• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2008

Background: A co-inhibitory molecule, B7-H4, is believed to negatively regulate T cell immunity by suppressing T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine production. However, the mechanism behind B7-H4-mediated tolerance remains unclear. Methods: Balb/c $(H-2^d)$ mice were fed with dendritic cell line, DC2.4 $(H-2^d)$ every day for 10 days. Meantime, mice were hydrodynamically injected with recombinant plasmid expressing B7-H4 fusion protein (B7-H4.hFc) or hFc via tail vein. One day after last feeding, mice were immunized with allogeneic B6 spleen cells. 14 days following immunization, mice were challenged with B6 spleen cells to ear back and the ear swelling was determined the next day. Subsequently, a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was also performed and cytokines profiles from the reaction were examined by sandwich ELISA. Frequency of immunosuppressive cell population was assayed with flow cytometry and mRNA for FoxP3 was determined by RT-PCR. Results: Tolerant mice given plasmid expressing B7-H4.hFc showed a significant reduction in ear swelling compared to control mice. In addition, T cells from mice given B7-H4.hFc plasmid revealed a significant hyporesponsiveness of T cells against allogeneic spleen cells and showed a significant decrease in Th1 and Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-5, and TNF-${\alpha}$. Interestingly, flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs in spleen was increased in tolerant mice given recombinant B7-H4.hFc plasmid compared to control group. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that B7-H4 synergistically potentiates oral tolerance induced by allogeneic cells by increasing the frequency of FoxP3+ CD4+CD25+ Treg and reducing Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2005

Background: DNA vaccination represents an anticipated approach for the control of numerous infectious diseases. Used alone, however, DNA vaccine is weak immunogen inferior to viral vectors. In recent, heterologous prime-boost vaccination leads DNA vaccines to practical reality. Methods: We assessed prime-boost immunization strategies with a DNA vaccine (minigene, $gB_{498-505}$ DNA) and recombinant vaccinia virus $(vvgB_{498-505})$ expressing epitope $gB_{498-505}$ (SSIEF ARL) of CD8+ T cells specific for glycoprotein B (gB) of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Animals were immunized primarily with $gB_{498-505}$ epitope-expressing DNA vaccine/recombinant vaccinia virus and boosted with alternative vaccine type expressing entire Ag. Results: In prime-boost protocols using vvgBw (recombinant vaccinia virus expressing entire Ag) and $vvgB_{498-505}$, CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity was induced maximally at both acute and memory stages if primed with vvgBw and boosted with $vvgB_{498-505}$ as evaluated by CTL activity, intracellular IFN-staining, and MHC class I tetramer staining. Similarly $gB_{498-505}$ DNA prime-gBw DNA (DNA vaccine expressing entire Ag) boost immunization elicited the strongest CD8+ T cell responses in protocols based on DNA vaccine. However, the level of CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity induced with prime-boost vaccination using DNA vaccine expressing epitope or entire Ag was inferior to those based on vvgBw and $vvgB_{498-505}$. Of particular interest CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity was optimally induced when $vvgB_{498-505}$ was used to prime and gB DNA was used as alternative boost. Especially CD7+ T cell responses induced by such protocol was longer lasted than other protocols. Conclusion: These facts direct to search for the effective strategy to induce optimal CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity against cancer and viral infection.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 1992

To elucidate alteration of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) activity of peripheral lymphocytes and helper/inducer and suppressor/cytototxic T cells in patients with thyroid tumors, the author examined PNP activity, and $CD4^+\;and\;CD8^+$ cells of peripheral blood in 20 cases of simple goiter, 9 cases of thyroid adenoma and 20 cases of thyroid cancer as well as 11 cases of adult healthy subjects as control. Diagnoses were established on the basis of commonly accepted clinical and biochemical criteria in simple goiter and were confirmed histopathologically in thyroid adenoma and cancer. All blood was obtained from veins of the patients and control subjects in Pusan National University Hospital during the period of January to August, 1991. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1) The PNP activity was significantly decreased or tended to be decreased in thyroid adenomas and cancers as compared with control subjects and simple goiters. 2) The percentage of CD8 cells was significantly decreased or tended to be decreased in thyroid cancers as compared with simple goiters, thyroid adenomas and control subjects. 3) The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly increased or tended to be increased in thyroid cancer as compared with simple goiters, thyroid adenomas and control subjects. On the basis of the results, it can be suggested that the immunodysfunction in thyroid cancer may be due to decreased suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, and the estimation of PNP activity of peripheral lymphocyte is a helpful test in detecting the immune status in thyroid tumors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.207-211
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the immune responses of children with moderate and severe novel influenza A virus (H1N1) pneumonia, and to compare their clinical and immunological findings with those of control subjects. Methods: Thirty-two admitted patients with H1N1 pneumonia were enrolled in the study. The clinical profiles, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of the 16 H1N1 pneumonia patients who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (severe pneumonia group), 16 H1N1 pneumonia patients admitted to the pediatric general ward (moderate pneumonia group) and 13 control subjects (control group) were measured. Results: Total lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in patients with H1N1 pneumonia than in the control group (P=0.02). The number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was significantly lower in the severe pneumonia group ($411.5{\pm}253.5/{\mu}L$) than in the moderate pneumonia ($644.9{\pm}291.1/{\mu}L$, P=0.04) and control ($902.5{\pm}461.2/{\mu}L$, P=0.01) groups. However, the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher in the severe pneumonia group ($684.2{\pm}420.8/{\mu}L$) than in the moderate pneumonia ($319.7{\pm}176.6/{\mu}L$, P=0.02) and control ($407.2{\pm}309.3/{\mu}L$, P=0.03) groups. The CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes ratio was significantly lower in the severe pneumonia group ($0.86{\pm}0.24$) than in the moderate pneumonia ($1.57{\pm}0.41$, P=0.01) and control ($1.61{\pm}0.49$, P=0.01) groups. The serum levels of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin E were significantly higher in the severe pneumonia group than in the 2 other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that increased humoral immune responses and the differences in the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte profiles, and imbalance of their ratios may be related to the severity of H1N1 pneumonia in children.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.51-58
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• 2008

