Trichostrongylus colubriformis induces IgE-independent CD13, CD164 and CD203c mediated activation of basophils in an in vitro intestinal epithelial cell co-culture model

Gastrointestinal nematodes pose a major risk to the farming of small ruminants worldwide. Infections are typically controlled by anthelmintics, however as resistance to anthelmintics increases, it is necessary that the mechanism of host responses are understood in order to develop alternative control options. It is hypothesised that basophils are involved in the initiation of an anti-parasite immune response, independent of IgE. In this study, the in vitro activation states of CD203c⁺ basophil-like KU812 cells were determined in the presence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis parasitised HT29 epithelial cells with or without mucin. Cell surface expression of CD164, CD107a and CD13 antigens on gated CD203⁺ cells were determined and qRT-PCR was used to examine gene expression changes of IL33 (a Th2 cytokine) and the high affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRIα) within the co-culture. When KU812 basophils encountered T. colubriformis and/or mucin in a parasitised epithelium, the basophils increased cell surface expression of CD13 and CD164 antigens, independent of IgE. T. colubriformis also increased the number of CD203c⁺ KU812 cells that expressed CD13 and CD164 antigens. These data support the in vivo observations of T. colubriformis primary infections in guinea pigs and sheep.     

Possible roles of intracellular cyclic AMP, protein kinase C and calcium ion in the apoptotic signaling pathway in bovine luteal cells

Structural luteolysis occurs by apoptosis of luteal cells. The present study examined the effects of activators of well-characterized second messengers on Fas and caspase-3 mRNA expression and on P4 production in luteal cells in order to trace the pro- and anti-apoptotic factors in the bovine corpus luteum (CL). Cultured bovine mid luteal cells were treated for 24 h with a cyclic AMP analogue (8-bromo cyclic AMP; 8br-cAMP; 2.5 mM), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; PMA; 10 microM), or calcium ionophore (A23187; 10 microM). Fas and caspase-3 mRNA expression was inhibited by 8br-cAMP and PMA but was increased by A23187 (P<0.05). In addition, P4 production by bovine luteal cells was stimulated by 8br-cAMP and PMA, whereas it was inhibited by A23187, compared with untreated controls (P<0.05). The overall results suggest that cAMP and PKC suppress apoptosis in bovine luteal cells through inhibition of Fas and caspase-3 mRNA expression and through stimulation of P4 production. Therefore, substances that activate cAMP or PKC may act as survival factors in the bovine CL. Furthermore, substances that mobilize Ca2+ may act as apoptotic factors by stimulating Fas and caspase-3 expression in the bovine luteal cells.     

Toll-like receptor, MHC II, B7 and cytokine expression by porcine monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells in response to microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns

To evaluate effects of treatment with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on toll-like receptor (TLR), MHC II, B7 and cytokine expression, pig monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) were treated with LPS, CpG, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), poly IC or peptidoglycan (Pep). Monocytes and moDCs treated with LPS, CpG, LTA, poly IC or Pep altered expression of at least one TLR (4, 5 and 9) and up-regulated MHC II and/or B7. The mRNA for IL-4 was not detected after any treatment. Treatment with LPS or LTA tended to up-regulate mRNA for TLR 4, Th-1 (IFN-gamma and IL-12p35) and Th-2 cytokines (IL-10 and IL-13). Poly IC or CpG tended to up-regulate TLR 9 and Th-1 cytokines. Porcine monocytes and moDCs like those of humans and mice responded to microbial PAMPs by altering TLR expression, up-regulating MHC II and B7 and altering cytokine expression toward Th-1 and/or Th-2, which may steer immune response. Hence, porcine moDCs and monocytes are likely able to discriminate between microorganisms using TLRs which determine cytokine expression and immune response bias.     

