白细胞介素—2分子α螺旋B中的活性相关区域

根据人白细胞介素－２（ＩＬ－２）α螺旋Ｂ中氨基酸残基的空间分布选择性地突变了一些氨基酸残基,结果发现：５７Ｇｌｎ→Ｇｌｕ,６２Ｇｌｕ→Ｌｅｕ,６２Ｇｌｕ→Ａｒｇ和６５Ｐｒｏ→Ａｒｇ这些替换均使ＩＬ－２活性显著降低或丧失,而６３Ｌｅｕ→Ｓｅｒ或６４Ｌｙｓ→Ａｌａ对ＩＬ－２活性影响不大。从受体竞争抑制结合实验结果可知,上述不表现活性的突变体也同时丧夫了与高亲和力受体的结合能力,这说明α螺旋Ｂ中这些位点     

白细胞介素－2中某些残基替换对活性的影响

用基因定点突变法研究了白细胞介素－２（ＩＬ－２）中某些氨基酸对生物活性的影响。将ＩＬ－２中３９Ｍｅｔ和４３Ｌｙｓ分别改为Ｐｒｏ,企图破坏此处α螺旋,突变体的ＣＤ图谱和生物活性均,不变,说明此处可能原来就不存在α螺旋．而将５２Ｇｌｕ．５３Ｌｅｕ,５４Ｌｙｓ分别改为Ｐｒｏ后,ＣＤ谱发生了变化,生物活性也显著下降。表明这些氨基酸处在α螺旋中,将它们改为Ｐｒｏ后,影响了ＩＬ－２的结构,并导致活性下降     

人白细胞介素－2的两个部分拮抗剂

通过定点诱变技术得到６个生物活性剧烈下降的人白细胞介素－２（ＩＬ－２）突变体,其中两个突变体即１５Ｖａｌ－ＩＬ－２和１２６Ａｓｐ－ＩＬ－２可以在一定浓度范围内使ＩＬ－２的生物效应降低。在对高亲和力ＩＬ－２受体（ＩＬ－２Ｒ）的竞争抑制实验中,１５Ｖａｌ－ＩＬ－２和１２６Ａｓｐ－Ｉｌ－２又表现了一定的竞争能力。这些结果表明１５Ｖａｌ－ＩＬ－２和１２６Ａｓｐ－ＩＬ－２可部分拮抗天然ＩＬ－２的作用。结合Ｉ     

白细胞介素－2微柱剂型

白细胞介素－２微柱剂型张世联（河北省医学科学院生化研究室,石家庄市０５００２１）关键词白细胞介素－２,微柱剂型白细胞介素－２（ＩＬ－２）是一种免疫反应调节因子,它的生物活性与它在体内存留时间及其浓度有关。增加ＩＬ－２在体内存留时间或延缓清除时间的办法...     

白细胞介素－2中枢镇痛作用途径的探讨

抗ＩＬ－２受体α亚基的单克隆抗体不能阻断ＩＬ－２的中枢镇痛作用,以及丧失与ＩＬ－２受体β亚基结合能力的ＩＬ－２突变体仍具有提高大鼠痛阈的能力,这表明ＩＬ－２的中枢镇痛作用并不是通过ＩＬ－２受体所介导,亦表示ＩＬ－２的免疫和镇痛作用是通过不同的受体途径实现的。加之内源性阿片肽与ＩＬ－２分子有着共同的抗原决定基和结构相似性,提示ＩＬ－２可以与阿片受体直接结合产生中枢镇痛效应。从放射免疫法测定的ＩＬ－２侧脑室注射后不同时间大鼠脑内不同核团的内源性阿片肽含量,推测ＩＬ－２的中枢镇痛作用可能还与弓状核、室旁核、蓝斑等核团的β－ＥＰ和ＬＥＫ有关。     

白细胞介素－2镇痛功能位点的研究

白细胞介－２（ＩＬ－２）是重要的免疫调节因子,近来发现还有中枢镇痛作用,用不同ＩＬ－２突变体测定其对大鼠痛阈的影响,发现完全丧失免疫刺激作用的２０Ｌｅｕ－ＩＬ－２（２０Ａｓｐ→Ｌｅｕ）仍能显著提高大鼠的痛阈,其作用强度与天然ＩＬ－２无显著差异,而另一突变体４５Ｖａｌ－ＩＬ－２（４５Ｔｙｒ→Ｖａｌ）虽保留免疫学活性却不能提高大鼠的痛阈;这些结果证明ＩＬ－２分子中具有镇痛作用与具有免疫作用与具有免疫作     

