Search results for "Innate"
showing 10 items of 638 documents
Directed Interactions of Block Copolypept(o)ides with Mannose-binding Receptors: PeptoMicelles Targeted to Cells of the Innate Immune System
2015
Core-shell structures based on polypept(o)ides combine stealth-like properties of the corona material polysarcosine with adjustable functionalities of the polypeptidic core. Mannose-bearing block copolypept(o)ides (PSar-block-PGlu(OBn)) have been synthesized using 11-amino-3,6,9-trioxa-undecyl-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-O-α-D-mannopyranoside as initiator in the sequential ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. These amphiphilic block copolypept(o)ides self-assemble into multivalent PeptoMicelles and bind to mannose-binding receptors as expressed by dendritic cells. Mannosylated micelles showed enhanced cell uptake in DC 2.4 cells and in bone marrow-derived dendritic ce…
Functional analysis of the classical, alternative, and MBL pathways of the complement system: standardization and validation of a simple ELISA.
2004
Primary defence against invading microorganisms depends on a functional innate immune system and the complement system plays a major role in such immunity. Deficiencies in one of the components of the complement system can cause severe and recurrent infections, systemic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and renal disease. Screening for complement deficiencies in the classical or alternative complement pathways has mainly been performed by haemolytic assays. Here, we describe a simple ELISA-based format for the evaluation of three pathways of complement activation. The assays are based on specific coatings for each pathway in combination with specific buffer systems. We ha…
The expression of an immune-related phenoloxidase gene is modulated inCiona intestinalisovary, test cells, embryos and larva
2015
Two distinct Ciona intestinalis phenoloxidases (CinPO1, 2) had previously been cloned and sequenced. The CinPO2 is involved in innate immunity and is expressed by inflammatory hemocytes that populate the tunic and pharynx vessels as a response to LPS inoculation. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry assays on histological section, showed that the expression of this gene and the produced protein are shared with oogenesis, embryogenesis and larval morphogenesis. Intriguingly, upregulation of gene transcription was found in the test cell layer that envelopes the ovary follicle, ovulated egg, and gastrula, as well as it was modulated in the zygotic nucleus of outer balstomers of 32-ce…
Innate Immune Defense of the Sponge Suberites domuncula against Bacteria Involves a MyD88-dependent Signaling Pathway
2005
Sponges (phylum Porifera) are the phylogenetically oldest metazoa; as filter feeders, they are abundantly exposed to marine microorganisms. Here we present data indicating that the demosponge Suberites domuncula is provided with a recognition system for Gram-negative bacteria. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-interacting protein was identified as a receptor on the sponge cell surface, which recognizes the bacterial endotoxin LPS. The cDNA was isolated, and the protein (Mr 49,937) was expressed. During binding to LPS, the protein dimerizes and interacts with MyD88, which was also identified and cloned. The sponge MyD88 (Mr 28,441) is composed of two protein interaction domains, a Toll/interleuki…
Echinoderm Antimicrobial Peptides to Contrast Human Pathogens
2013
Increased attention has been focused in marine invertebrates as a source of bioactive molecules for biomedical applications. Many bioactive molecules are part of the innate immune system. Some more recently isolated compounds, mainly from sea urchin and sea cucumber are antimicrobial peptides (AMP) active against Gram positive, Gram negative and fungi. In this review we described the most recent studies on AMP isolated from echinoderms. The AMP are little peptides <10 kDa with cationic charge and amphipathic structure. Recently, it was demonstrated that in the coelomocyte lysates of Paracentrotus. lividus and Holothuria tubulosa AMP are present with activity against staphylococcal and Pseud…
Antimicrobial peptides from echinoderms as antibiofilm agents: a natural strategy to combat bacterial infections
2014
AbstractIncreased attention has been focused on marine invertebrates as a source of bioactive molecules for biomedical applications. Many bioactive molecules are part of the innate immune system. Some more recently isolated compounds, mainly from the sea urchin and the sea cucumber, are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. In this review we described the most recent studies on AMPs isolated from echinoderms. AMPs are small peptides (< 10 kDa) with cationic charge and amphipathic structure. Recently, it was demonstrated that in the coelomocyte lysates of Paracentrotus lividus and Holothuria tubulosa, AMPs possess activity against s…
Do Immune Complexes Formed with Autoantibodies Have a Role in the Maintenance of Immune Homeostasis Through Interaction with FC Receptors
2000
Natural autoantibodies play an important regulatory role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. They act as a first line of defense against environmental pathogens like toxins, bacteria and erythrocytes. In humans they are mainly produced by CD5+ B cells that are under the control of a regulatory T cell population. Fc-gamma receptors are involved in antigen recognition and signal transduction and tuning, and some of the members of the FcR family have structural similarity to MHC molecules; they may interact with multiple Ig ligands and with non-Ig ligands. We discuss the interactions between immune-complexes formed with natural autoantibodies and Fc-gamma receptors and suggest that such …
Changes in CD4+ cells’ miRNA expression following exposure to HIV-1
2010
Background: Micro RNAs (miRNAs) inhibit HIV-1 expression by either modulating host innate immunity or by directly interfering with viral mRNAs. Here, we investigated the miRNA profile that discriminates different classes of HIV-1-infected patients from multiple-exposed uninfected individuals. Methods: The expression levels of 377 miRNAs were selectively analysed in CD4+ cells isolated from whole blood of HIV-1 elite LTNP (eLTNP), naive, and multiply exposed uninfected individuals (MEUs). MiRNA extraction was performed by the mir Vana™ miRNA Isolation Kit (Ambion), and their expression was subsequently examined by real-time PCR-based arrays. The expression of miRNAs was also determined in pr…
The potential of antimicrobial peptides isolated from freshwater crayfish species in new drug development: A review
2021
Abstract The much-publicised increased resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional antibiotics has focused research effort on the characterization of new antimicrobial drugs. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) extracted from animals are considered a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. In recent years, freshwater crayfish species have emerged as an important source of bioactive compounds. In fact, these invertebrates rely on an innate immune system based on cellular responses and on the production of important effectors in the haemolymph, such as AMPs, which are produced and stored in granules in haemocytes and released after stimulation. These effectors are …