Identification of natural antibodies to interleukin-18 in the sera of normal humans and three nonhuman primate species

Natural antibodies to cytokines can be found in the sera of normal healthy individuals in the absence of specific immunostimulation. However, the function, impact, and purpose of natural antibody development have yet to be fully elucidated. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine that exerts proinflammatory activities and induces natural killer (NK) cell activity. Recombinant human IL-18 (rHuIL-18) is currently in development as a cancer immunotherapy. In this study, the presence of natural antibodies to IL-18 in the sera of normal humans and three nonhuman primate species was evaluated by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Of the human sera tested, 6 of 47 samples were positive for natural antibodies to IL-18. Of the nonhuman primate sera tested, 22 of 80 cynomolgus monkey samples, 4 of 31 rhesus monkey samples, and 2 of 20 chimpanzee samples were positive for natural antibodies to IL-18. Natural anti-IL-18 antibodies were neutralizing in 5 of 22 cynomolgus and 2 of 4 rhesus sera. None of the chimpanzee or human sera were able to neutralize IL-18 induction of interferon (IFN)-gamma in vitro. In vivo activity of rHuIL-18 was compared in IL-18 natural antibody-positive and -negative cynomolgus monkeys. The presence of natural antibodies to IL-18 did not alter rHuIL-18 systemic exposure levels, induction of neopterin, or induction of treatment-induced antibodies following intravenous administration of rHuIL-18. In conclusion, our data indicate that, as has been found with other cytokines, natural anti-IL-18 antibodies are relatively common. Moreover, natural anti-IL-18 antibodies do not appear to influence rHuIL-18 activity in vivo and are not predictive of a heightened immune response, suggesting that natural anti-IL-18 antibodies do not impact IL-18 therapy. Finally, our data suggest that the ability to detect natural anti-cytokine antibodies may be a useful measure of the adequacy of an assay for deployment in clinical trials.     

Rapid isolation of some antiepileptic hydantoins and their analogues with Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and capillary gas chromatography with splitless injection

Summary A simple and rapid method for isolation of seven antiepileptics (2 hydantoin, 2 oxazolidin, and 3 suximide derivatives) from urine and plasma is presented. Urine and plasma (1 ml) samples containing seven antiepileptics were mixed with distilled water (4 ml), and the sample solution was poured into a pretreated Sep-Pak C₁₈ cartridge; this was washed with water and chloroform/methanol was passed through it to elute the antiepileptics. The eluate was mixed with isoamyl acetate and evaporated under a stream of N₂. The drugs were detected by gas chromatography with fused silica capillary columns, splitless injection and flame ionization detection. Separation of the seven antiepileptics from each other and from impurities was satisfactory with the use of an SPB-1 capillary column. The detection limit for the seven antiepileptics with the present method was 0.1–1.0 g/ml urine or plasma. The recovery of the drugs from urine and plasma was more than 70% and 50%, respectively. Offprint requests to: O. Suzuki     

Intratracheal administration of recombinant adenovirus containing IL-18 gene in treatment of experimental metastatic lung carcinoma

Objective: To study the treatment of experimental metastatic lung carcinoma by intratracheal injection of IL-18 gene recombinant adenovirus. Methods: (1)The mouse IL-18 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, and the concentration of 1L-18 and associated cytokines in lung lavages and blood were determined by ELISA at different time points after intratracheal injection of IL-18 recombinant adenovirus. (2)The lung metastasis nodes, mouse survival periods and survival rates were evaluated. NK activity and CTL activity were determined by 51Cr 4 h release method. Results: (1)IL-18 mRNA was detectable in lung tissue 6 h after intratracheal use of IL-18 recombinant adenovirus, and the concentration of IL-18 in lung lavage was higher than that in peripheral blood. Neither IL-18 mRNA nor IL-18 was detectable in control group. (2) Intmtmcheal use of IL-18 recombinant adenovirus resulted in increased CTL and NK activity, longer survival time and higher survival rates compared with the control group, showing significant therapeutic effect on experimental lung metastasis. Conclusion: Intratracheal use of adenovirus vector containing IL-18 gene has therapeutic effect on the lung metastasis, denoting that gene therapy of lung diseases could be applied through airway directly with recombinant adenovirus.     

