• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제55권4호
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• pp.375-384
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• 2017

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogen that triggers severe immune responses in hosts. T. vaginalis ${\alpha}$-actinin 2, $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2, has been used to diagnose trichomoniasis. This study was undertaken to examine the role of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 as an antigenic molecule to induce immune responses from humans. Western blot analysis using anti-$Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 antibodies indicated its presence in the secreted proteins of T. vaginalis. ELISA was employed to measure cytokine production by vaginal epithelial cells, prostate cells, mouse dendritic cells (DCs), or T cells stimulated with T. vaginalis or $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 protein. Both T. vaginalis and $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 induced cytokine production from epithelial cell lines, including IL-10. Moreover, $CD4^+CD25^-$ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) incubated with $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2-treated DCs produced high levels of IL-10. These data indicate that $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 modulates immune responses via IL-10 production by Treg cells.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제55권1호
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• pp.99-103
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• 2017

Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic agent especially in immunocompromised hosts and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, detection and monitoring of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies are of a great interest in HIV-infected patients. A study on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and associated risk factors was carried out among HIV-infected patients in Jahrom, southern Iran. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 21.1% in HIV-infected patients by ELISA. PCR was performed on all of the samples, and 1 of the blood samples was positively detected. Among the HIV patients, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were significantly higher in age group of 30-39 years old (P=0.05). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients with $CD4^+$ < $100cells/{\mu}l$ was 33.3% that was significantly higher than the other groups (P=0.042) with or without IgG antibodies. The $CD4^+$ count mean of seropositive patients was lower than that of seronegative patients. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy was significantly less than patients without therapy (P=0.02). In conclusion, this study showed low seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among HIV-infected patients in the region and confirmed the need for intensifying prevention efforts among this high-risk population and also the risk of toxoplasmosis reactivation which could be important among this population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.611-616
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• 2014

Objectives: Dendritic cell (DC)-based tumor immunotherapy needs an immunogenic tumor associated antigen (TAA) and an effective approach for its presentation to lymphocytes. In this study we explored whether transduction of DCs with lentiviruses (LVs) expressing the human interleukin-12 gene could stimulate antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) against human lung cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Peripheral blood monocyte-derived DCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding human IL-12 gene (LV-12). The anticipated target of the human IL-12 gene was detected by RT-PCR. The concentration of IL-12 in the culture supernatant of DCs was measured by ELISA.Transduction efficiencies and CD83 phenotypes of DCs were assessed by flow cytometry. DCs were pulsed with tumor antigen of lung cancer cells (DC+Ag) and transduced with LV-12 (DC-LV-12+Ag). Stimulation of T lymphocyte proliferation by DCs and activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) stimulated by LV-12 transduced DCs pulsed with tumor antigen against A549 lung cancer cells were assessed with methyl thiazolyltetrazolium (MTT). Results: A recombinant lentivirus expressing the IL-12 gene was successfully constructed. DC transduced with LV-12 produced higher levels of IL-12 and expressed higher levels of CD83 than non-transduced. The DC modified by interleukin -12 gene and pulsed with tumor antigen demonstrated good stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation, induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and antitumor effects. Conclusions: Dendritic cells transduced with a lentivirus-mediated interleukin-12 gene have an enhanced ability to kill lung cancer cells through promoting T lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxicity.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.33-43
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• 2003

Objective : This study was carried out for the purpose of proving the effect of anti-allergic efficacy on B cells and the mast cells of the BALB/C mouse by the abstraction from a Moutan cortex. Methods & Results : In order to know what the effect of an abstraction from Moutan cortex and about the expression of CD23 and IgE, IC-2 cell (mouse mast precursor cells that was dependent on IL-3), it was necessary to be activated. We then analyzed it from the flow of cytometry on the increase and the divorce of the B cells activated by anti-CD40. In order to know what the effect of it was on the organization of cytokine gene expression from the increase and divorce of the B cells and allergic acting by Moutan cortex, we found it necessary to examine the IC-2 cells and B cells. At the same time, as we examined the histamine release of IC-2 cells by ELISA method, we also examined the effect of Moutan cortex on the increase and divorce of the B cells by 3H-thymidine uptake method. We then analyzed the release of IL-4, IgE and histamine. Conclusions : As a results, Moutan Cortex promoted blood supply by extending the blood vessel of nasal mucous, which was contracted by the hypertrophied nasal mucous.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.459-465
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• 2011

