Heat shock proteins HSP27 and HSP70 are present in the skin and are important mediators of allergic contact hypersensitivity

Reactive astrocytes secrete the chaperone HSPB1 to mediate neuroprotection

Molecular chaperones are protective in neurodegenerative diseases by preventing protein misfolding and aggregation, such as extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular tau neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, AD is characterized by an increase in astrocyte reactivity. The chaperone HSPB1 has been proposed as a marker for reactive astrocytes; however, its astrocytic functions in neurodegeneration remain to be elucidated. Here, we identify that HSPB1 is secreted from astrocytes to exert non-cell-autonomous protective functions. We show that in human AD brain, HSPB1 levels increase in astrocytes that cluster around amyloid plaques, as well as in the adjacent extracellular space. Moreover, in conditions that mimic an inflammatory reactive response, astrocytes increase HSPB1 secretion. Concomitantly, astrocytes and neurons can uptake astrocyte-secreted HSPB1, which is accompanied by an attenuation of the inflammatory response in reactive astrocytes and reduced pathological tau inclusions. Our findings highlight a protective mechanism in disease conditions that encompasses the secretion of a chaperone typically regarded as intracellular.

TRPA1 activation and Hsp90 inhibition synergistically downregulate macrophage activation and inflammatory responses in vitro

BACKGROUND

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels are known to be actively involved in various pathophysiological conditions, including neuronal inflammation, neuropathic pain, and various immunological responses. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a cytoplasmic molecular chaperone, is well-reported for various cellular and physiological processes. Hsp90 inhibition by various molecules has garnered importance for its therapeutic significance in the downregulation of inflammation and are proposed as anti-cancer drugs. However, the possible role of TRPA1 in the Hsp90-associated modulation of immune responses remains scanty.

RESULTS

Here, we have investigated the role of TRPA1 in regulating the anti-inflammatory effect of Hsp90 inhibition via 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation in RAW 264.7, a mouse macrophage cell lines and PMA differentiated THP-1, a human monocytic cell line similar to macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 with Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is observed to execute an anti-inflammatory role via augmenting Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory responses towards LPS or PMA stimulation in macrophages, whereas inhibition of TRPA1 by 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-N-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2,6-dioxo-7 H-purine-7-acetamide,2-(1,3-Dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-7 H-purin-7-yl)-N-(4-isopropylphenyl)acetamide (HC-030031) downregulates these developments. LPS or PMA-induced macrophage activation was found to be regulated by TRPA1. The same was confirmed by studying the levels of activation markers (major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII), cluster of differentiation (CD) 80 (CD80), and CD86, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), NO (nitric oxide) production, differential expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (p-p38 MAPK, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2), and phosphor-stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-SAPK/JNK)), and induction of apoptosis. Additionally, TRPA1 has been found to be an important contributor to intracellular calcium levels toward Hsp90 inhibition in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates a significant role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory developments in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 and inhibition of Hsp90 has synergistic roles towards regulating inflammatory responses associated with macrophages. The role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated modulation of macrophage responses may provide insights towards designing future novel therapeutic approaches to regulate various inflammatory responses.

The Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Is Required for the IL-33-Induced Cytokine Production in Mast Cells (MCs)

The alarmin interleukin-33 (IL-33) is released upon cell stress and damage in peripheral tissues. The receptor for IL-33 is the Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)-family member T1/ST2 (the IL-33R), which is highly and constitutively expressed on MCs. The sensing of IL-33 by MCs induces the MyD88-TAK1-IKK2-dependent activation of p65/RelA and MAP-kinases, which mediate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and amplify FcεRI-mediated MC-effector functions and the resulting allergic reactions. Therefore, the investigation of IL-33-induced signaling is of interest for developing therapeutic interventions effective against allergic reactions. Importantly, beside the release of IL-33, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are upregulated during allergic reactions. This maintains the biological functions of signaling molecules and/or cytokines but unfortunately also strengthens the severity of inflammatory reactions. Here, we demonstrate that HSP90 does not support the IL-33-induced and MyD88-TAK1-IKK2-dependent activation of p65/RelA and of mitogen-activated protein (MAP)-kinases. We found that HSP90 acts downstream of these signaling pathways, mediates the stability of produced cytokine mRNAs, and therefore facilitates the resulting cytokine production. These data show that IL-33 enables MCs to perform an effective cytokine production by the upregulation of HSP90. Consequently, HSP90 might be an attractive therapeutic target for blocking IL-33-mediated inflammatory reactions.

Common and discrete mechanisms underlying chronic pain and itch: peripheral and central sensitization

Normally, an obvious antagonism exists between pain and itch. In normal conditions, painful stimuli suppress itch sensation, whereas pain killers often generate itch. Although pain and itch are mediated by separate pathways under normal conditions, most chemicals are not highly specific to one sensation in chronic pathologic conditions. Notably, in patients with neuropathic pain, histamine primarily induces pain rather than itch, while in patients with atopic dermatitis, bradykinin triggers itch rather than pain. Accordingly, repetitive scratching even enhances itch sensation in chronic itch conditions. Physicians often prescribe pain relievers to patients with chronic itch, suggesting common mechanisms underlying chronic pain and itch, especially peripheral and central sensitization. Rather than separating itch and pain, studies should investigate chronic itch and pain including neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. Here, we reviewed chronic sensitization leading to chronic pain and itch at both peripheral and central levels. Studies investigating the connection between pain and itch facilitate the development of new therapeutics against both chronic dysesthesias based on the underlying pathophysiology.

Neuroinflammatory processes are augmented in mice overexpressing human heat-shock protein B1 following ethanol-induced brain injury

Background

Heat-shock protein B1 (HSPB1) is among the most well-known and versatile member of the evolutionarily conserved family of small heat-shock proteins. It has been implicated to serve a neuroprotective role against various neurological disorders via its modulatory activity on inflammation, yet its exact role in neuroinflammation is poorly understood. In order to shed light on the exact mechanism of inflammation modulation by HSPB1, we investigated the effect of HSPB1 on neuroinflammatory processes in an in vivo and in vitro model of acute brain injury.

Methods

In this study, we used a transgenic mouse strain overexpressing the human HSPB1 protein. In the in vivo experiments, 7-day-old transgenic and wild-type mice were treated with ethanol. Apoptotic cells were detected using TUNEL assay. The mRNA and protein levels of cytokines and glial cell markers were examined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in the brain. We also established primary neuronal, astrocyte, and microglial cultures which were subjected to cytokine and ethanol treatments. TNFα and hHSPB1 levels were measured from the supernates by ELISA, and intracellular hHSPB1 expression was analyzed using fluorescent immunohistochemistry.

