• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.304-310
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• 1999

Background: IFN-$\gamma$ plays an important role in host response to intracellular organisms such as mycobacterium. Human infection with mycobacterium leads to a wide variety of outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic infection to widespread and rapidly fatal disease. Recent reports suggest that alteration of the function of IFN-$\gamma$ caused by a defective IFN-$\gamma$ receptor gene can explain different host response to mycobacterium. In this study, we investigated the role of IFN-$\gamma$ in the development of chronic refractory tuberculosis. Methods: The LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production with or without IFN-$\gamma$ priming was compared by using monocytes taken from recently diagnosed tuberculosis, chronic refractory tuberculosis patients and controls. And the IFN-$\gamma$ receptor was measured by indirect fluorescent antibody technique to know whether change in the priming effect of IFN-$\gamma$ is related to IFN-$\gamma$ receptor deficiency or not. Results: The ratio of TNF-$\alpha$ produced in response to stimulation with INF-$\gamma$ and LPS to LPS alone was $13.5{\pm}7.6$ in controls, $10.8{\pm}6.4$ in recently diagnosed tuberculosis patients and $6.7{\pm}3.9$ in chronic refractory tuberculosis patients. The priming effect of IFN-$\gamma$ significantly decreased in chronic refractory tuberculosis patients compared with that in controls(p=0.002). However, IFN-$\gamma$ receptor deficiency was detected in one of chronic refractory tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: The decrease of the priming effect of IFN-$\gamma$ may play an important role in the development of chronic refractory tuberculosis, and in some patients, this may be related to the IFN-$\gamma$ receptor deficiency.

• 한국정보디스플레이학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2007.08a
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• pp.261-264
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• 2007

We developed a non self-aligned poly-silicon TFTs fabrication process at two different temperatures on spin-coated polyimide layer above Si-wafer. After TFTs fabrication, the polyimide layer was mechanically released from the Si-wafer and the devices characteristics were compared. In addition self-heating and hot-carrier induced instabilities were analysed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1399-1405
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• 2013

The present study focused on establishing the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) on interleukin-18 (IL-18) expression patterns and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant rats. Pregnant rats at the post-implantation stage were randomized into control, low IFN-${\gamma}$ (L-IFN-${\gamma}$) and high IFN-${\gamma}$ groups (H-IFN-${\gamma}$) that received normal saline, 100 IU/g of IFN-${\gamma}$ and 500 IU/g of IFN-${\gamma}$ vaginal muscular injection, respectively. The effects of IFN-${\gamma}$ on IL-18 expression and pregnancy outcomes were assessed systematically using several methods, including immunohistochemistry streptavidin-perosidase (SP), image pattern analysis, enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA), whole blood count (WBC) count, microscopy and visual observation. IL-18 was detected in the uteri of all pregnant rats, and mainly distributed in the endometrium, decidual cells, vascular endothelium and myometrium. Immunohistochemistry and image pattern analyses revealed significantly lower IL-18 expression in the H-IFN-${\gamma}$ group compared to the L-IFN-${\gamma}$ and control groups (p<0.01), indicating that high doses of IFN-${\gamma}$ induce downregulation of IL-18 in the uterus of pregnant rats. ELISA results disclosed that IL-18 expression in peripheral blood of the H-IFN-${\gamma}$ group was lower than that of the L-IFN-${\gamma}$ group (p<0.05), and significantly reduced compared to the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, the number of peripheral leukocytes in the H-IFN-${\gamma}$ group was significantly higher than those in the control and L-IFN-${\gamma}$ groups (p<0.01). Morphology analysis showed no evident differences between the L-IFN-${\gamma}$ and control groups. However, for the H-IFN-${\gamma}$ group, uterine mucosa bleeding, necrosis and excoriation were observed using microscopy. Visual observation revealed marroon, swelling, crassitude and no embryo in the uterus, which are obvious indicators of abortion. These results indicate that IFN-${\gamma}$ plays a regulatory role in IL-18 expression in the uterus and peripheral blood of pregnant rats at the post-implantation stage. Moreover, high levels (500 IU/g) of IFN-${\gamma}$ influence normal pregnancy at the early stages in rats by downregulating IL-18 expression in the uterus and peripheral blood and increasing the number of peripheral leukocytes, consequently triggering termination of pregnancy.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.813-818
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• 2002

