Displaying publications 1041 - 1059 of 1059 in total

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  1. Living bilayered human skin equivalent: promising potentials for wound healing
    Mazlyzam AL, Aminuddin BS, Saim L, Ruszymah BH
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:32-3.
    PMID: 19024969
    The angiogenic potential of native skin (NS), keratinocytes single skin equivalent (SSE-K), fibroblasts single skin equivalent (SSE-F) and bilayered skin equivalent secreting angiogenic growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the in vitro systems at 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days was compared using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Bilayered skin equivalent exhibit highest release of growth factors within 24 hours to 7 days of culture compared to NS, SSE-K and SSE-F. This proved the potential of bilayered skin equivalent in producing and sustaining growth factors release to enhance angiogenesis, fibroblasts proliferation, matrix deposition, migration and growth of keratinocytes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Neoplasm
  2. Identification of epitopes in the nucleocapsid protein of Nipah virus using a linear phage-displayed random peptide library
    Eshaghi M, Tan WS, Yusoff K
    J Med Virol, 2005 Jan;75(1):147-52.
    PMID: 15543570
    A random peptide library of heptamers displayed on the surface of M13 bacteriophage was used to identify specific epitopes of antibodies in pooled sera of swine naturally infected by Nipah virus. The selected heptapeptides were aligned with protein sequences of Nipah virus and several putative epitopes were identified within the nucleocapsid protein. A total of 41 of 60 (68%) selected phage clones had inserts resembling a region with the sequence SNRTQGE, located at the C-terminal end (amino acids 503-509) of the nucleocapsid protein. The binding of antibodies in the swine and human antisera to the phage clone was inhibited by a synthetic peptide corresponding to this region. Epitopes identified by phage display are consistent with the predicted antigenic sites for the Nipah virus nucleocapsid protein. The selected phage clone used as a coating antigen discriminated swine and human Nipah virus sera-positive from sera-negative samples exhibiting characteristics, which might be attractive for diagnostic tests.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Viral
  3. Solubility, immunogenicity and physical properties of the nucleocapsid protein of Nipah virus produced in Escherichia coli
    Tan WS, Ong ST, Eshaghi M, Foo SS, Yusoff K
    J Med Virol, 2004 May;73(1):105-12.
    PMID: 15042656
    The nucleocapsid (N) protein of Nipah virus (NiV) can be produced in three Escherichia coli strains [TOP10, BL21(DE3) and SG935] under the control of trc promoter. However, most of the product existed in the form of insoluble inclusion bodies. There was no improvement in the solubility of the product when this protein was placed under the control of T7 promoter. However, the solubility of the N protein was significantly improved by lowering the growth temperature of E. coli BL21(DE3) cell cultures. Solubility analysis of N- and C-terminally deleted mutants revealed that the full-length N protein has the highest solubility. The soluble N protein could be purified efficiently by sucrose gradient centrifugation and nickel affinity chromatography. Electron microscopic analysis of the purified product revealed that the N protein assembled into herringbone-like particles of different lengths. The C-terminal end of the N protein contains the major antigenic region when probed with antisera from humans and pigs infected naturally.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Viral
  4. Fulltext Duration of detection of anti-BmR1 IgG4 antibodies after mass-drug administration (MDA) in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Noordin R, Muhi J, Md Idris Z, Arifin N, Kiyu A
    Trop Biomed, 2012 Mar;29(1):191-6.
    PMID: 22543621 MyJurnal
    The detection rates of brugian filariasis in three regions of Sarawak namely Central, North and South after three courses of mass drug administration (MDA) from year 2004 to 2006 was investigated. A recombinant BmR1 antigen-based IgG4 detection test, named Brugia Rapid and night blood smear for microfilaria (mf) detection were used. All three regions recorded a sharp fall in mf positive rates after a year post-MDA. Meanwhile Brugia Rapid positive rates declined more gradually to 3.8% and 5.6% of the pre-MDA levels in the Central and North regions, respectively. This study showed that in filariasis endemic areas in Sarawak, anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies to BmR1, as detected by the Brugia Rapid test, were positive for one to two years after mf disappearance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Helminth
  5. Management of primary liver cell carcinoma
    Balasegaram M
    Am J Surg, 1975 Jul;130(1):33-7.
