• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.572-577
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• 2018

Recent studies showed that the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade is a dramatic therapy for melanoma by enhancing antitumor immune activity. Currently, major strategies for the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade have mainly focused on the use of antibodies and compounds. Seeking an alternative approach, others employ endogenous proteins as blocking agents. The extracellular domain of PD-1 (ePD1) includes the binding site with PD-L1. Accordingly, we constructed a PD-1-based recombinantly tailored fusion protein (dFv-ePD1) that consists of bivalent variable fragments (dFv) of an MMP-2/9-targeted antibody and ePD1. The melanoma-binding intensity and antitumor activity were also investigated. We found the intense and selective binding capability of the protein dFv-ePD1 to human melanoma specimens was confirmed by a tissue microarray. In addition, dFv-ePD1 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of mouse melanoma B16-F1 cells, and displayed cytotoxicity to cancer cells in vitro. Notably, dFv-ePD1 significantly inhibited the growth of mouse melanoma B16-F1 tumor cells in mice and in vivo fluorescence imaging showed that dFv-ePD was gradually accumulated into the B16-F1 tumor. Also the B16-F1 tumor fluorescence intensity at the tumor site was stronger than that of dFv. This study indicates that the recombinant protein dFv-ePD1 has an intensive melanoma-binding capability and exerts potent therapeutic efficacy against melanoma. The novel format of the PD-L1-blocked agent may play an active role in antitumor immunotherapy.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.27.1-27.11
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• 2020

Although various studies on predictive markers in the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are in progress, only PD-L1 expression levels in tumor tissues are currently used. In the present study, we investigated whether baseline serum levels of IL-6 can predict the treatment response of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In our cohort of 125 NSCLC patients, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in those with low IL-6 (<13.1 pg/ml) than those with high IL-6 (ORR 33.9% vs. 11.1%, p=0.003; DCR 80.6% vs. 34.9%, p<0.001). The median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-8.7) in the low IL-6 group, significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (1.9 months, 95% CI, 1.6-2.2, p<0.001). The median overall survival in the low IL-6 group was significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (not reached vs. 7.4 months, 95% CI, 4.8-10.0). Thus, baseline serum IL-6 levels could be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy and survival benefit of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.2
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• pp.394-408
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• 2024

Purpose To develop models to predict programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using CT. Materials and Methods A total of 97 patients diagnosed with SCC who underwent PD-L1 expression assay were included in this study. We performed a CT analysis of the tumors using pretreatment CT images. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to predict PD-L1 positivity in the total patient group and in the 40 advanced-stage (≥ stage IIIB) patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for each model. Results For the total patient group, the AUC of the 'total significant features model' (tumor stage, tumor size, pleural nodularity, and lung metastasis) was 0.652, and that of the 'selected feature model' (pleural nodularity) was 0.556. For advanced-stage patients, the AUC of the 'selected feature model' (tumor size, pleural nodularity, pulmonary oligometastases, and absence of interstitial lung disease) was 0.897. Among these factors, pleural nodularity and pulmonary oligometastases had the highest odds ratios (8.78 and 16.35, respectively). Conclusion Our model could predict PD-L1 expression in patients with lung SCC, and pleural nodularity and pulmonary oligometastases were notable predictive CT features of PD-L1.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.85-89
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• 2004

Geometrical structures of [Pd(L)$Cl_2$] with oxathia macrocycles have been calculated using ab initio secondorder Moller-Plesset (MP2) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods with triple zeta plus polarization (TZP) basis set level. In optimized Pd(L)$Cl_2$ complexes, Pd(II) locates at the center surrounded by a square planar array of two sulfurs on an oxathia macrocycle and two chlorides. The endo-Pd(II) complexes with an axial (Pd${\cdots}$O) interaction are more stable than the exo-Pd(II) complexes without the interaction. In the endo-Pd(II) complexes, the atomic charge of the oxygen atom moves to Pd(II) via the axial ($Pd{\cdots}$O) interaction and then, the charge transfer from Pd(II) to the S-atoms occurs stepwise via ${\pi}$-acceptors of the empty d-orbitals.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.413-418
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• 2008

The production of 1,3.propanediol (1,3-PD) was investigated with Klebsiella pneumoniae DSM2026 and K. pneumoniae DSM4799 using crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel industry. Crude glycerol was used without prior purification to investigate effects of impurities in crude glycerol on 1,3-PD production. In the batch cultures, 1,3-PD production with crude glycerol was $1.1{\sim}2.5$ times higher than that with pure glycerol, indicating that crude glycerol is even a better substrate than pure glycerol for 1,3-PD fermentation. When glucose was added, 1,3-PD production and yield decreased in spite of enhanced cell growth. Furthermore, the addition of glucose was found to increase 2,3-butanediol, a by-product, significantly because of the change in metabolism in the presence of glucose. In semi-batch cultures without glucose addition, 26 g/L 1,3-PD was produced with crude glycerol, which was $2{\sim}3$ times higher than that with pure glycerol. Based on our results, it was clearly shown that crude glycerol is an effective substrate for biological 1,3-PD production, making it more feasible to produce 1,3-PD at a lower price.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2019

