Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Research Articles

Resistance of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia to tumor necrosis factor−related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated apoptosis

Cytotoxic ligands are involved in tumor immunity and graft-vs.-leukemia effect after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for leukemia. To clarify the susceptibility of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) to tumor immunity, sensitivity to recombinant human soluble Fas ligand (rhsFasL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (rhsTRAIL) was determined. Sensitivity to rhsFasL and rhsTRAIL and cell surface expression of their receptors were tested in T-ALL cell lines (n = 7) and patients' samples (n = 17) and compared with those in B-precursor ALL cell lines (n = 30). Expression of components of the death-inducing signaling complex and the TRAIL receptor genes (DR4/DR5), and the methylation status and promoter activity of the DR4/DR5 gene were tested in T-ALL cell lines. T-ALL cell lines showed higher level of Fas expression and higher sensitivity to rhsFasL than did B-precursor ALL cell lines. Despite comparable expression of components of death-inducing signaling complex, cell lines and patients' samples of T-ALL showed TRAIL-resistance associated with low cell surface expression of DR4/DR5. Gene expression of DR4/DR5 in T-ALL cell lines was significantly lower than that in B-precursor ALL cell lines, and the methylation status of the gene promoter in T-ALL cell lines was associated with the gene expression level at least for DR4. The demethylating agent, 5-aza 2'deoxycytidine, upregulated the gene expression of DR4/DR5, but was insufficient for their surface expression due to low basal promoter activity. In contrast to higher sensitivity to FasL, T-ALL showed resistance to TRAIL, which might be responsible for resistance to TRAIL-mediated cellular immunity.

Treatment With Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Alleviates the Severity of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment in a model of type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSRecombinant TRAIL was added in vitro to primary human and mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated human islets to evaluate the expression of the immunoregulatory gene SOCS1. Diabetes was induced by five consecutive daily injections of low-concentration (50 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ) in C57 black mice (n = 24). A group of these mice (n = 12) was co-injected with recombinant TRAIL (20 μg/day) for 5 days, and the diabetic status (glycemia and body weight) was followed over time. After 6 weeks, circulating levels of insulin, TNF-α, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured, and animals were killed to perform the histological analysis of the pancreas.RESULTSThe in vitro exposure of both PBMCs and human islets to recombinant TRAIL significantly upregulated the expression of SOCS1. With respect to STZ-treated animals, mice co-injected with STZ+TRAIL were characterized by 1) lower levels of hyperglycemia, 2) higher levels of body weight and insulinemia, 3) a partial preservation of pancreatic islets with normal morphology, and 4) a lower expression of both systemic (TNF-α and OPG) and pancreatic (vascular cell adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1) inflammatory markers.CONCLUSIONSOverall, these data demonstrate that the administration of recombinant TRAIL ameliorates the severity of STZ-induced type 1 diabetes, and this effect was accompanied by the upregulation of SOCS1 expression.

Treatment of HIV‐Related Inflammatory Cerebral Cryptococcoma with Adalimumab

Cryptococcomas have been described in AIDS patients in the setting of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. We report the first case of human immunodeficiency virus-related inflammatory cerebral cryptococcoma to be treated with a recombinant human monoclonal tumor necrosis factor antagonist.

Independent and cooperative roles of tumor necrosis factor‐α, nuclear factor‐κB, and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in regulation of metastasis and osteomimicry of prostate cancer cells and differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast‐like cells

The molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer (PC) metastasis and bone remodeling are poorly understood. We recently reported that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) mediates transcriptional regulation and activation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 signaling by nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in bone metastatic prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that NF-kappaB, whether activated by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or by ectopic expression of the p65 subunit, is involved in extracellular matrix adhesion and invasion of osteotropic PC-3 and C4-2B, but not LNCaP, cells. The enhanced metastatic potential was associated with transcriptional upregulation of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and collagen IA1 in osteotropic PC cells, suggesting their role in osteomimicry of PC cells. Unlike BMP-4, BMP-2 protein enhanced the invasive properties of C4-2B cells, but not in LNCaP cells. Also, this effect was nullified by Noggin. In addition, BMP-2 mediates TNF-alpha-induced invasion of C4-2B cells in a NF-kappaB-dependent fashion. TNF-alpha or conditioned media (CM) of TNF-alpha-stimulated C4-2B cells upregulated BMP-2 and BMP-dependent Smad transcripts and inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand transcripts in RAW 264.7 preosteoclast cells, respectively, implying that this factor may contribute to suppression of osteoclastogenesis via direct and paracrine mechanisms. In contrast, CM of TNF-alpha-stimulate or BMP2-stimulated C4-2B cells induced in vitro mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells in a BMP-2-dependent and NF-kappaB-dependent manner, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that mutual interactions between these factors may be pivotal not only in enhancing the osteomimicry and metastatic potential of PC cells, but also in bone remodeling and in shifting the balance from osteoclastogenesis towards osteoblastogenesis.

