intramuscularly inoculated with the vaccine, and serum, blood, and milk were collected pre-and post-vaccination. Our study revealed a prominent increase in BRSV-specific antibodies both in serum and milk, while the change in BVDV-specific antibodies was insignificant. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels significantly decreased, but this change was not reflected in milk. Evaluation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) via RT-qPCR revealed downregulation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2). The concentrations of BRSV antibodies, BVDV antibodies, IL-2, and IL-17A in serum and milk were strongly correlated, implying a concurrent influence on both body fluids. Thus, immunological factors modulated as a result of vaccination generally measured in serum were reflected in milk, demonstrating the suitability of milk evaluation as an alternative approach for immunological observations. Furthermore, the correlation between BRSV antibodies and NOD2 and that between BVDV antibodies and toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR5 imply the possible role of PRRs for the assessment of the immune response developed in immunized cows reared on the farm.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.190-199
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• 2021

Despite evidence that bacteria-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are activated in salivary gland tissues of Sjogren syndrome (SS) patients, the role of oral bacteria in SS etiopathogenesis is unclear. We previously reported that two SS-associated oral bacteria, Prevotella melaninogenica (Pm) and Rothia mucilagenosa (Rm), oppositely regulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) in human salivary gland (HSG) cells. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying the differential regulation of MHC I expression by these bacteria. The ability of Pm and Rm to activate TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 was examined using TLR reporter cells. HSG cells were stimulated by the TLR ligands, Pm, and Rm. The levels of MHC I expression, bacterial invasion, and viability of HSG cells were examined by flow cytometry. The hypoxic status of HSG cells was examined using Hypoxia Green. HSG cells upregulated MHC I expression in response to TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 activation. Both Pm and Rm activated TLR2 and TLR9 but not TLR4. Rm-induced downregulation of MHC I strongly correlated with bacterial invasion and cell death. Rm-induced cell death was not rescued by inhibitors of the diverse cell death pathways but was associated with hypoxia. In conclusion, Pm upregulated MHC I likely through TLR2 and TLR9 activation, while Rm-induced hypoxia-associated cell death and the downregulation of MHC I, despite its ability to activate TLR2 and TLR9. These findings may provide new insight into how oral dysbiosis can contribute to salivary gland tissue damage in SS.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.50.1-50.16
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• 2020

Background: Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a single-stranded DNA virus that causes porcine reproductive failure. It is of critical importance to study PPV pathogenesis for the prevention and control of the disease. NS1, a PPV non-structural protein, is participated in viral DNA replication, transcriptional regulation, and cytotoxicity. Our previous research showed that PPV can activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and then up-regulate the expression of interleukin (IL)-6. Objectives: Herein, the purpose of this study is to determine whether the non-structural protein NS1 of PPV also has the same function. Methods: Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, immunofluorescence assay and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used. Results: Our findings demonstrated that PPV NS1 protein can up-regulate the expression levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PPV NS1 protein was found to induce the phosphorylation of IκBα, then leading to the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In addition, the NS1 protein activated the upstream pathways of NF-κB. Meanwhile, TLR2-siRNA assay showed TLR2 plays an important role in the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway induced by PPV-NS1. Conclusions: These findings indicated that PPV NS1 protein induced the up-regulated of IL-6 expression through activating the TLR2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, these findings provide a new avenue to study the innate immune mechanism of PPV infection.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.162-169
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• 2024

Particulate matter (PM) constitutes a hazardous blend of organic and inorganic particles that poses health risks. Inhalation of fine airborne PM with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 ㎛ (PM_2.5) can lead to significant lung impairments. (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound sourced from Bergenia ligulata, boasts a range of attributes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardiovascular effects. However, knowledge about the therapeutic potential of AZC for patients with PM_2.5-induced lung injuries remains limited. Thus, in this study, we investigated the protective attributes of AZC against lung damage caused by PM_2.5 exposure. AZC was administered to the mice 30 min after intratracheal instillation of PM_2.5. Various parameters, such as changes in lung tissue wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio, total protein/total cell ratio, lymphocyte counts, levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), vascular permeability, and histology, were evaluated in mice exposed to PM_2.5. Data demonstrated that AZC mitigated lung damage, reduced W/D weight ratio, and curbed hyperpermeability induced by PM_2.5 exposure. Furthermore, AZC effectively lowered plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines produced by PM_2.5 exposure. It reduced the total protein concentration in BALF and successfully alleviated PM_2.5-induced lymphocytosis. Additionally, AZC substantially diminished the expression levels of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), MyD88, and autophagy-related proteins LC3 II and Beclin 1. In contrast, it elevated the protein phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Consequently, the anti-inflammatory attribute of AZC positions it as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating PM_2.5-induced lung injuries by modulating the TLR4-MyD88 and mTOR-autophagy pathways.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.482-499
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• 2017

Allergy 질환은 지난 십여년 동안 개발도상국을 포함해서 전 세계적으로 증가하고 있다. Allergy 염증 반응은 수지상 세포와 같은 항원제시 세포에 의한 allergy 항원섭취를 시작으로 하여 Th2 면역 반응에 의해서 일어난다. 장내 미생물은 신체의 대사나 생리적 기능을 조절하고, 생애 초기의 면역 체계 성숙과 일생 동안 면역 체계 항상성 및 상피세포 총체성에 기여한다. Bifidobacteria는 Th1/Th2 balance에 strain-specific 한 면역 자극 특성을 가지며, TSLP와 IgE 발현을 억제 시키고 Flg과 FoxP3 발현을 촉진 시켜 allergy를 완화시킨다. 또한 Unmethylated CpG motif ODN은 B 세포와 수지상 세포의 TLR9에 의해 인식 되어 선천성과 적응성 면역 반응을 유도하고, Clostridium butyricum에 의해서 생산된 butyrate는 수지상 세포의 anti-inflammatory 유전자의 발현을 유도하기 위해 GPR109a signaling pathway를 활성화시키고, GPR43 활성화를 통하여 tTreg 세포 proliferation을 직접 자극하거나 HADC 활성을 억제시켜 Foxp3 gene intronic enhancer의 histone H3 acetylation을 통해 naive $CD4^+$ T 세포를 pTreg 세포로 분화시킨다.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제61권5호
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• pp.245-253
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• 2019

