Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and periphe...Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and peripheral distribution of nuclei, TUNEL positive reaction, and DNA ladders were observed when tobacco protoplasts were treated with the hydroxyl radical generating system (1.0 mmol/L FeSO4/0.5 mmol/L H2O2). In animals, the loss of transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and the exposure of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) are believed to be the main apoptosis events. To test whether these significant processes take place in plants, flow cytometry was used to detect annexin V binding and changes in DeltaPsi(m). Results showed that the PS turned out from inner membrane and DeltaPsi(m) gradually decreased during the apoptosis. All these apoptotic characteristics proved that hydroxyl radicals can cause typical programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco protoplasts and this design can be served as an effective experiment system to explore the mechanism of plant apoptosis.展开更多
Protoplasts of embryogenic suspension cells of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L).were isolated at exponential growth stage.Influences of various concentrations of basal medium,levels of BA,and concentrations of inositol ...Protoplasts of embryogenic suspension cells of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L).were isolated at exponential growth stage.Influences of various concentrations of basal medium,levels of BA,and concentrations of inositol on the differentiation of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM),early stage somatic embryos (ESE) ,and lae stage somatic embryos (LSE) were investigated .A study of the effect of various concentrations of LP basal medium sowed that the optimal basal medium concentration of ESM,ESE,and LSE differentiation was 1.25 LP medium.The effects of various levels of BA and inositol showed that the optimal concentrations of BA for the formation of ESM,ESE and LSE were 4 mg/L ,2mg/L and 1mg/L,respectively ,and the optimal concentrations of inositol for the ESM ,ESE and LSM formation were 400mg/L,800mg/L and 1,200mg/L,respectively.展开更多
AIMS To investigate the alterations of RBC immunoadherence function in patients with various hepatitis B. METHODS RBCC3bRR,RBCICRR and serum CIC levels were measured in 42 patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B a...AIMS To investigate the alterations of RBC immunoadherence function in patients with various hepatitis B. METHODS RBCC3bRR,RBCICRR and serum CIC levels were measured in 42 patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B at ac- tive and convalescence stages. RESULTS RBCC3bRRs at the active/acute stage of various hepatitis were decreased.They were 13,54%±5,23% in AH, 7.61%±4.12% in AFH,and 16.18%±6.10% in CH, respectively,all of which were lower than those in normal persons (18.12%±3.91% ).At the quiescent/recovery stage of various hepatitis,the RBCC3bRRs were increased significantly.The changes of RBCICRR and serum CIC level were contrary to those of RBCC3bRR. CONCLUSIONS RBC immunoadherence function is decreased in acute and chronic hepatitis.The decrease is in direct proportion to the severity of the diseases.展开更多
Aim To investigate the mechanism of anti-CD132 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)inhibiting T cells proliferation in vitro, and their potential values for clinical use. MethodsBALB/c and C57BL/6 mice splenocytes were harves...Aim To investigate the mechanism of anti-CD132 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)inhibiting T cells proliferation in vitro, and their potential values for clinical use. MethodsBALB/c and C57BL/6 mice splenocytes were harvested for two-ways mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC).Anti-CD132 mAbs (final concentration 100 mg·L^(-1)) were added in MLC on day 0 (group 1) or day 3(group 2). Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to measure the proliferation(carboxy-fluorescein dia cetate, succinimidyl ester, CFSE), apoptosis of T cells (PE-CD3,FTTC-annexin-v), and cell cycle (pro-pidium iodide stain) . The expression of survivin in T cellswas detected by immunochemical stai-ning. Re-sults Multi-generation CFSE-labeled splenocytes werefound dividing and their fluorescent strength decreased in MLC. There was no noticeable change influorescent intensity in group 1 and group 2. On day 3, apoptosis induced by anti-CD132 mAbs wasdetected in part of T cells, but was not detected in the former two days in group 1. In group 2, thenumber of cells in M phase (activated T cells) decreased and apoptot-ic cells increased on day 4.The phenomena were not observed in control group (P < 0.01). Expression of survivin in T cells wasdetected in control group but not in groups 1 and 2. Conclusion Blockade of CD132 signaling pathwayinhibits T cell proliferation in vitro by means of inducing activated alloreactive T cell apoptosisbut not the resting T cells. Anti-CD132 mAbs may be candidates for clinical applications.展开更多
Mycoplamas are a group of wall-less prokaryotes widely distributed in nature, some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals. There are many lipoproteins anchored on the outer face of the plasma membrane, called ...Mycoplamas are a group of wall-less prokaryotes widely distributed in nature, some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals. There are many lipoproteins anchored on the outer face of the plasma membrane, called lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs). LAMPs are highly antigenic and could undergo phase and size variation, and are recognized by the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 6. LAMPs can modulate the immune system, and could induce immune cells apoptosis or death. In addition, they may associate with malignant transformation of host cells and are also con-sidered to be cofactors in the progression of AIDS.展开更多