Effects of recombinant human TNFR: Fc fusion protein on rat acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide

Objective To investigate the protective effects and the undedying mechanism of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor: Fc fusion protein (Yisaipu, rhu TNFR: Fc) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute liver injury of rats. Method Totally48 SD rats were randondy divided into four groups , in-cluding control gronp (n = 12), Yisaipu group(n = 12), LPS gronp(n = 12) and Yisaipu + IPS group(n = 12). The models of acute liver injury were produced by injection of LPS intravenously. Being fasted for 12 h, the rats were anaesthetized (60 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium, i.p.) and cannulated into carotid arteries. The cannula was connected with the multi-channel creature signal analysis system. The rata in control group and LPS group were injected with normal saline or LPS in dose of 5 mg/kg through rats' sublingual vein respectively. While the rats in Yisaipu group and Yisaipu + LPS group was pretreated with Yisaipu in dose of 0.4 mg/kg subcutaneously 24 h be-fore normal saline or LPS infusion. Six rats of each goup were randomly selected and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored for 6 h via multi-channel creature signal analysis system, and rats' survival rate was calcu-lated. The rats whose MAP less than 10 mmHg were considered to die and the alive rats during period of observa-tion sacrificed by exsanguination. The liver tissue at the same site was removed, fixing in 10% formalin or stored at -80 ℃. To detect serum TNF-α, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, 0.2 mL blood samples were collected from the carotid artery 2 and 3 h after the injection of saline or LPS. The serum was collected from centrifuged blood samples and stored at -80 ℃. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry were used to assess serum TNF-α level and bioactivity respectively. We also measured the serum ALT and AST levels, the myeloperoxiase (MPO) and superexide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malon-dialdehyde (MDA) content in liver tissue The pathology of hepatic tissue was evaluated by HE staining. Statistical-ly,the data of TNF-α level and bioactivity, ALT and AST release, and MDA content were analyzed by ANOVA, and rat survival rate were analyzed by Chi-square Tests. Results The rats in control group and Yisaipu group were all survived. Rat survival rate was significantly higher in Yisaipu + LPS group (67%) than in LPS group (17%) (P < 0.05). Serum TNF-α bioactivity was significantly lower in Yisaipu + LPS group than in LPS group [(7.3±2.8)% vs.(51.3±6.4)%, P <0.05]. Compared with IPS group, Yisaipu pretreatment decreased MDA content [(1.40±0.10)vs. (2.81±0.11) nmol/mgprot, P <0.05]and MPO acticity [(0.38±0.04) vs. (0.54±0.02) U/g, P <0.05]in hepatic tissue, while SOD activity [(188.4±20.2) vs. (142.5 ± 18.3) U/mgprot, P <0.05]was increased. The serum AST level, ALT level and the pathology in the liver were also ameliorated correspondingly. Conclusions These data suggest that Yisaipu could protect rats from LPsinduced a-cute liver injury by inhibiting TNF-α bioactivity and by enhancing anti-oxidation. Key words: Yisaipu; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Lipopolysaccharide; Acute liver injury

Adalimumab for psoriasis patients who are non‐responders to etanercept: open‐label prospective evaluation