Background/Objectives: Despite multiple approaches of treatments for salivary duct carcinoma, there has been a need for more successful treatment methods because of its poor prognosis. Treatment options like immunotherapy using new technologies have been attempted. Based on recent study results indicating that targeting programmed death receptors are effective in treating various cancers, this study aimed to identify the frequency of PD-L1 expression and its impact on survival rate in salivary duct carcinoma. Materials & Methods: We studied 33 patients with salivary gland cancer who were available for histologic specimens. We examined the expression of PD-L1 in the tissues and analyzed the association with the survival rate and the association with various clinical parameters. Results: According to this study and review of similar studies, we discovered that the expression of PD-L1 in salivary duct carcinoma was lower than other types of cancers. The impact of PD-L1 on survival rate also showed inconsistency in salivary duct carcinoma. Conclusion: Immunotherapy by PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade in salivary duct carcinoma needs further evaluation for clinical application.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.768-774
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• 2009

To improve the productivity of 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PD) with K. pneumoniae DSM4799 using pure glycerol and crude glycerol derived from the biodiesel process, optimizing fermentation conditions was performed by changing environmental factors such as anaerobic/aerobic condition, temperature, glycerol concentration, and pH. When anaerobic conditions were maintained, there was an improved 1,3-PD production compared with that from aerobic/anaerobic 2-stage fermentation. From the results with temperature $26{\sim}37^{\circ}C$, the higher 1,3-PD production yield was observed at $30{\sim}33^{\circ}C$. For an initial glycerol concentration higher than 60 g/L, cell growth and 1,3-PD production were inhibited. When crude glycerol was used, the initial 1,3-PD production appeared to be inhibited. After 48 hr of incubation, however, 1,3-PD production with crude glycerol was even higher than that with pure glycerol, demonstrating the feasibility of 1,3-PD production using crude glycerol as a substrate. Fed-batch fermentation was applied for the high concentration of 1,3-PD without substrate inhibition. By regulating pH at 7 during the fed-batch with glycerol lower than 40 g/L, the yield of 1,3-PD was 25% higher than that without pH regulation(0.56 g/g vs. 0.45 g/g). In conclusion, based on our results, anaerobic conditions, temperature at $30^{\circ}C$, pure or crude glycerol lower than 40 g/L, and pH regulation at 7 were the optimized conditions for 1,3-PD production using K. pneumoniae DSM4799, making it more feasible to produce 1,3-PD at higher concentration and a lower price.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 1998

The specimens used were Ag-25 Pd-15 Cu ternary alloy and Au addition alloy. These alloys were melted and casted by induction electric furnace and centrifugal casting machine in Ar atmosphere. These specimens were solution treated for 2hr at $800^{\circ}C$ and were then quenched into iced water, and aged at $350{\sim}550^{\circ}C$ Age- hardening characteristics of the small Au-containing Ag-Pd-Cu dental alloys were investigated by means of hardness testing. X-ray diffraction and electron microscope observations, electrical resistance, ergy dispersed spectra and electron probe microanalysis. Principal results are as follows : Hardening occured in two stages, i.e., stage I in low temperature and stage II in high temperature regions, during continuous aging. The case of hardening in stage I was due to the formation of the $L1_0$ type face-centered tetragonal PdCu-ordered phase in the grain interior and hardening in stage I was affected by the Cu concentration. In stage II, decomposition of the ${\alpha}$ solid solution to a PdCu ordered phase($L1_0$ type) and an Ag-rich ${\alpha}2$ phase occurred and a discontinuous precipitation occurred at the grain boundary. From the electron microscope study, it was conclued that the cause of age-hardening in this alloy is the precipitation of the PdCu ordered phase, which has AuCu I type face-centered tetragonal structure. Precipetation procedure was ${\alpha}{\to}{\alpha}+{\alpha}_2+PdCu {\to}{\alpha}_1+{\alpha}_2+PdCu$ at Pd/Cu = 1.7 Ag-Pd-Cu alloy is more effective dental alloy as ageing treatment and is suitable to isothermal ageing at $450^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1439-1444
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• 2008

The recombinant E. coli $\Delta$6 mutant (galR, glpK, gldA, IdhA, lacI, tpiA) was used to produce 1,3-propanediol (PD) from glucose. The 1,3-PD production increased with feedback control of the glucose concentration using fed-batch fermentation. The maximum 1,3-PD concentration produced was 43 g/l after 60 h of fermentation. Glycerol production was minimized when controlling the glucose concentration at less than 1 g/l. The expression levels of seven enzymes related to the 1,3-PD production metabolism were compared during the cell growth phase and 1,3-PD production phase, and their expression levels all increased during 1,3-PD production, with the exception of alcohol dehydrogenase.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.342-347
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• 2011

T cells play a key role in viral infection. However, in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, HCV-specific T cells are dysfunctional and impaired in the liver, which is the primary site for HCV replication. There are multiple potential mechanisms for HCV-specific T cell dysfunction including induction of immune inhibitory pathways (program death-1; PD-1, cytotoxic t lymphocyte associated antigen-4; CTLA-4) and immune tolerance induced specific for the liver. However, the interaction between hepatocytes and HCV-specific CD8 T cells has not clearly established. In this study, we confirmed huh (human hepatoma) 7.5 cells expressing HLA (human leukocyte antigen) A2 presented antigen to activate HCV-specific CD8 T cells in HLA A2-restricted manner and expression of PD-L (program death ligand) 1 on huh7.5 cells reduced HCV-specific CD8 T cell activation, suggesting an immune modulatory activity. Loss of HCV-specific tetramer responses following antigenic stimulation correlated with increased caspase-3 activity. In addition, PD-L1 on huh7.5 cells rescued HCV-specific CD8 T cells from apoptosis. Our results suggest that the interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1 can recover the function of HCV-specific CD8 T cells in the liver, which could be applied in therapy of HCV chronic infection.