人白细胞介素－2第20位残基局部空间结构稳定位对活性的影响

用寡核苷酸诱导的基因定位突变法,将人白细胞介素－２（ＩＬ－２）第２０位Ａｓｐ分别突变为Ａｒｇ、Ｌｙｓ．和Ａｓｎ,比较第２０位残基碱性基因对ＩＬ－２活力的影响,结果２０Ａｓｐ突变为碱性残基时,ＩＬ－２活性急剧下降,但突变为Ａｒｇ时所导致的活性下降较突变为Ｌｙｓ严重３０００倍以上,从空间结构变化上对这２个碱性残基造成的如此大的活性差异进行了分析,发现２０Ａｒｇ突变后对。１２１Ｔｒｐ的微环境有极为显著的影响。结果提示２０Ａｓｐ在与β亚基作用的同时,其局部空间结构的稳定对维持ＩＬ－２的生物学活性也有重要作用。     

Induction of Functional Interleukin-2 Receptor in Mouse Microglia

Abstract: Interleukin (IL)-2, initially discovered for its mitogenic activity on T cells, also acts on monocytes, resulting in the activation of cytokine production, superoxide production, and tumoricidal activity. Because severe brain damage was observed in IL-2-transgenic mice, this cytokine may have some influence(s) on the cells of the CNS. We investigated IL-2 receptor-bearing cells in the CNS and found that activated microglia expressed α-chain mRNA and immunoreactive IL-2 receptor β-chain protein in culture. Although microglia did not express IL-2 receptors under normal culture conditions, they were induced to express these receptors by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a time-dependent manner. The IL-2 receptors were found to be functional because the viability and growth activity of LPS-treated microglia, but not untreated controls, increased in response to recombinant mouse IL-2 as determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay and bromodeoxyuridine uptake experiment, respectively. These effects of recombinant IL-2 were blocked by pretreatment with anti-mouse IL-2 receptor β-chain antibody. Our findings suggest that activated microglia in the CNS can respond to this T cell-derived factor regulating their growth, which may be an important mechanism of communication between nervous and immune systems in physiological and pathological conditions.     

Interleukin-2 inhibits proliferation of HPV-associated tumor cells and halts tumor growth in vivo

Previous studies have shown inhibition of cervical cancer cell growth by treatment with high concentrations of IL-2. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of recombinant human IL-2 on HPV-associated tumor cells (3T3-16). Treatment of 3T3-16 cells with rhIL-2 for 72 h inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and this effect was evidenced at nanomolar concentrations. These tumor cells expressed mRNA for beta and gamma subunits of the IL-2 receptor, which are required for signal transduction. In experiments to explore the effect of IL-2 on the growth of the HPV-associated tumor, mice received rhIL-2 through different routes: (i) intraperitoneal; (ii) subcutaneous, at the tumor inoculation site; or (iii) subcutaneous, distant from the tumor inoculation site. An effective antitumor response was observed only in those animals that received IL-2 at the tumor site (P<0.01). These results indicate the potential adequacy of therapeutic strategies based on local administration of rhIL-2 for cervical carcinoma, not only based on the ability of this cytokine to stimulate cellular-mediated immunity but also because of its direct effects on tumor cells.     

Functional role of tryptophan residues in the fourth transmembrane domain of the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor

Several tryptophan (Trp) residues are conserved in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Relatively little is known about the contribution of these residues and especially of those in the fourth transmembrane domain in the function of the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor. Replacing W158 (very highly conserved in GPCRs) and W172 (conserved in CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors but not in many other GPCRs) of the human CB(2) receptor with A or L or with F or Y produced different results. We found that the conservative change of W172 to F or Y retained cannabinoid binding and downstream signaling (inhibition of adenylyl cyclase), whereas removal of the aromatic side chain by mutating W172 to A or L eliminated agonist binding. W158 was even more sensitive to being mutated. We found that the conservative W158F mutation retained wild-type binding and signaling activities. However, W158Y and W158A mutants completely lost ligand binding capacity. Thus, the Trp side chains at positions 158 and 172 seem to have a critical, but different, role in cannabinoid binding to the human CB(2) receptor.     