The sequence encoding an E2 main antigen glycoprotein of the C strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was highly expressed in the host cell E. coli BL21–CodonPlus (DE3)–RIL using the pGEX-4T-1 expression vecto...The sequence encoding an E2 main antigen glycoprotein of the C strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was highly expressed in the host cell E. coli BL21–CodonPlus (DE3)–RIL using the pGEX-4T-1 expression vector and the soluble recombinant product was purified with Glutathione Sepharose TM4B by centrifugation. The soluble recombinant protein showed good immune reactions and was confirmed by Western blot using anti-CSFV-specific antibodies. Then an indirect ELISA with the purified E2 protein as the coating antigen was established to detect antibody against CSFV. The result revealed that the optimal concentration of coated antigen was 0.6 μg/well and the optimal dilution of serum was 1:80. The positive cut-off value of this ELISA assay was OD tested serum / OD negative serum≥2.1. The E2-ELISA method was evaluated by comparison with the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT). When a total of 100 field serum samples were tested the sensitivity and specificity were 90.3% and 94.7% respectively. Specificity analysis showed that there were no cross-reactions between BVD serum and the purified E2 protein in the E2-ELISA.展开更多
Bile acids are implicated as etiologic agents in cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including cancer of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, biliary tract, pancreas and colon/rectum. Deleterious eff...Bile acids are implicated as etiologic agents in cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including cancer of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, biliary tract, pancreas and colon/rectum. Deleterious effects of bile acid exposure, likely related to carcinogenesis, include: induction of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species; induction of DNA damage; stimulation of mutation; induction of apoptosis in the short term, and selection for apoptosis resistance in the long term. These deleterious effects have, so far, been reported most consistently in relation to esophageal and colorectal cancer, but also to some extent in relation to cancer of other organs. In addition, evidence is reviewed for an association of increased bile acid exposure with cancer risk in human populations, in specific human genetic conditions, and in animal experiments. A model for the role of bile acids in GI carcinogenesis is presented from a Darwinian perspective that offers an explanation for how the observed effects of bile acids on cells contribute to cancer development.展开更多
AIM: To establish a simplified method for generating peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers.METHODS: cDNAs encoding the extracellular domain of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201 he...AIM: To establish a simplified method for generating peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers.METHODS: cDNAs encoding the extracellular domain of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201 heavy chain (A2) and β2-microglobulin (132m) from total RNA extracted from leukocytes of HLA-A2+ donors were doned into separate expression vectors by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The recombinant A2 and 132m proteins were expressed in ~/a oo/i^uain BL21(DE3) and recovered from the inclusion body fraction. Soluble A2 proteins loaded with specific antigen peptides were refolded by dilution from the heavy chain in the presence of light chain 132m and HLA-A2-restricted peptide antigens. The refolded A2 monomers were biotinylated with a commercial biotinylation enzyme (BirA) and purified by low pressure anion exchange chromatography on a Q-Sepharose (fast flow) column.The tetramers were then formed by mixing A2 monomers with streptavidin-PE in a molar ratio of 4:1. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the expected tetramer staining of CD8^+ T cells.RESULTS: Recombinant genes for HLA-A*0201 heavy chain (A2) fused to a BirA substrate peptide (A2-BSP) and mature β2m from HLA-A2+ donor leukocytes were successfully doned and highly expressed in E. coli, Two soluble monomeric A2-peptide complexes were reconstituted from A2-BSP in the presence of 132m and peptides loaded with either human cytomegalovirus pp65495-503 peptide (NLVPMVATV,NLV; designated as A2-NLV) or influenza virus matrix protein Mp58-66 peptide (GILGFVFTL, GIL; designated as A2-GIL). Refolded A2-NLV or A2-GIL monomers were biotinylated and highly purified by single step anion exchange column chromatography. The tetramers were then formed by mixing the biotinylated A2-NLV or A2-GIL monomers with streptavidin-PE, leading to more than 80% multiplicationas revealed by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing, unboiled conditions. Flow cytometry revealed that these tetramers could specifically bind to CD8^+ T cells from a HLA-A2^+ donor,but failed to bind to those from a HLA-A2- donor.CONCLUSION: The procedure is simple and efficient for generating peptide-MHC tetramers.展开更多
Dendritic cells (DC) are diverse and specialized hematopoietic cells serving as an essential bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. DC exist in all lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs and are amongst the first res...Dendritic cells (DC) are diverse and specialized hematopoietic cells serving as an essential bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. DC exist in all lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs and are amongst the first responders to infection at epithelial surfaces including mucosal tissues. DC of the lung, gut, and vaginal mucosa display different phenotypes and functions reflecting each unique tissue and, in contrast to their counterparts in spleen and lymph nodes, are constantly exposed to both harmful and benign factors of their environments. Mucosal DC recognize and respond to pathogens through engagement of pattern recognition receptors, and activated DC migrate to draining lymph nodes to induce adaptive immune responses. The specialized function of DC aids in the induction of immunity and pathogen control at the mucosa. Such specialization includes the potent antiviral interferon response of plasma- cytoid DC to viral nucleic acids, the ability of mucosal DC to capture organisms in the gut lumen, the capacity of DC to cross-present antigen from other infected cells, and the ability of mucosal DC to initiate lgA class switching in B cells. DC plasticity is also critical in the immune response to mucosal pathogens, as DC can respond to the microen- vironment and sense pathogen-induced stress in neighboring epithelial cells. Finally, DC interact with each other through crosstalk to promote antigen presentation and T-cell immunity. Together, these processes condition mucosal DC for the induction of a tailored immune response to pathogens.展开更多
