• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.137-143
• /
• 1997

Porcine transforming growth factor-$\beta$1 (TGF-$\beta$1) was expressed in Escherichia coli using cDNA of TGF-$\beta$1 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion vector pGEX-1$\lambda$T. An ApoI-Tth111I fragment of cDNA which correspond to the amino acid residues from 123 to 390 of the precursor TGF-$\beta$1 was inserted into EcoRI-Tth111I digested pGEM#-l$\lambda$T and the recombined plasmid was named pGET-12. Gene products from the cloned regions of the recombinant plasmids pGET-12 was not detected in soluble fraction of cell free extract but detected in insoluble fraction. The solubilization of insoluble gene product was achieved by the treatment of N-laurylsarcosine. Molecular weight of partially purified proteins determined by electrophoresis was same as expected from cloned fragment. The ELISA test results of the purified proteins showed that immunologically detectable epitope was preserved in recombinant protein.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.562-570
• /
• 2007

Soluble or cell-bound IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) does not bind IL-1 but rather forms a complex with IL-1 and IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) resulting in signal transduction. Synthetic peptides to various regions in the Ig-like domains of IL-1RAcP were used to produce antibodies and these antibodies were affinity-purified using the respective antigens. An anti-peptide-4 antibody which targets domain III inhibited 70% of IL-$1\beta$-induced productions of IL-6 and PGE2 from 3T3-L1 cells. Anti-peptide-2 or 3 also inhibited IL-1-induced IL-6 production by 30%. However, antipeptide-1 which is directed against domain I had no effect. The antibody was more effective against IL-$1\beta$ compared to IL-$1\alpha$. IL-1-induced IL-6 production was augmented by coincubation with PGE2. The COX inhibitor ibuprofen blocked IL-1-induced IL-6 and PGE2 production. These results confirm that IL-1RAcP is essential for IL-1 signaling and that increased production of IL-6 by IL-1 needs the co-induction of PGE2. However, the effect of PGE2 is independent of expressions of IL-1RI and IL-1RAcP. Our data suggest that domain III of IL-1RAcP may be involved in the formation or stabilization of the IL-1RI/IL-1 complex by binding to epitopes on domain III of the IL-1RI created following IL-1 binding to the IL-1RI.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.33.1-33.19
• /
• 2021

IL-1β plays critical roles in the priming and effector phases of immune responses such as the differentiation, commitment, and memory formation of T cells. In this context, several reports have suggested that the IL-1β signal is crucial for CTL-mediated immune responses to viral infections and tumors. However, little is known regarding whether IL-1β acts directly on CD8⁺ T cells and what the molecular mechanisms underlying expression of IL-1 receptors (IL-1Rs) on CD8⁺ T cells and features of IL-1R⁺ CD8⁺ T cells are. Here, we provide evidence that the expression of IL-1R type I (IL-1RI), the functional receptor of IL-1β, is preferentially induced by IL-21 on TCR-stimulated CD8⁺ T cells. Further, IL-1β enhances the effector function of CD8⁺ T cells expressing IL-21-induced IL-1RI by increasing cytokine production and release of cytotoxic granules containing granzyme B. The IL-21-IL-1RI-IL-1β axis is involved in an augmented effector function through regulation of transcription factors BATF, Blimp-1, and IRF4. Moreover, this axis confers a unique effector function to CD8⁺ T cells compared to conventional type 1 cytotoxic T cells differentiated with IL-12. Chemical inhibitor and immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that IL-21 induces a unique pattern of STAT activation with the formation of both STAT1:STAT3 and STAT3:STAT5 heterodimers, which are critical for the induction of IL-1RI on TCR-stimulated CD8⁺ T cells. Taken together, we propose that induction of a novel subset of IL-1RI-expressing CD8⁺ T cells by IL-21 may be beneficial to the protective immune response against viral infections and is therefore important to consider for vaccine design.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.171-177
• /
• 2018

