• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1071-1077
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• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2012

Reinforced concrete shear walls and X-type steel braces were applied in seismic retrofit techniques for seismic performance evaluation of school buildings constructed in accordance with standard design announced by the ordinance of the ministry of construction in 1980s. Seismic performance evaluation was based on FEMA 356 using response spectrum as elastic analysis and conducted to pushover analysis with nonlinear static analysis. The maximum displacement ratio between floors in 4th and 3rd floors of the existing school buildings was less than 1.0%, which was functioning level in FEMA 356. However, because plastic hinge occurs somewhat in structural members according to the results of pushover analysis, partial reinforcement will be required. X-direction of the maximum lateral displacement of reinforced concrete shear walls than X-type steel braces was 45% and 32% in 4th and 3rd floors of school buildings, and Y-direction was 18% and 17%, respectively.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.136-144
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• 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette-$Gu\acute{e}rin$ (BCG) vaccine is the only TB vaccine currently available, but it is not sufficiently effective in preventing active pulmonary TB or adult infection. With the purpose of developing an improved vaccine against TB that can overcome the limitations of the current BCG vaccine, we investigated whether adjuvant formulations containing de-O-acylated lipooligosaccharide (dLOS) are capable of enhancing the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of TB subunit vaccines. The results revealed that the dLOS/dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) adjuvant formulation significantly increased both humoral and Th1-type cellular responses to TB subunit vaccine that are composed of three antigens, Ag85A, ESAT-6, and HspX. The adjuvanted TB vaccine also effectively induced the Th1-type response in a BCG-primed mouse model, suggesting a potential as a booster vaccine. Finally, the dLOS/DDA-adjuvanted TB vaccine showed protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis infection in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that the dLOS/DDA adjuvant enhances the Th1-type immunity and protective efficacy of the TB subunit vaccine, suggesting that it would be a promising adjuvant candidate for the development of a booster vaccine.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.150-157
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• 2009

This research was performed in order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Bupleuri Radix(BR) on the Immune response in vitro. Cellular proliferation and cytokine production were measured in mast cells or mouse B cells or CD4 Th cells. BR water extract inhibited the secretions of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 in PMA/A23187 stimulated HMC-1 cells. It increased proliferation but did not affect the expressions of CD69 or CD23 in rIL-4/anti-CD40 activated S cells. BR reduced surface IgE expression and secreted IgE but increased the production of IL-4, IFN-$\gamma$ and IgG1 in the same cells. BR caused an increase in proliferation in anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulated CD4 Th cells but it did not affect the differentiation of Th1 or Th2 cells. However, IL-2 was increased in BR treated Th2 cells. Considering the above-mentioned results, BR can be applied to a broad range of anti-inflammatory reactions, but our data suggest that it will not be likely to exert any effects on type 1 allergic response.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.265-268
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• 2005

To study the effect of bifidobacteria on preventing allergy response, levels of IFN-$\gamma$, IgG2a, IL-4, and IgG1 were investigated in splenocytes isolated from ovalbumin (OVA)­sensitized allergic mice and BGN4-administered allergy­suppressed mice in the presence of various bifidobacterial strains. Most of the bifidobacteria, except 2A, increased production of Th I-associated immune markers, IFN -$\gamma$ and IgG2a. In addition, most of the bifidobacteria, except 2A and 19A, decreased production of IL-4, whereas the differences in the production of IgG1 were less pronounced. These results suggest that some strains of bifidobacteria may have the potential to prevent the occurrence of allergy by switching Th1/Th2-type antibodies and/or related cytokines.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.675-687
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• 2000

Multiple periodontal pathogens sequentially colonize the subgingival niche during the conversion from gingivitis to destructive periodontal disease. An animal model of sequential immunization with key periodontal pathogens has been developed to determine whether T and B lymppocyte effector functions are skewed and fail to protect the host from pathogenic challenge. The present study was performed to evaluate immunomodulatory effect of exposure to Fusobacterium nucleatum(F. nucleatum) prior to Porphyromonas gingivalis(P. gingi - valis). Group 1(control) mice were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline, Group 2 were immunized with F. nucleatum prior to P. gingivalis, while Group 3 were immunized P. gingivalis alone. All the T cell clones derived from Group 2 demonstrated type 2 helper T cell clone(Th2 subsets), while those from Group 3 mice demonstrated Th1 subsets. Exposure of mice to F . nucleatum prior to P. gingivalis interfered with opsonophagocytosis function of sera against P. gingivalis. In adoptive T cell transfer experiments, in vivo protective capacity type 2 helper T cell clones(Th2) from Group 2 was significantly lower than type 1 helper T cell clones(Th1) from Group 3 against the lethal dose infection of P. gingivalis. Western blot analysis indicated the different pattern of recognition of P .gingivalis fimbrial proteins between sera from Group 2 and Group 3. In conclusion, these study suggest that colonization of the subgingival niche by F .nucleatum prior to the periodontal pathogen, P. gingivalis, modulates the host immune responses to P. gingivalis at humoral, cellular and molecular levels.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.503-510
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• 2010