Objectives: To compare the contents of heavy metals, residual pesticides and sulfur dioxide before/after a decoction. Methods: The heavy metal contents before/after a decoction were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer(ICP-AES) and mercury analyzer. In order to analyze pesticides in 5 samples we used simultaneous multi-residue analysis of pesticides by GC/ECD, which was followed by GC/MSD analysis to confirm the identity of the detected pesticide in each sample. In addition, the contents of sulfur dioxide($SO_2$) were performed by Monier-Williams distillation method. Results: 1. The mean values of heavy metal contents(mg/kg) for the samples were as follows: Galgeun-tang(before decoction-Pb; 0.793, Cd; 0.133, As; 0.016 and Hg; 0.005, after decoction-Pb; 0.033, Cd; 0.004, As; 0.002 and Hg; not detected), Gumiganghwal-tang(before decoction-Pb; 0.934, Cd; 0.197, As; 0.046 and Hg; 0.006, after decoction-Pb; 0.062, Cd; 0.007, As; 0.004 and Hg; 0.0001), Sosiho-tang(before decoction-Pb; 0.891, Cd; 0.134, As; 0.091 and Hg; 0.014, after decoction-Pb; 0.036, Cd; 0.002, As; 0.004 and Hg; not detected), Ojuck-san(before decoction-Pb; 0.907, Cd; 0.136, As; 0.084 and Hg; 0.007, after decoction-Pb; 0.074, Cd; 0.007, As; 0.011 and Hg; 0.0005) and Samsoeum(before decoction-Pb; 1.234, Cd; 0.154, As; 0.016 and Hg; 0.007, after decoction-Pb; 0.094, Cd; 0.006, As; 0.002 and Hg; 0.001). 2. Contents(mg/kg) of residual pesticides before/after a decoction in all samples were not detected. 3. Contents(mg/kg) of sulfur dioxide($SO_2$) before a decoction in Galgeun-tang, Gumiganghwal-tang, Sosiho-tang, Ojuck-san and Samsoeum exhibited 1.2, 3.4, 11.1, 12.0 and 5.7, respectively. However, contents of sulfur dioxide after a decoction in all samples were not detected. Conclusions: These results will be used to establish a criterion of heavy metals, residual pesticides and sulfur dioxide.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 2017

Background: 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol 20-O-D-glucopyranoside, also called compound K (CK), exerts antidiabetic effects that are mediated by insulin secretion through adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium ($K_{ATP}$) channels in pancreatic ${\beta}$-cells. However, the antidiabetic effects of CK may be limited because of its low bioavailability. Methods: In this study, we aimed to enhance the antidiabetic activity and lower the toxicity of CK by including it with ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin (CD) (CD-CK), and to determine whether the CD-CK compound enhanced pancreatic islet recovery, compared to CK alone, in an alloxan-induced diabetic zebrafish model. Furthermore, we confirmed the toxicity of CD-CK relative to CK alone by morphological changes, mitochondrial damage, and TdT-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, and determined the ratio between the toxic and therapeutic dose for both compounds to verify the relative safety of CK and CD-CK. Results: The CD-CK conjugate ($EC_{50}=2.158{\mu}M$) enhanced the recovery of pancreatic islets, compared to CK alone ($EC_{50}=7.221{\mu}M$), as assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic zebrafish larvae. In addition, CD-CK ($LC_{50} =20.68{\mu}M$) was less toxic than CK alone ($LC_{50}=14.24{\mu}M$). The therapeutic index of CK and CD-CK was 1.98 and 9.58, respectively. Conclusion: The CD-CK inclusion complex enhanced the recovery of damaged pancreatic islets in diabetic zebrafish. The CD-CK inclusion complex has potential as an effective antidiabetic efficacy with lower toxicity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.160-170
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• 2019