Functional analysis of the disulphide loop mutant of staphylococcal enterotoxin C2

The superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) tremendously activate T lymphocytes bearing certain T-cell receptor Vβ domains when binding to MHC II molecules, which launches a powerful response of tumour inhibition in vitro as well as in vivo. However, the toxicity of SEC2 performed in clinic limited its broad application for immunotherapy. The previous studies suggested that the disulphide loop may be important for the toxicity of some SEs, which prompted us to investigate the potential roles of the disulphide loop in biological activity of SEC2. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to disturb the formation of the disulphide bond by substituting Ala or Ser for Cys-93 and Cys-110. The expressed mutants in Escherichia coli were used to determine their superantigen activity and toxicity. Results showed that all of the mutated proteins exhibited reduced abilities to induce T-cell proliferation and cytotoxic effects on tumour cells L929 and Hepa1-6, suggesting that the disulphide loop plays functional role in maintaining the maximal superantigen activity of SEC2. Furthermore, the toxicity assays in vivo showed that all of the mutants induced a reduced emetic and pyrogenic responses compared with native SEC2, which might be important for further construction of lowly toxic superantigen agent.     

Functional analysis of the molecular determinants of cyclooxygenase-2 acetylation by 2-acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) leads to relief of pain and inflammation with reduced gastrointestinal side effects relative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 2-Acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that covalently modifies the protein by acetylating Ser-530. We utilized site-directed mutants in the COX-2 active site to probe the molecular determinants of APHS acetylation of COX-2. Incorporation of acetyl groups into Ser-530 was monitored by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Mutations that introduce steric bulk into a channel at the top of the active site (e.g., G533A, G533V) lead to a significant reduction in APHS acetylation. Reduction in acetylation is also observed by mutation of the active-site tyrosine (Tyr-385) to phenylalanine. Mutations in the side-pocket region, into which diarylheterocycle inhibitors insert, do not affect the ability of APHS to acetylate COX-2. Surprisingly, mutation of Arg-120, which is located on the floor of the active site, strongly reduces acetylation. Based on these results, we propose that the heptynyl side chain of APHS inserts into the top channel and acetylates Ser-530 with the assistance of hydrogen bonding from Tyr-385. Arg-120 is proposed to fix the conformation of the active site to one that favors acetylation.     

Comparison between crude Interleukin-2 and recombinant Interleukin-2 in maintaining killing activity of cultured lymphocytes

Peripheral blood lymphocytes, regional lymph node lymphocytes or malignant effusion lymphocytes from cancer patients were incubated with crude IL-2 (cIL-2) for 13 days. These effectors, which frequently expressed IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), proliferated well and possessed augmented killing activity against fresh autologous tumor cells and K562. However, when recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) was added for the last 4 days of culture instead of cIL-2, IL-2R expression and killing activity against fresh autologous tumor cells decreased significantly (P<0.05). Phenotypic analysis indicated that cIL-2 significantly promoted the expansion of the cytotoxic population (CD8⁺ .11b^–)(P<0.05). The decreases in killing activity and IL-2R expression were restored by 0.004% PHA plus rIL-2, but not in the presence of rIFN-, rIL-1, rIL-l, rIL-4 or rIL-6. PHA-free cIL-2 maintained killing activity, but not IL-2R expression.We conclude that some factors in cIL-2 and a low dose of PHA-P are necessary for the maintenance of killing activity and IL-2R expression of cultured lymphocytes in the late phase of culture.     

Investigation of the role of cytochrome P450 2B4 active site residues in substrate metabolism based on crystal structures of the ligand-bound enzyme

Based on the X-ray crystal structures of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole (4-CPI)- and bifonazole (BIF)-bound P450 2B4, eight active site mutants at six positions were created in an N-terminal modified construct termed 2B4dH and characterized for enzyme inhibition and catalysis. I363A showed a >4-fold decrease in differential inhibition by BIF and 4-CPI (IC(50,BIF)/IC(50,4-CPI)). F296A, T302A, I363A, V367A, and V477A showed a 2-fold decreased k(cat) for 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-deethylation, whereas V367A and V477F showed an altered K(m). T302A, V367L, and V477A showed >4-fold decrease in total testosterone hydroxylation, whereas I363A, V367A, and V477F showed altered stereo- and regioselectivity. Interestingly, I363A showed a 150-fold enhanced k(cat)/K(m) with testosterone, and yielded a new metabolite. Furthermore, testosterone docking into three-dimensional models of selected mutants based on the 4-CPI-bound structure suggested a re-positioning of residues 363 and 477 to yield products. In conclusion, our results suggest that the 4-CPI-bound 2B4dH/H226Y crystal structure is an appropriate model for predicting enzyme catalysis.     