Results

Following ethanol treatment, the brains of hHSPB1-overexpressing mice showed a significantly higher mRNA level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tnf, Il1b), microglia (Cd68, Arg1), and astrocyte (Gfap) markers compared to wild-type brains. Microglial activation, and 1 week later, reactive astrogliosis was higher in certain brain areas of ethanol-treated transgenic mice compared to those of wild-types. Despite the remarkably high expression of pro-apoptotic Tnf, hHSPB1-overexpressing mice did not exhibit higher level of apoptosis. Our data suggest that intracellular hHSPB1, showing the highest level in primary astrocytes, was responsible for the inflammation-regulating effects. Microglia cells were the main source of TNFα in our model. Microglia isolated from hHSPB1-overexpressing mice showed a significantly higher release of TNFα compared to wild-type cells under inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions

Our work provides novel in vivo evidence that hHSPB1 overexpression has a regulating effect on acute neuroinflammation by intensifying the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing glial cell activation, but not increasing neuronal apoptosis. These results suggest that hHSPB1 may play a complex role in the modulation of the ethanol-induced neuroinflammatory response.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-020-02070-2.

Novel Allergen Discovery through Comprehensive De Novo Transcriptomic Analyses of Five Shrimp Species

Shellfish allergy affects 2% of the world's population and persists for life in most patients. The diagnosis of shellfish allergy, in particular shrimp, is challenging due to the similarity of allergenic proteins from other invertebrates. Despite the clinical importance of immunological cross-reactivity among shellfish species and between allergenic invertebrates such as dust mites, the underlying molecular basis is not well understood. Here we mine the complete transcriptome of five frequently consumed shrimp species to identify and compare allergens with all known allergen sources. The transcriptomes were assembled de novo, using Trinity, from raw RNA-Seq data of the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis), king shrimp (Melicertus latisulcatus), and endeavour shrimp (Metapenaeus endeavouri). BLAST searching using the two major allergen databases, WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature and AllergenOnline, successfully identified all seven known crustacean allergens. The analyses revealed up to 39 unreported allergens in the different shrimp species, including heat shock protein (HSP), alpha-tubulin, chymotrypsin, cyclophilin, beta-enolase, aldolase A, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD). Multiple sequence alignment (Clustal Omega) demonstrated high homology with allergens from other invertebrates including mites and cockroaches. This first transcriptomic analyses of allergens in a major food source provides a valuable resource for investigating shellfish allergens, comparing invertebrate allergens and future development of improved diagnostics for food allergy.

Expression and functionality of allergenic genes regulated by simulated gastric juice in Anisakis pegreffii

To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying allergens and parasite immunity and discover the stage-enriched gene expression of fish-borne zoonotic nematodes in the stomach, we used RNA-seq to study the transcriptome profiles of Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae, AP) in simulated gastric juice. Mobile L3 larvae were incubated in simulated medium at 37 °C in 5% CO₂ (AP-GJ) and the control group larvae were collected in PBS under the same conditions (AP-PBS). We found that the sequences of A. pegreffii were highly similar to Toxocara canis sequences. Among the transcripts, there would be 138 up-regulated putative genes and 251 down-regulated putative genes in AP-GJ group. Several lipid binging-related genes were more highly expressed in AP-GJ larvae. Moreover, 17 allergen genes were up-regulated and 29 were down-regulated in AP-GJ larvae. Eleven allergen genes belonged to one or more of the following three categories: biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. According to KEGG analysis, the main pathways that were represented included protein processing in transcription, immune system, cancer, and infectious disease. In particular, the most significant changes in the expression of parasite-derived allergen products occurred in AP-GJ larvae. This study helps us to extend our understanding of the biology of the fish-borne zoonotic parasite A. pegreffii and could be helpful for more precise risk assessment and providing guidelines for allergic consumers.

Molecular Chaperones: Molecular Assembly Line Brings Metabolism and Immunity in Shape

Molecular chaperones are a set of conserved proteins that have evolved to assist the folding of many newly synthesized proteins by preventing their misfolding under conditions such as elevated temperatures, hypoxia, acidosis and nutrient deprivation. Molecular chaperones belong to the heat shock protein (HSP) family. They have been identified as important participants in immune functions including antigen presentation, immunostimulation and immunomodulation, and play crucial roles in metabolic rewiring and epigenetic circuits. Growing evidence has accumulated to indicate that metabolic pathways and their metabolites influence the function of immune cells and can alter transcriptional activity through epigenetic modification of (de)methylation and (de)acetylation. However, whether molecular chaperones can regulate metabolic programs to influence immune activity is still largely unclear. In this review, we discuss the available data on the biological function of molecular chaperones to immune responses during inflammation, with a specific focus on the interplay between molecular chaperones and metabolic pathways that drive immune cell fate and function.

Induction of hyperpigmentation and heat shock protein 70 response to the toxicity of methomyl insecticide during the organ development of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus (Heyden,1827)

Methomyl (MET) is a carbamate insecticide which is used as a substitute for organophosphorus compounds to protect crops against insects. The present study aims to evaluate the cytoprotection response of pigment cells and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) after exposure to MET during the tadpole developmental stages of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus. Three developmental larval stages of the toad were selected and divided into two groups; Control and MET-exposed (MET-EX) tadpoles (10ppm). MET-EX tadpoles showed an increased number of pigment cells in the liver, kidney, anterior eye chamber, and skin tissues as compared to the control. The glycogen content in the developing liver and muscles (myotomes) of MET-EX tadpoles was decreased as compared to the control. In the MET-EX tadpoles, immunohistochemical staining showed an increase of HSP70 expression in the liver hepatocytes, the nucleated red blood cells (nRBC) in kidney glomeruli, the iridocorneal angle of anterior eye chamber, and the skin as compared to the control. The current study concluded that pigment cells and HSP70 represented a cytoprotecting response against MET insecticide during the organ development of B. arabicas tadpoles. Therefore, MET use should be regularly monitored in the environment to protect animals and human from exposure to this insecticide.