Pathogen-associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) are highly conserved structural motifs that are recognized by Pathogen Recognition receptors (PRRs) to initiate immune responses. Infection by these pathogens and the immune response to PAMPS such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Peptidoglycan (PGN), bacterial oligodeoxynucleotides [CpG oligodeoxynucleotides 2006 (CpG ODN2006) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides 2216 (CpG ODN2216)], and viral RNA Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid (Poly I:C), are associated with infectious and metabolic diseases in animals impacting health and production. It is established that PAMPs mediate the production of cytokines by binding to PRRs such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) on immune cells. Galectins (Gal) are carbohydrate-binding proteins that when expressed play essential roles in the resolution of infectious and metabolic diseases. Thus it is important to determine if the expression of galectin gene (LGALS) and Gal secretion in blood are affected by exposure to LPS and PGN, PolyI:C and bacterial CpG ODNs. LPS increased transcription of LGALS4 and 12 (2.5 and 2.02 folds respectively) and decreased secretion of Gal 4 (p < 0.05). PGN increased transcription of LGALS-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, and -12 (3.0, 2.3, 2.0, 4.1, 3.3, and 2.4 folds respectively) and secretion of Gal-8 and Gal-9 (p < 0.05). Poly I:C tended to increase the transcription of LGALS1, LGALS4, and LGALS8 (1.78, 1.88, and 1.73 folds respectively). Secretion of Gal-1, -3, -8 and nine were significantly increased in treated samples compared to control (p < 0.05). CpG ODN2006 did not cause any significant fold changes in LGALS transcription (FC < 2) but increased secretion of Gal-1, and-3 (p < 0.05) in plasma compared to control. Gal-4 was however reduced in plasma (p < 0.05). CpG ODN2216 increased transcription of LGALS1 and LGALS3 (3.8 and 1.6 folds respectively), but reduced LGALS2, LGALS4, LGALS7, and LGALS12 (-1.9, -2.0, -2.0 and; -2.7 folds respectively). Secretion of Gal-2 and -3 in plasma was increased compared to control (p < 0.05). Gal-4 secretion was reduced in plasma (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that PAMPs differentially modulate galectin transcription and translation of galectins in cow blood.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.664-670
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• 2014

비브리오균(Vibrio vulnificus)은 심각하고 치명적인 감염을 일으킬 수 있는 호염성의 식중독균이지만, 숙주세포 내에서 염증반응을 일으키는 분자적 기작은 아직 잘 알려지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는 오염된 식품 섭취를 통해 유입되는 비브리오균의 소장 특이적 염증 반응 위치와 기작을 알아보기 위해, 7주령의 수컷 마우스에 비브리오균($1{\times}10^9CFU$)을 16시간 동안 경구 투여하였다. 그 결과 비브리오균은 주로 회장(ileum) 부위에서 비브리오균(WT) 수가 가장 많이 증가하였고, 공장(Jejunum), 근위부대장(proximal colon), 원위부 대장(distal colon)에도 유의적으로 군집현성이 이루어짐을 알 수 있었지만, 십이지장(duodenum)과 비장(spleen), 그리고 간(liver) 조직들에서는 관찰되지 않았다. 특히 비브리오균의 표적기관인 회장상피조직에서는 비브리오균(WT)이 침입 시 융모 안으로 다량의 염증세포들이 유입되었고, 융포의 폭이 넓어지고 길이가 짧아지는 전형적인 조직학적 염증 반응을 보여주었다. 비브리오균이 유도한 조직 특이적 염증반응기작을 알아보기 위해, 비브리오에 감염된 회장상피조직으로부터 단백질과 mRNA를 분리하였다. 비브리오균은 숙주세포의 중추적 신호전달 단백질인 protein kinase C (PKC)의 인산화 및 $PKC{\alpha}$의 세포막이동을 촉진시켰고, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 중 extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)와 c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)의 인산화를 유도하였지만, p38 MAPK 인산화에는 영향을 미치지 않았다. 특히 비브리오균은 inhibitory factor-kappa B (I-${\kappa}B$)의 활성을 촉진시킴으로써 nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$)의 인산화를 유도하였다. 마지막으로 비브리오균(WT)에 감염된 회장의 경우, 정상마우스에 비해 염증성 cytokine인 interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$의 mRNA 수준이 유의적으로 증가되었다. 염증매개 수용체인 toll like receptor (TLR)-4, TLR-5, TLR-9의 mRNA의 발현 또한 비브리오균 처리에 의해 증가되어 있음이 관찰되었다. 종합적으로 오염된 식품 섭취를 통해 유입되는 비브리오균은 회장상피세포를 표적으로 염증반응을 일으키며, 그 기작은 PKC, ERK1/2, 그리고 JNK의 인산화를 통한 NF-${\kappa}B$ 활성의 촉진이며, 이로 인한 다양한 염증 매개 단백질 발현의 증가를 통해 이루어진다고 할 수 있다.