Proliferation Of Mouse Spleen Cells Research Articles

Immune-enhancing effects of polysaccharide extract of by-products of Korean liquor fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To increase the value of yeast-fermented Korean liquor by-products, we obtained crude polysaccharide (CPS) fractions via ultrasound-assisted extraction and stepwise-gradient ethanol precipitation and investigated their functionality. Nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells was increased following treatment with the CPSs derived from extract. Analysis of the monosaccharide and amino acid composition of the CPS fractions using HPLC revealed that the polysaccharides were mainly composed of glucose (57.2%), mannose (22.6%), and galactose (17.6%), and no amino acids were detected. In addition, a higher concentration of ethanol solvent for fractionation yielded polysaccharides with lower molecular weights (<15 kDa). CPS 3 and 4 fractions increased the production of TNF-α (15 and 17-fold, respectively) and IL-6 (20 and 18-fold, respectively) and iNOS (65 and 35-fold, respectively) expression at concentration 12.5 μg/mL compared with levels in non-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Especially, CPS 4 at 200 and 400 μg/mL significantly increased the proliferation of mouse spleen cells by 126% and 153%, respectively. These results indicated that CPS 4 enhanced the proliferation of mouse spleen cells in vivo, indicating its immune-enhancing effects. Therefore, this research can contribute to the development of eco-friendly extraction techniques and immune-enhancing materials.

Stimulatory effect of Holy basil and Thai basil on mouse spleen cell proliferation

ABSTRACT Study was conducted on mouse spleen cells, cultured and incubated in-vitro with Holy basil and Thai basil, to observe their effect on proliferation. Four dilutions, namely 1:1, 1:5, 1:25, and 1:125, for both Holy basil and Thai Basil were used separately, in presence and absence of mitogen, Concanavalin A (Con A) to stimulate the T cells. Cell proliferation was monitored by 3 H- thymidine radioisotope incorporation. Spleen cells (macrophages, B and T cells) showed significantly more proliferation at 1:1 dilution than control (cells with no factor), incubated with Holy basil (in assay without Con A). Spleen T cells, however, did not show any significance in proliferation at same dilution, 1:1, with Holy basil with Con A. All other dilutions (with or without Con A), for either Holy basil or Thai basil, did not show any significant changes in proliferation when compared to control.

Identification of an antilymphocyte transformation substance from Pasteurella multocida.

Pasteurella multocida is one of the most important bacteria responsible for diseases of animals. Crude extracts from sonicated P. multocida strain Dainai‐1, which is serotype A isolated from bovine pneumonia, were found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A. The crude extract was purified by cation and anion exchange chromatography and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Its molecular weight was 27 kDa by SDS‐PAGE and it was named PM27. PM27 was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A as effectively as did the crude extract; however, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. PM27 did not directly inhibit proliferation of HT‐2 cells, which are an IL‐2‐dependent T cell line, nor did it modify IL‐2 production by Con A‐stimulated mouse spleen cells. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of PM27 was determined and BLAST analysis revealed its identity to uridine phosphorylase (UPase) from P. multocida. UPase gene from P. multocida Dainai‐1 was cloned into expression vector pQE‐60 in Escherichia coli XL‐1 Blue. Recombinant UPase (rUPase) tagged with His at the C‐terminal amino acid was purified with Ni affinity chromatography. rUPase was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A; however, as was true for PM27, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. Thus, PM27/UPase purified from P. multocida has significant antiproliferative activity against Con A‐stimulated mouse spleen cells and may be a virulence factor.

Isochaetomium A2, a new bis(naphthodihydropyran-4-one) with antimicrobial and immunological activities from fungus Chaetomium microcephalum

Isochaetomium A2 (1), a new bis(naphthodihydropyran-4-one), along with chaetochromins A (2) and B (3), was isolated from the solid-state fermented rice culture of Chaetomium microcephalum. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, and the relative configuration was confirmed by CD spectrum. Compounds 1-3 possessed significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli 1.044, Staphylococcus aureus 1.252, and Bacillus subtilis 1.079. Moreover, compounds 1-3 showed obvious inhibitory effects on mouse spleen cell proliferation with successive IC50 values of 0.52, 0.19, and 0.24 μM.