Targeted biologic therapies have made a significant impact on the treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends etanercept, a human recombinant tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein, for moderate to severe psoriasis patients who have failed conventional therapies. There is, however, no data available on the role of other TNF antagonists for patients who have failed etanercept. Adalimumab, a fully human, anti-TNF monoclonal antibody, is approved for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. To assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (40 mg weekly) in psoriasis patients who were non-responders to high-dosage etanercept (50 mg twice weekly). All patients attending a tertiary referral service for severe psoriasis who were non-responders to high-dosage etanercept [i.e. failed to achieve >or= 50% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 50) after 12 weeks of treatment] were considered for open-label adalimumab therapy for 12 weeks. Details on clinical course, PASI, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and adverse events were recorded at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Results Four of five patients in this study had reached at least PASI 50 by week 12. Of these, two patients achieved a 75% improvement in PASI (PASI 75). No serious adverse events were reported. Initial data from this open-label prospective evaluation suggests that weekly adalimumab therapy is an effective treatment for patients with severe psoriasis who had failed to respond to at least 3 months of high-dosage etanercept.

Antitumor necrotic factor agent promotes BMP-2-induced ectopic bone formation

Etanercept (ETN), which is a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor that inhibits TNF activity, is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We investigated the effect of ETN on recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-induced ectopic bone formation in vivo. A block copolymer composed of poly-D,L-lactic acid with random insertion of p-dioxanone and polyethylene glycol (PLA-DX-PEG polymer) was used as the delivery system. Polymer discs (6 mm, 30 mg) containing 5 microg rhBMP-2 were implanted into the left dorsal muscle pouch of mice (n = 50). In the systemic administration groups (n = 5 per group), ETN was subcutaneously injected (25 mg/human = 12.5 microg/mouse) twice per week in a dose-dependent manner (placebo, 12.5 x 10(-3), 12.5 x 10(-1), 12.5, 125 microg), whereas a single dose of ETN (placebo, 12.5 x 10(-3), 12.5 x 10(-1), 12.5, 125 microg) was embedded in each rhBMP-2 polymer disc in the local administration groups (n = 5 per group). Three weeks after implantation, the mice were killed and the implants were analyzed. Implants in the optimally dosed groups had increased radiodensity, which was consistent with a significant increase in bone mineral content of the ossicles. Bone histomorphology revealed a significant increase in bone volume/total volume, number of osteoblasts, osteoblast surface/bone surface, and a significant decrease in the number of osteoclasts, osteoclast surface/bone surface in the optimal dosed systemic and locally administered groups. These data suggest that the optimal dose of ETN, administered either systemically or locally, enhanced the bone-inducing capacity of BMP with no apparent adverse systemic effects.

Differential protection by wildtype vs. organelle-specific Bcl-2 suggests a combined requirement of both the ER and mitochondria in ceramide-mediated caspase-independent programmed cell death

BackgroundProgrammed cell death (PCD) is essential for development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms and can occur by caspase-dependent apoptosis or alternatively, by caspase-independent PCD (ciPCD). Bcl-2, a central regulator of apoptosis, localizes to both mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Whereas a function of mitochondrial and ER-specific Bcl-2 in apoptosis has been established in multiple studies, corresponding data for ciPCD do not exist.MethodsWe utilized Bcl-2 constructs specifically localizing to mitochondria (Bcl-2 ActA), the ER (Bcl-2 cb5), both (Bcl-2 WT) or the cytosol/nucleus (Bcl-2 ΔTM) and determined their protective effect on ceramide-mediated ciPCD in transiently and stably transfected Jurkat cells. Expression of the constructs was verified by immunoblots. Ceramide-mediated ciPCD was induced by treatment with human recombinant tumor necrosis factor and determined by flow cytometric measurement of propidium iodide uptake as well as by optical analysis of cell morphology.ResultsOnly wildtype Bcl-2 had the ability to efficiently protect from ceramide-mediated ciPCD, whereas expression of Bcl-2 solely at mitochondria, the ER, or the cytosol/nucleus did not prevent ceramide-mediated ciPCD.ConclusionOur data suggest a combined requirement for both mitochondria and the ER in the induction and the signaling pathways of ciPCD mediated by ceramide.

