• BMB Reports
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.127-132
• /
• 2019

Cells must fine-tune their gene expression programs for optimal cellular activities in their natural growth conditions. Transcriptional memory, a unique transcriptional response, plays a pivotal role in faster reactivation of genes upon environmental changes, and is facilitated if genes were previously in an active state. Hyper-activation of gene expression by transcriptional memory is critical for cellular differentiation, development, and adaptation. TREM (Transcriptional REpression Memory), a distinct type of transcriptional memory, promoting hyper-repression of unnecessary genes, upon environmental changes has been recently reported. These two transcriptional responses may optimize specific gene expression patterns, in rapidly changing environments. Emerging evidence suggests that they are also critical for immune responses. In addition to memory B and T cells, innate immune cells are transcriptionally hyperactivated by restimulation, with the same or different pathogens known as trained immunity. In this review, we briefly summarize recent progress in chromatin-based regulation of transcriptional memory, and its potential role in immune responses.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.67-72
• /
• 2014

The herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), and therefore it is also known as TNFRSF14 or CD270 (1,2). In recent years, we have focused on understanding HVEM function in the mucosa of the intestine, particularly on the role of HVEM in colitis pathogenesis, host defense and regulation of the microbiota (2-4). HVEM is an unusual TNF receptor because of its high expression levels in the gut epithelium, its capacity to bind ligands that are not members of the TNF super family, including immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily members BTLA and CD160, and its bi-directional functionality, acting as a signaling receptor or as a ligand for the receptor BTLA. Clinically, Hvem recently was reported as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk gene as a result of genome wide association studies (5,6). This suggests HVEM could have a regulatory role influencing the regulation of epithelial barrier, host defense and the microbiota. Consistent with this, using mouse models, we have revealed how HVEM is involved in colitis pathogenesis, mucosal host defense and epithelial immunity (3,7). Although further studies are needed, our results provide the fundamental basis for understanding why Hvem is an IBD risk gene, and they confirm that HVEM is a mucosal gatekeeper with multiple regulatory functions in the mucosa.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.39.1-39.18
• /
• 2022

RNA metabolism plays a central role in regulating of T cell-mediated immunity. RNA processing, modifications, and regulations of RNA decay influence the tight and rapid regulation of gene expression during T cell phase transition. Thymic selection, quiescence maintenance, activation, differentiation, and effector functions of T cells are dependent on selective RNA modulations. Recent technical improvements have unveiled the complex crosstalk between RNAs and T cells. Moreover, resting T cells contain large amounts of untranslated mRNAs, implying that the regulation of RNA metabolism might be a key step in controlling gene expression. Considering the immunological significance of T cells for disease treatment, an understanding of RNA metabolism in T cells could provide new directions in harnessing T cells for therapeutic implications.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.305-310
• /
• 2016

In this study, we compared two different tumor cell vaccines for their induction of anti-tumor immunity; one was a tumor cell clone expressing a membrane-bound form of IL-12 p35 subunit (mbIL-12 p35 tumor clone), and the other was a tumor clone expressing heterodimeric IL-12 as a single chain (mb-scIL-12 tumor clone). The stimulatory effect of mb-scIL-12 on the proliferation of ConA-activated splenocytes was higher than that of mbIL-12 p35 in vitro. However, the stimulatory effect of mbIL-12 p35 was equivalent to that of recombinant soluble IL-12 (3 ng/ml). Interestingly, both tumor clones (mbIL-12 p35 and mb-scIL-12) showed similar tumorigenicity and induction of systemic anti-tumor immunity in vivo, suggesting that tumor cell expression of the membrane-bound p35 subunit is sufficient to induce anti-tumor immunity in our tumor vaccine model.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.321-327
• /
• 2013

The innate immune system is the only defense weapon that invertebrates have, and it is the fundamental defense mechanism for fish. The innate immune response is important in newly hatched flounders because it is closely involved in the initial feeding phase, which is why it is essential for survival during the juvenile period. The expression analysis of genes involved in the innate immune response in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in the days after hatching is incomplete. Therefore, we have begun to examine the expression patterns of genes specifically induced during the development of the innate immune system in newly hatched flounders. Microscopic observation showed that pronephron formation corresponded with the expression of perforin-encoding gene. These results suggest that perforin plays a vital role in the innate immunity of the kidney during developmental stages. Perforin expression was strong at the start of the development of the innate immune response, and continued throughout all the development stages. Our findings have important implications with respect to perforin's biological role and the evolution of the first defense mechanisms in olive flounder. Further studies are required to elucidate the perforin-mediated innate immunity response and to decipher the functional role of perforin in developmental stages.

