B7-h1 expressed by activated CD8 T cells is essential for their survival

An immunoinhibitory role of B7 homologue 1 (B7-H1) expressed by non-T cells has been established; however, the function of B7-H1 expressed by T cells is not clear. Peak expression of B7-H1 on Ag-primed CD8 T cells was observed during the contraction phase of an immune response. Unexpectedly, B7-H1 blockade at this stage reduced the numbers of effector CD8 T cells, suggesting B7-H1 blocking Ab may disturb an unknown function of B7-H1 expressed by CD8 T cells. To exclusively examine the role of B7-H1 expressed by T cells, we introduced B7-H1 deficiency into TCR transgenic (OT-1) mice. Naive B7-H1-deficient CD8 T cells proliferated normally following Ag stimulation; however, once activated, they underwent more robust contraction in vivo and more apoptosis in vitro. In addition, B7-H1-deficient CD8 T cells were more sensitive to Ca-dependent and Fas ligand-dependent killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activation-induced Bcl-x(L) expression was lower in activated B7-H1-deficient CD8 T cells, whereas Bcl-2 and Bim expression were comparable to the wild type. Transfer of effector B7-H1-deficient CD8 T cells failed to suppress tumor growth in vivo. Thus, upregulation of B7-H1 on primed T cells helps effector T cells survive the contraction phase and consequently generate optimal protective immunity.     

Effects of specific immunotherapy on the B7 family of costimulatory molecules in allergic inflammation

The effect of allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) on Ag presentation and T lymphocyte stimulation was evaluated by verifying the expression of costimulatory molecules in allergic patients. Thus, CD28 and CTLA-4, B7, and B7-H molecules on immune cells, as well as cytokine production, were analyzed in and out of the pollination period in 30 patients allergic to Betulaceae that had or had nor undergone specific IT. Results showed that IT attenuated the increase in the percentage of CD28(+)CD4 T cells and the decrease in the percentage of CTLA-4(+)CD4(+) T cells seen in untreated individuals. CD19(+)/CD80, CD19(+)/CD86(+), and CD14(+)/CD80(+) APCs were significantly augmented during pollination in unvaccinated individuals. B7-H1-expressing monocytes (CD14(+)) and B lymphocytes (CD19) as well as CD14 and CD19 B7-H1(+)/IL-10(+) APC were augmented in Betulaceae Ag-stimulated cell cultures of vaccinated patients independently of pollination, and were further increased in these individuals during pollination. As a result, the IL-10-IFN-gamma ratio in CD4(+), CD14(+), and CD19(+) cells increased in vaccinated patients, but decreased in unvaccinated individuals during pollination. These data clarify the cellular and molecular basis underlying the recent observation that peripheral expansion of IL-10-producing cells is associated with successful IT. B7-H1 could be an optimal target for IT of allergic diseases using mAbs.     

B7 costimulation molecules expressed from the herpes simplex virus 2 genome rescue immune induction in B7-deficient mice

The interaction between B7 costimulation molecules on antigen-presenting cells and CD28 on antigen-responsive T cells is essential for T-cell activation and maturation of immune responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Vaccine-induced immune responses also depend upon adequate upregulation of B7 costimulation molecules, but this signal may be limiting for replication-defective virus vaccines. We investigated whether expression of B7 costimulation molecules by a prototypical replication-defective antiviral vaccine could enhance immune responses to the vaccine and whether B7-1 and B7-2 would be similarly effective. We altered an ICP8(-) replication-defective strain of HSV type 2 (HSV-2), 5BlacZ, to encode either murine B7-1 or B7-2. B7 molecule expression was detected on the surface of cells infected in vitro and at the RNA level in tissue of immunized mice. Immunization of B7-1/B7-2 knockout mice with B7-encoding virus modestly expanded the number of gamma interferon-producing T cells and significantly augmented class-switched HSV-specific antibody responses compared with the parental virus. Mice immunized with either B7-expressing virus showed less replication of challenge virus in the genital mucosa than mice immunized with 5BlacZ, markedly fewer signs of genital and neurological disease, and little weight loss. Virtually all mice immunized with B7-encoding virus survived challenge with a large dose of HSV-2, whereas most 5BlacZ-immunized mice succumbed to infection. These results indicate that protective immune responses can be enhanced by the inclusion of host B7 costimulation molecules in a prototypical replication-defective HSV vaccine against HSV-2 genital infection and that B7-1 and B7-2 induce immune responses with similar capacities to fight HSV-2 infection.     

单羧酸转运蛋白家族及其生物学功能

单羧酸转运蛋白家族是哺乳动物细胞膜上一类重要的跨膜转运蛋白,负责乳酸,短链脂肪酸等单羧酸类化合物的跨膜转运,涉及多种生物学功能,包括促进营养物质吸收、影响代谢动态平衡、调节胞内pH值以及参与药物输送等.迄今为止,单羧酸转运蛋白家族已发现有1 4个成员,各亚型间具有底物差异性和组织分布特异性.研究单羧酸转运蛋白家族的生化特征、组织分布、生物学功能及基因表达调控,将为人和动物的营养代谢稳衡和疾病治疗提供新的方法.     