Critical Role for GATA3 in Mediating Tie2 Expression and Function in Large Vessel Endothelial Cells

Endothelial phenotypes are highly regulated in space and time by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. There is increasing evidence that the GATA family of transcription factors function as signal transducers, coupling changes in the extracellular environment to changes in downstream target gene expression. Here we show that human primary endothelial cells derived from large blood vessels express GATA2, -3, and -6. Of these factors, GATA3 was expressed at the highest levels. In DNA microarrays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of GATA3 resulted in reduced expression of genes associated with angiogenesis, including Tie2. At a functional level, GATA3 knockdown inhibited angiopoietin (Ang)-1-mediated but not vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)-mediated AKT signaling, cell migration, survival, and tube formation. In electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, GATA3 was shown to bind to regulatory regions within the 5'-untranslated region of the Tie2 gene. In co-immunoprecipitation and co-transfection assays, GATA3 and the Ets transcription factor, ELF1, physically interacted and synergized to transactivate the Tie2 promoter. GATA3 knockdown blocked the ability of Ang-1 to attenuate vascular endothelial cell growth factor stimulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and monocytic cell adhesion. Moreover, exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to tumor necrosis factor-alpha resulted in marked down-regulation of GATA3 expression and reduction in Tie2 expression. Together, these findings suggest that GATA3 is indispensable for Ang-1-Tie2-mediated signaling in large vessel endothelial cells.

Blocking of tumor necrosis factor activity promotes natural repair of osteochondral defects in rabbit knee

Background and purpose Osteochondral defects have a limited capacity for repair. We therefore investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signal blockade by etanercept (human recombinant soluble TNF receptor) on the repair of osteochondral defects in rabbit knees.Material and methods Osteochondral defects (5 mm in diameter) were created in the femoral patellar groove in rabbits. Soon after the procedure, a first subcutaneous injection of etanercept was performed. This single injection or, alternatively, 4 injections in total (twice a week for 2 weeks) were given. Each of these 2 groups was divided further into 3 subgroups: a low-dose group (0.05 μg/kg), an intermediate-dose group (0.4 μ g/kg), and a high-dose group (1.6 μ g /kg) with 19 rabbits in each. As a control, 19 rabbits were injected with water alone. The rabbits in each subgroup were killed 4 weeks (6 rabbits), 8 weeks (6 rabbits), or 24 weeks (7 rabbits) after surgery and repair was assessed histologically.Results Histological examination revealed that the natural process of repair of the osteochondral defects was promoted by 4 subcutaneous injections of intermediate-dose etanercept and by 1 or 4 injections of high-dose etanercept at the various time points examined postoperatively (4, 8, and 24 weeks). Western blot showed that rabbit TNFα had a high affinity for etanercept.Interpretation Blocking of TNF by etanercept enabled repair of osteochondral defects in rabbit knee. Anti-TNF therapy could be a strategy for the use of tissue engineering for bone and cartilage repair.

A novel peptide (GX1) homing to gastric cancer vasculature inhibits angiogenesis and cooperates with TNF alpha in anti-tumor therapy

BackgroundThe discovery of the importance of angiogenesis in tumor growth has emphasized the need to find specific vascular targets for tumor-targeted therapies. Previously, using phage display technology, we identified the peptide GX1 as having the ability to target the gastric cancer vasculature. The present study investigated the bioactivities of GX1, as well as its potential ability to cooperate with recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (rmhTNFα), in gastric cancer therapy.ResultsTetrazolium salt (MTT) assay showed that GX1 could inhibit cell proliferation of both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (44%) and HUVEC with tumor endothelium characteristics, generated by culturing in tumor-conditioned medium (co-HUVEC) (62%). Flow-cytometry (FCM) and western blot assays showed that GX1 increased the rate of apoptosis from 11% to 31% (p < 0.01) by up-regulating caspase 3 expression level. A chorioallantoic membrane assay indicated that GX1 could suppress neovascularization in vivo, with the microvessel count decreasing from 21 to 11 (p < 0.05). When GX1 was fused to rmhTNFα, GX1-rmhTNFα selectively concentrated in the gastric cancer vasculature, as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence and emission-computed tomography. In vitro MTT and FCM assays showed that, compared to rmhTNFα alone, GX1-rmhTNFα was more effective at suppressing co-HUVEC proliferation (45% vs. 61%, p < 0.05) and inducing apoptosis (11% vs. 23%, p < 0.05). In a tumor formation test, GX1-rmhTNFα more effectively inhibited tumor growth than rmhTNFα (tumor volume: 271 mm3 vs. 134 mm3, p < 0.05), with less systemic toxicity as measured by body weight (20.57 g vs. 19.30 g, p < 0.05). These therapeutic effects may be mediated by selectively enhanced tumor vascular permeability, as indicated by Evan's blue assay.ConclusionGX1 had both homing activity and the ability to inhibit vascular endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and neovascularization in vivo. Furthermore, when GX1 was conjugated to rmhTNFα, the fusion protein was selectively delivered to targeted tumor sites, significantly improving the anti-tumor activity of rmhTNFα and decreasing systemic toxicity. These results demonstrate the potential of GX1 as a homing peptide in vascular targeted therapy for gastric cancer.

