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Biomedical subjects

T Juji

Publications and source records attributed to T Juji.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Lysis of endothelial cells by autologous lymphokine-activated killer cells.

The mechanisms of lysis of endothelial cells derived from human umbilical vein (HUVEC) by autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, generated from cord blood lymphocytes of the same donor, were investigated. Freshly isolated HUVEC as well as HUVEC cultured for several passages were efficiently lysed by autologous LAK cells, and their susceptibility to the LAK cells was almost the some as that of allogenic HUVEC. Complement-depletion experiments revealed that the lysis was mainly dependent on CD16+ natural killer (NK) LAK cells. pretreatment of HUVEC with recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN gamma) for 24 h made them resistant to lysis by autologous LAK cells, while pretreatment with either rIL-1 beta. rTNF alpha, or acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor did not alter the lytic sensitivity of HUVEC. The resistance of rIFN gamma-treated HUVEC was specific to lysis by CD16+ NK LAK cells, and their lysis by CD3+ T-LAK cells was not significantly altered. Moreover, in comparison with control HUVEC or rIL-1 beta-treated HUVEC, rIFN gamma-treated HUVEC had a significantly less potent inhibitory effect on the lysis of untreated HUVEC, when used as an unlabeled target. This suggests that rIFN gamma treatment may down-regulate the recognition of some molecules on HUVEC by rIL-2-activated NK cells. These data suggest that damage of the endothelium during LAK therapy is mainly dependent on LAK cells with a NK phenotype that can specifically recognize a certain molecule on autologous endothelial cells.

CD3 Complex↗

Segregation analysis of IgE responses to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen in vivo.

The IgE response to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen (CPAg) in vivo was determined by radioimmunoassay of the plasma of 525 members from 98 families with known nasal allergies. Based on responses, patients were classified into a non-responder or low-responder group (non/low) and a high-responder group. Segregation analysis revealed that the IgE non/low responsiveness to CPAg involved a single dominant trait. The gene frequency was calculated to be 0.44-0.60. The IgE non/low response to CPAg was found to be mediated by CPAg-specific suppressor T cells. These findings demonstrated that the phenotypic variation of IgE responsiveness to CPAg is not due the immune response gene, but rather is mediated by the immune suppression gene for CPAg, via CPAg-specific suppressor T cells.

Adolescent↗

Polymorphisms of transporter associated with antigen processing genes in atopic dermatitis.

We investigated polymorphisms of transporter associated with antigen process (TAP) genes in atopic dermatitis. We developed a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method for discriminating TAP alleles. Genomic DNA was obtained from 29 Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis and 35 control subjects. Dimorphic regions of TAP1 and TAP2 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplified products were digested with restriction endonucleases to determine TAP alleles: Sau3A1 for TAP1 codon 333 (Ile-Val), AccI for TAP1 codon 637 (Asp-Gly), and EcoRII for TAP2 codon 687 (Gln-Stop). We observed four alleles for TAP1 and dimorphism for TAP2 codon 687. Six of 35 controls had the TAP1 D allele, which has been reported to be a rare allele in Caucasian populations. Gene frequency of TAP1 637Asp exhibited a tendency to increase in the patients with atopic dermatitis. TAP1 637Asp and TAP1 A alleles were estimated to constitute a haplotype with DRB1* 1302-DQB1*0604 and DRB1*0803-DQB1*0601 in the Japanese population. Because TAP1 and TAP2 genes are located between HLA-DQB1 and -DPB1 loci, analysis of TAP gene polymorphisms will be useful for a better understanding of susceptibility loci in HLA class II-associated disease.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

HLA and atopic dermatitis with high serum IgE levels.

Patients with atopic dermatitis usually exhibit allergen-specific IgE antibodies against several environmental antigens. HLA restriction is presumed to be involved in the recognition of such antigens, but several previous reports have so far failed to find a significant association between atopic dermatitis and HLA antigens. In this study we examined 38 unrelated Japanese patients with severe atopic dermatitis and high serum IgE levels (greater than 800 U/ml). We investigated the serological HLA types and HLA class II alleles in this group of patients with atopic dermatitis. Frequencies of HLA-A24, A33, Cwblank, B44, DR13 and HLA-DRB1*1302, DQB1*0604, DPB1*0301 alleles were increased in the patients. In contrast, frequencies of HLA-Cw1, Bw6, DR4, DR53, and HLA-DQB1*0302 allele were decreased. However, none of these remained significant after p values were corrected. Further study on HLA association with atopic dermatitis through characterization of specific antigens or antigen epitopes is needed.

Adolescent↗

A simple method of HLA-DRB typing using enzymatically amplified DNA and immobilized probes on microtiter plate.

