• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.47-59
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• 2023

Purpose: The development and study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine candidates' individualized responses are of great importance. Here we report on an HCV DNA vaccine candidate based on selected envelope (E1/E2) epitopes. Besides, we assessed its expression and processing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in vivo cellular response in mice. Materials and Methods: HCV E1/E2 DNA construct (EC) was designed. The antigen expression of EC was assayed in PBMCs of five HCV-uninfected donors via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples from 20 HCV antibody-positive patients were used to detect each individual PBMCs expressed antigens via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two groups, five Swiss albino mice each, were immunized with the EC or a control construct. The absolute count of lymph nodes' CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes was assessed. Results: Donors' PBMCs showed different levels of EC expression, ranging between 0.83-2.61-fold in four donors, while donor-3 showed 34.53-fold expression. The antigens expressed in PBMCs were significantly reactive to the 20 HCV antibody repertoire (all p=0.0001). All showed comparable reactivity except for donor-3 showing the lowest reactivity level. The absolute count % of the CD4⁺ T-cell significantly increased in four of the five EC-immunized mice compared to the control group (p=0.03). No significant difference in CD8⁺ T-cells % was observed (p=0.89). Conclusion: The inter-individual variation in antigen expression and processing dominance was evident, showing independence in individuals' antigen expression and reactivity levels to antibodies. The described vaccine candidate might result in a promising natural immune response with a possibility of CD4⁺ T-cell early priming.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2007.04a
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• pp.15-22
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• 2007

Increasing evidence indicates that microglia-driven chronic inflammatory responses playa pathological role in the central nervous system. Activation of microglia is pivotal in the initiation and progression of neuroinflammation. Inhibition of the microglial activation may provide an effective therapeutic intervention that alleviates the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases. Anti-inflammatory agents may be a useful candidate for such a therapeutic approach. Continual investigation of the mechanisms underlying microglial activation and regulation of neuroinflammation by endogenous or exogenous factors would not only lead to the discovery of novel neuroprotective agents, but also help to understand complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.4-7
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• 2009

Although the success of trastuzumab and rituximab for treatment of breast cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma, respectively, suggests that monoclonal antibodies(mAbs) will become important therapeutic agents against a wider range of cancers, useful therapeutic Abs are not yet available for the majority of the human cancers because of our lack of knowledge of which antigens (Ags) are likely to become useful targets. We established a procedure for comprehensive identification of such Ags through the extensive isolation of human mAbs that may be therapeutic. Using the phage-display Ab library we isolated a large number of human mAbs that bind to the surface of tumor cells. They were individually screened by immunostaining, and clones that preferentially and strongly stained the malignant cells were chosen. The Ags recognized by those clones were isolated by immunoprecipitation and identified by mass spectrometry(MS). We isolated 2,114 mAbs with unique sequences and identified 25 distinct Ags highly expressed on several carcinomas. Of those 2,114 mAbs 434 bound to specifically to one of the 25 Ags. I am going to discuss how we could select proper target Ags for therapeutic Abs and candidate clones are therapeutic agents.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.75-78
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• 2007

The periodontal diseases and dental caries are major infectious diseases in oral cavity. Many of the preventive and therapeutic dental products contain the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components. But some of these antimicrobial have weak points such as coloration, burning sensation and insolubility in water. We have screened the therapeutic herbal extracts of the Plant Extract Bank for the antimicrobial activity on the major dental pathogens by growth inhibition assay. For the Porphyromonas gingivalis, 8 herbal extracts had an antimicrobial activity, 11 herbal extracts for the Prevotella intermedia, 43 herbal extracts for the Haemophilus actinomycetemcomitans and 61 herbal extracts for the Streptococcus mutans. Among these extracts, 6 herbal extracts had an antimicrobial activity for more than 3 species of dental pathogens. These extracts are Araliae Cordatae Radix, Crassirhizomae Rhizoma, Mori Radicis Cortex, Psoraleae Semen, Pini Ramulus and Sieges- beckiae Herba. All of effective extracts were CA group, ethanol extracts. Among these 6 herbal extracts, only Crassirhizomae is known to have a antibacterial effects. Therefore these herbal extracts have a possibility to be a candidate for a major antibacterial components in dental products.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.3
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• pp.105-113
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• 2014

From January 2012 up until March 2013, many articles with huge clinical importance in asthma were published based on large numbered clinical trials or meta-analysis. The main subjects of these studies were the new therapeutic plan based on the asthma phenotype or efficacy along with the safety issues regarding the current treatment guidelines. For efficacy and safety issues, inhaled corticosteroid tapering strategy or continued long-acting beta agonists use was the major concern. As new therapeutic trials, monoclonal antibodies or macrolide antibiotics based on inflammatory phenotypes have been under investigation, with promising preliminary results. There were other issues on the disease susceptibility or genetic background of asthma, particularly for the "severe asthma" phenotype. In the era of genome and pharmacogenetics, there have been extensive studies to identify susceptible candidate genes based on the results of genome wide association studies (GWAS). However, for severe asthma, which is where most of the mortality or medical costs develop, it is very unclear. Moreover, there have been some efforts to find important genetic information in order to predict the possible disease progression, but with few significant results up until now. In conclusion, there are new on-going aspects in the phenotypic classification of asthma and therapeutic strategy according to the phenotypic variations. With more pharmacogenomic information and clear identification of the "severe asthma" group even before disease progression from GWAS data, more adequate and individualized therapeutic strategy could be realized in the future.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.25-33
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• 2023