Most allergens have protease activities, suggesting that proteases may be a key link between Th2-type immune reactions in allergic responses. Protease activated receptor (PAR) 2 is activated via the proteolytic cleavage of its N-terminal domain by proteinases. To know the role of PAR2 in Aspergillus protease allergen activated Th2 immune responses in airway epithelial cells, we investigated and compared immune cell recruitment and level of chemokines and cytokines between PAR2 knock out (KO) mice and wild type (WT) mice. There were evident immune cell infiltrations into the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of WT mice, but the infiltrations in PAR2 KO mice were significantly lowered than those of WT mice. The IL-25, TSLP, and eotaxin gene expressions were profoundly increased after Aspergillus protease, but their expression was significantly lowered in PAR2 KO mice in this study. Compared to PAR2 KO mice, OVA specific IgE concentrations in serum of WT mice were quite increased; moreover, the IgE level of PAR2 KO mice was lower than in WT mice. The IL-25 expression by Aspergillus protease stimulation was significantly reduced by p38 specific inhibitor treatment. In this study, we determined that Th2 response was initiated with IL-25 and TSLP mRNA up-regulation in lung epithelial cells via PAR2 after Aspergillus protease allergen treatment.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Interior Design Conference
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• 2007.05a
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• pp.85-88
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• 2007

This research is a case study for improving the sound environmental quality of cafeteria in university campus. The purpose of the study is to investigate the present condition of physical level, type, and source of indoor noise by comparison with a restaurant near campus. Methods were field survey with measurement on equivalent and instant noise level and observation on noise type, and questionnaire survey to 60 students users. Surveys were carried out in the 8th and the 14th of December 2005. The results are as follows. 1) Indoor noise levels of the cafeteria were measured as $67.2{\sim}76.6$(average 73.3) dB(A)Leq5min and $60.3{\sim}90.5$(average 71.2) dB(A), but noise levels of the restaurant were $61.6{\sim}70.4$(average 66.9) dB(A)Leq5min and $59.8{\sim}70.6$(average 64.9) dB(A). 2) The users's responses on major noise type were 'noise by handling equipment and tableware', 'noise by moving chairs', and 'taking noise' in cafeteria, but 'taking noise' and 'background music' in restaurant. 3) It was found that the differences of indoor noise condition between with 2 subjects were caused by finishing materials, kitchen division type, and furniture type.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2006

Objective : Although management of asthma has become increasingly effective, its cure remains elusive, necessitating a new modality to prevent or eliminate causes triggering clinical progress. Based in the clinical experiences, a novel decoration Cheongsangbiyeum (CSB), has been developed to treat asthma, which consists of Polyporus, Semen Myristicae, Pericarpium citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Cortex Albizziae, Fructus Rubi, Rhizoma Zedoariae, and Rhizoma Rhei. In the current study, its anti-asthmatic efficacy was evaluated using a mouse model of asthma. Methods : Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitioneal sensitization and intranasal challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). Water extract of CSB (1 mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice on given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 days during the course of antigen challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by ${\bata}-methacoline-induced$ airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CSB-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by CSB treatment suggesting that oral treatment of CSB can alleviate the airway inflammation. For a better understanding of possible mechanisms underlying anti-asthmatic effet of CSB, cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and $IFN{\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveola lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were determined. Results : The results showed that cytokine levels were significantly lowered by CSB treatment. Additionally, number of draining lymph node cells was significantly lower than those of control mice. These data indicate that CSB suppress in vivo allergen-specific response. However, notably, levels of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 were more profoundly influenced. Moreover, in vitro OVA-specific proliferative response and type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production lymph node cells was markedly decreased in CSB-treated mice, whereas their $IFN{\gamma}$ production was not significantly altered Thrse data clearly showed a preferential inhibition of type 2 T cell (Th2) response by CSB treatment. This finding was also supported by serum antibody data showing that levels of OVA-specific type 2 antibodies, IgE and IgG1, in CSB-treated mice were significantly lower than in control mice, while type 1 antibody, IgG2a level m rather higher than controls, although the difference was in significant. Conclusions : In conclusion, oral administration of CSB attenuates asthmatic manifestations including AHR ad airway recruitment of eosinophils in a mouse model which possibly results from selective inhibition of Th2 cell response to allergen. Our data suggest a potential clinical application of CSB for control of allergic asthma.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.336-344
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• 2004

Background : Immunotherapy for cancer has not been successful because of several obstacles in tumor and its environment. Inappropriate secretions of cytokines and growth factors by tumors cause substantial changes in the immune responses against tumors, affording the tumors some degree of protection from immune attack. Uteroglobin (UG, Clara cell secretory protein) has been known to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. However, in lung cancer cells, UG expression is decreased. This study investigated the role of UG in the immunomodulation of lung cancer. Methods : The UG protein was overexpressed by Adenovirus(Ad)-UG transduction in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. The concentration of Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) was measured by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from whole blood were prepared with Ficoll. PBMC were cultured in RPMI 1640, supernatant of A549, or A549 with UG or NS-398. Concentration of Th 1 type and Th 2 type cytokines from PBMC were measured by ELISA. Results : UG suppressed $PGE_2$, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) product. Both Th1 type such as Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) and Tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and Th2 type cytokines such as IL-10 and Tumor growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) were increased when PBMC were cultured with supernatant of non small lung cancer cells. UG and COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398 induced normal immune response of PBMC. Although Th 1 type cytokines were increased, Th 2 type cytokines were reduced by UG. Conclusion : UG suppressed PGE2, COX-2 product. Supernatant of NSCLC induced imbalance of immune response of PBMC. However, UG reversed this imbalance. These results suggest that UG may be used in the development of immunotherapy for lung cancer.