Expression of monokine induced by IFN-$\gamma$(Mig) mRNA is well-known to strictly depend on Interferon-$\gamma$(IFN-$\gamma$). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone Is weakly effective on Mig mRNA expression in mouse Peritoneal macrophages. This study was undertaken to investigate the synergistic effect of LPS and IFN-$\beta$ on chemokine Mig gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Although IFN-$\beta$ alone was minimally effective, LPS plus IFN-$\beta$ synergized to produce a high level of Mig mRNh. The synergistic effect of LPS and IFN-$\beta$ (LPS/IFN-$\beta$) on Mig mRNA expression was strain-specific. The most effective synergistic effect of LPS/IFN-$\beta$ on the mRNh expression was found in simultaneous stimulation of LPS/IFN-$\beta$. This synergy was modulated at the level of the gene transcription and was not dependent on a new protein synthesis. Synergistic effect of LPS/IFN-$\beta$ also required the activation of $NF-_KB$. Accordingly, these data suggest that LPS/IFN-$\beta$ synergizes the expression of Mig mRNA through a process that depends on a pretranscriptional level and/or coincident Mig mRNA transcription.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2008

Background: Members belonging to the interferon-lambda (IFN-${\lambda}$) family exert protective action against viral infection; however, the mechanisms of their action have remained elusive. To study IFN-${\lambda}$ biology, such as endocytosis of IFN-${\lambda}$, we produced monoclonal antibodies (Abs) against human IFN-${\lambda}$ and examined their usefulness. Methods: We purified recombinant human IFN-${\lambda}$1 expressed in Escherichia coli by using affinity columns. Then, we generated hybridoma cells by fusing myeloma cells with splenocytes from IFN-${\lambda}$1-immunized mice. For evaluating the neutralizing activity of the monoclonal Abs against IFN-${\lambda}$1, we performed RT-PCR for the MxA transcript. In order to study the binding activity of IFN-${\lambda}$ and the monoclonal Ab complex on HepG2 cells, we labeled the monoclonal Ab with rhodamine and determined the fluorescence intensity. Results: Four hybridoma clones secreting Abs specific to IFN-${\lambda}$1 were generated and designated as HL1, HL2, HL3, and HL4. All the Abs reacted with IFN-${\lambda}$1 in the denatured form as well as in the native form. Abs produced by HL1, HL3, and HL4 did not neutralize the induction of the MxA gene by IFN-${\lambda}$1. We also demonstrated the binding of the HL1 monoclonal anbitody and IFN-${\lambda}$ complex on HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Monoclonal Abs against IFN-${\lambda}$1 were produced. These Abs can be used to study the cellular binding and internalization of IFN-${\lambda}$.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 1994

The present study was undertaken to assess the role of cytokines in the activation of peritoneal macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice. Peritoneal macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice (10 cysts of Beverley strain/mouse) were harvested 8 weeks after infection, and incubated with the mitogen-induced lymphokine, recombinant mouse $interferon-{\gamma}(IFN-{\gamma})$, recombinant mouse tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}{\;}(TNF-{\alpha})$ alone or in combination with 4$IFN-{\gamma}(IFN-{\gamma}/TNF-{\alpha})$ for 24hr at 37^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$. Macrophage activation was measured by the amount of $H_20_2{\;}and{\;}N0_2^{-}$ production, and antiToxoplasma activities of macrophages. $IFN-{\gamma}{\;}or{\;}IFN-{\gamma}/TNF-{\alpha}-treated$ macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice revealed significantly higher $H_20_2$ production than resident macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice. The production of $N0_2^{-}{\;}by{\;}TNF-{\alpha}-,{\;}IFN-{\gamma}-{\;}or{\;}IFN-{\gamma}/TNF-{\alpha}-treated$ macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice were significantly higher than that by resident macrophages, whereas lymphokine-treated group produced similar amount as that produced by resident macrophages. Anti-Toxoplasma activities of cytokinetreated macrophages from Toxoplasma-infected mice were Significantly higher than those of resident macrophages. $IFN-{\gamma}-treated$ macrophages were significantly increased production of $H_20_2{\;}and{\;}N0_2^{-}$, and anti-Toxoplasma activities of macrophages between normal and Toxoplasma-infected mice, whereas the other cytokine-treated groups were not significant differences between them. These data suggested that IFN-{\gamma}was the only one of cytokines capable of significantly activating the peritoneal macrophages from Toxoplasmainfected mice.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 1998