Purified bee venom was collected from colonies of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) using a bee venom collector under sterile conditions and then purified under strict laboratory conditions. Purified bee venom contained $63.9{\pm}5.4%$ melittin, $10.9{\pm}1.6%$ phospholipase A2, and $2.3{\pm}0.3%$ apamin. Purified bee venom has various anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. In this study, we evaluated purified bee venom which are mammary gland cells, MAC-T cells are used to increase the synthesis of milk protein. Purified bee venom promoted the proliferation of MAC-T cells at concentrations below $1{\mu}g/mL$, but cytotoxicity at $10{\mu}g/mL$ and above. As a result of the increase in the synthesis of ${\beta}-casein$, a milk protein after treatment with MAC-T cells at a concentration of the bee venom without cytotoxicity, the ${\beta}-casein$ content in the cell culture was increased when treated at a concentration of 1 ng/mL or more. In addition, it was confirmed that purified bee venom significantly increased the expression of bovine ${\beta}-casein$ (bCSNB) mRNA, a ${\beta}-casein$ synthesis gene, at a concentration of 1 ng/mL or more. These results suggest that purified bee venom can be used to increase the production of livestock by ultimately increasing the expression of milk protein.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.79 no.3
• /
• pp.143-152
• /
• 2016

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal lung disease characterized by the accumulation of excessive fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the extracellular matrix. The transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be a possible source of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in IPF lungs. We have previously reported that apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) has anti-fibrotic activity in experimental lung fibrosis. In this study, we determine whether ApoA1 modulates TGF-${\beta}1$-induced EMT in experimental lung fibrosis and clarify its mechanism of action. Methods: The A549 alveolar epithelial cell line was treated with TGF-${\beta}1$ with or without ApoA1. Morphological changes and expression of EMT-related markers, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin were evaluated. Expressions of Smad and non-Smad mediators and TGF-${\beta}1$ receptor type 1 ($T{\beta}RI$) and type 2 ($T{\beta}RII$) were measured. The silica-induced lung fibrosis model was established using ApoA1 overexpressing transgenic mice. Results: TGF-${\beta}1$-treated A549 cells were changed to the mesenchymal morphology with less E-cadherin and more N-cadherin expression. The addition of ApoA1 inhibited the TGF-${\beta}1$-induced change of the EMT phenotype. ApoA1 inhibited the TGF-${\beta}1$-induced increase in the phosphorylation of Smad2 and 3 as well as that of ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mediators. In addition, ApoA1 reduced the TGF-${\beta}1$-induced increase in $T{\beta}RI$ and $T{\beta}RII$ expression. In a mouse model of silica-induced lung fibrosis, ApoA1 overexpression reduced the silica-mediated effects, which were increased N-cadherin and decreased E-cadherin expression in the alveolar epithelium. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that ApoA1 inhibits TGF-${\beta}1$-induced EMT in experimental lung fibrosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.73-82
• /
• 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is recognized by the innate immune system through Toll like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid inducible gene I. These pathways lead to the activation of type I interferons and resistance to infection. In contrast to TLRs, very few studies have examined the role of NOD-like receptors in viral recognition and induction of adaptive immune responses to RSV. Caspase-1 plays an essential role in the immune response via the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18. However, the role of caspase-1 in RSV infection in vivo is unknown. We demonstrate that RSV infection induces IL-$1{\beta}$ secretion and that caspase-1 deficiency in bone marrow derived dendritic cells leads to defective IL-$1{\beta}$ production, while normal RSV viral clearance and T cell responses are observed in caspase-1 deficient mice following respiratory infection with RSV. The frequencies of IFN-${\gamma}$ producing or RSV specific T cells in lungs from caspase-1 deficient mice are not impaired. In addition, we demonstrate that caspase-1 deficient neonatal or young mice also exhibit normal immune responses. Furthermore, we find that IL-1R deficient mice infected with RSV exhibit normal Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune responses. Collectively, these results demonstrate that in contrast to TLR pathways, caspase-1 might not play a central role in the induction of Th1 and CTL immune responses to RSV.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers P
• /
• v.60 no.2
• /
• pp.56-62
• /
• 2011

The purpose of the present study is to examine prediction of perceived usefulness of learning, school support and learning flow on academic satisfaction, academic achievement and absenteeism in computer education of engineering college. To meet the purpose of the present study, D university was chosen and, two surveys were conducted among the engineering students enrolled in the computer application class. The results of this study through multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived usefulness of learning and school support predicted significantly on satisfaction(${\beta}$ = .53, ${\beta}$ = .21), In addition, perceived usefulness of learning and learning flow predicted significantly on achievement(${\beta}$ = .23, ${\beta}$ = .24), but absenteeism didn't predict significantly on any variables in this study. The results of this study suggested that perceived usefulness of learning, school support and learning flow should be considered as the important elements for designing instructional courses to enhance students' satisfaction and achievement in college education.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.34 no.8
• /
• pp.2325-2329
• /
• 2013