Regulation of COX-2 expression in canine prostate carcinoma: increased COX-2 expression is not related to inflammation

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression has been documented in human and canine prostate carcinoma (PCA). Canine PCA is a histologically heterogeneous tumor, sometimes including inflammatory infiltrates. However, it is unknown whether COX-2 expression in canine PCA is related to the histologic type of tumor, to the presence of inflammation, or to both. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms regulating COX-2 expression in neoplastic tissue. HYPOTHESIS: COX-2 expression is related to the presence of inflammation in canine PCA and correlates with the degree of tumor differentiation. METHODS: The expression of COX-2 was examined in 28 cases of canine PCA by immunohistochemistry. In addition, a neoplastic and a nonneoplastic canine prostatic cell line were used to investigate the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), epithelial growth factor (EGF), and specific signal transduction pathway inhibitors on COX-2 expression. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 28 prostate tumors showed COX-2 expression. The presence of inflammatory infiltrates in tumor tissue was associated with lower COX-2 expression scores. In vitro, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and EGF increased COX-2 expression in nonneoplastic cells but not in PCA cells, where baseline expression was high. COX-2 expression in PCA cells could be suppressed by means of specific phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), or inhibitor of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK/MAPK) inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: COX-2 is expressed in canine PCA; however, expression is not related to the presence of inflammatory infiltrates. This conclusion is further supported by the finding that the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 and their involved signaling pathways do not stimulate COX-2 expression in malignant canine prostate cells.     

Basic FGF promotes proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells in the laying chickens via FGFR1 and PKC pathway

The proliferating effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on granulosa cells from ovarian pre-hierarchical follicles was evaluated in the laying chickens. Expression of bFGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) from small yellow follicles was determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The FGFR1 protein and mRNA were intensively expressed in the granulosa layer. After 8- to 24-h treatment with bFGF (0.1-100 ng/ml), the proliferation of cultured granulosa cells was remarkably enhanced in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The FGFR1 antagonist SU5402 inhibited bFGF-induced cell proliferation. This stimulating effect was further confirmed by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation and terminal transferase dUTP nick end-labelling assay. Immunocytochemistry of protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC) showed that the pro-proliferation action of bFGF predominantly activated PKC expression. Meanwhile, the bFGF-induced cell proliferation was significantly promoted by PKC activator PMA and inhibited by PKC inhibitor H(7) (p < 0.05). In addition, the bFGF-elicited cell proliferation was accompanied with increased mRNA expression of the cell cycle-regulating genes including cyclins D1 and E1, cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 6. In conclusion, bFGF promoted the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells through binding with FGFR1 and involving PKC pathway in the pre-hierarchical follicles of the laying chickens.     

TLRs介导的信号通路在马链球菌感染RAW264.7细胞中的作用

为探究Toll样受体(TLRs)介导的信号通路在马链球菌马亚种(S.equi)感染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7中的作用,收集S.equi感染后不同时间点的RAW264.7细胞,提取总RNA并反转录成cDNA,利用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测细胞Toll样受体1、2、6(TLR1、TLR2、TLR6)、接头蛋白骨髓分化蛋白88(MyD88)及细胞因子IL-1、IL-6、IL-10、IL-12、TNF-αmRNA的表达情况。结果显示,S.equi感染RAW264.7细胞后6h时,TLR1、TLR2、TLR6与MyD88mRNA水平均较对照组没有显著差异(P>0.05);感染后12h时,TLR1、TLR2和TLR6mRNA表达量未出现明显上升(P>0.05),而MyD88mRNA水平极显著升高(P<0.01);感染后24h时,TLR1、TLR2和TLR6mRNA表达水平出现极显著升高(P<0.01),MyD88mRNA表达没有显著变化(P>0.05),且IL-10和IL-12mRNA水平与对照组相比极显著升高(P<0.01),IL-1、IL-6和TNF-αmRNA水平均极显著下降(P<0.01)。结果表明,TLRs介导的信号通路参与S.equi感染RAW264.7细胞的免疫应答反应。     

Expression of toll‐like receptor 2 mRNA in bronchial epithelial cells is not induced in RAO‐affected horses