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in regulating plant innate immune responses. In a genetic screen to search for mutants with constitutive defense responses, we identified multipl...Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in regulating plant innate immune responses. In a genetic screen to search for mutants with constitutive defense responses, we identified multiple alleles of mpk4 and mekkl that exhibit cell death and constitutive defense responses. Bimolecular fluorescence complemen- tation (BiFC) analysis showed that both MPK4 and MEKK1 interact with MKK1 and MKK2, two closely related MAPK kinases, mkkl and mkk2 single mutant plants do not have obvious mutant phenotypes. To test whether MKK1 and MKK2 function redundantly, mkkl mkk2 double mutants were generated. The mkkl mkk2 double mutant plants die at seedling stage and the seedling-lethality phenotype is temperature-dependent. Similar to the mpk4 and mekkl mutants, the mkkl mkk2 double mutant seedlings accumulate high levels of H202, display spontaneous cell death, constitutively express Pathogenesis Related (PR) genes and exhibit pathogen resistance. In addition, activation of MPK4 by fig22 is impaired in the mkkl mkk2 double mutants, suggesting that MKK1 and MKK2 function together with MPK4 and MEKK1 in a MAP kinase cascade to negatively regulate innate immune responses in plants.展开更多
The aim of this work is to study the effects of the electret property of natural biopolymers (such as collagen) on tissue repair. Type I collagen was prepared from pigskin,and polarized by using the TSDC (thermally st...The aim of this work is to study the effects of the electret property of natural biopolymers (such as collagen) on tissue repair. Type I collagen was prepared from pigskin,and polarized by using the TSDC (thermally stimulated depolarization current) technique. The polarized materials are used for cell culture. and then the cell growth curve is drawn. It was found that the polarized biomaterials accelerated cell differentiation. which indicates that they may be applied in the biomedical field.展开更多
Objective To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of 4 recombinant Treponema pallidum antigenbased rapid tests in the diagnosis of syphilis. Methods A total of 970 outpatients were selected from the S...Objective To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of 4 recombinant Treponema pallidum antigenbased rapid tests in the diagnosis of syphilis. Methods A total of 970 outpatients were selected from the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Venous blood was collected and serum was extracted. T. paUidum antibodies in whole blood, anticoagulant whole blood, and serum were detected using 4 recombinant T. pallidum antigen-based rapid tests. T. pallidum haemagglutination test (TPHA) was considered as the gold standard for the detection of T. pallidum specific antibodies in serum. The sensitivities and specificities of four methods were analyzed. Results The sensitivities and specificities of Abbott Determine Syphilis TP test, SD-BIOLINE Syphilis 3.0 test, VISITECT-SYPHILIS test, and Syphicheck-WB test for serum specimens were 100% and 98. 9%, 95.7% and 98.0%, 94.6% and 98.2%, 68.1% and 98.9% ; for whole blood were 74. 1% and 99. 5%, 87.9% and 99.4% , 73.2% and 99.7%, 64. 7% and 99.7%. The observed sensitivities of the 4 rapid diagnosis tests were not significantly different with TPHA ( P 〉 0.05 ). Conclusions The 4 rapid tests show good performance and characteristics in the diagnosis of syphilis. Furthermore, they are more sensitive for serum specimens than whole blood.展开更多
Caspases are an evolutionarily conserved family of aspartate-specific cystein-dependent proteases with essential functions in apoptosis and normally exist in cells as inactive proenzymes. In addition to the inflammato...Caspases are an evolutionarily conserved family of aspartate-specific cystein-dependent proteases with essential functions in apoptosis and normally exist in cells as inactive proenzymes. In addition to the inflammatory caspases, the initiator and effector caspases have been shown to have an important role in regulating the immune response, but are involved in different ways. We give a brief introduction on the benefit of apoptosis on the clearance of invasive pathogens, and the caspase functions involved in the immune response. Then we construct a working model of caspases during pathogen invasion. A detailed description of the three modes is given in the discussion. These three modes are regulated by different inhibitors, and there may be a novel way to treat intracellular pathogen and autoimmune diseases based on the specific inhibitors.展开更多
Three genes encoding for fungal cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), ech42, nag70 and gluc78 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride were inserted into the binary vector pCAMBIA1305.2 singly and in all possi...Three genes encoding for fungal cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), ech42, nag70 and gluc78 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride were inserted into the binary vector pCAMBIA1305.2 singly and in all possible combinations and transformed to rice plants. More than 1800 independently regenerated plantlets in seven different populations (for each of the three genes and each of the four gene combinations) were obtained. The ech42 gene encoding for an endochitinase increased resistance to sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, while the exochitinase-encoding gene, nag70, had lesser effect. The expression level of endochitinase but exochitinase was correlated with disease resistance. Nevertheless, exochitinase enhanced the effect of endochitinase on disease resistance when the two genes co-expressed in transgenics. Resistance to Magnaporthe grisea was found in all kinds of regenerated plants including that with single gluc78. A few lines expressing either ech42 or nag70 gene were immune to the disease. Transgenic plants are being tested to further evaluate disease resistance at field level. This is the first report of multiple of expression of genes encoding CWDEs from Trichoderma atroviride that result in resistance to blast and sheath blight in rice.展开更多
