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Chen S, Zhu L, Fang X, Appiah C, Ji Y, Chen Z, Qiao S, Gong C, Li J, Zhao Y. Alloferon Mitigates LPS-Induced Endometritis by Attenuating the NLRP3/CASP1/IL-1β/IL-18 Signaling Cascade. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02083-6. [PMID: 38913143 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Endometritis is an inflammatory reaction of the uterine lining that can lead to infertility. Alloferon, a linear non-glycosylated oligopeptide, has been recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In light of these attributes, this study aims to explore the potential therapeutic effects of alloferon in alleviating endometrial inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while elucidating the underlying protective mechanisms. Two conditions representing pre- and post-menopause states were simulated using an ovariectomized (Ovx) murine model. The findings underscore alloferon's remarkable capacity to alleviate cardinal signs of endometritis, including redness, swelling, and congestion, while concurrently restoring the structural integrity of the endometrial tissue. Moreover, alloferon effectively modulates the expression of key inflammatory mediators, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteine aspartate-specific protease 1 (CASP1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). In vitro experiments were conducted to further corroborate and validate these findings. In conclusion, alloferon shows promising potential in mitigating LPS-induced inflammation by attenuating the NLRP3/CASP1/IL-1β/IL-18 signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Yuanbo Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Shuai Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Chen Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
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2
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Appiah C, Chen S, Pori AI, Retyunskiy V, Tzeng C, Zhao Y. Study of alloferon, a novel immunomodulatory antimicrobial peptide (AMP), and its analogues. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359261. [PMID: 38434708 PMCID: PMC10904621 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed throughout the biosphere and represent a class of conserved peptide molecules with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low risk to induce resistance have led to increased interest in AMPs as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Among the AMPs, alloferon has been addressed due to its immunomodulatory properties that augment both innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens. Alloferon and its analogues have demonstrated pharmaceutical potential through their ability to enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and stimulate interferon (IFN) synthesis in both mouse and human models. Additionally, they have shown promise in augmenting antiviral and antitumor activities in mice. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the biological effects of alloferon and its analogues, incorporating our own research findings as well. These insights may contribute to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of these novel AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Afia Ibnat Pori
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chimeng Tzeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Qiao S, Zhang X, Chen Z, Zhao Y, Tzeng CM. Alloferon-1 ameliorates estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis through dampening the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β/IL-18 signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110954. [PMID: 37742365 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Alloferon-1 is an insect polypeptide that has anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral activity. This study aimed to determine the effects of alloferon-1 on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis and explore the associated mechanism using a murine model of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. Results showed that alloferon-1 prevented ovariectomy‑induced body weight gain, bone loss and bone mineral content reduction, affected biochemical markers of bone turnover, and restored the microstructure of bone trabeculae. Moreover, alloferon-1 suppressed the expression of the ovariectomy‑mediated inflammatory cytokines in the vertebrae bone tissues, including nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like-receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) which were determined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Overall, the present study provides evidence for the effectiveness of alloferon-1 against estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis, suggesting an alternative drug or an auxiliary modulator for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China; Translational Medicine Research Center-Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theragnostic and Clinical Translation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China; Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital Medical Research Center, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China.
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Alloferon and Zanamivir Show Effective Antiviral Activity against Influenza A Virus (H1N1) Infection In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010678. [PMID: 36614125 PMCID: PMC9820929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of vaccines is the most effective and reliable method for the prevention of viral infections. However, research on evaluation of effective therapeutic agents for use in treatment after infection is necessary. Zanamivir was administered through inhalation for treatment of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in 2009. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains can occur rapidly. Alloferon, an immunomodulatory drug developed as an NK cell activator, exerts antiviral effects against various viruses, particularly influenza viruses. Therefore, alloferon and zanamivir were administered in combination in an effort to improve the antiviral effect of zanamivir by reducing H1N1 resistance. First, we confirmed that administration of combined treatment would result in effective inhibition of viral proliferation in MDCK and A549 cells infected with H1N1. Production of IL-6 and MIP-1α in these cells and the activity of p38 MAPK and c-Jun that are increased by H1N1 were inhibited by combined treatment. Mice were then infected intranasally with H1N1, and examination of the antiviral efficacy of the alloferon/zanamivir combination was performed. The results showed that combined treatment after infection with H1N1 prevented weight loss, increased the survival rate, and improved lung fibrosis. Combined treatment also resulted in reduced infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the lungs. Combined treatment effectively inhibited the activity of p38 MAPK and c-Jun in lung tissue, which was increased by infection with H1N1. Therefore, the combination of alloferon/zanamivir effectively prevents the development of H1N1-mediated inflammation in the lungs by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and migration of inflammatory cells into lung tissue.