Heat shock protein 70 is a positive regulator of airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly conserved molecular chaperones that are ubiquitously expressed in all species to aid the solubilization of misfolded proteins, protein degradation, and transport. Elevated levels of Hsp70 have been found in the sputum, serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of asthma patients and are known to correlate with disease severity. However, the function of Hsp70 in allergic airway inflammation has remained largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of Hsp70 in airway inflammation and remodeling using a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. WT and Hsp70 double-knockout (Hsp70.1/.3^-/-) mice were sensitized and challenged intratracheally with Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens (SEAs) to induce robust Th2 responses and airway inflammation in the lungs. The lack of Hsp70 resulted in a significant reduction in airway inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and Th2 cytokine production, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. An analysis of the BAL fluid suggested that Hsp70 is critically required for eosinophilic infiltration, collagen accumulation, and Th2 cytokine production in allergic airways. Furthermore, our bone marrow (BM) transfer studies show that SEA-induced airway inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and Th2 cytokine production were attenuated in WT mice that were reconstituted with Hsp70-deficient BM, but these effects were not attenuated in Hsp70-deficient mice that were reconstituted with WT BM. Together, these studies identify a pathogenic role for Hsp70 in hematopoietic cells during allergic airway inflammation; this illustrates the potential utility of targeting Hsp70 to alleviate allergen-induced Th2 cytokines, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway inflammation.

HSP27 expression in the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as an early prognostic biomarker in coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD), is one of the leading causes of death globally. CAD risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidemia, and obesity, are mainly associated with increased oxidative stress. Heat Shock Protein-27 (HSP27) has a protective role in conditions of oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between HSP27 mRNA copy numbers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) and the degree of CAD progression.

METHODS

A total of 103 subjects aged 49-71 years were recruited; Patients with CAD were categorized into two groups: patients having <50% stenosis (Angio^-) and ≥50% stenosis (Angio⁺). The mRNA copy numbers of HSP-27 in PBMCs, anthropometric-parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and the fasted serum lipid profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

Angio⁺ patients had a significantly higher level of TC and LDL-C values compared with Angio^- patients and the control group (p < 0.05). The HSP27 expression in PBMCs was significantly increased in Angio⁺ and Angio^- subjects, compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a significant association between the FBG, TC, LDL-C and TG among the groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was shown that the increased expression of HSP27 in PBMCs of CAD patients is significantly correlated with CAD severity in Angio⁺ subjects, which can be used as an early prognostic biomarker, indicating the degree of overall oxidative stress in patients. In order to verify this statement, it is suggested to measure Pro-oxidant- Antioxidant Balance (PAB) test by the same design in subsequent studies.

Modified DCs and MSCs with HPV E7 antigen and small Hsps: Which one is the most potent strategy for eradication of tumors?

Immunotherapy with DCs as antigen-presenting vehicles have already improved patients' outcome against a variety of tumors. Moreover, MSCs were recently used to develop anti-cancer therapeutic or anti-microbial prophylactic vaccines. The current study evaluated immune responses and anti-tumor effects generated by DCs and MSCs derived from mouse bone marrow which were modified with small heat shock proteins 27 and 20 (sHsp27 and sHsp20) and also E7 oncoprotein in tumor mouse model. Two vaccination strategies were utilized including homologous DC or MSC prime/ DC or MSC boost, and heterologous MSC or DC prime/ protein boost vaccinations. Our data revealed that DCs pulsed with E7+Hsp27 and/or E7+Hsp20 in homologous and heterologous prime/ boost vaccinations could stimulate high levels of IgG2a, IgG2b, IFN-γ and IL-10 directed toward Th1 responses. Moreover, these regimens induced an increased level of Granzyme B, and displayed complete protection more than 60 days after treatment. On the other hand, MSCs transfected with E7+Hsp27 DNA in homologous and heterologous prime/ boost vaccinations could significantly enhance the E7-specific T-cell responses and suppress tumor growth in mice. However, MSCs transfected with E7+Hsp20 DNA did not induce a complete protection against TC-1 tumor compared to DCs pulsed with E7+Hsp20 protein complexes. These results indicated that DC- and MSC-based vaccinations with specific modalities will be a useful approach for immunotherapy and protection against HPV-associated cancers.

Role of heat shock protein and cytokine expression as markers of clinical outcomes with glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition in surgical ICU patients

BACKGROUND

Nutrients, such as glutamine (GLN), have been shown to effect levels of a family of protective proteins termed heat shock proteins (HSPs) in experimental and clinical critical illness. HSPs are believed to serve as extracellular inflammatory messengers and intracellular cytoprotective molecules. Extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) has been termed a chaperokine due to ability to modulate the immune response. Altered levels of eHSP70 are associated with various disease states. Larger clinical trial data on GLN effect on eHSP expression and eHSP70's association with inflammatory mediators and clinical outcomes in critical illness are limited.

OBJECTIVE

Explore effect of longitudinal change in serum eHSP70, eHSP27 and inflammatory cytokine levels on clinical outcomes such as pneumonia and mortality in adult surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. Further, evaluate effect of parenteral nutrition (PN) supplemented with GLN (GLN-PN) versus GLN-free, standard PN (STD-PN) on serum eHSP70 and eHSP27 concentrations.

METHODS

Secondary observational analysis of a multicenter clinical trial in 150 adults after cardiac, vascular, or gastrointestinal surgery requiring PN support and SICU care conducted at five academic medical centers. Patients received isocaloric, isonitrogenous PN, with or without GLN dipeptide. Serum eHSP70 and eHSP27, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 8 (IL-8) concentrations were analyzed in patient serum at baseline (prior to study PN) and over 28 days of follow up.

RESULTS

eHSP70 declined over time in survivors during 28 days follow-up, but non-survivors had significantly higher eHSP70 concentrations compared to survivors. In patients developing pneumonia, eHSP70, eHSP27, IL-8, and IL-6 were significantly elevated. Adjusted relative risk for hospital mortality was reduced 75% (RR = 0.25, p = 0.001) for SICU patients with a faster decline in eHSP70. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.94) for the final model suggesting excellent discrimination between SICU survivors and non-survivors. GLN-PN did not alter eHSP70 or eHSP27 serum concentrations over time compared to STD-PN.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that serum HSP70 concentration may be an important marker for severity of illness and likelihood of recovery in the SICU. GLN-supplemented-PN did not increase eHSP70.

