• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2008

Baculoviruses have been used to control some serious lepidopteran pests. However, their narrow target insect spectrum and slow efficacy are main limitations to be used in various applications. This study introduces a technique to overcome these limitations by inhibiting insect immune defence to enhance the viral pathogenicity. Polydnaviruses are an insect DNA virus group and symbiotic to some ichneumonid and braconid endoparasitoids. Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) is a braconid polydnavirus and encodes several immunosuppressive genes. We selected seven CpBV genes and recombined them to wild type Autographa California multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV). A bioassay of these seven recombinants indicated that most recombinants had similar or superior efficacy to wild type AcNPV against beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, and diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Recombinant AcNPV with CpBV-ELP was the most potent in terms of lethal time by shortening more than 2 days compared to wild type AcNPV. This recombinant was further proved in its dose-dependent pathogenicity and its efficacy by spray application on S. exigua infesting cabbage cultivated in pots. We discussed the efficacy of CpBV-ELP recombinant AcNPV in terms of suppressing antiviral activity of target insects.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.409-416
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• 2010

An entomopathogenic bacterium, Photorhabdus temperata ssp. temperata (Ptt), suppresses insect immune responses and facilitates its symbiotic nematode development in target insects. The immunosuppressive activity of Ptt enhances pathogenicity of various microbial pesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This study was performed to select a cheap and efficient bacterial culture medium for large scale culturing of the bacteria. Relatively cheap industrial bacterial culture media (MY and M2) were compared to two research media, Luria-Bertani (LB) and tryptic soy broth (TSB). In all tested media, a constant initial population of Ptt multiplied and reached a stationary phase at 48 h. However, more bacterial colony densities were detected in LB and TSB at the stationary phase compared to two industrial media. All bacterial culture broth gave significant synergism to Bt pathogenicity against third instars of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Production of bacterial metabolites extracted by either hexane or ethyl acetate did not show any significant difference in total mass among four culture media. Reverse phase HPLC separated the four bacterial metabolites, which were not much different in quantities among four bacterial culture broths. This study suggests that two industrial bacterial culture media can be used to economically culture Ptt in a large scale.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.686-697
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• 2021

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honeybees, which they use to protect their hives. Honeybees produce propolis by mixing exudates from the various trees and plants with saliva and beeswax. It has been used since around 300 B.C. as a folk medicine to cure wounds. Propolis contains many physiologically active components, such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and beeswax. Because of its functional components, propolis has a wide spectrum of biological applications. The compounds in propolis and its biological activity can vary according to the location of nectar source and extraction method. Propolis is most commonly known for its anti-microorganism activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Artepillin C and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) have been identified as regulatory compounds that reduce inflammation and exert immunosuppressive reactions on T lymphocytes. Through its anti-inflammatory activity, propolis exhibits anti-tumor activity, including the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, the blocking of tumor signaling cascades, and antiangiogenesis. However, for the more apply of propolis its analysis of nectar source, identifying of propolis compound, the molecular mechanism of propolis and the investigation of compounds synergistic effects are essential. In this study, we described the physiological activity of propolis isolated from honeybees.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.73-80
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the immunosuppressants FK506 and cyclosporin A (CsA) on the osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods: The effect of FK506 and CsA on rat MSCs was assessed in vitro. The MTT assay was used to determine the deleterious effect of immunosuppressants on stem cell proliferation at 1, 3, and 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was analyzed on days 3, 7, and 14. Alizarin red S staining was done on day 21 to check mineralization nodule formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also performed to detect the expressions of bone tissue-specific genes on days 1 and 7. Results: Cell proliferation was promoted more in the FK506 groups than the control or CsA groups on days 3 and 7. The FK506 groups showed increased ALP activity compared to the other groups during the experimental period. The ALP activity of the CsA groups did not differ from the control group in any of the assessments. Mineralization nodule formation was most prominent in the FK506 groups at 21 days. RT-PCR results of the FK506 groups showed that several bone-related genes-osteopontin, osteonectin, and type I collagen (Col-I)-were expressed more than the control in the beginning, but the intensity of expression decreased over time. Runx2 and Dlx5 gene expression were up-regulated on day 7. The effects of 50 nM CsA on osteonectin and Col-I were similar to those of the FK506 groups, but in the 500 nM CsA group, most of the genes were less expressed compared to the control. Conclusions: These results suggest that FK506 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of rat MSCs. Therefore, FK506 might have a beneficial effect on bone regeneration when immunosuppressants are needed in xenogenic or allogenic stem cell transplantation to treat bone defects.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.428-431
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• 2010

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by endothelial cell damage, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and various degrees of neurological and renal impairment caused by microvascular thrombi. It is rare in children and frequently follows a fatal course. TTP is divided into 2 types: one is inherited and associated with ADAMTS-13 gene mutations and the other is acquired and associated with anti-ADAMTS-13 autoantibodies. The measurement of ADAMTS-13 activity in plasma, identification of ADAMTS-13 circulating inhibitor, anti-ADAMTS-13 IgG, and ADAMTS-13 gene sequencing are crucial to the diagnosis of TTP. Plasma exchanges are the first-line treatment for acquired TTP, combined with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Here, we describe the case of an adolescent patient with TTP, confirmed by decreased level of ADAMTS-13 activity and an increased level of ADAMTS-13 inhibitor, who was successfully treated by plasma exchanges.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.105-110
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• 1988