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Adamski Z, Bufo SA, Chowański S, Falabella P, Lubawy J, Marciniak P, Pacholska-Bogalska J, Salvia R, Scrano L, Słocińska M, Spochacz M, Szymczak M, Urbański A, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Rosiński G. Beetles as Model Organisms in Physiological, Biomedical and Environmental Studies - A Review. Front Physiol 2019; 10:319. [PMID: 30984018 PMCID: PMC6447812 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Model organisms are often used in biological, medical and environmental research. Among insects, Drosophila melanogaster, Galleria mellonella, Apis mellifera, Bombyx mori, Periplaneta americana, and Locusta migratoria are often used. However, new model organisms still appear. In recent years, an increasing number of insect species has been suggested as model organisms in life sciences research due to their worldwide distribution and environmental significance, the possibility of extrapolating research studies to vertebrates and the relatively low cost of rearing. Beetles are the largest insect order, with their representative - Tribolium castaneum - being the first species with a completely sequenced genome, and seem to be emerging as new potential candidates for model organisms in various studies. Apart from T. castaneum, additional species representing various Coleoptera families, such as Nicrophorus vespilloides, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Coccinella septempunctata, Poecilus cupreus, Tenebrio molitor and many others, have been used. They are increasingly often included in two major research aspects: biomedical and environmental studies. Biomedical studies focus mainly on unraveling mechanisms of basic life processes, such as feeding, neurotransmission or activity of the immune system, as well as on elucidating the mechanism of different diseases (neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, or immunological) using beetles as models. Furthermore, pharmacological bioassays for testing novel biologically active substances in beetles have also been developed. It should be emphasized that beetles are a source of compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Environmental-based studies focus mainly on the development and testing of new potential pesticides of both chemical and natural origin. Additionally, beetles are used as food or for their valuable supplements. Different beetle families are also used as bioindicators. Another important research area using beetles as models is behavioral ecology studies, for instance, parental care. In this paper, we review the current knowledge regarding beetles as model organisms and their practical application in various fields of life science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sabino A. Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Małgorzata Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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Czarniewska E, Urbański A, Chowański S, Kuczer M. The long-term immunological effects of alloferon and its analogues in the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:429-438. [PMID: 27925389 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The subject of this article is a search for the long-term immunological effects of alloferon and 3 structural analogues of alloferon, which were earlier characterized by the highest pro-apoptotic activity in Tenebrio molitor. The differences in the actions of these peptides on immune response were observed. Alloferon increased nodulation and significantly phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of experimentally infected T. molitor. However, [Phe(p-NH2 )1 ]- and [Phe(p-OMe)1 ]-alloferon strongly inhibited cellular and humoral defense of the mealworm against Staphylococcus aureus infection. One day after injection of these peptides, the specific biochemical and morphological hallmarks of apoptosis in bacteria-challenged hemocytes were visible; in contrast, 3 days after peptides injection in all hemocytes, caspase activation was not observed. However, these new, circulating hemocytes differed from the control and the peptide-untreated bacteria-challenged hemocytes. They had an increased adhesion that led to a separation of viable, anucleated fragments of hemocytes that retain the ability to adhere and to form long filopodia. The peptide-induced separation of hemocyte fragments may resemble the formation of platelets in mammals and perhaps play a role in sealing wounds in insects. The results of in vivo studies may suggest a long half-life of studied peptides in the hemolymph of mealworm. Moreover, we showed the importance of the N-terminal histidine residues at position one of the alloferon molecule for its immunological properties in insects. The results obtained here show that alloferon plays pleiotropic functions in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University, Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