Toxoplasma gondii protein fraction as a potent activator of dendritic cells (P4383)

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that both initiate and modulate the immune responses. DCs activation leads to their maturation and production of cytokines such as IL-12. Therefore, their use in immunotherapy against cancers has been studied. We have investigated the potency of Toxoplasma gondii (TG) proteins for DC maturation to induce IL-12 production and mouse spleen cell proliferation. Methods: DCs were generated from Balb/c mouse bone marrow in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Four protein fractions were obtained from sonically fragmented TG cells by precipitation with ammonium sulfate and were added as maturation factors on the last day of the DCs culture. The phenotype analysis was performed using anti-CD80, anti-CD86, anti-CD-40 and anti-MHC II monoclonal antibodies. IL-12p70 concentration in DCs supernatant was also determined. Ultimately, proliferation assay, phagocytic activity and cytokine production (IL-10 and IFNγ) in supernatants of DCs and T cells co-culture were done. Results: Total extract of TG and fraction 1 are more potent in activating DCs than other fractions and matured DCs (mDC) produced significantly higher levels IL-12p70. Expression of CD40 and CD86 was also significantly higher on these mDCs. Moreover, T cells co-cultured with these mDCs secreted higher level IL-10 and IFNγ. Conclusion: The selected fraction can be used in DC cell based immunotherapy approach to generate competent vaccines against tumor cells.

Composition Analysis and Immunomodulatory Capacity of Peptidoglycan from Ling Zhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. Strain 119 (Aphyllophoromycetideae)

LZ-B-1, a water-soluble peptidoglycan, was prepared from the fruiting bodies of Ling Zhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, by ultrafi ltration, DEAE-Sepharose Fast-Flow column, and Sepharose CL-6B column. To develop functional food or pharmaceuticals using LZ-B-1 and to investigate the relationship between the structure and bioactivity of LZ-B-1, the composition and immunomodulatory capacity of LZ-B-1 were studied herein. The peptidoglycan had a relative molecular weight of 1.12 × 10 4 Da, and total carbohydrate and peptide percentages were determined to be ~94.2% and ~5.4%, respectively. The carbohydrate moiety was mainly composed of L-fucose, D-galatose, and D-glucose in a molar ratio of approximately 1:5:2, together with small amounts of L-arabinose and D-mannose. The peptide moiety mainly contained arginine, threonine, glycine, ser- ine, and aspartic acid in a molar ratio of approximately 1:1:2:2:1. Methylation reaction and GC-MS analysis indicated that the carbohydrate moiety mainly consisted of 1,6-disubstituted-galactopyranosyl, 1,2,6-trisubstituted-galactopyranosyl, 1-substituted-fucopyranosyl, 1,3-disubstituted- glucopyranosyl, 1,4,6-trisubstituted-glucopyranosyl, and 1-substituted-glucopyranosyl. Mouse spleen cell proliferation assay in vitro showed that a concentration of 200 μg/mL of LZ-B-1 was the optimum concentration to promote the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes (MSLs). In general, the higher the mouse spleen cell proliferation rate, the stronger the immunomodulatory activity. How the peptidoglycan stimulates the proliferation of MSLs and the bioactivity-structure relationship requires more research.

Monoclonal antibodies to early pregnancy factor perturb tumour cell growth

The pregnancy-associated substance early pregnancy factor (EPF) has previously been reported as a product of tumours of germ cell origin. More recently EPF (or an EPF-related substance, tEPF) has also been detected in the serum of patients bearing tumours of non-germ cell origin. We report here the production of tEPF by a variety of cultured transformed and tumour cell lines, of both germ and non-germ cell origin. Antibodies specific for EPF remove all tEPF activity from tumour cell conditioned medium. tEPF production is found to be associated with cell division; tEPF is no longer detected after growth arrest or differentiation. Co-culture of tumour cells with increasing doses of anti-EPF monoclonal antibodies resulted in a significant, dose-dependent decrease in rate of cell growth and viability. Similar anti-EPF concentrations had no effect on the concanavalin A induced proliferation of mouse spleen cells. These studies suggest, therefore, that tEPF is a growth-regulated product of cultured tumour and transformed cells. These cells are also dependent upon tEPF for continued growth, i.e. tEPF is acting in the autocrine mode.