Interaction of Human Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand and Osteoprotegerin Could Contribute to Enhancement of the Erosive Processes Induced by Human Synovial Cells

To the Editor: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which the etiology is unknown. Patients with RA are known to have lower bone mineral density and are at risk of pathological fracture caused by cytokines produced by RA synovial fibroblasts, which have the potential to promote osteoclast formation and bone resorption. It is now clear that osteoclast formation and activation at the cartilage-pannus junction is an essential step in the destruction of bone matrix in RA1,2. Our aim was to investigate key factors that regulate focal bone erosion in RA, and their relationships with human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (hr-TRAIL), in order to propose a strategy to block bone destruction in RA. A number of inflammatory cytokines found in the RA synovial tissue [interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-1s, IL-6, TNF-α, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor] have the potential to promote osteoclast formation and bone resorption3,4. Cells within RA synovial fibroblasts also are substantial sources of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (sRANKL) and osteoprotegerin … Address reprint requests to Dr. V. Nicolin; E-mail: nicolin{at}units.it

Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Recombinant Protein GX1-rmhTNFα

A phage-displayed peptide CGNSNPKSC (GX1) was obtained previously in our lab, which could specifically bind to the vasculature of human gastric cancer. GX1-rmhTNFalpha was a fusion protein of GX1 and recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (rmhTNFalpha), which was designed by us with the expectation of enhancing selectivity of rmhTNFalpha. The DNA fragment encoding GX1 was cloned into the vector pBV220 with rmhTNFalpha between the EcoRI site and the BamHI site, and then expressed in Escherichia coli DH5alpha by temperature induction. Subsequently, E. coli DH5alpha was lysed, and the GX1-rmhTNFalpha protein was found in both soluble form and inclusion bodies. The protein was fractionated with ammonium sulfate deposition from 30% to 60%, and purified by cation and anion exchange chromatography using SP Sepharose Fast Flow column and Q Sepharose Fast Flow column. The purity of protein was then identified by SDS-PAGE and HPLC. Subsequent studies showed that GX1-rmhTNFalpha had high bioactivity of 5.65 x 10(8) IU/ml, which was similar with natural human TNFalpha and could reach the tumor site relatively faster than rmhTNFalpha.

Leukemic Phase of Follicular Lymphoma after Treatment with Etanercept in a Patient with Psoriasis

Etanercept, a fully human soluble recombinant p75 tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor that blocks the binding of TNF to cell surface receptors, is approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the US and Europe. Ever since the introduction of anti-TNF treatment in patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases, there have been concerns about a possible tumor-promoting effect of such a measure. We report a rare case of leukemic phase of follicular lymphoma in a 62-year-old man with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis receiving long-term treatment with etanercept for 3 years. Although the association is intriguing, no causal relationship is suggested.

Effects of ovarian carcinoma cells on the maturation and function of human dendritic cells