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Kuczer M, Czarniewska E, Majewska A, Różanowska M, Rosiński G, Lisowski M. Novel analogs of alloferon: Synthesis, conformational studies, pro-apoptotic and antiviral activity. Bioorg Chem 2016; 66:12-20. [PMID: 26986636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report the structure-activity relationships of novel derivatives of the insect peptide alloferon (H-His-Gly-Val-Ser-Gly-His-Gly-Gln-His-Gly-Val-His-Gly-OH). The peptide structure was modified by exchanging His at position 9 or 12 for natural or non-natural amino acids. Biological properties of these peptides were determined in antiviral in vitro test against Human Herpes Virus 1 McIntrie strain (HHV-1MC) using a Vero cell line. The peptides were also evaluated for the pro-apoptotic action in vivo on hemocytes of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. Additionally, the structural properties of alloferon analogs were examined by the circular dichroism in water and methanol. It was found that most of the evaluated peptides can reduce the HHV-1 titer in Vero cells. [Ala(9)]-alloferon exhibits the strongest antiviral activity among the analyzed compounds. However, no cytotoxic activity against Vero cell line was observed for all the studied peptides. In vivo assays with hemocytes of T. molitor showed that [Lys(9)]-, [Phg(9)]-, [Lys(12)]-, and [Phe(12)]-alloferon exhibit a twofold increase in caspases activity in comparison with the native peptide. The CD conformational studies indicate that the investigated peptides seem to prefer the unordered conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 14 F. Joliot-Curie Str., 50-383 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89 Umultowska Str., 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Majewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 5 Chałubińskiego Str., 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Różanowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 14 F. Joliot-Curie Str., 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89 Umultowska Str., 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Lisowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 14 F. Joliot-Curie Str., 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
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Inhibitory Effect of Alloferons in Combination with Human Lymphocytes on Human Herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1) Replication In Vitro. Int J Pept Res Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-015-9506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Jeon J, Kim Y, Kim H, Kang JS, Lee WJ. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Alloferon on Ovalbumin-induced Asthma. Immune Netw 2015; 15:304-12. [PMID: 26770184 PMCID: PMC4700406 DOI: 10.4110/in.2015.15.6.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a well-known inflammatory lung disease; however, the specific underlying mechanism is largely unknown. We previously demonstrated that alloferon effectively downregulates pulmonary inflammation. In this study, we examined whether alloferon has a therapeutic effect on asthma. Alloferon remarkably decreased the number of eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mice. It was synergistically decreased with 2.5 mg/kg prednisolone (PDA). Inflammatory cell infiltration around the bronchioles and in the alveolus of OVA-induced asthma mice was effectively prevented by alloferon alone and combined treatment with alloferon and PDS. The production of IL-5 and IL-17 was decreased by alloferon alone and combined treatment with alloferon and PDS. There was no change the level of total immunoglobulin (Ig) following alloferon administration; however, total Ig was decreased by PDS. IgG2a levels were not changed by either alloferon alone or alloferon in combination with PDS. However, the levels of OVA-specific IgG1 and IgE were decreased by alloferon and PDS. In conclusion, our results suggest that a combination of alloferon and prednisolone is effective for the treatment of asthma, as it prevents inflammatory cell infiltration via the downregulation of IL-5 and IL-17 production and decreases IgG1 and IgE production via the suppression of T helper type 2 immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Jeon
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae Seung Kang
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Wang Jae Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Kim H, Im JP, Kim JS, Kang JS, Lee WJ. Alloferon Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis. Immune Netw 2015; 15:135-41. [PMID: 26140045 PMCID: PMC4486776 DOI: 10.4110/in.2015.15.3.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of gut immune regulation is involved in mucosal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is still no efficacious immune-regulator for the treatment of IBD. Alloferon is a novel immune-modulatory peptide that was originally isolated from infected insects. It shows anti-inflammatory effects by the regulation of cytokine production by immune cells and their activities. Therefore, we investigated the effect of alloferon in a mouse model of colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Colitis was induced by administration of DSS in drinking water for 7 consecutive days. It was confirmed by the presence of weight loss, diarrhea, hematochezia, and colon contraction. Alloferon was injected 4 days after DSS administration. We found that alloferon improved the pathogenesis of IBD based on the reduced disease activity index (DAI) and colon contraction. Edema, epithelial erosion, and immune cell infiltration were found in mice administered DSS, but the phenomena were reduced following alloferon treatment. The plasma level of IL-6, a classical pro-inflammatory cytokine in colitis, was also decreased by alloferon. Moreover, alloferon inhibited the TNF-α-induced degradation and phosphorylation of IκB in Colo205 colon cancer cells. Taken together, these results show that alloferon has anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates DSS-induced colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea. ; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jong Pil Im