［B1－Ala，B2－Ala］－胰岛素：受体结合特性及生物活力研究

本文报道了［Ｂ１～Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素与人胎盘细胞膜胰岛素受体结合的特性和体外生物活力,并与胰岛素进行比较。在３７℃和杆菌肽存在下,１２５Ｉ－［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素和１２５Ｉ－胰岛素与人胎盘细胞膜作用依赖于反应时间,反应６分钟到达平衡,此时,［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素和胰岛素与胰岛素受体的最大结合分别为每毫克膜蛋白结合６．４４ｆｍｏｌ和３．４７ｆｍｏｌ：达到平衡一半所需时间（Ｔ１／２）分别为１９秒和２５秒。用１２５Ｉ－［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素作为放射配体进行竞争性结合研究,从ＩＣ（５０）得［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］胰岛素的受体结合活力为胰岛素的１３９．６％。Ｓｃａｔｏｈａｒｄ分析求得;［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素与高亲和和低亲和结合位点的结合常数在４℃时分别为５．８８×１０８Ｌ／ｍｏｌ和７．６３×１０５Ｌ／ｍｏｌ,而胰岛素分别为４．８３×１０８Ｌ／ｍｏｌ和３．３９×１０５Ｌ／ｍｏｌ。促脂肪细胞生成脂的实验表明：［Ｂ１－Ａｌａ,Ｂ２－Ａｌａ］－胰岛素的活力为胰岛素的１３０％。     

Functional significance of some particular amino acid residues in Bombyx mori pyridoxal kinase

Pyridoxal kinase (PLK; EC 2.7.1.35) is a key enzyme for vitamin B₆ metabolism in animals. It catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of pyridoxal, generating pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, an important cofactor for many enzymatic reactions. Bombyx mori PLK (BmPLK) is 10 or more residues shorter than mammalian PLKs, and some amino acid residues conserved in the PLKs from mammals are not maintained in the protein. Multiple sequence alignment suggested that amino acid residues Thr⁴⁷, Ile⁵⁴, Arg⁸⁸, Asn¹²¹ and Glu²³⁰ might play important roles in BmPLK. In this study, we used a site-directed specific mutagenesis approach to determine the functional significance of these particular amino acid residues in BmPLK. Our results demonstrated that the mutation of Asn¹²¹ to Glu did not affect the catalytic function of BmPLK. The corresponding site-directed mutants of Thr⁴⁷ to Asn, Ile⁵⁴ to Phe, and Arg⁸⁸ to Ile displayed a decreased catalytic efficiency and an elevated Km value for substrate relative to the wild-type value, and no enzyme activity could be detected in mutant of Trp²³⁰ to Glu. Circular dichroism analysis revealed that the mutation of Trp²³⁰ to Glu resulted in mis-folding of the protein. Our results provided direct evidence that residue Trp²³⁰ is crucial to maintain the structural and functional integrity of BmPLK. This study will add to the existing understanding of the characteristic of structure and function of BmPLK.     

Role of the amino-terminal region of the DnaA protein in opening of the duplex DNA at the oriC region

We report in this paper that the amino acid residues Ile-26 and Leu-40 of the DnaA protein are essential for the DNA replication activity in vitro. Lines of evidence to support this conclusion are as follows. Variants of the DnaA protein containing either an Ile-26-Ser or Leu-40-Ser replacement were unable to support oriC DNA replication in vitro. Though the mutant DnaA proteins retained the capability to bind oriC DNA, they were unable to open the duplex DNA at oriC. Based on these and other results, we conclude that the N-terminal region of the DnaA protein is involved in the oligomerization of this protein, an essential step for the duplex opening activity at oriC.