Reasons for performing study: Airway inflammation in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is triggered by housing affected horses in stables. It has been suggested that RAO is an allergic condition, but innate immune mechanisms are also involved. Fungal products activate innate immune mechanisms through toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). In human airway epithelium, TLR2 activation leads to interleukin (IL)‐8 production. This pathway is negatively regulated by the zinc finger protein A20. This study was performed to enhance understanding of innate immune mechanisms in RAO. Hypothesis: TLR2 and IL‐8 mRNA are elevated in RAO during stabling compared with controls. A20 mRNA is negatively associated with the numbers of airway inflammatory cells. Objectives: To determine TLR 2 , IL‐8 and A20 mRNA expression in lungs of stabled and pastured RAO‐affected and control horses. Methods: Airway obstruction and inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage were measured, and TLR 2 , IL‐8 and A20 mRNA expression quantified by qRT‐PCR in 6 RAO‐affected and 6 control horses, during and after exposure to hay and straw. Results: Airway obstruction and neutrophils were increased in RAO‐affected horses during stabling. While stabling increased IL‐ 8 , TLR2 and A20 mRNA were unaffected. TLR2 and A20 were significantly correlated (r = 0.83) and A20 mRNA was negatively associated with inflammatory cells. Potential relevance: Stabling does not lead to an increase in TLR2 expression. Other molecules or processes in the TLR2 cascade might be important in fungal‐induced airway inflammation. Equine epithelial‐derived A20 may be involved in modulation of airway inflammation.     

Toll-like receptor and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during prolonged hyperinsulinaemia in horses: Implications for laminitis

Equine laminitis, a disease of the lamellar structure of the horse's hoof, can be incited by numerous factors that include inflammatory and metabolic aetiologies. However, the role of inflammation in hyperinsulinaemic laminitis has not been adequately defined. Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation results in up-regulation of inflammatory pathways and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and may be a pathogenic factor in laminitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether TLR4 expression and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokine production is increased in lamellae and skeletal muscle during equine hyperinsulinaemia. Standardbred horses were treated with either a prolonged, euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (p-EHC) or a prolonged, glucose infusion (p-GI), which induced marked and moderate hyperinsulinaemia, respectively. Age-matched control horses were treated simultaneously with a balanced electrolyte solution. Treated horses developed clinical (p-EHC) or subclinical (p-GI) laminitis, whereas controls did not. Skeletal muscle and lamellar protein extracts were analysed by Western blotting for TLR4, IL-6, TNF-α and suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) expression. Lamellar protein expression of TLR4 and TNF-α, but not IL-6, was increased by the p-EHC, compared to control horses. A significant positive correlation was found between lamellar TLR4 and SOCS3. Skeletal muscle protein expression of TLR4 signalling parameters did not differ between control and p-EHC-treated horses. Similarly, the p-GI did not result in up-regulation of lamellar protein expression of any parameter. The results suggest that insulin-sensitive tissues may not accurately reflect lamellar pathology during hyperinsulinaemia. While TLR4 is present in the lamellae, its activation appears unlikely to contribute significantly to the developmental pathogenesis of hyperinsulinaemic laminitis. However, inflammation may have a role to play in the later stages (e.g., repair or remodelling) of the disease.     

脂多糖对胚胎附植期Toll样受体4及相关免疫因子的影响

试验旨在探讨脂多糖（LPS）对绵羊胚胎附植期Toll样受体4（TLR4）及相关免疫因子表达的影响。以构建好的pcDNA3.1-TLR4过表达载体转染绵羊子宫内膜基质细胞,运用Western blotting技术鉴定细胞转染效果,然后用1 μg/L LPS刺激转染后的子宫内膜基质细胞,建立内膜基质细胞炎症模型。将经LPS处理的细胞分别培养12、24、48、72 h,采用实时荧光定量PCR技术和Western blotting法检测内膜基质细胞中TLR4 mRNA及蛋白表达量,以及免疫因子IL-1β和IL-6的mRNA表达水平,并以未经LPS处理的细胞作为对照。结果显示,与对照组相比,LPS促进了免疫因子IL-1β、IL-6的释放量,但随LPS作用时间的延长,细胞中IL-6的表达量逐渐下降,而IL-1β的表达量逐渐升高,使得Th1/Th2偏向不利于妊娠的Th1方向表达;TLR4 mRNA相对表达量在12、24、72 h均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,48 h时极显著高于对照组（P<0.01）,且LPS处理后的细胞TLR4蛋白表达量也始终高于对照组。综上所述,pcDNA3.1-TLR4过表达载体成功转入绵羊子宫内膜基质细胞;LPS有效激活了子宫内膜细胞中TLR4信号通路,并促进了下游因子的表达;子宫蜕膜组织中TLR4受体蛋白对胚胎附植早期妊娠微环境的平衡维持也起到了重要作用。     