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Joo Sung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jae Seung Kang
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea. ; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Wang Jae Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Copper(II) complexes of alloferon 1 with point mutations (H1A) and (H9A) stability structure and biological activity. J Inorg Biochem 2014; 138:99-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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12
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Recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential modern day medicines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:904958. [PMID: 24883072 PMCID: PMC4026837 DOI: 10.1155/2014/904958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Except for honey as food, and silk for clothing and pollination of plants, people give little thought to the benefits of insects in their lives. This overview briefly describes significant recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential new medicinal drugs. This is an exciting and rapidly expanding new field since insects are hugely variable and have utilised an enormous range of natural products to survive environmental perturbations for 100s of millions of years. There is thus a treasure chest of untapped resources waiting to be discovered. Insects products, such as silk and honey, have already been utilised for thousands of years, and extracts of insects have been produced for use in Folk Medicine around the world, but only with the development of modern molecular and biochemical techniques has it become feasible to manipulate and bioengineer insect natural products into modern medicines. Utilising knowledge gleaned from Insect Folk Medicines, this review describes modern research into bioengineering honey and venom from bees, silk, cantharidin, antimicrobial peptides, and maggot secretions and anticoagulants from blood-sucking insects into medicines. Problems and solutions encountered in these endeavours are described and indicate that the future is bright for new insect derived pharmaceuticals treatments and medicines.
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Chernysh S, Kozuharova I. Anti-tumor activity of a peptide combining patterns of insect alloferons and mammalian immunoglobulins in naïve and tumor antigen vaccinated mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 17:1090-3. [PMID: 24183654 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Alloferons are a group of naturally occurring peptides primarily isolated from insects and capable of stimulating mouse and human NK cell cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. In this paper we examined anti-tumor activity of alloferon-1 and its novel structural analog referred to as allostatine. The activity was tested in naïve and preventively tumor antigen vaccinated DBA/2 mice subcutaneously grafted with syngenic P388D1 mouse leukemia cells. In naïve animals allostatine demonstrated tumoristatic activity prevailing over alloferon-1 effect. The preventive vaccination caused only weak tumoristatic effect in 27% of vaccinated animals. The vaccination efficacy was dramatically enhanced by allostatine but not alloferon-1 administration: 65% of allostatine treated animals benefitted from tumoristatic effect and 30% was completely cured so that total number of positive responders grew to 95%. Thus, alloferon-1 and especially allostatine are worthy of further consideration as potential anti-cancer drugs. Allostatine seems to be particularly perspective for adjuvant cancer immunotherapy. Sequence similarity search revealed evolutionary conserved allostatine-like pattern inserted to CDR3 region of human and mouse immunoglobulins. By analogy with allostatine, the pattern may execute some unknown so far function in anti-tumor immune response regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Chernysh
- Laboratory of Insect Biopharmacology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Soil Science, St. Petersburg State University, Oranienbaum str. 2, 198904 St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Kuczer M, Czarniewska E, Rosiński G. Novel biological effects of alloferon and its selected analogues: structure-activity study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 183:17-22. [PMID: 23499798 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The subject of this paper is a search for new biological properties of alloferon (H-His-Gly-Val-Ser-Gly-His-Gly-Gln-His-Gly-Val-His-Gly-OH) and a series of its analogues. The studies on structure/activity relationship in alloferon, the synthesis of a series of 28 analogues were performed. The analogues were modified at position 1 