Metabolism and biological significance of benzyladenine-7-glucoside

Biosynthesis and accumulation of benzyladenine-7-glucoside (BA-7G) were followed during the growth of cytokinin-requiring Nicotiana tabacum cell suspensions. BA-7G appeared to be a very stable metabolite which accounted for about 95% of the cytokinin present in the cells at the stationary phase of growth. Biosynthesis of BA-7G was operating without any delay at the lowest benzyladenine (BA) concentration used (6 · 10⁻¹⁹M) and its intensity, relative to the intensity of nucleoside-5′-phosphate (BA-N) biosynthesis, was not enhanced by an increase of the concentration of the exogenously supplied BA. Consequently, it does not seem that biosynthesis of the 7-glucoside has the significance of a detoxification pathway. BA-7G supplied exogenously to tobacco cells was slowly absorbed and its metabolism gave rise to the formation of intracellular benzyladenosine-5′-phosphates. This metabolization argues for the 7-glucoside being a storage form of cytokinins.     

Caspases-3 and -7 are activated in goniothalamin-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cells.

Goniothalamin, a plant styrylpyrone derivative isolated from Goniothalamus andersonii, induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-cells as assessed by the externalisation of phosphatidylserine. Immunoblotting showed processing of caspases-3 and -7 with the appearance of their catalytically active large subunits of 17 and 19 kDa, respectively. Activation of these caspases was further evidenced by detection of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage (PARP). Pre-treatment with the caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp fluoromethyl ketone (Z-VAD.FMK) blocked apoptosis and the resultant cleavage of these caspases and PARP. Our results demonstrate that activation of at least two effector caspases is a key feature of goniothalamin-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-cells.     

纳米颗粒与生物大分子的相互作用及其生物毒性机制

纳米颗粒已得到广泛的应用,同时其潜在的毒性及生物学效应也引起了广泛的关注。许多文献证实纳米颗粒对生物体具有毒性作用,但在分子水平上对其毒性机制的研究较少。本文对近年来纳米颗粒与生物大分子相互作用的最新研究进行了综述,包括纳米颗粒与蛋白质、脂类、核酸等生物分子间的相互作用。     

Imidazole ring-opened DNA purines and their biological significance

Fragmentation of purine imidazole ring and production of formamidopyrimidines in deoxynucleosides (Fapy lesions) occurs upon DNA oxidation as well as upon spontaneous or alkali-triggered rearrangement of certain alkylated bases. Many chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide or thiotepa produce such lesions in DNA. Unsubstituted FapyA and FapyG, formed upon DNA oxidation cause moderate inhibition of DNA synthesis, which is DNA polymerase and sequence dependent. Fapy-7MeG, a methylated counterpart of FapyG-, a efficiently inhibits DNA replication in vitro and in E.coli, however its mutagenic potency is low. This is probably due to preferential incorporation of cytosine opposite Fapy-7MeG and preferential extension of Fapy-7MeG:C pair. In contrast, FapyA and Fapy-7MeA possess miscoding potential. Both lesions in SOS induced E.coli preferentially mispair with cytosine giving rise to A-->G transitions. Fapy lesions substituted with longer chain alkyl groups also show simult aneous lethal and mutagenic properties. Fapy lesions are actively eliminated from DNA by repair glycosylases specific for oxidized purines and pyrimidines both in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Bacterial enzymes include E.coli formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (Fpg protein), endonuclease III (Nth protein) and endonuclease VIII (Nei protein).     

Naturally occurring seco-ring-A-triterpenoids and their possible biological significance

The literature appearing up to mid 1984 on the isolation and identification of naturally occurring seco-ring-A triterpenoids is reviewed. The distribution of these triterpenoids in the plant kingdom is discussed. Their biological action is considered in relation to plant protection. It is concluded that ring-A fission is a general process in the oxidative degradation of tetra- and pentacyclic triternoids.     

Evolution of the B7 family: co-evolution of B7H6 and NKp30, identification of a new B7 family member, B7H7, and of B7's historical relationship with the MHC

The B7 family of genes is essential in the regulation of the adaptive immune system. Most B7 family members contain both variable (V)- and constant (C)-type domains of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF). Through in silico screening of the Xenopus genome and subsequent phylogenetic analysis, we found novel genes belonging to the B7 family, one of which is the recently discovered B7H6. Humans and rats have a single B7H6 gene; however, many B7H6 genes were detected in a single large cluster in the Xenopus genome. The B7H6 expression patterns also varied in a species-specific manner. Human B7H6 binds to the activating natural killer receptor, NKp30. While the NKp30 gene is single-copy and maps to the MHC in most vertebrates, many Xenopus NKp30 genes were found in a cluster on a separate chromosome that does not harbor the MHC. Indeed, in all species so far analyzed from sharks to mammals, the number of NKp30 and B7H6 genes correlates well, suggestive of receptor-ligand co-evolution. Furthermore, we identified a Xenopus-specific B7 homolog (B7HXen) and revealed its close linkage to B2M, which we have demonstrated previously to have been originally encoded in the MHC. Thus, our study provides further proof that the B7 precursor was included in the proto MHC. Additionally, the comparative analysis revealed a new B7 family member, B7H7, which was previously designated in the literature as an unknown gene, HHLA2.     