猴头菇多糖对MDRV感染RAW264.7细胞TLR3/TRIF诱导表达及病毒复制的影响

试验旨在探究猴头菇多糖（HEP）预处理RAW264.7细胞对番鸭呼肠孤病毒（MDRV）复制的影响及其机制,从Toll样受体3/β干扰素TIR结构域衔接蛋白（TLR3/TRIF）信号通路解析HEP在调节MDRV所致的雏番鸭机体免疫抑制中的作用机制并提供体外试验参考。试验设空白对照组（BCG）、病毒感染对照组（VCG）、HEP对照组（HCG）和HEP预防病毒感染组（HPG）,RAW264.7细胞在MDRV感染12和24 h后,通过Western blotting检测各组细胞中TLR3、TRIF和肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6（TRAF6）的蛋白表达量;病毒感染24 h后,用ELISA法检测各组细胞培养液中肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白介素-10（IL-10）、IL-6、IL-1β、干扰素-β（IFN-β）的含量。TCID₅₀检测结果表明,MDRV病毒的TCID₅₀为10^3.46。病毒感染后12 h,细胞未出现明显变化;病毒感染后24 h,细胞变圆;病毒感染后36 h,细胞大量死亡。MDRV在RAW264.7细胞中的复制结果显示,在感染病毒12~24 h内,σNS的表达量呈现上升趋势;在24~36 h,σNS的表达量维持在较高水平。Western blotting结果显示,与空白对照组相比,VCG组细胞TLR3、TRIF和TRAF6蛋白的表达量在感染后12和24 h均显著升高（P<0.05）,HCG组TRIF蛋白的表达量均显著升高（P<0.05）;与感染组相比,HPG组的σNS、TLR3、TRIF和TRAF6蛋白表达量在病毒感染12和24 h均显著降低（P<0.05）。ELISA检测结果显示,与空白对照组相比,VCG组细胞培养液中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β和IFN-β的含量均显著升高（P<0.05）;与感染组相比,HPG组细胞培养液中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β含量均显著降低（P<0.05）,IFN-β的含量显著升高（P<0.05）。结果表明,HEP可调节MDRV感染诱导RAW264.7细胞TLR3信号转导通路活化,抑制TLR3信号转导通路下游产物TNF-α、IL-10、IL-6和IL-1β的过度表达,同时上调IFN-β的表达,从而抑制MDRV在RAW264.7细胞中的复制。     

白头翁汤通过抑制TLR4-ERK1/2信号通路缓解LPS诱导的微血管内皮细胞炎性反应

近年来,中药复方抗炎机制的研究不断深入,白头翁汤复方（Pulsatilla decoction,PD）作为经典的清热解毒中药方剂常用于预防和治疗细菌性腹泻。然而其抗炎机制和靶细胞研究仍然不明确,本课题以大鼠肠黏膜微血管内皮细胞（RIMVECs）为模式细胞,旨在研究白头翁汤对LPS诱导的RIMVECs炎症反应的调控作用。利用LPS刺激RIMVECs,通过荧光定量PCR（RT-PCR）、蛋白免疫印迹（Western blot）的方法检测白头翁汤对LPS刺激后RIMVECs的炎性信号通路TLR4-ERK1/2信号通路关键蛋白TLR4、TRAF6、ERK的mRNA及蛋白表达。进一步采用酶联免疫吸附方法（ELISA）检测白头翁汤对LPS刺激后的炎性因子IL-6、IL-8、IL-1β、TNF-α的分泌情况。结果表明：白头翁汤可以显著降低LPS诱导的TLR4、TRAF6、ERK的mRNA水平及蛋白表达并降低了LPS诱导的细胞下游炎性因子的分泌。白头翁汤通过抑制TLR4-ERK1/2信号通路缓解LPS所诱导的RIMVECs炎性反应,发挥抗炎作用。     