유자와 탱자 과피 추출물의 항산화 및 면역 활성 효과

본 연구는 탱자(Poncirus trifoliata) 과피의 80% 에탄올 추출물(PTP)에 대한 항산화 활성과 면역 활성을 유자(Citrus junos) 과피 추출물(CJP)과 비교하였다. 총 phenol 함량과 총 flavonoids 함량은 PTP가 각각 <TEX>$60.75{\pm}1.15$</TEX> mg/100 g과 <TEX>$33.75{\pm}0.15$</TEX> mg/100 g이었으며, 이는 CJP에 비해 다소 낮았다. PTP의 항산화 활성은 농도 의존적으로 증가하였으며 CJP의 항산화 활성과 비슷하게 나타났다. 면역반응 중 대식 세포가 생성하는 NO 생성량을 측정한 결과 CJP와 PTP를 단독으로 처리한 경우와 LPS와 혼합하여 처리한 경우 모두 1 mg/ml까지는 대조구와 비교하여 농도 의존적으로 증가하였으나 고농도에서는 감소하는 경향을 나타내었다. 비장세포를 이용한 면역세포 증식능에서 CJP와 PTP를 첨가한 경우, 1 mg/ml까지는 대조구와 비교하여 농도 의존적으로 증가하였으나 고농도에서는 감소하였다. In this study, we compared with 80% ethanol extracts from peel of Poncirus trifoliata (PTP) and peel of Citrus junos (CJP) against antioxidant and immune activities. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents in PTP extracts were <TEX>$60.75{\pm}1.15$</TEX> and <TEX>$33.75{\pm}0.15$</TEX> mg/l00 g, respectively, and those were lower than CJP extracts. Antioxidant activities of PTP were increased with the more concentration, and were similar to CJP. Antioxidant activities of PTP were increased with increasing of concentration, and were similar to those of CJP. The NO production in macrophage cell lines were increased in a dose-dependent manner, until 5 mg/ml of CJP and 1 mg/ml of PTP compared with control cells, but decreased at higher concentrations. The proliferation of mouse spleen cells were increased in a dose-dependent manner, until 1 mg/ml of CJP and PTP compared with control cells but decreased at higher concentrations. The NO production in macrophage cell lines treated with PTP and CJP were increased in a dose-dependent manner, compared with untreated control cells until the concentrations of <TEX>$1{\sim}5$</TEX> mg/ml (CJP) and 1 mg/ml (PTP) but decreased at higher concentrations than that. The proliferation of mouse spleen cells treated with PTP and CJP were increased in a dose-dependent manner, compared with untreated control cells until the concentration of 1 mg/ml but decreased at higher concentrations than that.

Structure-efficacy relationships of immunostimulatory activity of CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides on mouse spleen cells.

Aim:To study the relationship between primary structures of oligodeoxynucleo-tides (ODN) containing unmethylated deoxycytidyl-deoxyguanosine (CpG) dinucleotide motifs and their immunostimulatory activities in mouse spleen cells.Methods:A series of CpG ODN with different primary structures were synthesized. Their capabilities to stimulate mouse spleen cell proliferation were determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation assay. Cytokine (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-12, and IFN-α) secretion spectra induced by CpG ODN were assessed by ELISA. The ability of CpG ODN to activate natural killer cells was evaluated by standard 4 h 51Cr-release assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to examine the expressions of various lymphocyte surface molecules on diverse immunocytes. An effective CpG ODN for murine, ODN1826, was set as the template of modification and the positive control.Results:The immunostimulatory activities of CpG ODN with different sequences and compositions varied markedly, both in character and in extent. It was useless for improving the immunostimulatory activity of ODN1826 by simply increasing the functional hexameric CpG motif number, modifying the site of CpG motifs, or changing the distance between multi-CpG motifs. However, an addition of a self-complementary palindrome structure at the 3′-end, but not the 5′-end of CpG ODN, aroused marked improvement in its activity. Several designed ODN had superior comprehensive immunostimulatory properties compared to ODN1826.Conclusion:The immunostimulatory activity of a CpG ODN was relevant to its primary structure. It was useless for promoting immunostimulatory activity to simply change CpG motif number, space, or distance. The 3′-end palindrome structure of CpG ODN is associated with enhanced immunostimulatory activity.