We have developed a simple and economical method for HLA-DNA typing, called microtiter plate hybridization (PCR-MPH), which could replace standard PCR-SSO. This method is similar to that of an ELISA. Briefly, the PCR products labeled at the 5' termini with biotin were hybridized with probes immobilized on a microtiter well, and the bound PCR products were detected by streptavidin-conjugated enzymes followed by color development. A system for HLA-DRB1 "generic" typing (e.g., DR1, DR2), using microtiter wells coated with 12 different SSOs has been established. The HLA-DRB types classified using this method agreed well with those obtained by conventional serologic typing. The advantages of this microtiter plate-hybridization method for routine HLA-DNA typing are a short assay time, easy processing of large numbers of samples, and the potential for automation.

Base Sequence↗

Identification of the gene encoding a novel HLA-B39 subtype. Two amino acid substitutions on the beta-sheet out of the peptide-binding floor form a novel serological epitope.

Serological analysis suggests the existence of a novel HLA-B39 subtype (HLA-B39N) in the Japanese population. To identify this novel allele, a gene encoding HLA-B39N was cloned and the exons were sequenced. A gene encoding HLA-B39N (B*3904) and B*39011 differs by two nucleotide substitutions at codons 11 and 12 whereas B*3904 and B*39013 differ by three nucleotide substitutions at codons 11, 12, and 312. One nucleotide difference at codon 11 produces a change from serine in B*3901 to alanine in B*3904 whereas another difference at codon 12 changes valine in B*3901 to methionine in B*3904. The residues 11 and 12 are located on the beta-sheet out of the peptide-binding floor and are completely buried in the molecule. These results suggest that the substitutions at these residues alter the conformation of other residues forming epitopes of alloantibodies. Analysis of HLA-B*3901 genes in the Japanese population showed that both B*39011 and B*39013 were observed in the Japanese population. The present study suggests that B*3904 may have evolved from B*39011 rather than B*39013.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

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↗

HLA-DR types in Japanese schizophrenics: analysis by group-specific PCR amplification.

An association of HLA-DR8 and DR1 with DSM-III schizophrenia has been reported in Japan (Miyanaga et al. (1984) Biol. Psychiatr. 19, 121-129). To further investigate this preliminary finding, we compared HLA-DR types in 44 unrelated Japanese schizophrenics (DSM-III-R) with those in 51 unrelated, healthy Japanese volunteers. Group-specific PCR amplification was used in the determination of HLA-DR in the patients. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of any DR types between patients and controls, after statistical correction for multiple testing. However, the frequency of DR1 in our patients (23%) and controls (10%) was almost the same as those in the previous report (22% vs. 10%), which means that there is a suggestive trend which could become significant if numbers were larger. It is argued that an exact determination of HLA-DR by DNA typing is important in current HLA studies of schizophrenia.

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↗

Discrimination of human HLA-DRB1 alleles by PCR-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) method.

A single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method has been adopted for discrimination of human HLA-DRB1 alleles. This method enabled the detection of DNA polymorphisms including point mutations at a variety of positions in the DNA fragments of the HLA-DRB1 gene. A total of 27 HLA-DRB1 alleles from 172 healthy donors were analysed using a combination of PCR-SSCP with group-specific amplifications. Application of a small amount of amplified and denatured DNA to non-denaturing electrophoresis followed by silver staining resulted in distinct banding patterns. Samples possessing a single allele in each amplification group showed two-band patterns which correspond to the sense and antisense strands, while heterozygotes in the same group or a mixture of two single-type samples showed four-band patterns. All of the analysed alleles were discriminated in each DRB1 group. The method described here may be somewhat complicated for routine typing of HLA-DRB1 alleles. However, it is useful in the screening of "new' alleles as well as the donor-recipient molecular matching of HLA class II genes for various purposes, e.g. selection of bone marrow transplant donors.

Alleles↗

S-antigen specific T cell clones from a patient with Behçet's disease.