Toll-like receptor 4 attenuates a murine model of atopic dermatitis through inhibition of langerin-positive DCs migration

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is often associated with skin barrier dysfunction leading to a higher frequency of bacterial and viral skin infections. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 on resident skin cells was involved in sensing pathogens and eliciting pathogen-specific innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous studies have demonstrated that TLR4 was linked to AD severity in context of pathogen infection. However, the immune regulatory role of TLR4 in AD remains to be defined. We here investigated the immune regulatory function of TLR4 in AD induced by repeated epicutaneous application of a hapten, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Our results showed that TLR4-deficient (TLR4^-/- ) mice exhibited more severe AD symptoms than WT mice after DNCB challenge. The DNCB-treated TLR4^-/- mice also displayed higher expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and stronger Th2 response than WT counterparts. Moreover, the skin expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an important potential contributor to allergic inflammation, was significantly elevated in TLR4^-/- mice compared with that in WT mice upon DNCB administration. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the migration of langerin-positive dendritic cells (DCs) into draining lymph nodes was enhanced in TLR4^-/- mice following DNCB challenge, which is partially dependent on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Together, these results determined that TLR4 affected the hapten-induced skin inflammation in the absence of exogenous pathogen infection, suggesting that TLR4 not only regulates infection but also may serve as a modulator of the immune response during AD development.

Extracellular small heat shock proteins: exosomal biogenesis and function

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) belong to the family of heat shock proteins (Hsps): some are induced in response to multiple stressful events to protect the cells while others are constitutively expressed. Until now, it was believed that Hsps, including sHsps, are present inside the cells and perform intracellular functions. Interestingly, several groups recently reported the extracellular presence of Hsps, and sHsps have also been detected in sera/cerebrospinal fluids in various pathological conditions. Secretion into the extracellular milieu during many pathological conditions suggests additional or novel functions of sHsps in addition to their intracellular properties. Extracellular sHsps are implicated in cell-cell communication, activation of immune cells, and promoting anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet responses. Interestingly, exogenous administration of sHsps showed therapeutic effects in multiple disease models implying that extracellular sHsps are beneficial in pathological conditions. sHsps do not possess signal sequence and, hence, are not exported through the classical Endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi complex (ER-Golgi) secretory pathway. Further, export of sHsps is not inhibited by ER-Golgi secretory pathway inhibitors implying the involvement of a nonclassical secretory pathway in sHsp export. In lieu, lysoendosomal and exosomal pathways have been proposed for the export of sHsps. Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), αB-crystallin (αBC), and Hsp20 are shown to be exported by exosomes. Exosomes packaged with sHsps have beneficial effects in in vivo disease models. However, secretion mechanisms and therapeutic use of sHsps have not been elucidated in detail. Therefore, this review aimed at highlighting the current understanding of sHsps (Hsp27, αBC, and Hsp20) in the extracellular medium.

The potential of component-resolved diagnosis in laboratory diagnostics of allergy

The initial laboratory approach in the diagnosis of allergies is to detect the type of allergic reaction, i.e. whether the patient’s allergy is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) or not. For this purpose, the concentration of total serum IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) are determined. Progress in laboratory diagnostics is the use of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) which implies determination of sIgE against purified native and recombinant allergenic molecules. Component-resolved diagnosis is used in laboratory practice as singleplex and multiplex assays. The choice of allergen for singleplex assay is based on anamnesis, clinical findings of a patient and on skin prick test results. Multiplex-microarray assays simultaneously determine multiple sIgE’s against numerous allergens. The goal of CRD is to distinguish the true allergens from the cross-reactive allergen molecules. Component-resolved diagnosis allows predicting the risk of severe symptoms, as well as anticipating the development of allergies. Thus, determination of sIgE against allergenic components may significantly improve current diagnostics of allergy. Since this method is applied in laboratory practice just a few years, it is necessary to acquire new knowledge and experience, to establish good co-operation between specialist in medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine and the specialist allergologist, so that the method can be applied in a rational manner. Component-resolved diagnosis will significantly improve the diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergy in the future. The aim of this article is to present potentials of CRD in the laboratory diagnostics of allergy mediated by IgE.

Bortezomib treatment induces a higher mortality rate in lupus model mice with a higher disease activity

Background

Bortezomib (Bz) is a proteasome inhibitor that directly targets antibody-producing plasma cells. We recently reported the first randomized control trial that evaluated the effects of Bz in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In that study, we demonstrated that Bz treatment is associated with many adverse reactions in patients with refractory disease. In the present study, we examine the therapeutic and toxic effects of Bz on MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice with severe disease activity.

Methods

Female MRL/lpr mice at 10 and 14 weeks of age were treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (n = 19), Bz (750 μg/kg twice weekly) (n = 27), or cyclophosphamide (Cyc) (1 mg/body, once in 2 weeks) (n = 20). Cellular subsets, serum immunoglobulin, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody titer, and a pathological index of glomerulonephritis were then analyzed at 22 weeks of age. Survival curves of the 10-week-old and 14-week-old Bz-treated groups were compared. Blood counts, creatinine, liver enzymes, and serum cytokine levels were measured 1 week after Bz treatment. Gene expression profiling of spleens from Bz and Cyc treatment mice were compared with those from control mice.

Results

The anti-dsDNA antibody levels were significantly higher in 14-week-old than in 10-week-old mice, indicating a higher disease activity at 14 weeks. A significant decrease in the number of splenic cells and glomerulonephritis index was observed in Bz-treated and Cyc-treated mice. Bz, but not Cyc, significantly decreased serum immunoglobulin and anti-dsDNA antibody titer levels. Survival curve analysis revealed a significantly higher mortality rate in 14-week-old than in 10-week-old Bz-treated and control groups. Following two injections of Bz, serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly more elevated in 14-week-old than in 10-week-old mice. Potentially immunogenic molecules, such as heat shock proteins, were characteristically upregulated in spleens of Bz-treated but not Cyc-treated mice.

Conclusions

In spite of its therapeutic effect, Bz treatment had more toxic effects associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in mice with a higher disease activity. Understanding the mechanism of the toxicity and developing preventive strategies against it is important for the safe clinical application of Bz in human SLE.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1397-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The histological characteristics, age-related thickness change of skin, and expression of the HSPs in the skin during hair cycle in yak (Bos grunniens)

OBJECTIVE

This experiment was conducted to study the histological characteristics, age-related thickness changes, and expression of HSPs in the skin of yak.

METHODS

A total of 20 yaks (10 males and 10 females) were used. Different regions of the normal skin of three different ages (newborn, half-year-old and adult) of yaks were harvested for histological study and thickness measurement. Biopsy samples were taken from the scapula regions of the skin from the same five approximately 1-year-old yaks during the hair cycle (telogen, anagen and catagen). RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry methods using the mRNA and protein levels were used to detect the expression of HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90. RT-PCR method was used to detect the mRNA expression of CGI-58 and KDF1. The IPP6.0 software was used to analyze the immunohistochemistry and measure the thickness of the skin.