The lactic acid bacteria species Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) has been used extensively for vaccine delivery. Considering to the critical role of dendritic cells in stimulating host immune response, in this study, we constructed a novel CD11c-targeting L. plantarum strain with surface-displayed variable fragments of anti-CD11c, single-chain antibody (scFv-CD11c). The newly designed L. plantarum strain, named 409-aCD11c, could adhere and invade more efficiently to bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro due to the specific interaction between scFv-CD11c and CD11c located on the surface of BMDCs. After incubation with BMDCs, the 409-aCD11c strain harboring a eukaryotic vector pValac-GFP could lead to more efficient expression of GFP compared with wild-type strains shown by flow cytometry analysis, indicating the enhanced translocation of pValac-GFP from L. plantarum to BMDCs. Similar results were also observed in an in vivo study, which showed that oral administration resulted in efficient expression of GFP in both Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) within 7 days after the last administration. In addition, the CD11c-targeting strain significantly promoted the differentiation and maturation of DCs, the differentiation of $IL-4^+$ and $IL-17A^+$ T helper (Th) cells in MLNs, as well as production of $B220^+$ $IgA^+$ B cells in the PP. In conclusion, this study developed a novel DC-targeting L. plantarum strain which could increase the ability to deliver eukaryotic expression plasmid to host cells, indicating a promising approach for vaccine study.

• Journal of the Chungcheong Mathematical Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.139-144
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• 2000

The generalized noncommutative torus $T_{\rho}^d$ of rank m was defined in [2]. Assume that for the completely irrational noncommutative subtorus $A_{\rho}$ of rank m of $T_{\rho}^d$ there is no integer q > 1 such that $tr(K_0(A_{\rho}))=\frac{1}{q}{\cdot}tr(K_0(A_{\rho^{\prime}}))$ for $A_{\rho^{\prime}}$ a completely irrational noncommutative torus of rank m. All $C^*$-algebras ${\Gamma}({\eta})$ of sections of locally trivial $C^*$-algebra bundles ${\eta}$ over $M=\prod_{i=1}^{e}S^{2k_i}{\times}\prod_{i=1}^{s}S^{2n_i+1}$, $\prod_{i=1}^{s}\mathbb{PR}_{2n_i}$, or $\prod_{i=1}^{s}L_{k_i}(n_i)$ with fibres $T_{\rho}^d{\otimes}M_c(\mathbb{C})$ were constructed in [6, 7, 8]. We prove that ${\Gamma}({\eta}){\otimes}M_{p^{\infty}}$ is isomorphic to $C(M){\otimes}A_{\rho}{\otimes}M_{cd}(\mathbb{C}){\otimes}M_{p^{\infty}}$ if and only if the set of prime factors of cd is a subset of the set of prime factors of p, that $\mathcal{O}_{2u}{\otimes}{\Gamma}({\eta})$ is isomorphic to $\mathcal{O}_{2u}{\otimes}C(M){\otimes}A_{\rho}{\otimes}M_{cd}(\mathbb{C})$ if and only if cd and 2u - 1 are relatively prime, and that $\mathcal{O}_{\infty}{\otimes}{\Gamma}({\eta})$ is not isomorphic to $\mathcal{O}_{\infty}{\otimes}C(M){\otimes}A_{\rho}{\otimes}M_{cd}(\mathbb{C})$ if cd > 1 when no non-trivial matrix algebra can be ${\Gamma}({\eta})$.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 1996

The heavy metal concentration in mixed and separately collected household food waste, and their compost during the composting period was analysed. The mixed and separately collected food waste had Cd content of 8 mg/kg in spring and its content of 13 mg/kg in winter respectively. Its content was higher than by-product compost limit value(5 mg Cd/kg). Cd concentration in separately collected food waste in a house was higher in January, February, April and May than by-product compost limit value (5 mg Cd/kg). When Cd concentration in the initial composting material was higher than 5 mg/kg, its concentration in the compost of household food waste during the composting period was higher than by-product compost limit value, but it was not accumulated in the compost during the composting period. Fly ash was added to separately collected household food waste to adjust its moisture content for composting. Its addition had moisture conditioning and Cd concentration reducing effect in the compost. The average one month composted fresh compost from the mixed collected household food waste was matured in a pile out of doors for 7 months with turning the pile once a month and its heavy metal concentration was examined. Accumulation of the heavy metals in the compost did not occur during the composting period, because they were washed out during the rainfall.