or 6, and other were oligopeptides with a shortened peptide sequence. Biological effects of the peptides were evaluated by the pro-apoptotic action in vivo on haemocytes of Tenebrio molitor and in the cardiotropic test in vitro on the heart of T. molitor and Zophobas atratus. In the in vivo bioassays, new biological activities of alloferon and its analogues were discovered. In haemocytotoxic bioassay, alloferon strongly induces T. molitor haemocytes to undergo apoptosis at a dose of 10 nM. Moreover, [Phe(p-NH2)(1)]-, [Tyr(6)]- and [1-10]-alloferon exhibit a two-fold increase of caspases activation in comparison with the alloferon. However, alloferon and its analogues show a weak cardiostimulatory activity in Z. atratus but the heart of T. molitor is not sensitive to these peptides. The results obtained here suggest that alloferon plays pleiotropic functions in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poland
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15
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The effect of alloferon on the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer via the up-regulation of perforin/granzyme B secretion. Immunobiology 2013; 218:1026-33. [PMID: 23434435 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alloferon is a novel immunomodulatory peptide originally isolated from infected insects. It has anti-viral and anti-tumor effects via the activation of NK cells. However, specific mechanisms leading to NK cell activation and anti-tumor responses yet to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrate that alloferon increases killing activity of NK cells to cancer cells via the up-regulation of the expression of NK-activating receptors, 2B4. In addition, the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α and granule exocytosis from NK cells against cancer cell were increased by alloferon. Lastly, the anti-tumor effect of alloferon was confirmed in vivo to demonstrate effective retardation of tumor growth in the human-to-mouse xenograft model. All taken together, these results suggest that alloferon has anti-tumor effects through up-regulation of NK-activating receptor 2B4 and the enhancement of granule exocytosis from NK cells.
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16
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Kuczer M, Majewska A, Zahorska R. New alloferon analogues: synthesis and antiviral properties. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 81:302-9. [PMID: 22883213 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We have extended our study on structure/activity relationship studies of insect peptide alloferon (H-His-Gly-Val-Ser-Gly-His-Gly-Gln-His-Gly-Val-His-Gly-OH) by evaluating the antiviral effects of new alloferon analogues. We synthesized 18 alloferon analogues: 12 peptides with sequences shortened from N- or C-terminus and 6 N-terminally modified analogues H-X(1)-Gly-Val-Ser-Gly-His-Gly-Gln-His-Gly-Val-His-Gly-OH, where X(1) = Phe (13), Tyr (14), Trp (15), Phg (16), Phe(p-Cl) (17), and Phe(p-OMe) (18). We found that most of the evaluated peptides inhibit the replication of Human Herpesviruses or Coxsackievirus B2 in Vero, HEp-2 and LLC-MK(2) cells. Our results indicate that the compound [3-13]-alloferon (1) exhibits the strongest antiviral activity (IC(50) = 38 μM) among the analyzed compound. Moreover, no cytotoxic activity against the investigated cell lines was observed for all studied peptides at concentration 165 μM or higher.
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17
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The anti-inflammatory effect of alloferon on UVB-induced skin inflammation through the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Immunol Lett 2012; 149:110-8. [PMID: 23018032 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
UVB irradiation can induce biological changes in the skin, modulate immune responses and activate inflammatory reactions leading to skin damage. Alloferon, which is isolated from the blood of an experimentally infected insect, the blow fly Calliphora vicina, is known for its anti-viral and anti-tumor activities in mice model. However, the effect of alloferon against UVB irradiation and its specific mechanism are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of alloferon on UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation in a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. RPA and ELISA data showed that alloferon decreased the production of UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, both on the mRNA and protein level. Western blot analysis was done to determine if alloferon regulates the MAPK signaling pathway since the MAPK signaling pathway is activated by numerous inflammatory mediators and environmental stresses including UVB irradiation. Alloferon inhibited the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by UVB irradiation. Furthermore, the topical application of alloferon on the UVB exposed skin of hairless mice showed that alloferon treatment significantly inhibited an increase in epithelial thickness in chronic UVB-irradiated mouse skin. These findings suggest that alloferon has significant anti-inflammatory effects not only on UVB-induced inflammation in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, but also on mouse skin.