Background: IFN-$\gamma$ is known to activate mononuclear phagocytes and to mediate host defense mechanism against some intracellular microorganisms, but little is known about anti-mycobacterial activity and mechanism of IFN-$\gamma$ in human. In this study, we investigated the role of IFN-$\gamma$ in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis by observing the effect of IFN-$\gamma$ on the phagocytosis of M.tuberculosis(MTB) and on the production of TNF-$\alpha$ by human pulmonary alveolar macrophage. Method: Pulmonary alveolar macrophage(PAM) were prepared with adhesion purification method from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from 8 persorn without active lung lesion and cultured($1{\times}10^6cells/ml$) with MTB($3{\times}10^7$ bacteria/ml) with or without IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml), LPS(0.5ug/ml) and autologous serum(10%). After 2 hours, the percentage of PAM-phagocytosed MTB was counted after AFB staining(modified Kynion method). TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM stimulated by IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml), MTB($1{\times}10^6bacteria/ml$) and LPS(0.5ug/ml) for 24hours was measured in culture supernatant using ELISA method. The degree of phagocytosis of MTB by PAM stimulated with IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml) and LPS(0.5ug/ml) for 24hours was also investigated. Results: IFN-$\gamma$ did not influence the phagocytosis of MTB by PAM(percentage of PAM-phagocytosed MTB: control: $22.1{\pm}4.9$, IFN-$\gamma$: $20.3{\pm}5.3$) and did not increase TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM (control: $21{\pm}38pg/ml$, IFN-$\gamma$: $87{\pm}106pg/ml$), and the degree of phagocytosis of MTB by PAM pre-stimulated with IFN-$\gamma$ for 24 hours, was not increased (control: $24.5{\pm}9.5$, IFN-$\gamma$: $23.4{\pm}10.1$). Conclusion: IFN-$\gamma$ does not influence on the phagocytosis of MTB and TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.51-66
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• 2004