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.144-148
• /
• 2010

$\beta$-Glucans have been known to exhibit antitumor activities by potentiating host immunity by an unknown mechanism. The C-type lectin dectin-1, a $\beta$-glucan receptor, is found on the macrophage and can recognize various $\beta$-glucans. Previously, we demonstrated the presence of $\beta$-glucan receptor, dectin-1, on the Raw 264.7 cells as well as on murine mucosal organs, such as the thymus, the lung, and the spleen. In order to investigate immunopotentiation of innate immunity by $\beta$-glucan, we stimulated a murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line with $\beta$-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Laminaria digitata. Then, we analyzed cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and interleukin (IL)-6 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition we analyzed gene expression patterns in $\beta$-glucan-treated Raw 264.7 cells by applying total mRNA to cDNA microarray to investigate the expression of 7,000 known genes. When stimulated with $\beta$-glucans, the macrophage cells increased TNF-$\alpha$ expression. When co-stimulation of the cells with $\beta$-glucan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a synergy effect was observed by increased TNF-$\alpha$ expression. In IL-6 expression, any of the $\beta$-glucans tested could not induce IL-6 expression by itself. However, when co-stimulation occurred with $\beta$-glucan and LPS, the cells showed strong synergistic effects by increased IL-6 expression. Chip analysis showed that $\beta$-glucan of P. ostreatus increased gene expressions of immunomodulating gene families such as kinases, lectin associated genes and TNF-related genes in the macrophage cell line. Induction of TNF receptor expression by FACS analysis was synergized only when co-stimulated with $\beta$-glucan and LPS, not with $\beta$-glucan alone. From these data, $\beta$-glucan increased expressions of immunomodulating genes and showed synergistic effect with LPS.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.422-431
• /
• 2016

Plants utilize cytochrome P450, a large superfamily of heme-containing mono-oxygenases, in the synthesis of lignins, UV protectants, pigments, defense compounds, fatty acids, hormones, and signaling molecules. Despite the overwhelming assortment of rice P450 accession numbers in the database, their functional studies are lacking. So far, there is no evidence involving rice P450 in disease immunity. Most of our understanding has been based on other plant systems that are mostly dicot. In this study, we isolated the cytochrome P450 (OsCYP71) in rice, and screened the gene using gain-of-function technique. The full-length cDNA of OsCYP71 was constitutively overexpressed using the 35S promoter. We then explored the functions of OsCYP71 in the rice - Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae pathosystem. Using the gene expression assays, we demonstrate the interesting correlation of PR gene activation and the magnitude of resistance in P450-mediated immunity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.28 no.9
• /
• pp.1433-1442
• /
• 2018

To identify and quantify the effects of a combination of dietary $1{\times}10^8CFU/g$ Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis I2 ($LI_2$) and 0.1% ${\beta}$-glucooligosaccharides (BGO) on the growth and immunity of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a feeding experiment was conducted. Flounder ($14{\pm}0.5g$) were divided into two groups and fed control and synbiotic feeds for 8 weeks. Investigations were carried out on growth and feed utilization, innate immunity, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal lactic acid bacterial (LAB) viability, microvillus length, and changes in the expression levels of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor $[TNF]-{\alpha}$, interleukin $[IL]-1{\beta}$, and IL-6). Results demonstrated the synbiotic diet had significantly better (p < 0.05) responses in terms of weight gain and specific growth rate, three innate immune parameters (respiratory burst, serum lysozyme, and superoxide dismutase), intestinal LAB viability, and the relative $TNF-{\alpha}$ expression level (p < 0.05). Moreover, after challenge with Streptococcus iniae ($1{\times}10^8CFU/ml$), the synbiotically fed group exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) protection against streptococcosis, validating the observed changes in immune parameters and induction of the cytokine-encoding gene. Therefore, according to the results of the present study, synbiotic feed ($LI_2+BGO$) increased growth, modulated innate immune parameters and protected olive flounder against streptococcosis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.251-256
• /
• 2014

A novel recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (rBCG) vaccine co-expressed Eimeria tenella rhomboid and cytokine chicken IL-2 (chIL-2) was constructed, and its efficacy against E. tenella challenge was observed. The rhomboid gene of E. tenella and chIL-2 gene were subcloned into integrative expression vector pMV361, producing vaccines rBCG pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2. Animal experiment via intranasal and subcutaneous route in chickens was carried out to evaluate the immune efficacy of the vaccines. The results indicated that these rBCG vaccines could obviously alleviate cacal lesions and oocyst output. Intranasal immunization with pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2 elicited better protective immunity against E. tenella than subcutaneous immunization. Splenocytes from chickens immunized with either rBCG pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2 had increased $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ cell production. Our data indicate recombinant BCG is able to impart partial protection against E. tenella challenge and co-expression of cytokine with antigen was an effective strategy to improve vaccine immunity.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.243-249
• /
• 2022

Bacillus SW1-1 is a probiotic isolated from shrimp intestines. We investigated the effects of Bacillus SW1-1 coated diets on the growth, feed utilization, innate immunity, hematological parameters and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A commercial diet was used as the control (AP0) and two other diets were prepared by coating 0.25% (AP25) or 0.50% (AP50) probiotic powder which contains 1.0 × 10⁷ CFU/g Bacillus SW1-1. Four replicate groups of olive flounder (153 ± 2 g) were fed one of the diets for 12 weeks. Growth performance and feed utilization of the fish were not significantly affected by the dietary Bacillus SW1-1. After the challenge with E. tarda, AP50 group showed significantly higher survival than AP0 and AP25 groups. Innate immunity and anti-oxidant capacity of the fish were not significantly affected after the feeding trial. However, after the E. tarda challenge, the innate immune parameters (immunoglobulin, lysozyme and anti-protease) were significantly improved in fish fed AP25 and AP50 diets compared to those in fish fed AP0 diet. After the challenge test, significantly lower glucose level was observed in AP50 group compared to AP0 group. These results indicate that dietary supplementation of Bacillus SW1-1 could increase the disease resistance of olive flounder against E. tarda infection. The optimum coating levels of Bacillus SW1-1 needs to be further elucidated.