Viral infection causes host cells to produce type I interferons (IFNs), which are critically involved in viral clearance. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of the transcription factor interferon reg...Viral infection causes host cells to produce type I interferons (IFNs), which are critically involved in viral clearance. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 is essential for virus-triggered induction of type I IFNs. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RBCC protein interacting with PKC1 (RBCK1) catalyzes the ubiquitination and degradation of IRF3. Overexpression of RBCK1 negatively regulates Sendai virus-triggered induction of type I IFNs, while knockdown of RBCK1 has the opposite effect. Plaque assays consistently demonstrate that RBCKI negatively regulates the cellular antiviral response. Furthermore, viral infection leads to induction of RBCK1 and subsequent degradation of IRF3. These findings suggest that the cellular antiviral response is controlled by a negative feedback regulatory mechanism involving RBCKl-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of IRF3.展开更多
Neonatal gonocytes are precursors of spermatogonial stem cells. Preserving their integrity by elimination of damaged germ cells may be crucial to avoid the transmission of genetic alterations to progeny. Using 7-irrad...Neonatal gonocytes are precursors of spermatogonial stem cells. Preserving their integrity by elimination of damaged germ cells may be crucial to avoid the transmission of genetic alterations to progeny. Using 7-irradiation, we investigated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time PCR components of the death machinery in neonatal gonocytes. Their death was correlated with caspase 3 activation but not with AIF translocation into the nu- cleus. The in vivo contribution of both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways was then investigated. We focused on the roles of TRAIL/Death Receptor 5 (DR5) and PUMA. Our results were validated using knockout mice. Whereas DR5 expression was upregulated at the cell surface after radiation, caspase 8 was not activated. However, we detected caspase 9 cleavage associated with cytochrome c release. In mice deficient for PUMA, radiation-induced gonocyte apoptosis was reduced, whereas invalidation of TRAIL had no effect. Overall, our results show that genotoxic stressinduced apoptosis of gonocytes is caspase-dependent and involves almost exclusively the intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, PUMA plays a critical role in the maintenance of genomic integrity of spermatogonial stem cell precursors.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression of several important molecules involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation pathway in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine whether cyt...AIM: To investigate the expression of several important molecules involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation pathway in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine whether cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) vaccine therapy was suitable for HCC. METHODS: Labeled streptavidin biotin(LSAB) method of immunohisto-chemistry was used to study 33 HCC tissue specimens. RESULTS: Most HCC tissues and adjacent histological normal hepatocytes expressed HLA-I antigens,TAP,and B7, expression of B7 was especially strong,and there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The MHC class I presentation pathway in primary hepatocellular carcinoma may not be abnormal or dysfunctional,and CTL could kill these tumor cells. Thus, it is suitable and practicable to design and construct CTL vaccine against HCC.展开更多
AIM: To clarify the expression and role of Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) in gastric cancer in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and ephrin l...AIM: To clarify the expression and role of Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) in gastric cancer in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and ephrin ligands. METHODS: Eleven gastric carcinoma cell lines, 24 paired surgical fresh specimens of gastric adenocarcinoma and adjacent nontumor tissue, 74 conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, and 55 specimens spotted on tissue microarray (TMA) were analyzed. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and cell growth assays were performed. RESULTS: Overexpression of EphA4 mRNA expres-sion was observed in 8 (73%) of 11 gastric cancer cell lines and 10 (42%) of 24 gastric cancer tissues. Over-expression of EphA4, analyzed by immunohistochemistry, was observed in 62 (48%) of 129 gastric cancer tissues. EphA4 overexpression, at the protein level, was significantly associated with depth of invasion and recurrence. EphA4 overexpression was also correlated with FGFR1 overexpression. Patients with EphA4-positive cancer had significantly shorter overall survival periods than did those with EphA4-negative cancer (P = 0.0008). The mRNAs for ephrin ligands were coexpressed in various combinations in gastric cancer cell lines and cancer tissues. Downregulation of EphA4 expression by siRNA in EphA4-overexpressing gastric cancer cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that overexpres-sion of EphA4 plays a role in gastric cancer.展开更多
文摘Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and peripheral distribution of nuclei, TUNEL positive reaction, and DNA ladders were observed when tobacco protoplasts were treated with the hydroxyl radical generating system (1.0 mmol/L FeSO4/0.5 mmol/L H2O2). In animals, the loss of transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and the exposure of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) are believed to be the main apoptosis events. To test whether these significant processes take place in plants, flow cytometry was used to detect annexin V binding and changes in DeltaPsi(m). Results showed that the PS turned out from inner membrane and DeltaPsi(m) gradually decreased during the apoptosis. All these apoptotic characteristics proved that hydroxyl radicals can cause typical programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco protoplasts and this design can be served as an effective experiment system to explore the mechanism of plant apoptosis.