Second-order rate constants $k_N$ have been measured for reactions of benzyl 2-pyridyl thionocarbonate (4b) and t-butyl 2-pyridyl thionocarbonate (5b) with a series of cyclic secondary amines in MeCN at $25.0{\pm}0.1^{\circ}C$. The $k_N$ values for the reactions of 4b and 5b have been compared with those reported previously for the corresponding reactions of benzyl 2-pyridyl carbonate (4a) and t-butyl 2-pyridyl carbonate (5a) to investigate the effect of changing the electrophilic center from C=O to C=S on reactivity and reaction mechanism. The thiono compound 4b is more reactive than its oxygen analogue 4a. The Br${\o}$nsted-type plots for the reactions of 4a and 4b are linear with ${\beta}_{nuc}=0.57$ and 0.37, respectively. The reactions of 4a were previously reported to proceed through a concerted mechanism, while those of 4b in this study have been concluded to proceed through a stepwise mechanism with formation of an intermediate being the rate-determining step on the basis of the ${\beta}_{nuc}$ value of 0.37. Enhanced polarizability upon changing the C=O in 4a by C=S has been suggested to be responsible for the reactivity order and the contrasting reaction mechanisms. In contrast, the reactivity of 5a and 5b is similar, but they are much less reactive than 4a and 4b. Furthermore, the reactions of 5a and 5b have been concluded to proceed through the same mechanism (i.e., a concerted mechanism) on the basis of linear Bronsted-type plots with ${\beta}_{nuc}=0.45$ or 0.47. It has been concluded that the strong steric hindrance exerted by the t-Bu in 5a and 5b causes a decrease in their reactivity and forces the reactions to proceed through a concerted mechanism.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.248-254
• /
• 2009

[ $TGF-{\beta}1$ ]is well known to induce Ig germ-line ${\alpha}$ ($GL{\alpha}$) transcription and subsequent IgA isotype class switching recombination (CSR). Homeodomain protein TG-interacting factor (TGIF) and E3-ubiquitin ligases TGIF interacting ubiquitin ligase 1 (Tiul1) are implicated in the negative regulation of $TGF-{\beta}$ signaling. In the present study, we investigated the roles of Tiul1 and TGIF in $TGF{\beta}1$-induced IgA CSR. We found that over-expression of Tiul1 decreased $TGF{\beta}1$-induced $GL{\alpha}$ promoter activity and strengthened the inhibitory effect of Smad7 on the promoter activity. Likewise, overexpression of TGIF also diminished $GL{\alpha}$ promoter activity and further strengthened the inhibitory effect of Tiul1, suggesting that Tiul1 and TGIF can down-regulate $TGF{\beta}1$-induced $GL{\alpha}$ expression. In parallel, overexpression of Tiul1 decreased the expression of endogenous IgA CSR-predicitive transcripts ($GLT_{\alpha},\;PST_{\alpha},\;and\;CT_{\alpha}$) and $TGF{\beta}1$-induced IgA secretion, but not $GLT_{\gamma3}$ and IgG3 secretion. Here, over-expressed TGIF further strengthened the inhibitory effect of Tiul1. These results suggest that Tiul1 and TGIF act as negatively regulators in $TGF{\beta}1$-induced IgA isotype expression.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.419-425
• /
• 2007

In vitro directed evolution through DNA shuffling is a powerful molecular tool for creation of new biological phenotypes. E. coli $\beta$-galactosidase and $\beta$-glucuronidase are widely used, and their biological function, catalytic mechanism, and molecular structures are well characterized. We applied an in vitro directed evolution strategy through DNA shuffling and obtained five mutants named YG6764, YG6768, YG6769, YG6770 and YG6771 after two rounds of DNA shuffling and screening, which exhibited more $\beta$-glucuronidase activity than wild-type $\beta$-galactosidase. These variants had mutations at fourteen nucleic acid sites, resulting in changes in ten amino acids: S193N, T266A, Q267R, V411A, D448G, G466A, L527I, M543I, Q626R and Q951R. We expressed and purified those mutant proteins. Compared to the wild-type protein, five mutant proteins exhibited high $\beta$-glucuronidase activity. The comparison of molecular models of the mutated and wildtype enzymes revealed the relationship between protein function and structural modification.