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Biomedical subjects

K Tadokoro

Publications and source records attributed to K Tadokoro.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

A new HLA-C allele, Cw*1403, associated with HLA-B44 in Japanese.

An allele encoding an HLA-C antigen, tentatively called CX44, associated with HLA-B44 was identified as a new member of the Cw14 group, Cw*1403. The nucleotide sequence of Cw*1403 was closest to that of Cw*1401: five bases were different between the two alleles, in which three bases in Cw*1403 (two in exon 3 and one in exon 4) were the same as those of most HLA-C alleles. Two substitutions from guanine to adenine were found in the new allele, both of which are in exon 2, one at position 134 (61 of exon 2) and the other at position 201 (128 of exon 2). The former nucleotide substitution leads to the substitution of amino acid residue 21 from Arg to His, and the other substitution was synonymous. The former substitution was shared with Cw2, 3, 5, 13, and 15 alleles, and the latter was shared with Cw2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 15 and 16 alleles. The other seven unrelated Japanese samples with CX44 were analyzed by a PCR-SSO method. It was confirmed that all the seven samples have the same substitutions as the sequenced allele, and the allele demonstrates a strong association with A33, B44, DR13, and DQ1, which are known to form a common haplotype in Japanese and Koreans.

Alleles↗

Establishment of a T-cell line from lymphocytes presumably implicated in posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease.

Posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease (PTGVHD) is known to develop in immunocompetent patients exhibiting clinical symptoms such as erythroderma, fever, liver dysfunction, diarrhea and pancytopenia. It is speculated that transfused blood donors' lymphocytes might recognize the recipients' HLAs as alloantigens. The thus stimulated lymphocytes might proliferate, expand and finally attack the host's immune system or tissues. However, details regarding these expanded donor cells such as: (1) whether they represent one clone or more, (2) the composition of lymphocyte subsets, and (3) the target HLA antigens of recipients, are not clear, since T-cell lines derived from PTGVHD patients have not yet been obtained. The aim of this study is to characterize T-cells responsible for PTGVHD and to identify their target molecules. For that purpose, we attempted to establish T-cell lines derived from a PTGVHD patient. We show that the established T-cell line, proven to be derived from donor lymphocytes, showed a CD4+ phenotype and had cytotoxic activities. Furthermore, we describe that the target of the cytotoxic T-cell line (CTL) is an HLA-DRB1*0405-related molecule of the patient.

Base Sequence↗

Multiplex ARMS-PCR-RFLP method for high-resolution typing of HLA-DRB1.

A reliable method for high-resolution HLA-DRB1 typing using the combination of group-specific amplification and RFLP analysis is described. Group-specific PCR amplification (multiplex ARMS-PCR) was carried out under the same conditions for all groups using seven different primer pairs divided into four groups: (1) DR1 and DR10; (2) DR2, DR7 and DR9; (3) DR3 DR5, DR6 and DR8, and (4) DR4. The subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to determine the group(s) contained in each sample. DR1, DR2/7, DR3/5/6/8, DR4, DRB1*0901 and DRB1*1001 could be distinguished easily using this system. Computer analysis of the various restriction enzyme cleavage sites was carried out on 105 DRB1 allele sequences. It was shown that all DRB1 alleles, except for five allele pairs and some alleles possessing silent mutations, could be distinguished with commonly available restriction endonucleases. Computer analyses on the discrimination of the heterozygous and homozygous combinations were also carried out. Although some heterozygous combinations could no be distinguished with single digestion, double digestion using two restriction enzymes could distinguish most of such heterozygotes. The results of the typing of 100 Japanese individuals using this method showed good agreement with those obtained by other methods.

Alleles↗

Effects of physiologic soluble agonists on leukotriene C4 production and degranulation by human eosinophils.

The capacities of physiologic soluble agonists to induce leukotriene C4 (LTC4) formation and eosinophil cationic protein release from normal human eosinophils were studied. The most effective stimulus for LTC4 production by eosinophils was N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, while that for eosinophil cationic protein release was complement factor 5a. Interleukin-3 (IL-3) and IL-5 modulated both LTC4 formation and eosinophil cationic protein release induced by soluble agonists in a similar fashion, whereas tumor necrosis factor and nerve growth factor affected only LTC4 production. The optimal preincubation period for priming of LTC4 production by IL-3 or IL-5 was 90 min, while that for eosinophil cationic protein release was 10 min. These results indicate that degranulation and the generation of lipid mediators are separately regulated cellular responses, and priming by cytokines may qualitatively change the pathophysiologic consequences of eosinophil activation by soluble agonists.

Blood Proteins↗

Differential immunogenetic determinants of polyclonal insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata's disease) and monoclonal insulin autoimmune syndrome.

The insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS), or Hirata's disease, is characterized by the combination of fasting hypoglycemia, high concentration of total serum immunoreactive insulin, and presence of autoantibodies to native human insulin in serum. Autoantibody production is classified as monoclonal or polyclonal, with the majority of IAS cases classified as polyclonal. Previously, we observed a striking association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles DRB1*0406/DQA1* 0301/DQB1*0302 and Japanese IAS patients with polyclonal insulin autoantibodies (IAAs) and T-cell recognition of human insulin in the context of DRB1*0406 molecules. Because of such a strong HLA association in IAS, we performed intra- and interethnic studies on IAS-associated DRB1 alleles and searched for the critical amino acid residue(s) for IAS pathogenesis. Glutamate at position 74 in the HLA-DR4 beta 1-chain was presumed to be essential to the production of polyclonal IAA in IAS, whereas alanine at the same position of the HLA-DR beta 1-chain might be important in the production of monoclonal IAA.

Adult↗

Response of heat shock element within the human HSP70 promoter to mutated p53 genes.

Recent studies have demonstrated that mutation of the p53 gene caused a gain of new functions such as transforming activation, binding to heat shock cognate protein 70 and/or transactivation of a variety of promoters. In the course of seeking the biochemical basis for the gain of these functions, we have noticed the correlation between transforming activity of different mutated p53 genes and their transactivational activity on the human heat shock protein 70 promoter. Analysis of 5' deletion constructs of the heat shock protein 70 promoter showed that some specific elements within the heat shock domain containing two heat shock elements (HSEs) could respond to mutant p53 species but not basic promoter elements such as the TATA box, CCAAT box, and GC box. Subsequently, we identified the HSE as a responsive element using reporter constructs of minimal promoter containing synthetic proximal HSE, distal HSE, or GC/CCAAT box. Further analysis using in vitro mutagenesis of HSE suggests that HSE with heat shock factor binding ability is required for transactivation of the heat shock protein 70 promoter by mutated p53 genes.

Base Sequence↗

Analysis of risk factors for post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease in Japan. Japanese Red Cross PT-GVHD Study Group.

We distributed a questionnaire to highlight the effects of post transfusion graft-versus-host disease (PT-GVHD) and to elucidate the risk factors that would predispose people to the disease. The questionnaire described the pathogenesis and the clinical profiles of PT-GVHD and was distributed to doctors in Japan whose hospital conducted more than 1000 units of blood transfusions a year. Doctors were asked about their awareness and experience of PT-GVHD cases. Those who had seen cases of PT-GVHD were then asked to detail clinical course and laboratory data. Of the 14,083 doctors who replied to the first question, 47.4% did not realise that PT-GVHD could occur in immunocompetent hosts. From 304 cases where detailed information was supplied, 171 were considered clinically compatible with PT-GVHD. From these it seems that the risk factors linked to PT-GVHD are cardiovascular surgery, cancer, fresh and consanguineous blood transfusion, and being male. Patients with any of these factors should have some prophylactic therapy such as irradiation of blood before transfusion.

Adolescent↗

Megabase-scale analysis of the origin of N-myc amplicons in human neuroblastomas.

In order to elucidate the initiation of the N-myc gene amplification, we have analyzed the original structures of the N-myc amplicons among 38 human neuroblastomas. Nineteen DNAs isolated from the N-myc amplicons recognized a continuous stretch totally encompassing a 5.5 megabase region spanning the normal N-myc gene. The co-amplification profiles with these DNAs showed that two of them, which mapped into a 300 kb region flanking the N-myc gene, were commonly amplified in most specimens, while others were differentially amplified among various subsets. These profiles enabled us to divide the N-myc amplicons into several groups and outline their original domains as a continuous stretches, pointing to the existence of 'consensus sites' for the ends of the initial domains in the original region. In one cell line, the domain was found to be several times larger than that of the derivative amplicon; and the rearranged sites identified within the amplicons, which showed no site specificity, were consistent with those deduced from the domain structure. These results lead to a model in which N-myc gene amplification is initiated at some consensus sites by a preferential mechanism and followed by a random loss of the domain structures during subsequent stages.

DNA Probes↗

Alloreactive feature of HLA-DP-specific cytotoxic T-cell clone.

The alloreactive feature of CD4+ cytotoxic T-cell clone that could specifically lyse the cells bearing DPB1*0202 sequence was described. The clone was generated from a mixed culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes derived from siblings who were HLA-A, B, C, DR, and DQ identical by serological typing and whose DNA sequence of the second exon of DPB1 was one-allele mismatched by oligonucleotide typing (responder, PDB1*0201/0402; stimulator, DPB1*0202/0402). Specific cytotoxic activity of the clone was strictly limited against the cells bearing DPB1*0202 and was not able to lyse the other tested cells bearing DPB1*0201, 0301, 0401, 0501, 0601, 0901, 1301, and 1601. The cytotoxic activity of the clone was blocked by treatment of target cells with anti-DP monoclonal antibodies (B7/21). On the other hand, treatment of target cells with blocking agents of endogenous or exogenous antigen transport pathway (brefeldin A (BFA), endogenous; chloroquine, exogenous) had no effect on the cytotoxic activity of the clone. These results strongly favor the view that the DP epitopes recognized by the clone are conformational epitopes conferred by specific amino acids in hypervariable regions of the HLA-DP second DPB1 exon and the contribution of peptides in the HLA grooves to the conformational epitope motif is less likely.