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18
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Kuczer M, Pietruszka M, Kowalik-Jankowska T. Copper(II) complex formation processes of alloferon I with point mutation H1K; combined spectroscopic and potentiometric studies. J Inorg Biochem 2012; 111:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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19
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Wilkin A, Pozniak AL, Morales-Ramirez J, Lupo SH, Santoscoy M, Grinsztejn B, Ruxrungtham K, Rimsky LT, Vanveggel S, Boven, on behalf of the TMC278-C204 K. Long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of rilpivirine (RPV, TMC278) in HIV type 1-infected antiretroviral-naive patients: week 192 results from a phase IIb randomized trial. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:437-46. [PMID: 21902621 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TMC278-C204 (NCT00110305), a 96-week trial of the nonnucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor (NNRTI) rilpivirine (RPV, TMC278) in 368 HIV-1-infected, treatment-naive patients, was extended to investigate long-term safety and efficacy. Week 192 analysis results are presented. This was a long-term follow-up of a Phase IIb, randomized trial. No significant RPV dose-response relationships with respect to the primary endpoint (composite ITT-TLOVR algorithm) were observed at week 48 or 96. All RPV-treated patients were switched to open-label 75 mg qd at week 96 and then to 25 mg qd, the Phase III dose, at approximately week 144 as it gave the best benefit-risk balance. All control patients continued receiving open-label efavirenz (EFV) 600 mg qd. At week 192, 59% of RPV- and 61% of EFV-treated patients maintained confirmed viral load <50 copies/ml (ITT-TLOVR algorithm). The mean changes from baseline in CD4 cell count were similar in both groups (RPV: 210 cells/mm(3) vs. EFV: 225 cells/mm(3)). No new safety concerns were noted between week 48 and 192. In the week 192 analysis, RPV compared with EFV was associated with a lower overall incidence of grade 2-4 adverse events (AEs) at least possibly related to treatment, including rash (p<0.001) and neurologic AEs (p<0.05 Fisher's exact test, post hoc analyses) Incidences of serious AEs, grade 3 or 4 AEs, and discontinuations due to AEs were similar across groups. Increases in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly lower with RPV than with EFV. RPV continued to show sustained efficacy similar to EFV at week 192 with a generally more favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Wilkin
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Anton L. Pozniak
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and PKR/SSR, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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20
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Chernysh SI, Gordja NA. The immune system of maggots of the blow fly (Calliphora vicina) as a source of medicinal drugs. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093011060032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Chernysh S, Irina K, Irina A. Anti-tumor activity of immunomodulatory peptide alloferon-1 in mouse tumor transplantation model. Int Immunopharmacol 2011; 12:312-4. [PMID: 22051974 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alloferons are a group of antiviral and anti-tumor peptides primarily isolated from insects and stimulating cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in mammals including mice and humans. Alloferon-1 is currently used in the treatment of persistent viral infections; however its anti-tumor potential needs further preclinical assessment. Here we evaluate alloferon-1 anti-tumor activity in DBA/2 mice grafted with syngenic P388 murine leukemia cells. Alloferon-1 was applied alone or in combination with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy (a mixture of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and vincristine). Alloferon-1 monotherapy demonstrated moderate tumoristatic and tumoricidal activities comparable with low dose chemotherapy. When alloferon-1 and the cytotoxic drugs were combined in a regime of pulse immunochemotherapy the combination anti-tumor activity evidently exceeded that of the treatments applied individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Chernysh
- Laboratory of Insect Biopharmacology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Soil Science, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 198904, Oranienbaumskoye Shosse 2, Russia.