RESULTS

The general histological structure of hairy yak skin was similar to other domestic mammals. The unique features included prominent cutaneous vascular plexuses, underdeveloped sweat glands, a large number of nasolabial glands in the nasolabial plate, and hair follicle groups composed of one primary follicle and several secondary follicles. The skin, epidermis and dermis thickness did vary significantly between different body regions and different ages. The thickness of the skin, epidermis and dermis increased from newborn to adult in yaks. Yak skin thickness decreased from dorsally to ventrally on the trunk. The skin on the lateral surface was thicker than the skin on the medial surface on the limbs. HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90 showed different expression patterns during the hair cycle using RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry methods. The expression of HSP27 mRNA and protein in the anagen stage was the highest, followed by the catagen stage, and the expression in the telogen stage was the lowest. The expression of HSP70 mRNA and protein in the telogen stage was the highest, followed by the anagen stage, and the expression in the catagen stage was the lowest. The expression of HSP90 mRNA and protein in the anagen stage was the highest, followed by the telogen stage, and the expression in the catagen stage was the lowest. HSPs were mainly expressed in the outer root sheath of hair follicle during the hair cycle, also expressed in epidermis, sebaceous gland and sweat gland in the skin of Yak. The expression of CGI-58 mRNA in the anagen stage was the highest, followed by the catagen stage, and the expression in the telogen stage was the lowest. The expression of KDF1 mRNA in the telogen stage was the highest, followed by the catagen stage, and the expression in the anagen stage was the lowest.

MEANING

In this study, we examined and fully described the histology of normal skin in Yak and measured the skin thickness of different ages and different regions in Yak. These data may be useful to better understand and appreciate the adaptability features of yak skin. Our investigation reports the expression patterns of HSPs in yak skin for the first time. The different expression pattern of HSPs during the hair cycle suggests they may play different roles in yak hair follicle biology.

TRPV1 and TRPA1 in cutaneous neurogenic and chronic inflammation: pro-inflammatory response induced by their activation and their sensitization

Cutaneous neurogenic inflammation (CNI) is inflammation that is induced (or enhanced) in the skin by the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerve endings. Clinical manifestations are mainly sensory and vascular disorders such as pruritus and erythema. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and ankyrin 1 (TRPV1 and TRPA1, respectively) are non-selective cation channels known to specifically participate in pain and CNI. Both TRPV1 and TRPA1 are co-expressed in a large subset of sensory nerves, where they integrate numerous noxious stimuli. It is now clear that the expression of both channels also extends far beyond the sensory nerves in the skin, occuring also in keratinocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells. In these non-neuronal cells, TRPV1 and TRPA1 also act as nociceptive sensors and potentiate the inflammatory process. This review discusses the role of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in the modulation of inflammatory genes that leads to or maintains CNI in sensory neurons and non-neuronal skin cells. In addition, this review provides a summary of current research on the intracellular sensitization pathways of both TRP channels by other endogenous inflammatory mediators that promote the self-maintenance of CNI.

The Anisakis Transcriptome Provides a Resource for Fundamental and Applied Studies on Allergy-Causing Parasites

Background

Food-borne nematodes of the genus Anisakis are responsible for a wide range of illnesses (= anisakiasis), from self-limiting gastrointestinal forms to severe systemic allergic reactions, which are often misdiagnosed and under-reported. In order to enhance and refine current diagnostic tools for anisakiasis, knowledge of the whole spectrum of parasite molecules transcribed and expressed by this parasite, including those acting as potential allergens, is necessary.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we employ high-throughput (Illumina) sequencing and bioinformatics to characterise the transcriptomes of two Anisakis species, A. simplex and A. pegreffii, and utilize this resource to compile lists of potential allergens from these parasites. A total of ~65,000,000 reads were generated from cDNA libraries for each species, and assembled into ~34,000 transcripts (= Unigenes); ~18,000 peptides were predicted from each cDNA library and classified based on homology searches, protein motifs and gene ontology and biological pathway mapping. Using comparative analyses with sequence data available in public databases, 36 (A. simplex) and 29 (A. pegreffii) putative allergens were identified, including sequences encoding ‘novel’ Anisakis allergenic proteins (i.e. cyclophilins and ABA-1 domain containing proteins).

Conclusions/Significance

This study represents a first step towards providing the research community with a curated dataset to use as a molecular resource for future investigations of the biology of Anisakis, including molecules putatively acting as allergens, using functional genomics, proteomics and immunological tools. Ultimately, an improved knowledge of the biological functions of these molecules in the parasite, as well as of their immunogenic properties, will assist the development of comprehensive, reliable and robust diagnostic tools.

Nematodes within the genus Anisakis (i.e. A. simplex and A. pegreffii, also known as herring worms) are the causative agents of the fish-borne gastrointestinal illness known as ‘anisakiasis’, with infections resulting in symptoms ranging from mild gastric forms to severe allergic reactions leading to urticaria, gastrointestinal and/or respiratory signs and/or anaphylaxis (‘allergic anisakiasis’). Despite significant advances in knowledge of the pathobiology of allergic anisakiasis, thus far, the exact number and nature of parasite molecules acting as potential allergens are currently unknown; filling this gap is necessary to the development of robust and reliable diagnostics for allergic anisakiasis which, in turn, underpins the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we use RNA-Seq and bioinformatics to sequence and annotate the transcriptomes of A. simplex and A. pegreffii, and, as an example application of these resources, mine this data to identify and characterise putative novel parasite allergens based on comparisons with known allergen sequence data from other parasites and other organisms.

Extracellular Release and Signaling by Heat Shock Protein 27: Role in Modifying Vascular Inflammation

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is traditionally viewed as an intracellular chaperone protein with anti-apoptotic properties. However, recent data indicate that a number of heat shock proteins, including HSP27, are also found in the extracellular space where they may signal via membrane receptors to alter gene transcription and cellular function. Therefore, there is increasing interest in better understanding how HSP27 is released from cells, its levels and composition in the extracellular space, and the cognate cell membrane receptors involved in effecting cell signaling. In this paper, the knowledge to date, as well as some emerging paradigms about the extracellular function of HSP27 is presented. Of particular interest is the role of HSP27 in attenuating atherogenesis by modifying lipid uptake and inflammation in the plaque. Moreover, the abundance of HSP27 in serum is an emerging new biomarker for ischemic events. Finally, HSP27 replacement therapy may represent a novel therapeutic opportunity for chronic inflammatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis.

Salivary pellets induce a pro-inflammatory response involving the TLR4-NF-kB pathway in gingival fibroblasts

Background

Whole saliva provokes a substantial pro-inflammatory response in gingival fibroblasts. This raises the question whether the salivary pellet, which is used for diagnostic purposes, also has a pro-inflammatory capacity and, if yes, what the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level are.