Acyclovir↗

Sequences of four splits of HLA-A10 group. Implications for serologic cross-reactivities and their evolution.

Nucleotide sequences of alleles encoding four serologically defined splits of the HLA-A10 group, A26.1, A26.3, A26.4, and A10SA, were determined. It was confirmed that the alleles coding for A26.1 and A26.3 are identical with A*2602 and A*2601, respectively. On the other hand, alleles for A26.4 and A10SA are thus far undescribed. A26.4 (A*2603) was different from the other A26 splits at three positions: 74 histidine, 76 valine, and 77 aspartate. A10SA (A*2604) was different from A26.3 (A*2601) by a single substitution of arginine by leucine at position 163. A comparison of amino acid sequences of HLA-A10 cross-reacting antigens revealed that all of the A10 group antigens share specific amino acids: 142 isoleucine, 144 glutamine, 145 arginine, 149 threonine, and 152 glutamate. Moreover, A26.1, A26.3, A10SA, and A43 share 76 alanine and 77 asparagine, which is consistent with the reported serologic cross-reactivity. The close relationship between the alleles for the A10 cross-reacting group was supported by a phylogenetic tree analysis for the HLA-A alleles.

Alleles↗

Dentatorubral and pallidoluysian atrophy expansion of an unstable CAG trinucleotide on chromosome 12p.

Dentatorubral and pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by combined systemic degeneration of the dentatofugal and pallidofugal pathways. We investigated a candidate gene and found that DRPLA patients had an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in a gene on the short arm of chromosome 12. The repeat size varied from 7-23 in normal individuals. In patients one allele was expanded to between 49-75 repeats or occasionally even more. Expansion was usually associated with paternal transmission and only occasionally with maternal transmission. Repeat size showed a close correlation with age of onset of symptoms and disease severity. We conclude that DRPLA is the seventh genetic disorder known to be associated with expansion of an unstable trinucleotide repeat.

Alleles↗

Structure and expression of the gene responsible for the triplet repeat disorder, dentatorubral and pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA).

Dentatorubral and pallidoluysian atrophy is associated with expansion of an unstable CAG repeat on chromosome 12p. We have determined the nucleotide sequences of overlapping cDNA clones and deduced the gene structure. The gene is ubiquitously expressed to form a single 4.5 kb transcript and encoded by an open reading frame of 1184 amino acids (aa), in which a polyglutamine track with variable length starts at aa 484. Although the predicted amino acid sequence does not reveal any function, it does contain several interesting motifs consisting of a simple repeated amino acid sequence, a homo-proline track, two stretches of arginine-glutamic acid dipeptides and a stretch of alternative histidine residues. These results provide clues toward understanding neurodegenerative diseases associated with triplet repeat expansion.

Atrophy↗

Cefotiam-induced IgE-mediated occupational contact anaphylaxis of nurses; case reports, RAST analysis, and a review of the literature.

Cefotiam (CTM) is one of the most popular cephem antibiotics in Japan. Recently we experienced two cases of nurses with CTM-induced contact anaphylaxis. When they were preparing drip infusions of antibiotics or working around other nurses doing so, they suddenly fell into shock with other symptoms such as flushing, urticaria, abdominal distress, vomiting, dyspnoea and/or loss of consciousness. The symptoms never occurred after they avoided exposure to CTM. Passive cutaneous or open patch tests were positive for CTM. Histamine release was induced by CTM from washed leucocytes. RAST analysis using CTM-human serum albumin-coupled discs showed high % RAST count, suggesting that these reactions were mediated by IgE antibodies. A RAST inhibition test suggested that the methyl-thiotetrazole side-chain was the main antigenic determinant. Both patients had hand dermatitis that had appeared preceding the episodes of anaphylaxis. Although the dermatitis had been resistant to treatments, it also disappeared after they avoided exposure to CTM. It seemed likely that it was also induced or exacerbated by CTM and facilitated the penetration of CTM to cause anaphylaxis. The literature is also reviewed.

Adult↗

Sequence analysis of serological HLA-A11 split antigens, A11.1 and A11.2.

HLA-A11 has two serologically-defined splits, A11.1 and A11.2, and two alleles coding for HLA-A11, A*1101 and A*1102, have been published so far. In order to understand the relationship between the serological subtypes and the amino acid sequences, we have sequenced the alleles coding for A11.1 and A11.2. The results demonstrated that A11.1 split antigen is encoded by A*1101 and A11.2 split antigen is encoded by A*1102. Moreover, we obtained the sequences of exons 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of A*1102, which were not reported previously. In addition, we could distinguish A*1101 from A*1102 using a PCR-SSCP method, confirming that A11.1 carried by different HLA haplotypes has the same sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