• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.29-59
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• 2016

Objectives PRAL (Prunus armeniaca Linne Var) has been known to suppress allergic reaction. However, the cellular target and its mechanism of action were unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PRAL on RBL-2H3 mast cell, which is PMA-Ionomycin-induced activated in vitro and the effect of PRAL on the MNC/Nga mice that are DNCB-induced activated in vivo. Methods In this study, IL-4, IL-13 production were examined by ELISA analysis; IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and GM-CSF mRNA expression were examined by Real-time PCR; manifestations of AP-1 and MAPKs transcription factors were examined by western blotting in vitro. Then skin rashes have been evaluated and verified the distribution of mast cells by H&E and toluidine blue. Also, WBC, eosinophil and neutrophil, IgE level in serum, $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-5 in the splenocyte culture supernatant, the absolute cell numbers of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$, $B220^+CD23^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$ in the Axillary Lymph Node (ALN), PBMCs and dorsal skin and IL-5, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra in the dorsal skin by Real-time PCR were all evaluated from the NC/BNga mice. Results As a result of this study, the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra and $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-4, IL-13 production, shown in ELISA analysis, were suppressed by PRAL. Results from the western blot analysis showed decrease on the expression of mast-cell-specific transcription factors, including AP-1 and p-JNK, p-ERK. Histological examination showed that infiltration levels of immune cells in the skin of the AD-induced NC/Nga mice were improved by PRAL orally adminstration. Orally- administered PRAL group also showred decreased level of IgE in the serum. This group has shown decreased the level of IL-4, IL-5, but shown elevated $IFN-{\gamma}$ level in the splenocyte culture supernatant. The same group also has shown decreased cell numbers of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$ in the ALN, and $CD4^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$ in the dorsal skin. PRAL oral adminstration increased cell numbers of $CD4^+$, but decreased cell numbers of $CD8^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$, $B220^+CD23^+$ in the PBMCs. Conclusions Obtained results suggest that PRAL can regulate molecular mediators and immune cells that are functionally associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) induced in the NC/Nga mice. This may play an important role in recovering AD symptoms and suppressing pruritus.

• Proceedings of the Microbiological Society of Korea Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.62-64
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• 2008

A major hurdle to the development of RNA interference as therapy for HIV infection is the delivery of siRNA to T lymphocytes which are difficult cells to transfect even in vitro. We have employed a single chain antibody to the pan T cell surface antigen CD7 was conjugated to an oligo-9-arginine peptide (scFvCD7-9R) for T cell-specific siRNA delivery in NOD/SCIDIL2${\gamma}$-/- mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (Hu-PBL). Using a novel delivery, we first show that scFvCD7-9R efficiently delivered CD4 siRNA into human T cells in vitro. In vivo administration to Hu-PBL mice resulted in reduced levels of surface CD4 expression on T cells. Mice infected with HIV-1 and treated on a weekly basis with scFvCD7-9R-siRNA complexes targeting a combination of viral genes and the host coreceptor molecule CCR5 successfully maintained CD4/CD3 T cell ratios up to 4 weeks after infection in contrast to control mice that displayed a marked reduction in CD4 T cell numbers. p24 antigen levels were undetectable in 3 of the 4 protected mice. scFvCD7-9R/antiviral siRNA treatment also helped maintain CD4 T cell numbers with reduced plasma viral loads in Hu-PBL mice reconstituted with PBMC from donors seropositive for HIV, indicating that this method can contain viral replication even in established HIV infections. Our results show that scFvCD7-9R could be further developed as a potential therapeutic for HIV-1 infection.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9-35
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• 2010