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22
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Qin D, Feng N, Fan W, Ma X, Yan Q, Lv Z, Zeng Y, Zhu J, Lu C. Activation of PI3K/AKT and ERK MAPK signal pathways is required for the induction of lytic cycle replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus by herpes simplex virus type 1. BMC Microbiol 2011; 11:240. [PMID: 22032493 PMCID: PMC3215226 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-11-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is causally linked to several acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and a subset of multicentric Castleman's disease. Regulation of viral lytic replication is critical to the initiation and progression of KS. Recently, we reported that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was an important cofactor that activated lytic cycle replication of KSHV. Here, we further investigated the possible signal pathways involved in HSV-1-induced reactivation of KSHV. Results By transfecting a series of dominant negative mutants and protein expressing constructs and using pharmacologic inhibitors, we found that either Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) or JAK1/STAT6 signaling failed to regulate HSV-1-induced KSHV replication. However, HSV-1 infection of BCBL-1 cells activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB, also called AKT) pathway and inactivated phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). PTEN/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway was found to be involved in HSV-1-induced KSHV reactivation. Additionally, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway also partially contributed to HSV-1-induced KSHV replication. Conclusions HSV-1 infection stimulated PI3K/AKT and ERK MAPK signaling pathways that in turn contributed to KSHV reactivation, which provided further insights into the molecular mechanism controlling KSHV lytic replication, particularly in the context of HSV-1 and KSHV co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210029, PR China
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23
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Lee N, Bae S, Kim H, Kong JM, Kim HR, Cho BJ, Kim SJ, Seok SH, Hwang YI, Kim S, Kang JS, Lee WJ. Inhibition of Lytic Reactivation of Kaposi'S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus by Alloferon. Antivir Ther 2011. [DOI: 10.3851/imp1788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naeun Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seyeon Bae
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Myung Kong
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang-Rae Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Joo Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Konkuk University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Physiology and Ischemia/Hypoxia Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hyeok Seok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Experimental Animals, Seoul National Univerisy College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-il Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Jae Seung Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wang Jae Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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24
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Derbala MF, El Dweik NZ, Al Kaabi SR, Al-Marri AD, Pasic F, Bener AB, Shebl FM, Amer AM, Butt MT, Yakoob R, John A, Al Mohanadi M, Al Khinji MA. Viral kinetic of HCV genotype-4 during pegylated interferon alpha 2a: ribavirin therapy. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:591-9. [PMID: 18482284 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.00988.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinetics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and early monitoring of viral decline were recently described to predict treatment outcomes and in turn reduce the course of treatment, adverse effects and cost. However, there is limited (if any) information on the viral dynamics of HCV-4. Our aim is to follow the HCV-RNA kinetics during PEG-IFN alpha 2a and ribavirin therapy and the best time for predicting sustained viral response (SVR) in genotype-4 patients. Serum HCV-RNA levels before initial dosing (baseline level) and at 24 h, week 1, week 4, week 12, week 24, week 48 and week 72 were assessed in 84 HCV genotype-4 patients treated weekly by PEG-IFN alpha 2a and daily ribavirin. At the end of treatment, out of the 84 treated patients, 19 (22.6%) were non-responders while 65 (77%) showed end-of-treatment response (ETR). However, 8 patients relapsed (9.5%), thus the SVR was observed in 57 patients (67.9%). Younger patients were more likely to attain SVR, where the odds of SVR increased by a factor of 0.94 for each year increase in age (95% CI: 0.90-0.99, P = 0.019). Although a significant negative correlation between stage of fibrosis and rate of viral decline at weeks 1 and 4 (P < 0.005 and 0.001, respectively) was seen, neither fibrosis stage (χ(2) = 3.4882, P > 0.1) nor grade of inflammation (χ(2) = 0.0057, P > 0.1) significantly predicted response to treatment. Non-responders had no or only a limited decline at week 1 and week 4, whereas sustained virological responders had a significant decline at both week 1 and week 4. Area under the (receiver operating characteristic) curve (AUC) revealed that week 12 is better than any other time point in predicting the SVR (AUC = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-1.01), (sensitivity 98.3%; 95% CI: 90.7-99.9), (specificity 88.5%; 95% CI: 71.0-96.0), positive predictive value of 94.9% and negative predictive value of 95.8%. A drop of more than 1.17 log viral load at week 1 and viral clearance or decline >3 log were considered as the earliest predictors of SVR. In genotype-4 patients, while failure to achieve an EVR at week 12 predicts non-response, an RVR at week 1 and week 4 98% guaranteed SVR. These findings further re-enforce the value of week 12 in the course of IFN treatment. Genotype-4 patients who show significant viral clearance (>1.17 log viral load) by the first week of treatment and viral clearance >3 log by week 4 are expected to show SVR and should therefore be assigned to a shorter drug regimen lasting for 24 weeks. Those unfortunate cases who do not achieve viral clearance by week 1 or week 4 should not be deprived from the treatment but rather given more time till week 12 before being classified as non-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Derbala
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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