    PMID: 50750
    A review of 352 patients with primary liver cell carcinoma treated by the author is presented. The poor rate of resectability (7 per cent) has necessitated various forms of treatment over the years. These are described in detail. Based on this experience, the current form of treatment for nonresectable carcinoma is summarized. Although it is too early to assess this form of treatment, initial results appear to be promising. A second report in the near future is planned.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis B Antigens
  6. Alpha-Fetoprotein levels in normal males from seven ethnic groups with different hepatocellular carcinoma risks
    Sizaret P, Tuyns A, Martel N, Jouvenceaux A, Levin A, Ong YW, et al.
    Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1975 Aug 22;259:136-55.
    PMID: 54017
    Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels of 1,335 males (15 years and older) of seven ethnic groups (Chinese, Indians, and Malays from Singapore, Caucasians from Lyon, and Blacks from Nairobi, forest, and the savanna region of the Ivory Coast) were determined by radioimmunoassay. A few elevated levels (up to 30 nanounits/ml) were detected in some normal individuals, especially in the older age-groups. In addition, there was a systematic age-dependency of AFP levels particularly evident in the groups from Singapore-Lyon, in which there was a 50% AFP increase between the ages of 20 and 40. Comparison between Africans on the one hand and people from Singapore-Lyon on the other hand revealed highly significant differences (p less than 0.001), especially in the younger groups, whereas Chinese, Malays, and Indians from Singapore had very similar AFP pattern; this suggests an important role for environmental factors in the regulation of AFP levels. The age dependency of the presumed effect of environmental factors is in keeping with experimental data showing that young animals respond more vigorously to AFP-stimulating factors. Although the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differs in the three Singapore groups (the highest in Chinese and the lowest in Indians), no relationship was observed in this study between mean AFP level and HCC incidence in Singapore.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis B Antigens
  7. Fulltext Genome-wide association analyses identify new susceptibility loci for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer
    Lesseur C, Diergaarde B, Olshan AF, Wünsch-Filho V, Ness AR, Liu G, et al.
    Nat Genet, 2016 Dec;48(12):1544-1550.
    PMID: 27749845 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3685
    We conducted a genome-wide association study of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer in 6,034 cases and 6,585 controls from Europe, North America and South America. We detected eight significantly associated loci (P < 5 × 10-8), seven of which are new for these cancer sites. Oral and pharyngeal cancers combined were associated with loci at 6p21.32 (rs3828805, HLA-DQB1), 10q26.13 (rs201982221, LHPP) and 11p15.4 (rs1453414, OR52N2-TRIM5). Oral cancer was associated with two new regions, 2p23.3 (rs6547741, GPN1) and 9q34.12 (rs928674, LAMC3), and with known cancer-related loci-9p21.3 (rs8181047, CDKN2B-AS1) and 5p15.33 (rs10462706, CLPTM1L). Oropharyngeal cancer associations were limited to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, and classical HLA allele imputation showed a protective association with the class II haplotype HLA-DRB1*1301-HLA-DQA1*0103-HLA-DQB1*0603 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, P = 2.7 × 10-9). Stratified analyses on a subgroup of oropharyngeal cases with information available on human papillomavirus (HPV) status indicated that this association was considerably stronger in HPV-positive (OR = 0.23, P = 1.6 × 10-6) than in HPV-negative (OR = 0.75, P = 0.16) cancers.
    Matched MeSH terms: HLA Antigens
  8. A solid-phase blocking ELISA for detection of antibodies to Nipah virus
    Kashiwazaki Y, Na YN, Tanimura N, Imada T
    J Virol Methods, 2004 Nov;121(2):259-61.
    PMID: 15381364
    A monoclonal antibody (MAb) based solid-phase blocking ELISA was developed for detection of antibodies to Nipah virus. The ELISA was designed to detect remaining antigens on the plate with anti-Nipah MAb conjugate after the reaction with sample serum, and enabled simple procedure, detection of neutralizing antibody to Nipah virus, and application of samples from different animal species. Forty of 200 swine reference sera examined were positive by the ELISA, of which thirty seven were found positive by serum neutralization test. Sera from a total of 131 fruit bats captured in Malaysia were also tested and all found negative by the both tests. It is considered that the solid-phase blocking ELISA can be used as a screening test for Nipah virus infection followed by the serum neutralization test as confirmatory test.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Viral
  9. Fulltext BDMC33, A curcumin derivative suppresses inflammatory responses in macrophage-like cellular system: role of inhibition in NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways
    Lee KH, Chow YL, Sharmili V, Abas F, Alitheen NB, Shaari K, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(3):2985-3008.