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of SPDJTK(SoPungDoJeokTangKami) and concurrent administration of AJ(Atopy cream, Jawoongo)+SPDJTK on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by using in NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse induced by BMAC-induced mice. Methods Clinical skin score, hematology and Serum total IgE and IgG1 of NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mice were evaluated. Moreover, the cytokine level, total cell number, Immunohistochemical staining and Histological features of axillary lymph node(ALN), draining lymph node(DLN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue were used in NC/Nga mice. Results Orally administrated SPDJTK with concurrent administration of SPDJTK and AJ decreased the clinical skin score, total cell number of WBC, eosinophils in blood, serum total IgE & IgG1, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-$\gamma$. Also, total cell number of ALN and dorsal skin tissue, absolute cell number of CD4+, CD8+, CD3+CD69+, CD3+CCR3+, CCR3+, CD4+CXCR5+ in ALN, absolute cell number of CD3+CCR3+, CCR3+ in DLN, granulocytes in PBMCs, activation cell number of CD3+CD69+, CCR3+, total cell number of CD3+ T cell in dorsal skin tissue were significantly decreased. Furthermore, thickness of epidermis, infiltrated inflammatory immune cell and mast cell in dermis, amount of Eotaxin2 mRNA, CCR3 mRNA in dorsal skin tissue, gene expression of IL-5, IL-13 mRNA in ALN, CD4+ Th cell in dorsal skin tissue and CCR3+ eosinophils in ALN were all significantly decreased. However, total number of DLN, absolute number of CD3e+ T cell and CD19+ B cell, absolute number of CD4+, number of Th cell in DLN and gene expression of foxp3 mRNA were significantly increased significantly. Conclusions Concurrent administration of SPDJTK and AJ on atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse was very effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.388-394
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• 2017

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of oral lesions in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients in a descriptive cross-sectional study, and to establish their presence according to levels of CD4+ cells (including the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio). Materials and Methods: A total of 75 patients infected with HIV were included. Oral lesions were observed and classified using World Health Organization classification guidelines. Potential correlations between the presence and severity of oral lesions and CD4+ cells, including the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio, were studied. Results: The most frequent oral lesion detected was oral pseudomembranous candidiasis (80.0%), followed by periodontal disease (40.0%), herpetic lesions (16.0%), hairy leukoplakia (16.0%), gingivitis (20.0%), oral ulceration (12.0%), Kaposi's sarcoma (8.0%), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (4.0%). The CD4+ count was <$200cells/mm^3$ in 45 cases (60.0%), between $200-500cells/mm^3$ in 18 cases (24.0%), and >$500cells/mm^3$ in 12 cases (16.0%). The mean CD4+ count was $182.18cells/mm^3$. The mean ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells was 0.26. All patients showed at least one oral manifestation. Conclusion: There was no correlation between the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio and the presence of oral lesions. The severity of the lesions was more pronounced when the CD4+ cell count was less than $200cells/mm^3$.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2008

Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is an inflammatory disorder induced by HSV-1 infection and characterized by T cell-dependent destruction of corneal tissues. It is not known what triggers $CD4^+$ T cell migration into the stroma of HSV-1-infected corneas. The keratocyte is a fibroblast-like cell that can function as an antigen-presenting cell in the mouse cornea by expressing MHC class II and costimulatory molecules after HSV-1 infection. We hypothesized that chemokines produced by stromal keratocytes are involved in $CD4^+$ T cell infiltration into the cornea. We found that keratocytes produce several cytokines and chemokines, including MCP-1, RANTES, and T cell activation (TCA)-3. HSV-1 infection increased the production of MCP-1 and RANTES by keratocytes, and these acted as chemoattractants for HSV-1-primed $CD4^+$ T cells expressing CCR2 and CCR5. ExpreHerpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is an inflammatory disorder induced by HSV-1 infection and characterized by T cell-dependent destruction of corneal tissues. It is not known what triggers $CD4^+$ T cell migration into the stroma of HSV-1-infected corneas. The keratocyte is a fibroblast-like cell that can function as an antigen-presenting cell in the mouse cornea by expressing MHC class II and costimulatory molecules after HSV-1 infection. We hypothesized that chemokines produced by stromal keratocytes are involved in $CD4^+$ T cell infiltration into the cornea. We found that keratocytes produce several cytokines and chemokines, including MCP-1, RANTES, and T cell activation (TCA)-3. HSV-1 infection increased the production of MCP-1 and RANTES by keratocytes, and these acted as chemoattractants for HSV-1-primed $CD4^+$ T cells expressing CCR2 and CCR5. Expression of MCP-1 in the corneal stroma was confirmed in vivo. Finally, when HSV-1-primed $CD4^+$ T cells were adoptively transferred into wild type and MCP-1-deficient mice that had been sublethally irradiated to minimize chemokine production from immune cells, infiltration of $CD4^+$ T cells was markedly reduced in the MCP-1-deficient mice, suggesting that it is the MCP-1 from HSV-1-infected keratocytes that attracts $CD4^+$ T cells into the cornea.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.125-130
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• 2009