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) protein induces transcriptions of cytokine genes including IL-2 for T-cell activation. Normally activation of NFAT is important to induce immune responses but excessive NFAT activation provokes immunopathological reactions such as autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and inflammation. Thus, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases drugs repressing the activation of NFAT have been searched. In this study, immnunosuppressive effects of Rosa chinensis Jacq. extracts identified as a potent NFAT inhibitor from a natural product library were examined. NFAT reporter assay, MTS assay, real time PCR, IL-2 ELISA, MLR, and FACS (Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting) were used to measure inhibitory immunocyte activities of Rosa chinensis Jacq. The variety of natural products have been screened and some were found to show inhibitory activities against the NFAT transcription factor. Among them, extract of Rosa chinensis Jacq. showed an strong inhibitory effect on the activation of NFAT without affecting cell viability. Levels of IL-2 transcripts as well as IL-2 protein were decreased with treatment of Rosa chinensis Jacq. extract. In addition, immunosuppressive activity of Rosa chinensis Jacq. extract was exhibited in the mixed leukocytes reaction. The increasement of CD4+CD25+ (Treg) immunocyte was also detected in the analysis using FACS after applying Rosa chinensis Jacq. extract. Immunosuppressive effects of the Rosa chinensis Jacq. extracts were clearly demonstrated in the present study. In addition, Rosa chinensis Jacq. extract also positively affected regulatory T cell induction. Further investigations in particular on purification of single substance responsible for the immunosuppressive effects from the extract and analysis on possible actions of the extract in interfering cell signaling and cytokine production will be needed.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권12호
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• pp.869-883
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• 2019

Interleukin (IL)-15 is an essential immune-modulator with high potential for use in cancer treatment. Natural IL-15 has a low biological potency because of its short half-life and difficulties in mass-production. IL-15Rα, a member of the IL-15 receptor complex, is famous for its high affinity to IL-15 and its ability to lengthen the half-life of IL-15. We have double-transfected IL-15 and its truncated receptor IL-15Rα into CT26 colon cancer cells to target them for intracellular assembly. The secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα complexes were confirmed in ELISA and Co-IP experiments. IL-15:IL-15Rα secreting clones showed a higher anti-tumor effect than IL-15 secreting clones. Furthermore, we also evaluated the vaccine and therapeutic efficacy of the whole cancer-cell vaccine using mitomycin C (MMC)-treated IL-15:IL-15Rα secreting CT26 clones. Three sets of experiments were evaluated; (1) therapeutics, (2) vaccination, and (3) long-term protection. Wild-type CT26-bearing mice treated with a single dose of MMC-inactivated secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα clones prolonged survival compared to the control group. Survival of MMC-inactivated IL-15:IL-15Rα clone-vaccinated mice (without any further adjuvant) exceeded up to 100%. This protection effect even lasted for at least three months after the immunization. Secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα clones challenging trigger anti-tumor response via CD4⁺ T, CD8⁺ T, and natural killer (NK) cell-dependent cytotoxicity. Our result suggested that cell-based vaccine secreting IL-15:IL-15Rα, may offer the new tools for immunotherapy to treat cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.375-381
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• 2023

Numerous studies have revealed the importance of tumor-derived exosomes in rectal cancer (RC). This study aims to explore the influence of tumor-derived exosomal integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) on lung fibroblasts in RC along with underlying mechanisms. Exosome morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Protein levels of CD63, CD9, ITGB1, p-p65 and p65 were detected using Western blot. To determine ITGB1's mRNA expression, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used. Moreover, levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cell culture supernatant were measured via commercial ELISA kits. ITGB1 expression was increased in exosomes from RC cells. The ratio of p-p65/p65 as well as levels of interleukins in lung fibroblasts was raised by exosomes derived from RC cells, while was reduced after down-regulation of exosomal ITGB1. The increased ratio of p-p65/p65 as well as levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by exosomes from RC cells was reversed by the addition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor. We concluded that the knockdown of RC cells-derived exosomal ITGB1 repressed activation of lung fibroblasts and the NF-κB pathway in vitro.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.215-228
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• 1999