文摘Protoplasts of embryogenic suspension cells of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L).were isolated at exponential growth stage.Influences of various concentrations of basal medium,levels of BA,and concentrations of inositol on the differentiation of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM),early stage somatic embryos (ESE) ,and lae stage somatic embryos (LSE) were investigated .A study of the effect of various concentrations of LP basal medium sowed that the optimal basal medium concentration of ESM,ESE,and LSE differentiation was 1.25 LP medium.The effects of various levels of BA and inositol showed that the optimal concentrations of BA for the formation of ESM,ESE and LSE were 4 mg/L ,2mg/L and 1mg/L,respectively ,and the optimal concentrations of inositol for the ESM ,ESE and LSM formation were 400mg/L,800mg/L and 1,200mg/L,respectively.
文摘AIMS To investigate the alterations of RBC immunoadherence function in patients with various hepatitis B. METHODS RBCC3bRR,RBCICRR and serum CIC levels were measured in 42 patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B at ac- tive and convalescence stages. RESULTS RBCC3bRRs at the active/acute stage of various hepatitis were decreased.They were 13,54%±5,23% in AH, 7.61%±4.12% in AFH,and 16.18%±6.10% in CH, respectively,all of which were lower than those in normal persons (18.12%±3.91% ).At the quiescent/recovery stage of various hepatitis,the RBCC3bRRs were increased significantly.The changes of RBCICRR and serum CIC level were contrary to those of RBCC3bRR. CONCLUSIONS RBC immunoadherence function is decreased in acute and chronic hepatitis.The decrease is in direct proportion to the severity of the diseases.
基金National Basic Research Program of China (973 Pro gram, No.2003CB515505) National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30271243)
文摘Aim To investigate the mechanism of anti-CD132 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)inhibiting T cells proliferation in vitro, and their potential values for clinical use. MethodsBALB/c and C57BL/6 mice splenocytes were harvested for two-ways mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC).Anti-CD132 mAbs (final concentration 100 mg·L^(-1)) were added in MLC on day 0 (group 1) or day 3(group 2). Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to measure the proliferation(carboxy-fluorescein dia cetate, succinimidyl ester, CFSE), apoptosis of T cells (PE-CD3,FTTC-annexin-v), and cell cycle (pro-pidium iodide stain) . The expression of survivin in T cellswas detected by immunochemical stai-ning. Re-sults Multi-generation CFSE-labeled splenocytes werefound dividing and their fluorescent strength decreased in MLC. There was no noticeable change influorescent intensity in group 1 and group 2. On day 3, apoptosis induced by anti-CD132 mAbs wasdetected in part of T cells, but was not detected in the former two days in group 1. In group 2, thenumber of cells in M phase (activated T cells) decreased and apoptot-ic cells increased on day 4.The phenomena were not observed in control group (P < 0.01). Expression of survivin in T cells wasdetected in control group but not in groups 1 and 2. Conclusion Blockade of CD132 signaling pathwayinhibits T cell proliferation in vitro by means of inducing activated alloreactive T cell apoptosisbut not the resting T cells. Anti-CD132 mAbs may be candidates for clinical applications.