重组结核分枝杆菌CFP10蛋白对A549细胞TLR信号途径介导的炎症反应的影响

本研究旨在检测重组结核分枝杆菌10 ku培养滤液蛋白（culture filtrate protein 10,CFP10）对肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞系A549细胞Toll样受体（TLRs）信号途径及其介导的炎症反应的影响。PCR扩增cfp10目的基因片段,构建重组质粒载体pCzn1-CFP10。将重组质粒pCzn1-CFP10转入BL21（DE3）大肠杆菌感受态细胞,IPTG诱导表达重组蛋白CFP10（rCFP10）并鉴定,纯化rCFP10,去除内毒素及脱盐备用。设置对照组,利用MTT检测rCFP10对A549细胞的存活率的影响;通过qRT-PCR、Western blot及ELISA等技术,分别在转录和翻译水平检测rCFP10对A549细胞TLRs信号途径关键分子及其下游炎症因子表达的影响。结果显示,成功构建重组表达载体pCzn1-CFP10并表达纯化出高纯度的rCFP10。MTT结果显示,随着rCFP10浓度增加和处理时间延长,A549细胞存活率显著降低。与空白对照组相比,rCFP10分别从转录和翻译水平显著（P<0.05）或极显著（P<0.01）上调A549细胞中TLRs途径关键分子TLR2、TLR4、MyD88、TRAF6和NF-κB p65及下游炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α的表达水平。rCFP10蛋白可以通过激活A549细胞TLRs受体信号途径促进细胞炎症因子的分泌,这将为进一步加深理解结核病发病机制提供理论依据。     

The effects of the Recombinant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis CFP10 Protein on the TLR Signal-mediated Inflammatory Responses in A549 Cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant 10 kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP10) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the inflammatory responses mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in A549 cells. The recombinant plasmid pCzn1-CFP10 was obtained by amplifying the cfp10 gene fragment using PCR and cloning it into the prokaryotic expression vector pCzn1. The obtained recombinant plasmid pCzn1-CFP10 was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and induced by IPTG to express the recombinant protein CFP10 (rCFP10). The purified rCFP10 protein was preserved after endotoxin was removed and desalted before use. The effect of rCFP10 treatment on the survival rate of A549 cells was detected by MTT assay. A549 cells were treated with rCFP10 to detect changes of key molecules of TLR signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors in A549 cells by qRT-PCR,Western blot and ELISA. The results showed that the recombinant expression vector pCzn1-CFP10 was successfully constructed and the high-purity rCFP10 protein was expressed and purified in this study. MTT assay showed that rCFP10 could inhibit the survival rate of A549 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In addition, rCFP10 could significantly (P<0.05) up-regulate the key molecules of TLR pathways TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κBp65 and downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in A549 cells as compared to the control group. The recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein CFP10 could promote the secretion of cytokines by activating TLR receptor signaling pathway in A549 cells, which will provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.     