배 경: 유육종증은 원인 모르게 비건락성 상피성 육아종이 전신에 발생하는 질환으로서 그 경과가 매우 다양하여 많은 환자들은 자연적으로 치유되기도 하나 일부 환자들은 계속 진행하여 호흡부전으로 사망하기도 하며 이러한 다른 결과가 초래되는 기전이나, 그 결과를 예측하는 지표는 아직 알려진 것이 없다. 유육종증은 병변내에서는 CD4+ T 임파구가 수적으로 증가할 뿐 아니라 그 작용이 과다하게 증가하며 이러한 병변내에서의 CD4+ T 임파구의 과다한 작용은 정확한 원인은 아직도 모르지만 이들이 oligoclonality를 가진 것으로 미루어 어떤 항원의 지속적인 자극에 기인할 것으로 추측하고 있다. 근래에 CD4+ T 임파구가 주로 IL-2 및 IFN-$\gamma$을 분비하고 지연성 과민 반응에 기여하는 Th1 세포와 IL-4, IL-5, IL-10을 분비하여 알레르기 반응에 관여하는 Th2 세포의 두 종류가 있다는 것이 밝혀졌고, 유육종증 병변 내 CD4+ T 임파구는 IL-2 및 IFN-$\gamma$를 분비하는 Th1 세포가 주인것으로 생각되고 있다. 또한 최근 미분화 T 세포들을 Th1 세포쪽으로 분화를 유도하는 데에 IL-12가 중요한 역할을 한다는 것이 알려졌으며, Mmoller등은 폐유유종증 환자에서 기관지폐포세척액(Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid : BALF) 내 IL-12가 증가한 것을 관찰하였다. 그러므로 폐유육종증의 병변의 계속적인 진행, 또는 자연치유 여부의 결정에 IL-12가 관여할 것을 추측할 수 있다. 이에 저자들은 IL-12가 유육종증의 활동성 지표로 사용될 수 있는지를 알아보기 위하여 본 연구를 시행하였다. 대 상: 조직학적으로 확진된 폐유육종증 환자 26명(남자: 10명, 여자: 16명, 연령: $38.7{\pm}10.6$세)과 정상 대조군 11명을 대상으로 진단 시 얻은 BALF 내 IL-12양과 BALF내 폐포대식세포 (Alveolar macrophage : AM)를 24 시간 배양 시 배양액 내로 분비되는 IL-12양을 ELISA 방법으로 측정 비교하였다. 폐유육종증 환자들중 12명이 임상적으로 비활동성이었고, 14명은 활동성이었다. 결 과: 폐유육종증 환자들의 BALF내 총세포수, AM 총수, 임파구백분율 및 총수, CD4/CD8 비가 대조군에 비해 유의하게 증가하였으나, 활동성 및 비활동성 환자군 사이에 유의한 차이는 없었다. BALF내 IL-12 농도는 폐유육종종 환자에서 $49.3{\pm}9.2$ pg/ml로 정상대조군의 $2.5{\pm}0.4$ pg/ml 보다 유의하게 (p<0.001) 높았고, 활동성 유육종증에서는 $70.3{\pm}14.8$ pg/ml로 비활동성 환자들의 $24.8{\pm}3.1$ pg/ml 보다 유의하게 높았다(p=0.001). BALF내의 IL-12 농도는 BALF내 AM백분율 (p<0.001), 임파구 백분율 (p<0.001) 및 임파구 총수 (p<0.001)와도 유의한 상관관계를 보였다. 또한 BALF내의 IL-12 농도는 최근에 유육종증의 활동성의 지표로 알려지고 있는 혈청 및 BALF내 sICAM-1 농도(각각 p<0.001, p=0.001), AM의 ICAM-1 발현도와도 (p<0.001) 유의한 상관관계를 보였다. AM에서의 IL-12분비량은 폐유육종증 환자들에서 $206.2{\pm}61.9$ pg/ml로 정상대조군의 $68.3{\pm}43.7$ pg/ml 보다 높았으며 (p<0.008), 활동성 및 비활동성 환자군간 유의한 차이는 없었다. 결 론: 이상의 결과로 BALF 내 IL-12 농도는 폐내 염증 세포의 침윤 정도를 반영하며, 유육종증의 활성도를 예측하는 지표로서 유용할 것으로 사료되었다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.225-230
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• 2012

We investigated the effects of ${\beta}$-glucan purified from Paenibacillus polymyxa JB115 on the viability and proliferation of splenocytes. Splenocytes play a critical role in host immunity. MTT assays and trypan blue exclusion tests revealed that ${\beta}$-glucan significantly promoted the viability and proliferation of splenocytes over a range of concentrations. However, there was no specific subset change. ${\beta}$-glucan protected splenocytes from cytokine withdrawal-induced spontaneous cell death. For further mechanistic studies, ELISA assay revealed that ${\beta}$-glucan enhanced the expression of anti-apoptotic molecules and interleukin 7 (IL-7), a cytokine critical for lymphocyte survival. We also investigated the IL-2 dependency of ${\beta}$-glucan-treated splenocytes to determine if treated cells could still undergo clonal expansion. In flow cytometric analysis, ${\beta}$-glucan induced increased levels of the activation marker CD25 on the surface of splenocytes and ${\beta}$-glucan-treated splenocytes showed higher proliferation rates in response to IL-2 treatment. This study demonstrates that ${\beta}$-glucan can enhance the survival of splenocytes and provides valuable information to broaden the use of ${\beta}$-glucan in research fields.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.777-783
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• 1995

A monoclonal antibody(MAb), KCT-23ER, with specificity for E-rosetted T cells of Korean native cattle was prepared by cell hybridization of myeloma P3/NS-1/1-Ag-4-1 and spleen cells from BALB/c mice hyperimmunized with E-rosetted lymphocytes. The isotype of KCT-23ER to T lymphocytes was mouse $IgG_{2b}$. KCT-23ER was reacted with 53.6% to peripheral blood lymphocytes and with 67.8% to nylon wool nonadherent blood lymphocytes. And it was reacted with 72.2%, 59.2% and 35.3% to thymocytes, prescapular lymph node cells and splenocytes, respectively. Immunocytological reactive rates to E-rosetted and non-E-rosetted cells were 72.5% and 22.4%, respectively. These results indicated that KCT-23ER reacted to E-rosetted cells was one of the MAb for investigate of $CD_2$ receptor positive cell subset in the Korean native cattle.