A new role for PGRP-S (Tag7) in immune defense: lymphocyte migration is induced by a chemoattractant complex of Tag7 with Mts1

PGRP-S (Tag7) is an innate immunity protein involved in the antimicrobial defense systems, both in insects and in mammals. We have previously shown that Tag7 specifically interacts with several proteins, including Hsp70 and the calcium binding protein S100A4 (Mts1), providing a number of novel cellular functions. Here we show that Tag7–Mts1 complex causes chemotactic migration of lymphocytes, with NK cells being a preferred target. Cells of either innate immunity (neutrophils and monocytes) or acquired immunity (CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes) can produce this complex, which confirms the close connection between components of the 2 branches of immune response.     

Activation of lipid peroxidation and changes in vitamin E contents in the lungs under oxidative stress]

The lipid peroxidation (LPO) of the lung tissue and the bronchoalveolar lavage in rats under the influence of immobilization has been investigated. The effects accompanying the development of oxidative stress in animals--an increase in the content of conjugated dienes and fluorescent LPO products in biological objects and a strong decrease in the content of vitamin E in the lung tissue were registered.     

Pseudangularia gonzalezi n. sp. and Gibsonilepis swifti (Singh, 1952) n. g., n. comb. (Cestoda, Dilepididae) from the House Swift, Apus affinis (J.E. Gray) (Aves, Apodiformes) from Franceville, Republic of Gabon

Nine specimens of Apus affinis (J.E. Gray) were studied at Franceville, Haut-Ogooué Province, Republic of Gabon, for the presence of helminth parasites. Two cestode species of the family Dilepididae were recorded. Pseudangularia gonzalezi n. sp. is distinguished from the most similar species P. europaea Georgiev & Murai, 1993 by having elliptical cirrus-sac, longer vagina, longer rostellar sheath and greater diameter of suckers. An identification key to the species of the genus Pseudangularia Burt, 1938 is proposed. The present study is the first record of the genus Pseudangularia in the Afrotropical Region. Our study confirms that, in dilepidids with vaginal sclerites from swifts, breaking off the cirrus after copulation is a frequent phenomenon. The genus Gibsonilepis n. g. is erected as monotypic for Vitta swifti Singh, 1952 (originally described from the same host species in India) and Gibsonilepis swifti n. comb. is proposed. Gibsonilepis n. g. is distinguished from Vitta Burt, 1938 by its highly elongate rostellum, rostellar sheath much bigger than rostellum, relatively small rostellar hooks possessing strongly developed guard, disc-shaped suckers with weak peripheral musculature and flat or convex central part, long and well-expressed neck, highly lobed two-winged ovary (lobes rounded) and presence of a band consisting of rows of spine-like microtriches along posterior margin of each proglottis. This is the first record of G. swifti in the Afrotropical Region. The separation of G. swifti from the genus Vitta (parasites of swallows) suggests that, contrary to previous opinions, no dilepidid genera are shared by Apodidae (swifts) and Hirundinidae (swallows).     

Expression of eukaryotic recombinant proteins and deriving them from the milk of transgenic animals

Expression in milk of transgenic farm animals is one of the most effective ways to produce eukaryotic recombinant proteins. In this review, we discuss the problems of the appropriateness of selecting this expression system for the production of proteins and the development characteristics of appropriate production processes.     

Physiological and anatomical responses of wheat to induced dehydration and rehydration

Hydroponically grown wheat seedlings of two prominent Bulgarian cultivars (Katya and Prelom) were subjected to 48 h osmotic stress with PEG 8000 and were then rehydrated. The degree of stress was evaluated by monitoring relative water content, lipid peroxidation level, and accumulation of free proline and hydrogen peroxide in the leaves. Anatomy and ultrastructure of leaf tissue were observed under light microscopy. After imposition of stress, drought tolerant cultivar Katya displayed higher free proline content and significantly lower malondialdehyde and peroxide concentration in leaves than in the leaves of susceptible cultivar Prelom. After 24 h of rehydration Katya showed better ability to restore leaf water status and an apparent tendency towards recovery, whereas Prelom sustained higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation products and free proline and markedly low relative water content. Here, we have uncovered some of the characteristics displayed by cultivar Katya that enable it to survive and recover from severe osmotic stress. Interestingly, there was congruence between our results and the high level of cultivar Katya drought tolerance observed in the field.