To investigate the effects of ovarian carcinoma cells on the differentiation, maturation, and function of the dendritic cells (DC). Human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells were isolated from specimens of ovarian carcinoma from 12 patients obtained during operation, and cultured. Peripheral blood samples were collected from these patients. DC were isolated and co-cultured with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha to promote their maturation. Immunostaining and flow cytometry (FC) were used to detect the DC specific marker CD1a, maturation marker CD83, co-stimulating factors CD86 and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR. FITC-labeled glucan was added and FC was used to detect the phagocytic function. T cells were co-cultured with immature and mature DC of different concentrations respectively for 96 h, 18 h before the end of culture 3H-TdR was added, liquid scintillation counter was used to measure the level of count per minute (cpm) Ovarian carcinoma cells and peripheral mononuclear cells were put into Transwell to contact each other directly or indirectly, TNF-alpha was add to promote the maturation, and then FC was used to detect the CD1a, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR levels, and the glucan uptake level. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-12, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, and Western blotting was used to detect the p-38 protein and phosphorylated p-38 protein in the supernatant. After stimulation of TNF-alpha the expression; levels of CD1a, CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR of the DCs were remarkably increased. Immature DCs showed a strong ability at phagocytosis of glucan, and this ability was decreased by the stimulation of TNF-alpha. The proliferative function of mature DCs on allogenic T lymphocytes was significantly increased dose-dependently (P<0.05). Co-culture with ovarian carcinoma cells decreased the expression levels of CD1a, CD86, and HLA-DR, increased the expression level of CD83, and decreased the ability in up taking glucan by 43.05%. The proliferative function of the DC cultured in direct contact with ovarian carcinoma cells was decreased by 56.35%, and such inhibitory function of the DCs cultured not in direct contact with ovarian carcinoma cells was weaker, and the levels of CD1a, CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR expressed by the DC cultured not in direct contact with ovarian carcinoma cells was between those of the DC cultured in direct contact with ovarian carcinoma cells and those of the DC undergoing routine culture. The levels of IL-12 and phosphorylated p-38 protein were decreased in the supernatant of the DC co-cultured with ovarian carcinoma cells. Ovarian carcinoma cells suppress the differentiation of monocyte into DC, negatively regulates the phagocytotic and antaean managing functions of DC, thus the DC can not effectively stimulate the proliferation of T lymphocytes and inhibit the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. That may be one of the underlying mechanisms of immune escape of tumor and immune tolerance of T lymphocytes.

The Diaphanous-related Formin FHOD1 Associates with ROCK1 and Promotes Src-dependent Plasma Membrane Blebbing

Diaphanous-related formins (DRFs) mediate GTPase-triggered actin rearrangements to regulate central cellular processes, such as cell motility and cytokinesis. The DRF FHOD1 interacts with the Rho-GTPase Rac1 and mediates formation of actin stress fibers in its deregulated form; the physiologically relevant activities and molecular mechanisms of endogenous FHOD1, however, are still unknown. Here we report that FHOD1 physically associates via the N-terminal part of its FH2 domain with the central domain of ROCK1. Although FHOD1 does not affect the kinase activity of ROCK1, the DRF is an efficient substrate for phosphorylation by ROCK1. Co-expression of FHOD1 and ROCK1 results in the generation of nonapoptotic plasma membrane (PM) blebs, to which the DRF is efficiently recruited. Blebbing induced by FHOD1 and ROCK1 depends on F-actin integrity, the Rho-ROCK cascade, and Src activity and is reminiscent of the recently described PM blebs triggered by expression of Src homology 4 (SH4) domain PM targeting signals. Consistently, endogenous FHOD1 is required in SH4 domain expressing cells for efficient PM blebbing and rounded cell morphology in two-dimensional cultures or three-dimensional matrices, respectively. Efficient association of FHOD1 with ROCK1, as well as recruitment of the DRF to blebs, depends on Src activity, suggesting that the functional interaction between both proteins is regulated by Src. These results define a role for endogenous FHOD1 in SH4 domain-induced blebbing and suggest that its activity is regulated by ROCK1 in a Src-dependent manner.

Soluble CD8 in patients with rheumatic diseases

An ELISA was used to measure soluble CD8 (sCD8) in the sera and synovial fluids (SF) of patients with rheumatic diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had raised levels of sCD8 both in their sera and in their SF compared with patients with osteoarthritis and age-matched healthy controls. In individual RA patients, serial serum sCD8 levels initially fell and then rose preceding clinical improvement. In four patients where serum sCD8 levels rose and clinical improvement occurred, subsequent spontaneous decreases of serum sCD8 level preceded increased clinical disease activity by up to 2 weeks. In general, RA SF mononuclear cells (SFMNC) spontaneously produced high levels of sCD8. In contrast, autologous peripheral blood MNC only produced comparable levels after mitogenic stimulation. Incubation of SFMNC with increasing concentrations of human recombinant tumour necrosis factor alpha resulted in a dose-dependent potentiation of sCD8 release into the supernatant. There was an inverse relationship between the ability of SFMNC to release sCD8 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor, indicating that the CD8+ T cell population may play an important immunoregulatory role in RA.