    PMID: 22489138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13032985
    Our preliminary screening has shown that curcumin derivative BDMC33 [2,6-bis(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone] exerted promising nitric oxide inhibitory activity in activated macrophages. However, the molecular basis and mechanism for its pharmacological action is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of BDMC33 and elucidate its underlying mechanism action in macrophage cells. Our current study demonstrated that BDMC33 inhibits the secretion of major pro-inflammatory mediators in stimulated macrophages, and includes NO, TNF-α and IL-1β through interference in both nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen activator protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in IFN-γ/LPS-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, BDMC33 also interrupted LPS signaling through inhibiting the surface expression of CD-14 accessory molecules. In addition, the inhibitory action of BDMC33 not only restricted the macrophages cell (RAW264.7), but also inhibited the secretion of NO and TNF-α in IFN-γ/LPS-challenged microglial cells (BV-2). The experimental data suggests the inflammatory action of BDMC33 on activated macrophage-like cellular systems, which could be used as a future therapeutic agent in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD14/metabolism
  10. Scopoletin, an active principle of tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) inhibits human tumor vascularization in xenograft models and modulates ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2 in computer model
    Tabana YM, Hassan LE, Ahamed MB, Dahham SS, Iqbal MA, Saeed MA, et al.
    Microvasc Res, 2016 09;107:17-33.
    PMID: 27133199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.04.009
    We recently reported the antineovascularization effect of scopoletin on rat aorta and identified its potential anti-angiogenic activity. Scopoletin could be useful as a systemic chemotherapeutic agent against angiogenesis-dependent malignancies if its antitumorigenic activity is investigated and scientifically proven using a suitable human tumor xenograft model. In the present study, bioassay-guided (anti-angiogenesis) phytochemical investigation was conducted on Nicotiana glauca extract which led to the isolation of scopoletin. Further, anti-angiogenic activity of scopoletin was characterized using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico angiogenesis models. Finally, the antitumorigenic efficacy of scopoletin was studied in human colorectal tumor xenograft model using athymic nude mice. For the first time, an in vivo anticancer activity of scopoletin was reported and characterized using xenograft models. Scopoletin caused significant suppression of sprouting of microvessels in rat aortic explants with IC50 (median inhibitory concentration) 0.06μM. Scopoletin (100 and 200mg/kg) strongly inhibited (59.72 and 89.4%, respectively) vascularization in matrigel plugs implanted in nude mice. In the tumor xenograft model, scopoletin showed remarkable inhibition on tumor growth (34.2 and 94.7% at 100 and 200mg/kg, respectively). Tumor histology revealed drastic reduction of the extent of vascularization. Further, immunostaining of CD31 and NG2 receptors in the histological sections confirmed the antivascular effect of scopoletin in tumor vasculature. In computer modeling, scopoletin showed strong ligand affinity and binding energies toward the following angiogenic factors: protein kinase (ERK1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). These results suggest that the antitumor activity of scopoletin may be due to its strong anti-angiogenic effect, which may be mediated by its effective inhibition of ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD31/metabolism
  11. A novel synthetic analogue of ω-3 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid activates TNF receptor-1/ASK1/JNK signaling to promote apoptosis in human breast cancer cells
    Dyari HRE, Rawling T, Chen Y, Sudarmana W, Bourget K, Dwyer JM, et al.
    FASEB J, 2017 12;31(12):5246-5257.
    PMID: 28798154 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700033R
    A saturated analog of the cytochrome P450-mediated ω-3-17,18-epoxide of ω-3-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20E) activated apoptosis in human triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This study evaluated the apoptotic mechanism of C20E. Increased cytosolic cytochrome c expression and altered expression of pro- and antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 proteins indicated activation of the mitochondrial pathway. Caspase-3 activation by C20E was prevented by pharmacological inhibition and silencing of the JNK and p38 MAP kinases (MAPK), upstream MAPK kinases MKK4 and MKK7, and the upstream MAPK kinase kinase apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). Silencing of the death receptor TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), but not Fas, DR4, or DR5, and the adapters TRADD and TNF receptor-associated factor 2, but not Fas-associated death domain, prevented C20E-mediated apoptosis. B-cell lymphoma-2 homology 3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid) cleavage by JNK/p38 MAPK linked the extrinsic and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. In further studies, an antibody against the extracellular domain of TNFR1 prevented apoptosis by TNF-α but not C20E. These findings suggest that C20E acts intracellularly at TNFR1 to activate ASK1-MKK4/7-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling and to promote Bid-dependent mitochondrial disruption and apoptosis. Inin vivostudies, tumors isolated from C20E-treated nu/nu mice carrying MDA-MB-231 xenografts showed increased TUNEL staining and decreased Ki67 staining, reflecting increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation, respectively. ω-3-Epoxy fatty acids like C20E could be incorporated into treatments for triple-negative breast cancers.-Dyari, H. R. E., Rawling, T., Chen, Y., Sudarmana, W., Bourget, K., Dwyer, J. M., Allison, S. E., Murray, M. A novel synthetic analogue of ω-3 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid activates TNF receptor-1/ASK1/JNK signaling to promote apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD95/metabolism
  12. Counterpoint. Cancer vaccines: single-epitope anti-idiotype vaccine versus multiple-epitope antigen vaccine
    Bhattachary-Chatterjee M, Nath Baral R, Chatterjee SK, Das R, Zeytin H, Chakraborty M, et al.