Methods

We examined the ability of extensively washed salivary pellets to provoke the expression of chemokines in gingival fibroblasts by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoassays. Protein composition was determined with proteomic analysis. Endotoxins were analyzed by a Limulus assay and removed by affinity chromatography. The inhibitors TAK-242 and BAY11-7082 were used to determine the involvement of the TLR4 and NF-kB signaling, respectively. Western blot was performed to detect phosphorylated p65.

Results

The experiments show that salivary pellets and the corresponding washing solution contain pro-inflammatory activity without impairing cell viability. Proteomic analysis revealed proteins with a binding capacity for lipopolysaccharides, and the Limulus assay indicated the presence of endotoxin in the salivary pellets. Blocking TLR4 with TAK-242 and depletion of endotoxins both lowered the capacity of salivary pellets to increase chemokine expression and phosphorylation of p65. BAY11-7082 suppressed chemokine expression in response to the salivary pellets. Autoclaving salivary pellets also reduced their pro-inflammatory activity.

Conclusions

The data support the molecular mechanism of a TLR4-NF-kB-dependent pro-inflammatory response of the gingival fibroblasts exposed to preparations of washed salivary pellets. Together, the data indicate that the salivary pellet is rich in endotoxin but it is mainly a heat labile fraction that accounts for the chemokine expression in the bioassay.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-016-0229-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In Vivo Suppression of Heat Shock Protein (HSP)27 and HSP70 Accelerates DMBA-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis by Inducing Antigenic Unresponsiveness to the Initiating Carcinogenic Chemical

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are constitutively expressed in murine skin. HSP27 is present in the epidermis, and HSP70 can be found in both the epidermis and dermis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of these proteins in cutaneous chemical carcinogenesis and to determine whether their effects on cell-mediated immune function were a contributing factor. In vivo inhibition of HSP27 and HSP70 produced a reduction in the T cell-mediated immune response to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and benzo(a)pyrene in C3H/HeN mice and resulted in a state of Ag-specific tolerance. When mice were pretreated with anti-HSP27 and anti-HSP70 Abs in vivo prior to subjecting them to a standard two-stage DMBA/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate cutaneous carcinogenesis protocol, the percentage of mice with tumors was much greater (p < 0.05) in anti-HSP27- and HSP70-pretreated animals compared with mice pretreated with control Ab. Similar results were obtained when the data were evaluated as the cumulative number of tumors per group. Mice pretreated with HSP27 and HSP70 Abs developed more H-ras mutations and fewer DMBA-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These findings indicate that in mice HSP27 and HSP70 play a key role in the induction of cell-mediated immunity to carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Bolstering the immune response to carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons may be an effective method for prevention of the tumors that they produce.

Genes specifically modulated in sensitized skins allow the detection of sensitizers in a reconstructed human skin model. Development of the SENS-IS assay

Analysis of genes modulated during the sensitization process either on mice (LLNA) or human (blisters) combined with data mining has allowed the definition of a comprehensive panel of sensitization biomarkers. This set of genes includes already identified markers such as the ARE family and others not yet associated with the sensitization process (the so-called SENS-IS gene subset). The expression of this set of genes has been measured on reconstituted human epidermis models (Episkin) exposed to various sensitizers and non-sensitizers. Fine analysis of their expression pattern indicates that it is the number of modulated genes rather than the intensity of up-regulation that correlates best with the sensitization potential of a chemical. Moreover, sensitizers that are weak inductors of ARE genes tend to be relevant modulators of the SENS-IS subset. By combining the expression data obtained with both gene subsets, it is now possible to identify a wide variety of sensitizers on a test system (in vitro reconstructed human epidermis) that is very similar to the in vivo situation and compatible with a large variety of test substance characteristics.

Calpain activity and Toll-like receptor 4 expression in platelet regulate haemostatic situation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and coagulation in mice

Human platelets express Toll-like receptors (TLR) 4. However, the mechanism by which TLR4 directly affects platelet aggregation and blood coagulation remains to be explored. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the platelet TLR4 expression in patients who underwent CABG surgery; we explored the correlation between platelet TLR4 expression and the early outcomes in hospital of patients. Additionally, C57BL/6 and C57BL/6-Tlr^LPS−/− mice were used to explore the roles of platelet TLR4 in coagulation by platelet aggregometry and rotation thromboelastometry. In conclusion, our results highlight the important roles of TLR4 in blood coagulation and platelet function. Of clinical relevance, we also explored novel roles for platelet TLR4 that are associated with early outcomes in cardiac surgery.

Human myocardium releases heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) after global ischemia: the proinflammatory effect of extracellular HSP27 through toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR4

The myocardial inflammatory response contributes to cardiac functional injury associated with heart surgery obligating global ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the mechanism underlying myocardial I/R injury. The aim of this study was to examine the release of small constitutive heat shock proteins (HSPs) from human and mouse myocardium after global ischemia and examine the role of extracellular small HSP in myocardial injury. HSP27 release was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-HSP27 was applied to evaluate the role of extracellular HSP27 in the postischemic inflammatory response and functional injury in mouse hearts. Isolated hearts and cultured coronary vascular endothelial cells were exposed to recombinant HSP27 to determine its effect on proinflammatory signaling and production of proinflammatory mediators. HSP27 levels were markedly elevated in coronary sinus blood of patients and in coronary effluent of mouse hearts after global ischemia. Neutralizing extracellular HSP27 suppressed myocardial nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and interleukin (IL)-6 production and improved cardiac function in mouse hearts. Perfusion of HSP27 to mouse hearts induced NF-κB activation and IL-6 production and depressed contractility. Further, recombinant HSP27 induced NF-κB phosphorylation and upregulated monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 production in both human and mouse coronary vascular endothelial cells. TLR2 knockout (KO) or TLR4 mutation abolished NF-κB phosphorylation and reduced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 production induced by extracellular HSP27 in endothelial cells. In conclusion, these results show that the myocardium releases HSP27 after global ischemia and that extracellular HSP27 is proinflammatory and contributes to the inflammatory mechanism of myocardial functional injury. Both TLR2 and TLR4 are involved in mediating the proinflammatory effect of extracellular HSP27.