Cytokine-Mimetic Properties of Some Philippine Food and Medicinal Plants

This study evaluated Philippine indigenous plants for cytokine-mimetic properties and partially characterized candidate mimetics for their stability as well as their sensitivity to variations in temperature and pH. Forty-five plant extract preparations were tested for their ability to stimulate proliferation of mouse spleen cells and bone marrow cells. Temperature and pH effects were determined by subjecting the extracts to different temperature and pH levels and measuring their residual proliferative activities. Results revealed that 24 and 14 extracts were able to stimulate proliferation of bone marrow cells and spleen cells, respectively. Extracts from yam (Dioscorea alata L.) (Dioscoreaceae) roots and leaves, taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) (Araceae) roots, and buyo (Piper betle L.) (Piperaceae) leaf were among the extracts that strongly stimulated proliferation of both bone marrow cells and splenocytes, significantly increasing cell concentrations. Heating the extracts beyond 40 degrees C markedly reduced their proliferative ability, while a pH level below 4.0 and above 8.0 also significantly decreased the extracts' activity. Three protein-mimetics with sizes of 26 kDa, 35 kDa, and 50 kDa were isolated from buyo leaf, yam root, and taro root extracts, respectively. All three molecules are biologically active and stimulate a dose-dependent proliferative response.

One novel quinoxaline derivative as a potent human cyclophilin A inhibitor shows highly inhibitory activity against mouse spleen cell proliferation

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a ubiquitous cellular enzyme playing critical roles in many biological processes, and its inhibitor has been reported to have potential immunosuppressive activity. In this work, we reported a novel quinoxaline derivative, 2,3-di(furan-2-yl)-6-(3- N, N-diethylcarbamoyl-piperidino)carbonylamino quinoxaline (DC838, 3), which was confirmed to be a potent inhibitor against human CypA. By using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence titration techniques, the kinetic analysis of CypA/DC838 interaction was quantitatively performed. CypA peptidyl prolyl cis– trans isomerase (PPIase) activity inhibition assay showed that DC838 demonstrated highly CypA PPIase inhibitory activity. In vivo assay results showed that DC838 could inhibit mouse spleen cell proliferation induced by concanavalin A (Con A). Molecular docking simulation further elucidated the specific DC838 binding to CypA at the atomic level. The current work should provide useful information in the discovery of immunosuppressor based on CypA inhibitor.

In vitro screening of seaweed extract on the proliferation of mouse spleen and thymus cell

A total number of 31 types of seaweed were assessed with regard to their effects on the proliferation of mouse spleen and thymus cells in a culture, using an MTT reduction assay. Acetone:dichloromethane (1∶1) extracts of three seaweed plants:Derbesia marina, Sargassum sp., andHisikia fuziformis, exhibited significantly positive effects on the survival of mouse spleen and thymus cellsin vitro. The acetone: dichloromethane (1∶1) extracts ofSargassum sp., in particular, much more potent effects on thymus cell activation than did any of the other types of seaweed. However, the methanol extracts ofSargassum ringgoldianium andChondrus crispus exerted a stimulatory influence only on the proliferation of mouse spleen cells, whereas the methanol extracts ofGrateloupia lanceolata exhibited significant cell proliferation properties in both spleen and thymus cells.

대두박으로부터 분리한 식용 조사포닌의 항암 및 면역활성

새로운 기능성 식품 소재를 개발하기 위하여 대두박으로부터 HP-20 수지를 이용하여 식용조사포닌을 분리한 후 이들에 대한 항암 및 면역 활성을 조사하였다. 분리한 식용사포닌은 1,000 ㎍/mL의 농도에서 A-549, MCF-7 및 SW480과 같은 암세포주의 성장을 강하게 억제하였으며, 폐암세포주에 1000 ㎍/mL의 농도를 사포닌을 첨가였을 때 세포의 형태가 심하게 변화되었다. 사포닌은 생쥐의 비장으로부터 분리한 면역세포에 대하여 1 ㎍/mL의 농도까지는 대조구에 비하여 그 증식을 유도하였으나 그 농도이상에서는 오히려 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 또한 대식세포주인 RAW 264.7에 사포닌의 처리 시 농도 의존적으로 NO의 함량이 높게 생성되었다.