牛膝多糖对仔猪肠上皮细胞免疫应激的调控及其作用机制

本试验旨在考察牛膝多糖(ABPS)对脂多糖(LPS)免疫应激下仔猪空肠上皮细胞(IPEC-J2)促炎细胞因子分泌和表达的影响,并探讨ABPS调控IPEC-J2免疫应激可能的作用机制。选用4~5代的IPEC-J2,培养基中分别添加0(对照)、300、600、900、1 200μg/m L ABPS和10μg/m L LPS,每组12个重复,每孔为1个重复。培养72 h后,采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)方法检测ABPS对促炎细胞因子白细胞介素1(IL-1)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素8(IL-8)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)分泌量的影响,采用实时定量PCR测定Toll样受体4(TLR4)、核转录因子κB(NF-κB)的mRNA表达量,采用Western blot法测定TLR4、NF-κB、磷酸化核转录因子κB(p-NF-κB)蛋白表达量。结果显示:与对照组相比,300、600、900和1 200μg/m L ABPS组能显著减少IL-1、IL-6、IL-8和TNF-α的分泌量(P0.05);300μg/m L ABPS组能显著减少p-NF-κB蛋白的表达量(P0.05),900和1 200μg/m L ABPS组能显著减少TLR4、NF-κB的mRNA和NF-κB蛋白的表达量(P0.05)。由此可见,ABPS通过TLR4/NF-κB信号转导途径来调控促炎细胞因子的分泌,从而缓解免疫应激,低浓度ABPS通过直接抑制NF-κB磷酸化过程来降低免疫应激,高浓度ABPS则是通过抑制TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA和NF-κB蛋白的表达量来缓解免疫应激。     

Expression and function of Toll-like receptor 2 in canine blood phagocytes

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of highly conserved pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of mammals that participate in the activation of innate immune responses against microbial infections. Among these receptors, TLR2 is essential for the recognition of conserved structural components of bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Until now, expression of TLR2 in dogs has not been investigated. In this work we describe a partial sequence of the gene coding for canine TLR2 and show that TLR2 mRNA is constitutively expressed in canine blood PMNs. We also show that stimulation of purified PMNs with lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a ligand of TLR2, leads to the release of proinflammatory chemokine IL-8. Furthermore, TLR2 protein is easily detectable by flow cytometry on the canine peripheral blood granulocyte and monocyte cell surface, and slightly on lymphocytes. These findings suggest that, also in dogs as in humans the initial antibacterial response of PMNs could be elicited through engagement of TLR2.     

Atypical mechanisms regulate the PMA-induced expression of IFN-gamma in a porcine trophectoderm cell line

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a major effector cytokine of the immune system with an expression pattern strictly restricted to cells of the lymphoid lineage. Several years ago, we reported that, during early pregnancy, the trophectoderm of the pig blastocyst, which represents a monolayer of polarized epithelial cells secretes high amount of IFN-gamma in a transient and developmentally regulated manner. In an effort to study the molecular basis of this atypical IFN-gamma gene expression, a pig trophectoderm cell line, TBA B4-3, was established in our laboratory. These cells developed a polarized phenotype with high transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) when grown on a microporous membrane. We found that treatment of polarized TBA B4-3 cells with the strong PKC agonist PMA induced, 3-4 days later, a transient IFN-gamma mRNA expression and vectorial IFN-gamma protein secretion. In order to better understand IFN-gamma gene regulation in TBA B4-3 cells, we examined in this system the effect of several drugs and factors known to affect the inducibility of this cytokine in T lymphocytes, the main source of IFN-gamma in the immunocompetent animal. We found that cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment of TBA B4-3 cells induces a partial inhibition of IFN-gamma secretion, thus indicating a minor role for the calcineurin signaling pathway in IFN-gamma expression. In addition, we found that although PMA alone can induce IFN-gamma secretion, the calcium ionophore A23187 synergizes with PMA for induction. We also analyzed by Southern blot the methylation status of a CpG dinucleotide in the 5' flanking region of IFN-gamma promoter and found that it was unmethylated in TBA B4-3 cells and in several pig epithelial cell lines that do not express IFN-gamma thus indicating the absence of correlation between demethylation and the ability to express IFN-gamma. Taken together, these results indicate that the mechanisms involved in IFN-gamma induction in TBA B4-3 cells are atypical compared to those presently known to operate in the T cell lineage.     