Tacrolimus is a widely used T cell targeted immunosuppressive drug, known as a calcineurin inhibitor. However, the exact pharmacological effects of tacrolimus on $CD4^+$ T cells have yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of tacrolimus on $CD4^+$ T cell subsets. Mouse or human $CD4^+$ T cells were cultured with immobilized anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies in the presence of tacrolimus. The cell division of $CD4^+$ T cells was analyzed using a flow cytometer according to the expression of Foxp3. The gene expression patterns of tacrolimus-exposed T cells were examined by quantitative PCR. In the case of conventional $CD4^+$ T cells (Tconv cells), tacrolimus inhibited T cell receptor stimulation-induced cell division. In contrast, the cell division of regulatory $CD4^+$ T cells (Treg cells) was even promoted in the presence of tacrolimus, especially in humans. Tacrolimus did not promote conversion of Tconv to Treg cells in mice. Furthermore, tacrolimus modified the expression levels of Foxp3-regulated T cell receptor signal related-genes, PTPN22 and Itk, in human Treg cells. Immunosuppressive effect of tacrolimus may be attributed to the relatively enhanced proliferation of Treg cells in association with altered gene expression levels of TCR signaling molecules.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.63-78
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to know the effects of Gwan-Jul-Bang-7 (hereafter referred to GJB-7) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on the mouse. Methods: To assess the effects of GJB-7 on mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II, we conducted several experiments such as analysis of cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, total cell number of draining lymph nodes and paw joints, value of immunocyte in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell), DLN (draining lymph node) and paw joint, measurement of cytokine and anti-collagen II, observation of the histological changes of joint. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against HFC (human fibroblast cells) was not observed in any concentration and hepatotoxicity was not observed in the GJB-7 treated group. 2. The incidence of arthritis significantly decreased. 3. Total cell number of draining lymph nodes significantly increased and total cell number of paw joints significantly decreased. 4. The percentage of $CD8^+$ cells in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) significantly increased. The percentage of $CD3^+/CD69^+$, and $CD3^+/CD49b^+$ cells in PBMC significantly decreased. 5. The percentage of $CD19^+,\;CD3^+$, and $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in DLN (draining lymph nodes) significantly increased. The percentage of $B220^+/CD23^+$ cells in DLN significantly decreased. 6. The percentage of $CD3^+,\;CD4^+$, and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in paw joints significantly decreased. 7. The production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, and MCP-1 significantly decreased. 8. Anti-collagen II in serum significantly decreased. 9. With the hematoxylin and eosin stain, inflammation of joint decreased. Under Masson's trichrome stain, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation and the expression of collagen fibers decreased. Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that GJB-7 had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that GJB-7 could be used as an effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.119-129
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify decidual $CD56^+$ and $CD16^+$ NK cell subtype population and to evaluate the correlation between decidual NK cell expression and peripheral $CD56^+$ NK cell expression in women with a history of recurrent abortion and increased peripheral NK cells. Methods: Twenty-nine women with recurrent abortion and elevated peripheral $CD56^+$ NK cell percentage who had chromosomally normal conceptus were included in this study. Thirty-two women with recurrent abortion who had chromosomally abnormal conceptus were used as controls. Distribution of $CD56^+$ and $CD16^+$ NK cells in decidual tissues including implantation sites was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The degree of immunohistochemical staining was interpreted by score and percentage. Results: There was a significant difference in decidual $CD56^+$ NK cell score ($43.6{\pm}24.5$ vs. $23.9{\pm}16.3$ P =0.001) and $CD56^+$ NK cell percentage ($42.1{\pm}11.7$ vs. $33.9{\pm}15.8$ P =0.027) between increased peripheral NK cell group and control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in decidual $CD16^+$ NK cell score ($18.7{\pm}9.5$ vs. $13.2{\pm}39.4$ P =0.108) and $CD16^+$ NK cell percentage ($24.7{\pm}5.9$ vs. $23.4{\pm}11.7$ P =0.599). There was no significant correlation between decidual NK cell score and peripheral NK cell percentage in increase peripheral NK cell group (peripheral $CD56^+$ NK cell percentage vs. decidual $CD56^+$ NK cell score, r=-0.016, P =0.932, peripheral $CD16^+$ NK cell percentage vs. decidual $CD16^+$ NK cell score, r=0.008, P =0.968). Conclusion: This study shows that $CD56^+$ decidual NK cells are increased in decidua of women exhibiting a history of recurrent abortion with increased $CD56^+$ peripheral NK cell. There was no significant correlation between decidual and peripheral NK cell increment in increase peripheral NK cell group. This study suggests the possibility that decidual NK cells may play an important role in the immune mechanism of recurrent abortion.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.597-606
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• 2008