양파김치 메탄올추출물의 항암 및 면역활성

양파 및 양파김치에 대한 항암 및 면역활성을 조사한 결과는 다음과 같다. 양파 및 양파김치 메탄올 추출물은 aflatoxin B₁로 돌연변이를 유도한 Salmonella typhimurium에 대하여 농도 의존적으로 항돌연변이 효과가 큰 것으로 나타났으며, 양파김치 첨가군이 양파의 첨가군보다 그 효과가 더욱 크게 나타났다. 양파 및 양파김치 메탄올 추출물은 A549 및 MCF-7 암세포주에 처리한 결과 추출물을 처리하지 않은 대조구에 비하여 1,000 ㎍/mL 농도에서 모두 20% 이상 그 성장을 억제하였다. 양파김치 메탄올 추출물은 농도에 비례하여 비장세포의 증식을 유도하였고, 양파 추출물보다 더 높은 증식을 유도하였다. 양파 및 양파김치 메탄올 추출물을 처리한 대식세포주에서 NO의 생성이 농도 의존적으로 증가하였으며, 역시 양파김치 추출물이 양파 추출물보다 더 많은 NO을 생성량을 유도하였다.

A novel prodigiosin-like immunosuppressant from an alkalophilic Micrococcus sp.

A novel red pigment, 2,2′-[3-methoxy-1′amyl-5′-methyl-4-(1ʺ-pyrryl)] dipyrryl-methene (MAMPDM), which has properties similar to those of prodigiosins, has been isolated for the first time from a bacterium putatively identified as Micrococcus sp. Our studies showed that MAMPDM inhibited proliferation of both human T as well as B cells and murine T cells, in response to polyclonal mitogens, in a concentration-dependent manner while murine B cell proliferation induced by lipopolysaccharide was inhibited only at high concentration. The effect of MAMPDM on constitutive cell cycling was ascertained using four mouse and human tumour cell lines. At 100 nM, the concentration that inhibited con A induced proliferation of mouse spleen cells, the viability of these cell lines was not affected. At 10–100-fold higher concentration of MAMPDM, however, there was a decrease in cell viability with T cell-derived cell lines being more sensitive. MAMPDM did not block the secretion of IL-2 or expression of CD25 though it inhibited the proliferation of con A stimulated T cells. The higher amount of IL-2 in the supernatant of the con A stimulated T cells, cultured in the presence of the immunomodulator, indicated accumulation of IL-2 due to its reduced utilisation. At inhibitory concentration, MAMPDM induced apoptosis in con A stimulated cells. Thus, MAMPDM may have considerable and selective T cell immunosuppressive potential and appears to act by a mechanism distinct from that of other known immunosuppressors.

Design, synthesis, and immunostimulatory properties of CpG DNAs containing alkyl-linker substitutions: role of nucleosides in the flanking sequences.

Bacterial and synthetic DNA containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides activate the innate immune system and promote Th1-like immune responses. Recently, a receptor, TLR9, has been shown to recognize CpG DNA and activate immune cascade. But there have been no reports on the molecular mechanisms of recognition between CpG DNA and the receptor(s). Our earlier studies described a number of the chemical and structural characteristics of CpG dinucleotide and the sequences flanking the CpG dinucleotide that are critical for immunostimulatory activity. In the present study, we examined the effect of the presence and absence of a nucleoside in the flanking sequences by replacing one or two natural deoxyribonucleosides at various positions with one or more alkyl- (C2-C12), branched alkyl- (glyceryl or aminobutyryl-propanediol), or ethyleneglycol- (tri or hexa) linkers. The results suggest that a linker substitution at the first two nucleoside positions adjacent to the CpG dinucleotide on the 5'- or the 3'-side neutralizes the immunostimulatory activity, as determined by in vitro mouse spleen cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and in vivo mouse spleen enlargement. The same substitutions placed about three to six nucleotides away from the CpG dinucleotide either did not affect or potentiated immunostimulatory activity compared with parent CpG-DNA without modifications. Substitution of deoxyribonucleosides with a C3 or C4 alkyl-linker was found to be optimal for potentiating immunostimulatory activity.