Clinical evaluation and radiological observation of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein in treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis

To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein (rh TNFR:Fc) in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). 68 patients with active AS underwent subcutaneous injection of rh TNFR: Fc 25 mg twice a week for 24 weeks. The following indexes were observed: improvement of at least 20% of reported symptoms, based on the multicomponent Assessments in AS (ASAS) response criteria (ASAS 20) at weeks 2, 6, 12 and 24, ASAS 50 and ASAS 70 responses, and improved scores on individual components of ASAS, including Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), acute phase reactants, and Bath AS metrology index (BASMI). And the X-ray images of patient's pelvis at weeks 0, 12, and 24 were graded based on BASRI. After treatment of rh TNFR:Fc the primary and secondary efficacy end points of the 68 patients were all improved compared with the baseline values. During the process of treatment, the number of patients with the efficacy achieving ASAS20 was gradually rising: 44 cases (64.7%) at week 12 and 58 (85.0%) at week 24. The efficacy of 41 cases (60.3% ) reached ASAS50 and that of 34 cases reached ASAS70 at week 24. Other efficacy end points also reflected the similar effect and were improved significantly compared with the baseline values at different time points ( all P < 0.01). BASRI showed that the radiological improvement of sacroiliac joint was not significant (P > 0.05) and that the radiological improvement of hip was not obvious at week 12 (P > 0.05) but significant at week 24 (P < 0.05). rh TNFR:Fc rapidly improves the signs and symptoms of active AS.

In vitro growth inhibition of cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell lines by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor and/or recombinant human interferon-gamma by virtue of collateral sensitivity.

The colony-inhibitory effects of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rH-TNF) and recombinant human interferon-gamma (rH-IFN-gamma) were evaluated in four human lung cancer cell lines and their cisplatin-resistant sublines. The cell lines tested were PC-7 and PC-9 (adenocarcinoma), H69 and N231 (small cell lung cancer) and four cisplatin-resistant sublines, PC-7/1.0, PC-9/0.5, H69/0.2 and N231/0.2, which were 20.0, 7.1, 4.8 and 8.4 fold resistant to cisplatin, respectively, compared to the respective parental cell line in terms of IC50 in a soft agar colony assay. All parental cell lines were resistant to rH-TNF and rH-IFN-gamma, alone or in combination. However, two resistant sublines showed sensitivity to rH-TNF and rH-IFN-gamma. Colony formation by PC-9/0.5 was significantly inhibited, in the absence or presence of cisplatin, by 10(2) U/ml of rH-TNF (less than 50% of control) and the inhibition was synergistic with that produced by 10(3) or 10(4) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma. RH-IFN-gamma inhibited the colony formation of H69/0.2 only at the highest concentration tested (10(4) U/ml) (less than 50% of control) and the combined effect with rH-TNF was additive. These results suggest that rH-TNF and rH-IFN-gamma may have some potential in overcoming cisplatin resistance by virtue of collateral sensitivity.

Etanercept-related Cutaneous Nodulosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Etanercept is a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein, which inhibits the biological activity of TNF-α. The common side effects of TNF-α inhibitors are injection site reactions, infusion reactions and infection. Rheumatoid nodules are the most common extraarticular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs such as methotrexate were reported to be associated with rheumatoid nodules, but etanercept-related nodules were uncommonly observed. We report the new formation of cutaneous rheumatoid nodules in a 58-year-old man during anti-TNFα therapy with etanercept. He had 2-year history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, and been treated with methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, prednisolone and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before etanercept regimen. Rheumatoid nodules developed on the palmar surface of fingers 4 month after treatment of etanercept, although his disease activity was maintained low. One month later, we decided to stop etanercept because his nodulosis extended to elbow. Since then, he has been followed up without any progression of rheumatoid nodules or aggravation of arthritis.