基于RAGE-TLR4串扰的高糖影响牛肺泡巨噬细胞促炎细胞因子释放的分子机制

本试验旨在研究高浓度葡萄糖对牛肺泡巨噬细胞（BAMs）促炎细胞因子IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α释放的影响及其机制是否与RAGE-TLR4相关信号通路串扰有关。将BAMs随机分为正常糖组（NG）、高糖组（HG）、高糖+RAGE抑制剂组（H+F）、高糖+TLR4抑制剂组（H+T）及DMSO组,处理12 h后收集上清及下层细胞。采用qRT-PCR和Western blot检测细胞RAGE、TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65的mRNA及蛋白表达情况,ELISA检测上清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6浓度。结果表明,高糖极显著上调RAGE、TLR4、MyD88和NF-κB p65基因、蛋白表达水平以及上清液中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α浓度（P<0.01）;RAGE抑制剂与TLR4抑制剂均极显著抑制高糖引起的RAGE、TLR4、MyD88和NF-κB p65基因、蛋白表达水平上调以及IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α释放（P<0.01）,即RAGE与TLR4均在激活RAGE/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB炎症信号通路中发挥调控作用。综上所述,高糖能够通过RAGE-TLR4串扰引起牛肺泡巨噬细胞释放促炎细胞因子IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α,进一步阐明了高糖促进牛肺泡巨噬细胞炎症反应的分子机制。     

Tick saliva induces regulatory dendritic cells: MAP-kinases and Toll-like receptor-2 expression as potential targets

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are bloodsucking ectoparasitic arthropods of human and veterinary medical importance. Tick saliva has been shown to contain a wide range of bioactive molecules with vasodilatory, antihemostatic, and immunomodulatory activities. We have previously demonstrated that saliva from Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks inhibits the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated with LPS. Here we examined the mechanism of this immune subversion, evaluating the effect of tick saliva on Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signalling pathway in bone marrow-derived DCs. We demonstrated that R. sanguineus tick saliva impairs maturation of DCs stimulated with LPS, a TLR-4 ligand, leading to increased production of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduced synthesis of IL-12p70 and TNF-α. The immunomodulatory effect of the tick saliva on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by DCs stimulated with LPS was associated with the observation that tick saliva inhibits the activation of the ERK 1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. These effects were independent of the expression of TLR-4 on the surface of DCs. Additionally, saliva-treated DCs also presented a similar pattern of cytokine modulation in response to other TLR ligands. Since the recent literature reports that several parasites evade immune responses through TLR-2-mediated production of IL-10, we evaluated the effect of tick saliva on the percentage of TLR-2⁺ DCs stimulated with the TLR-2 ligand lipoteicoic acid (LTA). The data showed that the population of DCs expressing TLR-2 was significantly increased in DCs treated with LTA plus saliva. In addition, tick saliva alone increased the expression of TLR-2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Our data suggest that tick saliva induces regulatory DCs, which secrete IL-10 and low levels of IL-12 and TNF-α when stimulated by TLR ligands. Such regulatory DCs are associated with expression of TLR-2 and inhibition of ERK and p38, which promotes the production of IL-10 and thus down-modulates the host's immune response, possibly favouring susceptibility to tick infestations.     

Adenosine and ATP affect LPS-induced cytokine production in canine macrophage cell line DH82 cells

Macrophages are essential for controlling the majority of infections, and are mediators of natural immunity. During infection, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Adenosine and ATP released into the extracellular space by immunological stimuli have been shown to regulate various immune functions. More recently, it has been shown adenosine and ATP have a critical role on the physiological negative feedback mechanism for limitation and termination of tissue-specific and systemic inflammatory responses. It was useful and meaningful to gain information about interaction between LPS, which generates the inflammation, and adenosine and ATP, which terminate the inflammation. We evaluate effects of adenosine and ATP on the production of cytokines related to inflammation in canine macrophage cell line DH82 cells. Adenosine and ATP respectively increased the production of IL-10 without affecting the production of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 in DH82 cells. In addition, adenosine and ATP prevented the production of LPS-induced IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 in DH82 cells. In contrast, adenosine and ATP potentiated LPS-induced IL-10 production in DH82 cells. Moreover, adenosine, but not ATP inhibited LPS-induced expression of TLR4 in DH82 cells. These results suggest that conditions related to increased adenosine and/or ATP may play an important role in the inflammatory reactions.