Co-signaling molecules of the B7-CD28 family in positive and negative regulation of T lymphocyte responses

Co-signaling molecules in the B7-CD28 family have been intensively studied over the past decade and have brought much excitement to the field of immune regulation. The discovery of new functions for the classical pathways CD80/CD86/CD28/CTLA-4 and the identification of novel pathways of the family, including B7-H1/B7-DC/PD-1, B7-H2/ICOS, B7-H3, B7-H4 and BTLA, are greatly broadening our understanding of the control of T cell-mediated immune responses and tolerance.     

Glycoproteins of trypanosomes: their biosynthesis and biological significance

1. Trypanosomes are unicellular parasites that cause human sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas' disease in South America. Glycoproteins are important components of their plasma membrane. 2. The bloodstream form of the extracellular salivarian African trypanosome (e.g. Trypanosoma brucei) has the ability to express on its cell surface a repertoire of variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs) and in so doing, evades the immune response of the host (antigenic variation). 3. The VSG is probably synthesized initially in a manner like that of the membrane-bound glycoproteins of mammalian systems, but it also undergoes some novel post-translational modifications. 4. The stercorarian South American trypanosome (Trypanosoma cruzi) is an intracellular parasite which expresses different glycoproteins on its plasma membrane at various stages of its life-cycle, but does not exhibit antigenic variation. 5. The biosynthesis and functions of trypanosomal glycoproteins are compared with those of mammalian glycoproteins, and are discussed with particular reference to potential targets for chemotherapy and immunotherapy of trypanosomiasis.     

Cosmine resorption structures on three osteolepid jaws and their biological significance

Cosmine resorption structures on three osteolepid jaws provide evidence for two different types of resorption process, one superficial and one initially internal. The superficial process starts in the pore canal openings. and the internal probably in the dentine pulp cavities or other cavities within the cosminc. Different stages of the superficial process that have previously not been recorded can he seen. Their positions show that superficial resorption may start in a few centers, from which it may spread in all directions but at different rates in different directions. There is no observable correspondence between the occurrence of resorption and the growth of the dermal bones along their sutures. Thus, the primary reason for resorption is not to allow marginal growth of the dermal bones. □ Cosmine resorption, osteolepids, Middle Devonian.     

The B7 family of immune-regulatory ligands

The B7 family consists of structurally related, cell-surface protein ligands, which bind to receptors on lymphocytes that regulate immune responses. Activation of T and B lymphocytes is initiated by engagement of cell-surface, antigen-specific T-cell receptors or B-cell receptors, but additional signals delivered simultaneously by B7 ligands determine the ultimate immune response. These 'costimulatory' or 'coinhibitory' signals are delivered by B7 ligands through the CD28 family of receptors on lymphocytes. Interaction of B7-family members with costimulatory receptors augments immune responses, and interaction with coinhibitory receptors attenuates immune responses. There are currently seven known members of the family: B7.1 (CD80), B7.2 (CD86), inducible costimulator ligand (ICOS-L), programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1), programmed death-2 ligand (PD-L2), B7-H3, and B7-H4. Members of the family have been characterized predominantly in humans and mice, but some members are also found in birds. They share 20-40% amino-acid identity and are structurally related, with the extracellular domain containing tandem domains related to variable and constant immunoglobulin domains. B7 ligands are expressed in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. The importance of the family in regulating immune responses is shown by the development of immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases in mice with mutations in B7-family genes. Manipulation of the signals delivered by B7 ligands has shown potential in the treatment of autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases and cancer.     

Electrodynamics of interactions in electrolyte solutions and their biological significance

Attention is drawn to the fact that the interaction of charges in aqueous solutions of electrolytes, such as media having physiological characteristics, depends not only on the distance between interacting charges but also on the frequency that determines their dynamics. This fact has significant consequences for some biological processes and their kinetics. The analysis of reasons for charge shielding, including the dynamic effects, shows that, even at distances exceeding the Debye length, electric interactions in systems similar to physiological are effective provided that charges move with frequencies higher than 250 MHz. For each electrolyte solution, the threshold frequency (Maxwell frequency) can be found, which determines the transition from the conducting to the dielectric mode of interactions of charges in physiological solutions.