基金Project (No. 30570093) supported by the National Natural ScienceFoundation of China
文摘Mycoplamas are a group of wall-less prokaryotes widely distributed in nature, some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals. There are many lipoproteins anchored on the outer face of the plasma membrane, called lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs). LAMPs are highly antigenic and could undergo phase and size variation, and are recognized by the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 6. LAMPs can modulate the immune system, and could induce immune cells apoptosis or death. In addition, they may associate with malignant transformation of host cells and are also con-sidered to be cofactors in the progression of AIDS.
基金Society Commonweal Study of China (2001DIA10006)
文摘The sequence encoding an E2 main antigen glycoprotein of the C strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was highly expressed in the host cell E. coli BL21–CodonPlus (DE3)–RIL using the pGEX-4T-1 expression vector and the soluble recombinant product was purified with Glutathione Sepharose TM4B by centrifugation. The soluble recombinant protein showed good immune reactions and was confirmed by Western blot using anti-CSFV-specific antibodies. Then an indirect ELISA with the purified E2 protein as the coating antigen was established to detect antibody against CSFV. The result revealed that the optimal concentration of coated antigen was 0.6 μg/well and the optimal dilution of serum was 1:80. The positive cut-off value of this ELISA assay was OD tested serum / OD negative serum≥2.1. The E2-ELISA method was evaluated by comparison with the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT). When a total of 100 field serum samples were tested the sensitivity and specificity were 90.3% and 94.7% respectively. Specificity analysis showed that there were no cross-reactions between BVD serum and the purified E2 protein in the E2-ELISA.
基金Supported by Grants from the NIH (R21CA111513-01A1, 5 RO1 CA119087, and SPORE Grant 1 P50CA95060)grants from the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission (#0012 & #0803)by Biomedical Diagnostics & Research In., Tucson Arizona, and by a VA Merit Review Grant
文摘Bile acids are implicated as etiologic agents in cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including cancer of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, biliary tract, pancreas and colon/rectum. Deleterious effects of bile acid exposure, likely related to carcinogenesis, include: induction of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species; induction of DNA damage; stimulation of mutation; induction of apoptosis in the short term, and selection for apoptosis resistance in the long term. These deleterious effects have, so far, been reported most consistently in relation to esophageal and colorectal cancer, but also to some extent in relation to cancer of other organs. In addition, evidence is reviewed for an association of increased bile acid exposure with cancer risk in human populations, in specific human genetic conditions, and in animal experiments. A model for the role of bile acids in GI carcinogenesis is presented from a Darwinian perspective that offers an explanation for how the observed effects of bile acids on cells contribute to cancer development.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30230350 and No. 30371651Major State Basic Research Development Program of China, 973 Program, No. G2000057006
文摘AIM: To establish a simplified method for generating peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers.METHODS: cDNAs encoding the extracellular domain of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201 heavy chain (A2) and β2-microglobulin (132m) from total RNA extracted from leukocytes of HLA-A2+ donors were doned into separate expression vectors by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The recombinant A2 and 132m proteins were expressed in ~/a oo/i^uain BL21(DE3) and recovered from the inclusion body fraction. Soluble A2 proteins loaded with specific antigen peptides were refolded by dilution from the heavy chain in the presence of light chain 132m and HLA-A2-restricted peptide antigens. The refolded A2 monomers were biotinylated with a commercial biotinylation enzyme (BirA) and purified by low pressure anion exchange chromatography on a Q-Sepharose (fast flow) column.The tetramers were then formed by mixing A2 monomers with streptavidin-PE in a molar ratio of 4:1. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the expected tetramer staining of CD8^+ T cells.RESULTS: Recombinant genes for HLA-A*0201 heavy chain (A2) fused to a BirA substrate peptide (A2-BSP) and mature β2m from HLA-A2+ donor leukocytes were successfully doned and highly expressed in E. coli, Two soluble monomeric A2-peptide complexes were reconstituted from A2-BSP in the presence of 132m and peptides loaded with either human cytomegalovirus pp65495-503 peptide (NLVPMVATV,NLV; designated as A2-NLV) or influenza virus matrix protein Mp58-66 peptide (GILGFVFTL, GIL; designated as A2-GIL). Refolded A2-NLV or A2-GIL monomers were biotinylated and highly purified by single step anion exchange column chromatography. The tetramers were then formed by mixing the biotinylated A2-NLV or A2-GIL monomers with streptavidin-PE, leading to more than 80% multiplicationas revealed by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing, unboiled conditions. Flow cytometry revealed that these tetramers could specifically bind to CD8^+ T cells from a HLA-A2^+ donor,but failed to bind to those from a HLA-A2- donor.CONCLUSION: The procedure is simple and efficient for generating peptide-MHC tetramers.