The risk of hydroquinone and sunscreen over-absorption via photodamaged skin is not greater in senescent skin as compared to young skin: nude mouse as an animal model

Intrinsic aging and photoaging modify skin structure and components, which subsequently change percutaneous absorption of topically applied permeants. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate drug/sunscreen permeation via young and senescent skin irradiated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Both young and senescent nude mice were subjected to UVA (10 J/cm(2)) and/or UVB radiation (175 mJ/cm(2)). Physiological parameters, immunohistology, and immunoblotting were employed to examine the aged skin. Hydroquinone and sunscreen permeation was determined by in vitro Franz cell. In vivo skin absorption was documented using a hydrophilic dye, rhodamine 123 (log P=-0.4), as a permeant. UVA exposure induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) upregulation. Epidermal tight junction (TJ) were degraded by UVA. UVB increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from 13 to 24 g/m(2)/h. Hyperplasia and inflammation, but not loss of TJ, were also observed in UVB-treated skin. UVA+UVB- and UVA-irradiated skin demonstrated similar changes in histology and biomarkers. UVA+UVB or UVA exposure increased hydroquinone flux five-fold. A negligible alteration of hydroquinone permeation was shown with UVB exposure. Hydroquinone exhibited a lower penetration through senescent skin than young skin. Both UVA and UVB produced enhancement of oxybenzone flux and skin uptake. However, the amount of increase was less than that of hydroquinone delivery. Photoaging did not augment skin absorption of sunscreens with higher lipophilicity, including avobenzone and ZnO. Exposure to UVA generally increased follicular entrance of these permeants, which showed two- to three-fold greater follicular uptake compared to the untreated group. Photoaging had less impact on drug/sunscreen absorption with more lipophilic permeants. Percutaneous absorption did not increase in skin subjected to both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

HSP27 as a biomarker for predicting skin irritation in human skin and reconstructed organotypic skin model

In vitro alternative tests aiming at replacing the traditional animal test for predicting the irritant potential of chemicals have been developed, but the assessing parameters or endpoints are still not sufficient. To discover novel endpoints for skin irritation responses, 2DE-based proteomics was used to analyze the protein expression in human skin exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) following the test protocol of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) in the present study. HSP27 was up-regulated most significantly among the eight identified proteins, consistent with our previous reports. Acid and basic chemicals were applied on human skin for further validation and results showed that the up-regulated expression of HSP27 was induced in 24h after the exposure. Skin-equivalent constructed with fibroblasts, basement membrane and keratinocytes was used to investigate the potential of HSP27 as a biomarker or additional endpoint for the hazard assessment of skin irritation. Our skin-equivalent (Reconstructed Organotypic Skin Model, ROSM) had excellent epidermal differentiation and was suitable for the skin irritation test. HSP27 also displayed an up-regulated expression in the ROSM in 24h after the irritants exposure for 15min. All these results suggest that HSP27 may represent a potential marker or additional endpoint for the hazard assessment of skin irritation caused by chemical products.

Dermal toxicity elicited by phthalates: evaluation of skin absorption, immunohistology, and functional proteomics

The toxicity of phthalates is an important concern in the fields of environmental health and toxicology. Dermal exposure via skin care products, soil, and dust is a main route for phthalate delivery. We had explored the effect of topically-applied phthalates on skin absorption and toxicity. Immunohistology, functional proteomics, and Western blotting were employed as methodologies for validating phthalate toxicity. Among 5 phthalates tested, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) showed the highest skin reservoir. Only diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) could penetrate across skin. Strat-M(®) membrane could be used as permeation barrier for predicting phthalate penetration through skin. The accumulation of DEHP in hair follicles was ∼15nmol/cm(2), which was significantly greater than DBP and DEP. DBP induced apoptosis of keratinocytes and fibroblasts via caspase-3 activation. This result was confirmed by downregulation of 14-3-3 and immunohistology of TUNEL. On the other hand, the HSP60 overexpression and immunostaining of COX-2 suggested inflammatory response induced by DEP and DEHP. The proteomic profiling verified the role of calcium homeostasis on skin inflammation. Some proteins investigated in this study can be sensitive biomarkers for dermal toxicity of phthalates. These included HSPs, 14-3-3, and cytokeratin. This work provided novel platforms for examining phthalate toxicity on skin.

Development of a new in vitro skin sensitization assay (Epidermal Sensitization Assay; EpiSensA) using reconstructed human epidermis

Recent changes in regulatory requirements and social views on animal testing have accelerated the development of reliable alternative tests for predicting skin sensitizing potential of chemicals. In this study, we aimed to develop a new in vitro skin sensitization assay using reconstructed human epidermis, RhE model, which is expected to have broader applicability domain rather than existing in vitro assays. Microarray analysis revealed that the expression of five genes (ATF3, DNAJB4, GCLM, HSPA6 and HSPH1) related to cellular stress response were significantly up-regulated in RhE model after 6h treatment with representative skin sensitizers, 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and oxazolone, but not a non-sensitizer, benzalkonium chloride. The predictive performance of five genes was examined with eight skin sensitizers (e.g., cinnamic aldehyde), four non-sensitizers (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) and four pre-/pro-haptens (e.g., p-phenylenediamine, isoeugenol). When the positive criteria were set to obtain the highest accuracy with the animal testing (LLNA), ATF3, DNAJB4 and GCLM exhibited a high predictive accuracy (100%, 93.8% and 87.5%, respectively). All tested pre-/pro-haptens were correctly predicted by both ATF3 and DNAJB4. These results suggested that the RhE-based assay, termed epidermal sensitization assay (EpiSensA), could be an useful skin sensitization assay with a broad applicability domain including pre-/pro-haptens.

Apoptosis - Triggering Effects: UVB-irradiation and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

OBJECTIVES

The pathogenic disturbance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is known as a rare but invasive nosocomial fungal infection. This survey is focused on the evaluation of apoptosis-triggering effects of UVB-irradiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The well-growth colonies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) were irradiated within an interval of 10 minutes by UVB-light (302 nm). Subsequently, the harvested DNA molecules of control and UV-exposed yeast colonies were run through the 1% agarose gel electrophoresis comprising the luminescent dye of ethidium bromide.

OUTCOMES

No unusual patterns including DNA laddering bands or smears were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The applied procedure for UV exposure was not effective for inducing apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. So, it needs another UV-radiation protocol for inducing apoptosis phenomenon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The link between small heat shock proteins and the immune system

There is now compelling evidence that members of the family of small heat shock proteins (HSP) can be secreted by a variety of different types of cells. Secretion of small HSP may at times represent altruistic delivery of supporting and stabilizing factors from one cell to another. A probably more general effect of extracellular small HSP, however, is exerted by their ability to activate macrophages and macrophage-like cells. When doing so, small HSP induce an immune-regulatory state of activation, stimulating macrophages to suppress inflammation. For this reason, small HSP deserve consideration as broadly applicable therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders. In one particular case, however, adaptive immune responses to the small HSP itself may subvert the protective quality of the innate immune response it triggers. This situation only applies to alpha B-crystallin, and is unique for humans as well. In this special case, local concentrations of alpha B-crystallin determine the balance between protective innate responses and destructive adaptive responses, the latter of which are held responsible for the development of multiple sclerosis lesions. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Small HSPs in physiology and pathology.