    Cancer Immunol Immunother, 2000 Jun;49(3):133-41.
    PMID: 10881692
    Anti-idiotype (Id) vaccine therapy has been tested and shown to be effective, in several animal models, for triggering the immune system to induce specific and protective immunity against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The administration of anti-Id antibodies as surrogate tumor-associated antigens (TAA) also represents another potential application of the concept of the Id network. Limited experience in human trials using anti-Id to stimulate immunity against tumors has shown promising results. In this "counter-point" article, we discuss our own findings showing the potential of anti-Id antibody vaccines to be novel therapeutic approaches to various human cancers and also discuss where anti-Id vaccines may perform better than traditional multiple-epitope antigen vaccines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology*
  13. Cloning, expression, and characterization of recombinant Hev b 3, a Hevea brasiliensis protein associated with latex allergy in patients with spina bifida
    Wagner B, Krebitz M, Buck D, Niggemann B, Yeang HY, Han KH, et al.
    J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1999 Nov;104(5):1084-92.
    PMID: 10550757
    BACKGROUND: Two natural rubber latex proteins, Hev b 1 and Hev b 3, have been described in spina bifida (SB)-associated latex allergy.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clone and express Hev b 3 and to obtain the immunologic active and soluble recombinant allergen for diagnosis of SB-associated latex allergy.

    METHODS: A complementary DNA (cDNA) coding for Hev b 3 was amplified from RNA of fresh latex collected from Malaysian rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). PCR primers were designed according to sequences of internal peptide fragments of natural (n) Hev b 3. The 5'-end sequence was obtained by specific amplification of cDNA ends. The recombinant (r) Hev b 3 was produced in Escherichia coli as a 6xHis tagged protein. Immunoblotting and inhibition assays were performed to characterize the recombinant allergen.

    RESULTS: An Hev b 3 cDNA clone of 922 bp encoding a protein of 204 amino acid residues corresponding to a molecular weight of 22.3 kd was obtained. In immunoblots 29/35, latex-allergic patients with SB revealed IgE binding to rHev b 3, as did 4 of 15 of the latex-sensitized group. The presence of all IgE epitopes on rHev b 3 was shown by its ability to abolish all IgE binding to nHev b 3. Hev b 3 is related to Hev b 1 by a sequence identity of 47%. Cross-reactivity between these 2 latex allergens was illustrated by the large extent of inhibition of IgE binding to nHev b 1 by rHev b 3.

    CONCLUSION: rHev b 3 constitutes a suitable in vitro reagent for the diagnosis of latex allergy in patients with SB. The determination of the full sequence of Hev b 3 and the production of the recombinant allergen will allow the epitope mapping and improve diagnostic reagents for latex allergy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Plant
  14. Isolation and characterization of the early nodule-specific protein homologue (Hev b 13), an allergenic lipolytic esterase from Hevea brasiliensis latex
    Arif SA, Hamilton RG, Yusof F, Chew NP, Loke YH, Nimkar S, et al.
    J Biol Chem, 2004 Jun 04;279(23):23933-41.