文摘Dendritic cells (DC) are diverse and specialized hematopoietic cells serving as an essential bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. DC exist in all lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs and are amongst the first responders to infection at epithelial surfaces including mucosal tissues. DC of the lung, gut, and vaginal mucosa display different phenotypes and functions reflecting each unique tissue and, in contrast to their counterparts in spleen and lymph nodes, are constantly exposed to both harmful and benign factors of their environments. Mucosal DC recognize and respond to pathogens through engagement of pattern recognition receptors, and activated DC migrate to draining lymph nodes to induce adaptive immune responses. The specialized function of DC aids in the induction of immunity and pathogen control at the mucosa. Such specialization includes the potent antiviral interferon response of plasma- cytoid DC to viral nucleic acids, the ability of mucosal DC to capture organisms in the gut lumen, the capacity of DC to cross-present antigen from other infected cells, and the ability of mucosal DC to initiate lgA class switching in B cells. DC plasticity is also critical in the immune response to mucosal pathogens, as DC can respond to the microen- vironment and sense pathogen-induced stress in neighboring epithelial cells. Finally, DC interact with each other through crosstalk to promote antigen presentation and T-cell immunity. Together, these processes condition mucosal DC for the induction of a tailored immune response to pathogens.
文摘Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in regulating plant innate immune responses. In a genetic screen to search for mutants with constitutive defense responses, we identified multiple alleles of mpk4 and mekkl that exhibit cell death and constitutive defense responses. Bimolecular fluorescence complemen- tation (BiFC) analysis showed that both MPK4 and MEKK1 interact with MKK1 and MKK2, two closely related MAPK kinases, mkkl and mkk2 single mutant plants do not have obvious mutant phenotypes. To test whether MKK1 and MKK2 function redundantly, mkkl mkk2 double mutants were generated. The mkkl mkk2 double mutant plants die at seedling stage and the seedling-lethality phenotype is temperature-dependent. Similar to the mpk4 and mekkl mutants, the mkkl mkk2 double mutant seedlings accumulate high levels of H202, display spontaneous cell death, constitutively express Pathogenesis Related (PR) genes and exhibit pathogen resistance. In addition, activation of MPK4 by fig22 is impaired in the mkkl mkk2 double mutants, suggesting that MKK1 and MKK2 function together with MPK4 and MEKK1 in a MAP kinase cascade to negatively regulate innate immune responses in plants.
文摘The aim of this work is to study the effects of the electret property of natural biopolymers (such as collagen) on tissue repair. Type I collagen was prepared from pigskin,and polarized by using the TSDC (thermally stimulated depolarization current) technique. The polarized materials are used for cell culture. and then the cell growth curve is drawn. It was found that the polarized biomaterials accelerated cell differentiation. which indicates that they may be applied in the biomedical field.
基金Supported by the WHO project on rapid diagnosis of syphilis (RFA-SDI-2001-02)
文摘Objective To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of 4 recombinant Treponema pallidum antigenbased rapid tests in the diagnosis of syphilis. Methods A total of 970 outpatients were selected from the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Venous blood was collected and serum was extracted. T. paUidum antibodies in whole blood, anticoagulant whole blood, and serum were detected using 4 recombinant T. pallidum antigen-based rapid tests. T. pallidum haemagglutination test (TPHA) was considered as the gold standard for the detection of T. pallidum specific antibodies in serum. The sensitivities and specificities of four methods were analyzed. Results The sensitivities and specificities of Abbott Determine Syphilis TP test, SD-BIOLINE Syphilis 3.0 test, VISITECT-SYPHILIS test, and Syphicheck-WB test for serum specimens were 100% and 98. 9%, 95.7% and 98.0%, 94.6% and 98.2%, 68.1% and 98.9% ; for whole blood were 74. 1% and 99. 5%, 87.9% and 99.4% , 73.2% and 99.7%, 64. 7% and 99.7%. The observed sensitivities of the 4 rapid diagnosis tests were not significantly different with TPHA ( P 〉 0.05 ). Conclusions The 4 rapid tests show good performance and characteristics in the diagnosis of syphilis. Furthermore, they are more sensitive for serum specimens than whole blood.
基金The Fund of key special projects for breeding new varieties of genetically engineered organisms (2011ZX08011-004, 2009ZX08007-008B,2009 ZX08006-002B)
文摘Caspases are an evolutionarily conserved family of aspartate-specific cystein-dependent proteases with essential functions in apoptosis and normally exist in cells as inactive proenzymes. In addition to the inflammatory caspases, the initiator and effector caspases have been shown to have an important role in regulating the immune response, but are involved in different ways. We give a brief introduction on the benefit of apoptosis on the clearance of invasive pathogens, and the caspase functions involved in the immune response. Then we construct a working model of caspases during pathogen invasion. A detailed description of the three modes is given in the discussion. These three modes are regulated by different inhibitors, and there may be a novel way to treat intracellular pathogen and autoimmune diseases based on the specific inhibitors.