Extra domain A-positive fibronectin-positive feedback loops and their association with cutaneous inflammatory disease

Cutaneous inflammation can show Th1 or Th2 predominance, but the precise mechanisms by which such selectivity is determined are unknown. A recent study has demonstrated that Th1 cells, but not Th2 cells, produce an endogenous ligand for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, namely extradomain A+ fibronectin containing extra type III domain A (FnEDA+). As TLR4 stimulation leads to production of proinflammatory cytokines that recruit (via altered endothelial adhesion molecule expression and chemokine production) more Th1/Th17 cells, a positive feedback mechanism for Th1/Th17 inflammation exists. We propose that FnEDA+ positive feedback loops are a potential driver of Th1/Th17 inflammation. Conversely, the inflammatory EDA+ fibronectin loop is negatively regulated in atopic dermatitis, Th2 cytokines actively suppress TLR4 expression of Th1 cytokines, and recruited Th2 cells do not produce FnEDA+. In psoriasis, there are multiple FnEDA+ loops, comprising inflammatory, keratinocyte, and autoimmune loops. In allergic contact dermatitis, a single inflammatory loop operates. In atopic dermatitis, the FnEDA+ loop is actively suppressed by Th2 cytokines, and recruited Th2 cells do not "feedback" FnEDA+. We review endogenous ligands for TLR in relation to inflammatory disease, FnEDA+ function, and the potential role for FnEDA+ in psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Cell mediated immune responses through TLR4 prevents DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in mice

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate signals that are critically involved in the initiation of adaptive immune responses and many tumorigenic chemicals have been associated with activation of those pathways. To determine the role of TLR-4 (TLR4) in mammary carcinogenesis, we subjected TLR4 deficient and wild type (WT) mice to oral gavage with carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbon 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). TLR4 deficient mice developed more tumors relative to the WT mice. T cells of TLR4 deficient mice produced elevated levels of IL-17 and lower levels of IFN-γ relative to WT mice. IL-12 secreted by CD11c(+) cells was higher in WT mice, whereas greater amounts of IL-23 were produced by CD11c(+) cells from TLR4 deficient mice. Moreover, there was higher incidence of regulatory T cells in TLR4 deficient mice than WT mice. Similarly, various markers of angiogenesis [matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor] were highly expressed in tumors from TLR4 deficient mice than WT mice. The results of this study indicate that TLR4 plays an important role in the prevention of DMBA induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis and efforts to divert the cell-mediated immune response may, therefore, prove to be beneficial in the prevention of mammary tumors.

Chemical allergy: translating biology into hazard characterization

The induction by chemicals of allergic sensitization and allergic disease is an important and challenging branch of toxicology. Skin sensitization resulting in allergic contact dermatitis represents the most common manifestation of immunotoxicity in humans, and many hundreds of chemicals have been implicated as skin sensitizers. There are far fewer chemicals that have been shown to cause sensitization of the respiratory tract and asthma, but the issue is no less important because hazard identification remains a significant challenge, and occupational asthma can be fatal. In all areas of chemical allergy, there have been, and remain still, intriguing challenges where progress has required a close and productive alignment between immunology, toxicology, and clinical medicine. What the authors have sought to do here is to exemplify, within the framework of chemical allergy, how an investment in fundamental research and an improved understanding of relevant biological and biochemical mechanisms can pay important dividends in driving new innovations in hazard identification, hazard characterization, and risk assessment. Here we will consider in turn three specific areas of research in chemical allergy: (1) the role of epidermal Langerhans cells in the development of skin sensitization, (2) T lymphocytes and skin sensitization, and (3) sensitization of the respiratory tract. In each area, the aim is to identify what has been achieved and how that progress has impacted on the development of new approaches to toxicological evaluation. Success has been patchy, and there is still much to be achieved, but the journey has been fascinating and there have been some very important developments. The conclusion drawn is that continued investment in research, if coupled with an appetite for translating the fruits of that research into imaginative new tools for toxicology, should continue to better equip us for tackling the important challenges that remain to be addressed.

Expression of HSP70 and Its Relation with Other Cytokines in Human Middle Ear Effusion

Objectives

While other cytokines are known to be associated with otitis media with effusion (OME), the involvement of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in middle ear effusion (MEE) is unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of there being a HSP70 expression in human MEE and to determine its potential role as a cytokine in OME.

Methods

The levels of HSP70, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the effusion of different groups of OME patient following collection of the MEE using our new collection system. The clinical characteristics of the OME patients and the MEE status were analyzed.

Results

HSP70 was expressed in all the types of MEE. The mucous and seromucous effusions showed higher HSP70 levels than that of the serous effusion. The HSP70 level was correlated with the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the effusions. The positive correlations between HSP70, TNF-α and IL-1β were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The highly elevated level of HSP70 in the seromucous and mucous effusions implicates this protein in the chronicity of OME.

The Nrf2-Keap1-ARE toxicity pathway as a cellular sensor for skin sensitizers--functional relevance and a hypothesis on innate reactions to skin sensitizers

With the tight deadlines set both by the public and by the regulatory authorities to replace animal tests for toxicological endpoints relevant to the development of cosmetic products, a large number of research projects have recently focused on cellular endpoints affected by skin sensitizing compounds. The general aim stated in these projects was to find "markers" for skin sensitizers, be it at the level of the transcriptome or at the protein level. Rather than talking of "cellular markers," the new paradigm "Toxicity testing in the 21st century" formulated by the National Academy of Sciences in the United States focuses on "Toxicity pathways." A specific marker for any given toxicological endpoint can only exist, if specific toxicity pathways, comprising specific sensors, are linked to this endpoint. In the context of skin sensitization, one has to ask whether there is an innate cellular signaling pathway activated by skin sensitizers. Here a significant body of evidence, mainly accumulated in the last 20 months, is reviewed, indicating that indeed the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE regulatory pathway is such a toxicity pathway activated by cysteine-reactive skin sensitizers. Whereas first indications on the in vivo relevance are available, key questions remain open and can now specifically be addressed. A minority of sensitizers, more specifically reacting with lysine residues, appears not to activate the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway and might trigger yet another unknown toxicity pathway.