    PMID: 15024009
    Recurring reports of a highly allergenic 42-46-kDa protein in Hevea brasiliensis latex appeared to have been resolved with the discovery of a 43-kDa allergenic latex protein that was a homologue to patatin. However, the low to moderate prevalence of sensitization to the protein, designated Hev b 7, among latex-allergic patients could not adequately explain the frequent observations of the 42-46-kDa allergen. This led to the hypothesis that another, more allergenic protein of a similar molecular mass existed in Hevea latex. We report the isolation and purification of a 42.98-kDa latex glycoprotein showing homology to the early nodule-specific protein (ENSP) of the legumes Medicago sativa, Medicago truncatula, and Glycine max. The protein is allergenic, being recognized by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in sera from latex-allergic patients. The IgE epitope resides on the carbohydrate moiety of the protein, and the presence of a similar carbohydrate component on potato tuber patatin enables the latter to inhibit IgE binding to the ENSP homologue. The cDNA encoding the ENSP homologue was isolated by reverse transcription-PCR and cloned. The protein predicted from the cDNA sequence has 391 amino acids, the first 26 of which constitute a putative signal peptide. The deduced molecular mass of the mature protein is 40.40 kDa, while its isoelectric point is estimated at 5.0. The discrepancy between the predicted and observed molecular mass might be due to glycosylation, for which three N-sites on the protein are predicted. The purified protein showed lipase and esterase activities and may be involved in plant defense.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Plant
  15. Coumarin-chalcone hybrids targeting insulin receptor: Design, synthesis, anti-diabetic activity, and molecular docking
    Konidala SK, Kotra V, Danduga RCSR, Kola PK
    Bioorg Chem, 2020 11;104:104207.
    PMID: 32947135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104207
    Four series of thirteen new coumarin-chalcone hybrids (DPCU 1-13, DPCT 1-13, DCCU 1-13 and DCCT 1-13) were designed and synthesized using Biginelli synthesis, Pechmann condensation, Acetylation, and Claisen-Schmidt reactions. Synthesized compounds were tested for insulin receptor in silico docking studies (PDB ID: 1IR3); DCCU 13 and DCCT 13 derivatives received the lowest docking score; Streptozocin (STZ) and Nicotinamide (NA) induced type II diabetes was tested for their anti-diabetic activity in rats. In vivo tests suggested that fasting blood glucose levels of animals treated with DCCU 13 (30 mg/kg body weight) and DCCT 13 (30 mg/kg body weight) were significantly and moderately suppressed, respectively, relative to fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic control animals. Similarly, therapy with DCCU 13 and DCCT 13 attenuated oxidative stress parameters such as lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the glutathione (GSH) in the liver and pancreas in a dose-dependent manner. In comparison, therapy with DCCU 13 (30 mg/kg body weight) mitigated alterations in the histological architecture of the liver and pancreatic tissue. These results indicated that the hybrids DUUC 13 and DCCT 13 at 30 mg/kg had an anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant impact on STZ + NA mediated type II diabetes in rats. Further detailed work could be required to determine the precise mode of action of the anti-diabetic behavior of hybrids.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD
  16. The differential effects of commercial specialized media on cell growth and transforming growth factor beta 1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bronchial epithelial cells
    Hasan NAHM, Harith HH, Israf DA, Tham CL
    Mol Biol Rep, 2020 May;47(5):3511-3519.
    PMID: 32279207 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05439-x
    Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the mechanisms that contribute to bronchial remodelling which underlie chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma. Bronchial EMT can be triggered by many factors including transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). The majority of studies on TGFβ1-mediated bronchial EMT used BEGM as the culture medium. LHC-9 medium is another alternative available which is more economical but a less common option. Using normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) cultured in BEGM as a reference, this study aims to validate the induction of EMT by TGFβ1 in cells cultured in LHC-9. Briefly, the cells were maintained in either LHC-9 or BEGM, and induced with TGFβ1 (5, 10 and 20 ng/ml) for 48 h. EMT induction was confirmed by morphological analysis and EMT markers expression by immunoblotting. In both media, cells induced with TGFβ1 displayed spindle-like morphology with a significantly higher radius ratio compared to non-induced cells which displayed a cobblestone morphology. Correspondingly, the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was significantly lower, whereas the mesenchymal marker vimentin expression was significantly higher in induced cells, compared to non-induced cells. By contrast, a slower cell growth rate was observed in LHC-9 compared to that of BEGM. This study demonstrates that neither LHC-9 nor BEGM significantly influence TGFβ1-induced bronchial EMT. However, LHC-9 is less optimal for bronchial epithelial cell growth compared to BEGM. Thus, LHC-9 may be a more cost-effective substitute for BEGM, provided that time is not a factor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD
  17. Nuclear magnetic resonance structure and IgE epitopes of Blo t 5, a major dust mite allergen
    Chan SL, Ong TC, Gao YF, Tiong YS, Wang de Y, Chew FT, et al.