基金Project (No.3997002) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Three genes encoding for fungal cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), ech42, nag70 and gluc78 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride were inserted into the binary vector pCAMBIA1305.2 singly and in all possible combinations and transformed to rice plants. More than 1800 independently regenerated plantlets in seven different populations (for each of the three genes and each of the four gene combinations) were obtained. The ech42 gene encoding for an endochitinase increased resistance to sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, while the exochitinase-encoding gene, nag70, had lesser effect. The expression level of endochitinase but exochitinase was correlated with disease resistance. Nevertheless, exochitinase enhanced the effect of endochitinase on disease resistance when the two genes co-expressed in transgenics. Resistance to Magnaporthe grisea was found in all kinds of regenerated plants including that with single gluc78. A few lines expressing either ech42 or nag70 gene were immune to the disease. Transgenic plants are being tested to further evaluate disease resistance at field level. This is the first report of multiple of expression of genes encoding CWDEs from Trichoderma atroviride that result in resistance to blast and sheath blight in rice.
基金We thank members of our laboratory for technical help and stimulating discussion. This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2006CB504301) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30630019 and No. 30570959).
文摘Viral infection causes host cells to produce type I interferons (IFNs), which are critically involved in viral clearance. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 is essential for virus-triggered induction of type I IFNs. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RBCC protein interacting with PKC1 (RBCK1) catalyzes the ubiquitination and degradation of IRF3. Overexpression of RBCK1 negatively regulates Sendai virus-triggered induction of type I IFNs, while knockdown of RBCK1 has the opposite effect. Plaque assays consistently demonstrate that RBCKI negatively regulates the cellular antiviral response. Furthermore, viral infection leads to induction of RBCK1 and subsequent degradation of IRF3. These findings suggest that the cellular antiviral response is controlled by a negative feedback regulatory mechanism involving RBCKl-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of IRF3.
文摘Neonatal gonocytes are precursors of spermatogonial stem cells. Preserving their integrity by elimination of damaged germ cells may be crucial to avoid the transmission of genetic alterations to progeny. Using 7-irradiation, we investigated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time PCR components of the death machinery in neonatal gonocytes. Their death was correlated with caspase 3 activation but not with AIF translocation into the nu- cleus. The in vivo contribution of both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways was then investigated. We focused on the roles of TRAIL/Death Receptor 5 (DR5) and PUMA. Our results were validated using knockout mice. Whereas DR5 expression was upregulated at the cell surface after radiation, caspase 8 was not activated. However, we detected caspase 9 cleavage associated with cytochrome c release. In mice deficient for PUMA, radiation-induced gonocyte apoptosis was reduced, whereas invalidation of TRAIL had no effect. Overall, our results show that genotoxic stressinduced apoptosis of gonocytes is caspase-dependent and involves almost exclusively the intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, PUMA plays a critical role in the maintenance of genomic integrity of spermatogonial stem cell precursors.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30070855
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression of several important molecules involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation pathway in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine whether cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) vaccine therapy was suitable for HCC. METHODS: Labeled streptavidin biotin(LSAB) method of immunohisto-chemistry was used to study 33 HCC tissue specimens. RESULTS: Most HCC tissues and adjacent histological normal hepatocytes expressed HLA-I antigens,TAP,and B7, expression of B7 was especially strong,and there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The MHC class I presentation pathway in primary hepatocellular carcinoma may not be abnormal or dysfunctional,and CTL could kill these tumor cells. Thus, it is suitable and practicable to design and construct CTL vaccine against HCC.
基金Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (H.Y. and K.I.)Grants-in-Aid for Cancer Research and for the Third Term Comprehensive 10-Year Strategy for Cancer Control from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan (H.Y. and K.I.)
文摘AIM: To clarify the expression and role of Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) in gastric cancer in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and ephrin ligands. METHODS: Eleven gastric carcinoma cell lines, 24 paired surgical fresh specimens of gastric adenocarcinoma and adjacent nontumor tissue, 74 conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, and 55 specimens spotted on tissue microarray (TMA) were analyzed. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and cell growth assays were performed. RESULTS: Overexpression of EphA4 mRNA expres-sion was observed in 8 (73%) of 11 gastric cancer cell lines and 10 (42%) of 24 gastric cancer tissues. Over-expression of EphA4, analyzed by immunohistochemistry, was observed in 62 (48%) of 129 gastric cancer tissues. EphA4 overexpression, at the protein level, was significantly associated with depth of invasion and recurrence. EphA4 overexpression was also correlated with FGFR1 overexpression. Patients with EphA4-positive cancer had significantly shorter overall survival periods than did those with EphA4-negative cancer (P = 0.0008). The mRNAs for ephrin ligands were coexpressed in various combinations in gastric cancer cell lines and cancer tissues. Downregulation of EphA4 expression by siRNA in EphA4-overexpressing gastric cancer cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that overexpres-sion of EphA4 plays a role in gastric cancer.