Resorption of alveolar bone in periodontitis is due to excessive differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. Bacterial antigens causing periodontitis activates CD4 T cells, which leads to expressing RANK ligand (RANKL) on CD4 T cells. RANKL binds RANK on preosteoclasts or osteoclasts, and enhances the differentiation preosteoclasts into osteoclasts and the activation of mature osteoclasts. CD137, one of TNF receptor (TNFR) family, expressed on activated T cells binds with CD137 ligand (CD137L) on antigen presenting cells. Cross-linking of CD137 by CD137L acts as T cell co-stimulatory signals and, therefore, enhances the activation of T cell. In this study, I elucidated the biological responses of CD137L on (pre)osteoclasts and RANKL on T cells in the context of in vivo interaction between T cells and osteoclasts. RAW264.7, murine monocytic cells, constitutively express CD137L. Ligation of CD137L with anti-CD137L mAb inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dosedependent manner. Bone marrow cells are expressed CD137L by the treatment with M-CSF. Cross-linking of CD137L abolished M-CSF/ RANKL-evoked the formation of multi-nucleated osteoclasts. Both mouse CD4 and CD8 T cells are expressed RANKL following their activation. Ligation of RANKL with OPG, the decoy receptor for RANKL, inhibited both CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation. These effects were attributed to RANKL-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that CD137L and RANKL on osteoclasts and T cells, respectively provide them with inhibitory signal.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.225-231
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• 2003

Transgenic mice containing Diphtheria Toxin-A (DT-A) gene fused to proximal lck promoter sequences was used for analysis of DT-A gene expression and thymocyte development. The diphtheria toxin gene was expressed in thymus, spleen and liver of transgenic mice confirmed by RT-PCR and Northern blotting. A FACS analysis with thymocyte cell surface antigens antibodies (CD4 and CD8) showed that the number of peripheral mature single positive thymocytes ($CD4^{+}\;and\;CD8^{+}$ cells) T-cells was severely reduced in transgenic mice compared to that in the non-transgenic littermates. A relative portion of $CD8^{+}$ single positive thymocytes was about 33.2% in transgenic peripheral T-cells while 50.6% in wild type. Reduction of $CD4^{+}$ cell numbers in transgenic mice was observed (5.9% in transgenic versus 10.3% in non-transgenic). The data from analysis of these transgenic mice indicate that the proximal lck promoter regulated the expression of DT-A gene at high level in developing thymocytes and the DT-A disrupted developing thymocytes in transgenic mice.