The isolation and characterisation of T cell clones or lines specific to retinal antigens are valuable tools to clarify the underlying mechanisms of autoimmunity to retinal antigens as a contributing factor in ocular inflammation. Patients with Behçet's disease have been reported to be sensitised to S-antigen (S-Ag). In the present study, four T cell clones established from the peripheral blood of a patient with Behçet's disease were analysed. A CD4+ T cell clone (clone 2) and a CD8+ T cell clone (clone 10) proliferated specifically to bovine S-Ag. Although these S-Ag specific T cell clones proliferated vigorously to the intact antigen, their responses to S-Ag derived synthetic peptides M and G were weak, suggesting that the sites of human T cell recognition of S-Ag may be different from those established in the experimental model. The proliferative responses of both clones (2 and 10) were inhibited by anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody but not by anti-HLA-class 1 monoclonal antibody. The other two clones studied, clones 6 and 30, were CD3+, CD4-, CD8-, and they did not proliferate specifically to S-Ag. Clone 6 expressed gamma delta T cell receptors (TCR) and showed non-specific cytotoxic activity toward K562 and Daudi cell lines. Clone 30 expressed alpha beta TCR, and was devoid of cytotoxic activity. Human T cell lines and clones specific to retinal antigens will provide the framework necessary to examine the events that lead to ocular inflammation.

Adult↗

Genetic polymorphisms in HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR antigens in Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis.

Genetic polymorphisms in HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR antigens were investigated in 78 unrelated Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and compared with a total of 472 normal persons. Only HLA-DR9 showed a significantly increased frequency among all HLA antigens investigated (chi 2 = 11.57, p < 0.001). It is suggested that major histocompatibility complex class II antigens including HLA-DR antigen may determine the susceptibility to PPP and PPP may be a distinct disease entity from psoriasis.

Adult↗

Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide on the progression of lethal graft-versus-host disease in mice--a therapeutic model of fatal post-transfusion GVHD.

In this paper, we examine in a murine system whether cyclophosphamide (CY) could prevent the development of fatal GVHD and furthermore whether it could be used to treat on-going GVHD. (C57BL/6xDBA/2)F1 (BDF1) mice were injected with spleen cells from B6 donors and their thoraces were opened to mimic cardiac operation. These mice lost body weight gradually and most of them died during 2-4 weeks post-transfusion. They showed splenomegaly, thymic atrophy and marked bone-marrow aplasia. When CY was administered at 100 mg kg-1 on days 0, 2, 7 and 9, all mice were relieved of GVHD and their organs were almost free of signs of GVHD. CY (100 mg kg-1) administered on days 7 and 9 also save mice from lethal GVHD. Moreover, CY administered at a dose of 20 mg kg-1 on days 9 and 11 when GVHD became apparent was also effective. These data suggest that CY might be used as a therapeutic agent for lethal post-transfusion GVHD.

Animals↗

Protection against natural killer cells by interferon-gamma treatment of K562 cells cannot be explained by augmented major histocompatibility complex class I expression.

Prior study has revealed that the expression of certain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the membranes of normal or transformed cells can prevent natural killer (NK)-cell-mediated killing. This has been explained by either (1) the target interference model, or (2) the effector inhibition model. In both cases, MHC class I molecules are concerned but the precise mechanisms are still unclear. The erythroleukaemia K562 cell is known as a NK-sensitive target. This sensitivity has been explained mostly as being due to lack of MHC class I antigens on the K562 membrane. However, several recent studies have indicated that the expression of MHC class I antigens on the cell does not solely explain the protection against NK cells. To elucidate the mechanism of NK-cell-mediated killing, we investigated the killing profiles of the K562 cells by NK cells. Previous studies indicated that the NK-sensitive K562 cells can express some MHC class I antigens on their surface, and become protective against NK-cell killing after treatment with human interferon-gamma (hIFN-gamma). In the present study, we show that this resistance is not rendered by MHC class I expression, because addition of anti-MHC class I monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in the killing assay of hIFN-gamma-treated K562 cells, which express MHC class I antigens as the target, did not restore the sensitivity to NK cells. Moreover, we show that spontaneously occurring K562 clones which could not express MHC class I antigens even after hIFN-gamma treatment, could be protected after treatment with the cytokine. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the susceptibility of K562 cells to NK cell killing is due to some elements distinct from those related to MHC class I antigens.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat kidney. Chronological analysis of localization.

To study the time course of lipopolysaccharide-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the kidney, we utilized a highly sensitive non-radioisotopic in situ hybridization with 1-nm gold-conjugated anti-digoxigenin for localization of TNF-alpha mRNA expression after lipopolysaccharide administration. TNF-alpha mRNA expression localized by in situ hybridization showed a peak increment in proximal tubular epithelial cells and glomeruli at 2 hours and returned to almost normal levels at 6 hours. The intensity of the signal was much stronger in proximal tubules than in glomeruli. These findings were confirmed by the demonstration of similar kinetics in the increase of TNF-alpha message, measured by using amplification of the third and fourth exons of TNF-alpha gene by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of microdissected proximal tubular segments and isolated glomeruli. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of cultured rat mesangial and glomerular epithelial cells demonstrated that mesangial cells, not glomerular epithelial cells, were responsible for the observed glomerular signals.

Animals↗