To establish a laboratory animal model for study on development of diagnostic methods for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus(IBRV), experimental infection of the virus to rabbits immunosuppressed with dexamethasone(DX) were carried out. Results obtained throughout the experiments were as follows. When lymphocyte activity was measured by lymphocyte transformation to phytohaemagglutinin in parallel with total and differential leucocyte counting, both groups treated with 2.0mg DX once and 1.0mg DX daily showed marked immunosuppression between 5 to 72 hrs. after administration. The degree of suppression of lymphocyte activities was more remarkable in the latter group. IBRV PQ7 strain at $10^{7.5}\;TCID_{50}/0.2ml$ was inoculated into conjunctival sacs of rabbits immunosuppressed with DX and non-treated. During 3 weeks observation, the immunosuppressed groups revealed mild conjunctivitis, viremia and virus recovery by 33.3 to 100%, whereas the DX nontreated group showed viremia and virus recovery with no clinical conjunctivitis by one of three rabbits(33.3%). In conclusion, it was indicated that experimental infection of IBRV PQ7 strain to rabbit was limited in prerequisite to immunologic modification by administration of immunosuppressive drugs.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.381-386
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• 2020

Background: Behçet disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a varying etiology. Herein, we report the involvement of peripheral veins in Behçet disease and discuss the treatment thereof. Methods: Thirty-four patients with venous involvement in vasculo-Behçet disease were retrospectively analyzed over 15 years. We reviewed the clinical manifestations, treatment choices, and complications of these patients. Results: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 24 patients (70.59%) and varicose veins in 19 (52.94%). Immunosuppressive treatment was administered to all patients due to the pathological feature of vein wall inflammation. In patients with DVT, anticoagulation therapy was also used, but post-thrombotic syndrome was observed in all patients along with chronic luminal changes. Eleven patients with isolated varicose veins underwent surgery; although symptoms and lesions recurred in half of these patients, no cases of secondary DVT occurred. Conclusion: When DVT was diagnosed in patients with Behçet disease, there was no cure for the lesions. Ultrasonographic abnormalities were observed in all patients, and post-thrombotic syndrome remained to varying degrees. In cases of isolated varicose veins in patients with Behçet disease, DVT did not occur after surgical treatment. If the activity of Behçet disease is controlled, surgical correction of varicose veins is preferable.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.1047-1053
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• 2005

Cyclosporin A binding protein type-19 kDa peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIases, EC 5.2.1.8) of Euglena gracilis was purified and some of its biochemical characters were elucidated. Purification of the PPIase was achieved by employing a series of steps involving ammonium sulfate precipitation, Superdex G-75 gel filtration chromatography, Mono­Q anion and Mono-S cation exchange chromatographies, and Superdex S-200 gel filtration chromatography on FPLC. Purified PPIase had a specific activity of 8,250 units/mg, showing a 27-fold increase compared with that of cell-free extract of Euglena gracilis. The enzyme consisted of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of 19 kDa. It showed high substrate specificity to succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, and $k_{car}/K_{m}$, for this substrate was found to be $61.19{\times}10^5/sec$. The isomer distributions were investigated at an equilibrium of seven different peptide substrates, varying Xaa in Suc-Ala-Xaa-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide in dimethylsulfoxide. The cis/trans equilibrium constants were estimated to be from 0.14 (Ile) to 0.63 (Gly), which correspond to $12.00\%\;to\;38.52\%$ of the cis population, respectively, under experimental condition. The enzyme was highly sensitive to the immunosuppressive ligand cyclosporin A, but not to other immunosuppressants such as FK506 and rapamycin. Thus, it appears to belong to the class of cyclophilin.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.314-322
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• 2009

Four different bacterial colonies were isolated from an old stock of an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema monticolum. They all showed entomopathogenicity to final instar larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, by hemocoelic injection. However, they varied in colony form, susceptibility to antibiotics, and postmortem change of the infected host insects. Biolog microbial identification and 16S rDNA sequence analyses indicate that these are four different species classified into different bacterial genera. Owing to high entomopathogenicity and a cadaver color of infected insect host, Serratia sp. was selected as a main symbiotic bacterial species and analyzed for its pathogenicity. Although no virulence of Serratia sp. was detected at oral administration, the bacteria gave significant synergistic pathogenicity to fifth instar S. exigua when it was treated along with a spore-forming entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The synergistic effect was explained by an immunosuppressive effect of Serratia sp. by its high cytotoxic effect on hemocytes of S. exigua, because Serratia sp. caused septicemia of S. exigua when the bacterial cells were injected into S. exigua hemocoel. The cytotoxic factor(s) was present in the culture medium because the sterilized culture broth possessed high potency in the cytotoxicity, which was specific to granular cells and plasmatocytes, two main immune-associated hemocytes in insects.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.1634-1639
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• 2015

Cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (CYP) in actinomycetes plays an important role in the biosynthesis and bioconversion of various secondary metabolites. Two unique CYPs named CYP-sb21 and CYP-pa1, which were identified from Sebekia benihana and Pseudonocardia autotrophica, respectively, were proven to transfer a hydroxyl group at the 4^th or 9^th N-methyl leucine position of immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A (CsA). Interestingly, these two homologous CYPs showed different CsA regio-selectivities. CYP-sb21 exhibited preferential hydroxylation activity at the 4^th position over the 9^th position, whereas CYP-pa1 showed the opposite preference. To narrow down the CYP domain critical for CsA regio-selectivity, each CYP was divided into four domains, and each domain was swapped with its counterpart from the other CYP. A total of 18 hybrid CYPs were then individually tested for CsA regio-selectivity. Although most of the hybrid CYPs failed to exhibit a significant change in regio-selectivity in the context of CsA hydroxylation, hybrid CYP-pa1 swapped with the second domain of CYP-sb21 showed a higher preference for the 9^th position. Moreover, hybrid CYPsb21 containing seven amino acids from the 2nd domain of CYP-pa1 showed higher preference for the 4^th position. These results imply that the 2nd domain of CsA-specific CYP plays a critical role in CsA regio-selectivity, thereby setting the stage for biotechnological application of CsA regio-selective hydroxylation.