Immunosuppressive effects of vermiculine in vitro and in allotransplantation system in vivo

Vermiculine, a macrocyclic aglycosidic dilactone isolated from Penicillium vermiculatum, has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties. Here, we tested the effects of vermiculine on selected parameters of cell-mediated immunity in vitro and on skin allograft survival in vivo. Vermiculine inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Concanavalin A ((Con A), i.e. T-cell mitogen), bacterial lipopolysaccharide ((LPS), B-cell mitogen) or with irradiated allogeneic cells. In addition, vermiculine dose-dependently inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines and suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) by activated macrophages. When compared with cyclosporine (CsA), vermiculine was less inhibitory for IL-2 gene expression and IL-2 synthesis, comparably suppressive on IL-10 production and even more inhibitory for NO synthesis. These observations suggest that vermiculine and CsA inhibit immune reactions by different mechanisms. Treatment of graft recipients with vermiculine or CsA prolonged survival of skin allografts in a mouse model. The combination of both drugs enhanced the survival of allografts significantly more than either drug alone. The results thus suggest that vermiculine is a potential immunosuppressive drug acting by a mechanism distinct from that of CsA, and thus it may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for immunoregulatory purposes.

Fibronectin-binding protein I of Streptococcus pyogenes promotes T cell-independent proliferation of murine B lymphocytes and enhances the expression of MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells.

We have previously shown that fibronectin-binding protein I (SfbI) of Streptococcus pyogenes can act as an adjuvant for mucosal-delivered antigens (Medina, E., Talay, S. R., Chhatwal, G. S. and Guzmán, C. A. 1998. Eur. J. Immunol. 28:1069). To characterize the underlying mechanism of the adjuvancity, we investigated the in vitro stimulating activity of SfbI. The SfbI protein promoted a dose-dependent proliferation of mouse spleen cells. Studies performed using cellular subpopulations showed that proliferation involved B cells and was T cell- and macrophage-independent. SfbI also induced lg production by B cells in a T cell-independent manner. The kinetics of lg isotype accumulation in supernatant fluids and the analysis of Ig-secreting cells suggested that SfbI stimulates B cells expressing different Ig isotypes rather than promoting the isotype switching of single subpopulations. Experiments performed with recombinant proteins encompassing different functional domains of SfbI showed that the fibronectin-binding repeats were responsible for B cell activation. The sera from mice immunized by the intranasal route with SfbI did not react with either double-stranded DNA, cardiolipin or collagen. Interestingly, stimulation with Sfbl also resulted in the up-regulation of MHC class 11 molecules expression by B cells and macrophages. The elucidation of the underlying molecular events to the immunomodulatory effect exerted by SfbI will facilitate the exploitation of the potential of this molecule for the generation of mucosal vaccines.

Immunomodulation and antitumor activities of Aged Garlic Extract

We found that Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) could be a significant immuno-potentiator, and could exhibit anti-tumor activities through immune modulation. Consequently, AGE stimulated the proliferation of mouse spleen cells and the release of cytokines, such as IL-2, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, increased NK activities, and enhanced phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. AGE treatment also stimulated the reactivity of lymphocytes in response to cytokines or mitogens. AGE was far superior to PSK in IL-2 induction, but slightly inferior to PSK in nitric oxide induction. AGE, as effectively as PSK (Krestin), significantly inhibited the growth of Sarcoma-180 (allogenic) and LL/2 lung carcinoma (syngenic) cells transplanted into mice. Concomitantly, increases in NK and killer activities of spleen cells were observed in Sarcoma-180 bearing mice treated with AGE. These results strongly suggest that AGE is as effective as PSK, and could serve as a potent biological response modifier on NK cells and T lymphocytes, and subsequently inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors.

In vitro activation of mouse spleen cells by a lysate of Theileria sergenti-infected bovine red blood cells

A lysate of Theileria sergenti-infected bovine red blood cells induced in vitro proliferation of mouse spleen cells in a 2–3-day incubation period. Experiments using B or T cell-enriched preparations showed that a B cell (B220 + CD3 − population) was responsible for this non-specific proliferation. In the culture supernatant of spleen cells stimulated with the lysate, considerable amounts of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) were revealed after 2 days, followed by production of immunoglobulin with a peak at 4–6 days. Thus, it was suggested that a lysate antigen(s) of T. sergenti-infected red blood cells was able to stimulate mouse spleen cells to produce IL-2 and IFN-γ, which in turn induced the proliferation of B cells and production of immunoglobulin.