    J Immunol, 2008 Aug 15;181(4):2586-96.
    PMID: 18684949
    A high incidence of sensitization to Blomia tropicalis, the predominant house dust mite species in tropical regions, is strongly associated with allergic diseases in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil. IgE binding to the group 5 allergen, Blo t 5, is found to be the most prevalent among all B. tropicalis allergens. The NMR structure of Blo t 5 determined represents a novel helical bundle structure consisting of three antiparallel alpha-helices. Based on the structure and sequence alignment with other known group 5 dust mite allergens, surface-exposed charged residues have been identified for site-directed mutagenesis and IgE binding assays. Four charged residues, Glu76, Asp81, Glu86, and Glu91 at around the turn region connecting helices alpha2 and alpha3 have been identified to be involved in the IgE binding. Using overlapping peptides, we have confirmed that these charged residues are located on a major putative linear IgE epitope of Blo t 5 from residues 76-91 comprising the sequence ELKRTDLNILERFNYE. Triple and quadruple mutants have been generated and found to exhibit significantly lower IgE binding and reduced responses in skin prick tests. The mutants induced similar PBMC proliferation as the wild-type protein but with reduced Th2:Th1 cytokines ratio. Mass screening on a quadruple mutant showed a 40% reduction in IgE binding in 35 of 42 sera of atopic individuals. Findings in this study further stressed the importance of surface-charged residues on IgE binding and have implications in the cross-reactivity and use of Blo t 5 mutants as a hypoallergen for immunotherapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Plant
  18. Fulltext Reduced microbial diversity in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and microbial associations with increased immune activation
    Chua LL, Rajasuriar R, Azanan MS, Abdullah NK, Tang MS, Lee SC, et al.
    Microbiome, 2017 03 20;5(1):35.
    PMID: 28320465 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0250-1
    BACKGROUND: Adult survivors of childhood cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have health problems that persist or develop years after cessation of therapy. These late effects include chronic inflammation-related comorbidities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the underlying cause is poorly understood.

    RESULTS: We compared the anal microbiota composition of adult survivors of childhood ALL (N = 73) with healthy control subjects (N = 61). We identified an altered community with reduced microbial diversity in cancer survivors, who also exhibit signs of immune dysregulation including increased T cell activation and chronic inflammation. The bacterial community among cancer survivors was enriched for Actinobacteria (e.g. genus Corynebacterium) and depleted of Faecalibacterium, correlating with plasma concentrations of IL-6 and CRP and HLA-DR+CD4+ and HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells, which are established markers of inflammation and immune activation.

    CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a relationship between microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in adult ALL survivors. These observations suggest that interventions that could restore microbial diversity may ameliorate chronic inflammation and, consequently, development of late effects of childhood cancer survivors.

    Matched MeSH terms: HLA-DR Antigens
  19. PAK5 mediates cell: cell adhesion integrity via interaction with E-cadherin in bladder cancer cells
    Ismail AF, Oskay Halacli S, Babteen N, De Piano M, Martin TA, Jiang WG, et al.
    Biochem. J., 2017 Mar 24;474(8):1333-1346.
    PMID: 28232500 DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20160875
    Urothelial bladder cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 150 000 deaths per year. Whilst non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours can be effectively treated, with high survival rates, many tumours recur, and some will progress to muscle-invasive disease with a much poorer long-term prognosis. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand the molecular transitions occurring within the progression of bladder cancer to an invasive disease. Tumour invasion is often associated with a down-regulation of E-cadherin expression concomitant with a suppression of cell:cell junctions, and decreased levels of E-cadherin expression have been reported in higher grade urothelial bladder tumours. We find that expression of E-cadherin in a panel of bladder cancer cell lines correlated with the presence of cell:cell junctions and the level of PAK5 expression. Interestingly, exogenous PAK5 has recently been described to be associated with cell:cell junctions and we now find that endogenous PAK5 is localised to cell junctions and interacts with an E-cadherin complex. Moreover, depletion of PAK5 expression significantly reduced junctional integrity. These data suggest a role for PAK5 in maintaining junctional stability and we find that, in both our own patient samples and a commercially available dataset, PAK5mRNA levels are reduced in human bladder cancer compared with normal controls. Taken together, the present study proposes that PAK5 expression levels could be used as a novel prognostic marker for bladder cancer progression.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, CD
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