Objectives : The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that participate in the extracellular matrix metabolism play a important role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. The effects of the MMPs are regulated by several factors including Th-1 cytokines, $interferon-{\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$). Up to now, $IFN-{\gamma}$ is known to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, but little is known regarding the exact effect of $IFN-{\gamma}$ on the regulation of the MMPs. This study investigated the effects of $interferon-{\gamma}$ on the pulmonary fibrosis and the expression of the lung MMP-2,-9, TIMP-1,-2, and Th-2 cytokines in aa rat model of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and methods : Male, specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to an intratracheal bleomycin instillation. The rats were randomized to a saline control, a bleomycin treated, and a bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ treated group. The bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ treated group was subjected to an intramuscular injection of $IFN-{\gamma}$ for 14 days. At 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the bleomycin instillation, the rats were sacrificed and the lungs were harvested. In order to evaluate the effects of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ on lung fibrosis and inflammation, the lung hydroxyproline content, inflammation and fibrosis score were measured. Western blotting, zymography and reverse zymography were performed at 3, 7, 14, 28 days after bleomycin instillation in order to evaluate the MMP-2,-9, and TIMP-1,-2 expression level. ELISA was performed to determine the IL-4 and IL-13 level in a lung homogenate. Results : 1. 7 days after bleomycin instillation, inflammatory changes were more severe in the bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group than the bleomycin group (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$2.08{\pm}0.15:2.74{\pm}0.29$, P<0.05), but 28 days after bleomycin instillation, lung fibrosis was significantly reduced as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$3.94{\pm}0.43:2.64{\pm}0.13$, P<0.05). 2. 28 days after bleomycin instillation, the lung hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced as a result of $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$294.04{\pm}31.73{\mu}g/g:194.92{\pm}15.51{\mu}g/g$, P<0.05). 3. Western blotting showed that the MMP-2 level was increased as a result of the bleomycin instillation and highest in the 14 days after bleomycin instillation. 4. In zymography, the active forms of MMP-2 were significantly increased as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment 3 days after the bleomycin instillation, bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$209.63{\pm}7.60%:407.66{\pm}85.34%$, P<0.05), but 14 days after the bleomycin instillation, the active forms of MMP-2 were significantly reduced as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$159.36{\pm}20.93%:97.23{\pm}12.50%$, P<0.05). 5. The IL-4 levels were lower in the bleomycin and bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ groups but this was not significant, and the IL-13 levels showed no difference between the experiment groups. Conclusion : The author found that lung inflammation was increased in the early period but the pulmonary fibrosis was inhibited in the late stage as a result of $IFN-{\gamma}$. The inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis by $IFN-{\gamma}$ appeared to be associated with the inhibition of MMP-2 activation by $IFN-{\gamma}$. Further studies on the mechanism of the regulation of MMP-2 activation and the effects of MMP-2 activation on pulmonary fibrosis is warranted in the future.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2004

Background : IFN-${\gamma}$ is the main effector mediator of the host immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Evaluating the IFN-${\gamma}$ gene expression in response to M. tuberculosis antigens may help in elucidating the host defense mechanism against M. tuberculosis and in the development of a vaccine. Methods : The IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression in the lymphocytes obtained from pleural effusions from tuberculous pleurisy patients (TB-PLC) after in vitro stimulation with whole cell M. tuberculosis(H37Rv), purified protein derivatives(PPD), man-lipoarabinamman (man-LAM), ara-LAM and Antigen 85B(Ag85B) were evaluated. The degree of IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression was determined by a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results : M. tuberculosis induced the expression of IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA in the TB-PLC in time and dose dependent manners. The PPD and Ag85B induced high levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression in the TB-PLC. However, man-LAM inhibited IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression in the TB-PLC, while ara-LAM did not. Conclusion : IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression in TB-PLC is stimulated by PPD and Ag85B, but inhibited by man-LAM.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.358-363
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• 2011

Background: Traditionally, interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) was regarded as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, however, recent reports suggested role of IFN-${\gamma}$ in immune tolerance. In our previous report, we could induce tolerance to male antigen (HY) just by male islet transplantation in wild type C57BL/6 mice without any immunological intervention. We tried to investigate the influence of IFN-${\gamma}$ deficiency on tolerance induction by male islet transplantation. Methods: To examine the immunogenicity of male tissue in the absence of IFN-${\gamma}$, we transplanted male IFN-${\gamma}$ knock-out (KO) skin to female IFN-${\gamma}$ KO mice. Next, we analyzed male IFN-${\gamma}$ KO islet to streptozotocin-induced diabetic female IFN-${\gamma}$ KO mice. And, we checked the functionality of grafted islet by graft removal and insulin staining. Results: As our previous results in wild type C57BL/6 mice, female IFN-${\gamma}$ KO mice rejected male IFN-${\gamma}$ KO skin within 29 days, and did not reject male IFN-${\gamma}$ KO islet. The maintenance of normal blood glucose level was dependent on the presence of grafted male islet. And the male islet recipient did not reject 2nd challenge of male islet graft also. Conclusion: Deficiency of IFN-${\gamma}$ does not have influence on the result of male skin graft and male islet transplantation. Conclusively, male islet transplantation induced T cell tolerance is not dependent on the presence of IFN-${\gamma}$.