The liver, a multifunctional organ, plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being by regulating metabolism, detoxification, nutrient storage, hormone balance, and immune function. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer, have significant clinical implications and remain a global health concern. This article reviews the therapeutic potential of silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) and explores their underlying molecular mechanisms in protecting against liver diseases. Silkworm larvae are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and n-3 fatty acids, making them a promising candidate for therapeutic applications. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of silkworm larvae involve modulating the production of cytokine such as TNF-α and interleukins, inflammatory enzymes including cyclooxygenase-2 and macrophage polarization, thereby attenuating liver inflammation. Silkworm larvae also exhibit anti-oxidative effects by scavenging free radicals, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species and enhancing the liver's antioxidant defense system. Moreover, silkworms have been reported to decrease the serum alcohol concentration and lipid accumulation. Understanding the therapeutic properties of silkworm larvae contributes to the development of innovative strategies for liver injury prevention and treatment. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of silkworm larvae, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions in liver diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.193-199
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• 2015

Degenerative retinal diseases affect millions of people worldwide, which can lead to the loss of vision. However, therapeutic approaches that can reverse this process are limited. Recent efforts have allowed the possibility of the stem cell-based regeneration of retinal cells and repair of injured retinal tissues. Although the direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into terminally differentiated photoreceptor cells comprises one approach, a series of studies revealed the intrinsic regenerative potential of the retina using endogenous retinal stem cells. Muller glial cells, ciliary pigment epithelial cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells are candidates for such retinal stem cells that can differentiate into multiple types of retinal cells and be integrated into injured or developing retina. In this review, we explore our current understanding of the cellular identity of these candidate retinal stem cells and their therapeutic potential for cell therapy against degenerative retinal diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(4): 193-199]

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.233-236
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• 2006

For the purpose of the development of skin-whitening or therapeutic agents against hyperpigmentation, aqueous extract from Nardostachys chinensis (AENC) was evaluated for melanogenesis inhibitory activity in B16F10 melanoma cell. The treatment with AENC at the 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml level significantly inhibits the biosynthesis of melanin compared with untreated control. The tyrosinase activity also significantly decreased in AENC-treated cells at the 0.2 and 0.5 mg/ml level and inhibitory effects were more efficient than commercial arbutin at 0.1 mg/ml. The Western analyses confirmed the significantly decreased expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 by AENC treatment. These results indicate that AENC may contribute to the inhibition of melanin biosynthesis through regulating the expression as well as activity of tyrosinase and AENC may be useful as a new candidate in the design of new skinwhitening or therapeutic agents.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.477-487
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• 2022

Probiotics provide a symbiotic relationship and beneficial effects by balancing the human intestinal microbiota. The relationships between microbiota changes and various diseases may predict health abnormalities and diseases. Treatment with vitamins and probiotics is one therapeutic approach. To evaluate the effect of probiotics on vitamin absorption, we chose Lactobacillus rhamnosus CBT-LR5 treatment, which has resistance to vitamin C-inducible toxicity, with vitamins in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. CBT-LR5 affected the absorption of micronutrients, such as ionic minerals and water-soluble vitamins. An increase in vitamin C absorption by CBT-LR5 enhanced the antioxidant response in HFD-induced obesity models. Increased vitamin B absorption by CBT-LR5 regulated lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obesity models. These favorable effects of CBT-LR5 on the absorption of vitamins should be investigated as candidate therapeutic target treatments for metabolic diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.257-263
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• 2013

Although pathogenesis of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear, arthritogenic T cells and downstream signaling mediators have been shown to play critical roles. An increasing numbers of therapeutic options have been added for the effective control of RA. Nevertheless, there is still a category of patients that fails treatment and suffers from progressive disease. The recently developed immunosuppressant CP-690550, a small molecule JAK kinase inhibitor, has been implicated as an important candidate treatment modality for autoimmune arthritis. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of CP-690550 on established arthritis using an SKG arthritis model, a pathophysiologically relevant animal model for human RA. CP-690550 treatment revealed remarkable long-term suppressive effects on SKG arthritis when administered to the well-advanced disease (clinical score 3.5~4.0). The treatment effect lasted at least 3 more weeks after cessation of drug infusion, and suppression of disease was correlated with the reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, IFN-${\gamma}$, and IL-6 and increased level of immunoregulatory IL-10.