异位性皮炎患者循环T细胞激活表型和化学趋化功能研究

目的：为了明确异性皮炎患者循环Ｔ细胞的体外细胞生物学功能,和阐明Ｔ细胞在异位性皮炎发病过程中的可能作用。方法：运用４８孔微型化学趋化装置,测定２１例异位性皮炎患者与２０例正常人的纯化Ｔ细胞对白细胞介素８（ＩＬ－８）的化学趋化反应,同时用单克隆抗体荧光免疫法在流式细胞仪上测定Ｔ细胞表面ＨＬＡ－ＤＡ和白细胞介素２受体（ＩＬ－２Ｒ）等激活表型,以及用ＥＳＫＳＡ法测定血肖ＩＬ－８水平。结果：（１）异们性皮     

角蛋白18与剪切因子PSF相互作用介导PSF的膜易位并维持髓系白血病细胞的化疗敏感性

目的 鉴定多嘧啶结合蛋白相关的剪切因子(polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor, PSF)在髓系白血病细胞内的伴侣蛋白,探讨PSF在敏感HL60细胞和耐药的HL60/DOX细胞中易位细胞膜的模式和机制.方法: 通过脂质体瞬时转染PSF真核表达载体过表达PSF,进一步结合流式细胞术在转染后24 h,48 h,72 h检测PSF在细胞膜上的表达水平.构建链亲和素结合肽(streptavidin binding peptide,SBP)和PSF的融合表达载体,转染载体,过表达SBP-PSF融合蛋白.通过链亲和素磁珠共沉淀法和质谱分析,鉴定PSF在细胞内的伴侣蛋白.在慢病毒载体中插入角蛋白18 (cytokeratin 18,K18)干扰序列,转染293T细胞制备病毒液.用慢病毒感染HL60和HL60/DOX细胞,获得稳定干扰K18的细胞株.结合流式细胞术检测干扰K18的HL60和HL60/DOX细胞中细胞膜上PSF的表达水平,由此证实CK18在HL60和HL60/DOX细胞中协同转运PSF易位细胞膜机制的异同.结果: 瞬时过表达PSF后的24 h,48 h,72 h连续3 d检测细胞膜PSF表达水平,HL60敏感株细胞膜上PSF表达率分别为22.4%±3.5%, 37.9%±6.0%, 58.3%±8.8%;耐药株HL60/DOX细胞膜上PSF的表达率分别为4.7%±0.5%, 3.9%±0.6%, 2.9%±0.6%;各时间点下敏感株和耐药株的差异有统计学意义,P<0.01.免疫共沉淀和质谱证实K18为PSF在细胞内的伴侣蛋白.干扰K18的表达后,再次分析细胞膜PSF表达,发现PSF在敏感株细胞膜上的表达水平由原来的48.9%±5.4% 降至6.2%±1.0%;在耐药株细胞膜上的表达水平由9.11%±1.2%降至2.21%±0.51%.结论: K18是PSF在细胞内的伴侣蛋白,在敏感细胞中,K18与PSF相互作用可帮助PSF向细胞膜转运;而在耐药株中,由于该功能障碍导致PSF在胞内发生积累从而介导耐药性.     

活化脐血T细胞和NK细胞的抗原及细胞因子表达研究

目的 :比较γIL - 2及抗 CD3m c Ab γIL - 2对脐血单个核细胞 (MNC)的免疫表型及细胞因子的影响。方法 :采用间接玫瑰花结法实验测定 2 3例脐血 MNC表面的分化抗原 ,EL ISA双抗夹心法测定肿瘤坏死因子 -α(TNF-α)、白介素 - 6 (IL - 6 )、白介素 - 8(IL - 8)。结果 :经γIL - 2及抗 CD3mc Ab γIL - 2激活的脐血 MNC其分化抗原发生明显变化。 1、两组与未活化相比 :CD3 、CD8 、CD16 、CD5 6 、CD19 、CD2 3 、HL A- DR↑ ,其表达 CD2 5亦均增加 ,但抗 CD3mc Ab γIL- 2激活组 >γIL- 2组 (P<0 .0 1) ,CD45 RA 均明显下降 ,但两组差异无显著性 (P>0 .0 5 ) ,CD34 无明显改变。 2、经抗 CD3m c Ab γIL- 2激活的 MNC,细胞集落增加 ,但 γIL- 2组无此作用。 3、细胞因子的改变 ,无论经 γIL- 2还是抗 CD3m c Ab γIL- 2激活的脐血 MNC上清液 ,其 IL- 6增高 ,但差异无显著性 (P>0 .0 5 ) ,TNF- α,IL- 8亦明显增高 ,但抗 CD3m c Ab组 >γIL- 2组 (P<0 .0 1)。结论 :脐血抗 CD3激活的杀伤细胞 (CD3AK)比 γIL- 2激活的L AK毒性作用更强 ,更有利于杀伤肿瘤细胞。     

Selective attenuation of neuropeptide-Y-mediated contractile responses in blood vessels from patients with diabetes mellitus

Vascular smooth muscle contractile responses to neuropeptide Y, ,ß-methyleneATP and noradrenaline were studied in circular segments of isolated vessels with intact endotheliumin vitro from 12 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (NIDDM) and 12 control subjects. The dilatory effect of acetylcholine was used to test the function of the endothelium. Subcutaneous arteries and veins (diameter 0.1–1.1 mm) were obtained during surgery. There was no difference in contractile responses to noradrenaline or ,ß-methyleneATP between diabetic and control vessels. The contractile response to neuropeptide Y, however, was markedly reduced in the diabetic group. The maximal contractile effect (46.0 ± 14.0%,p < 0.05) but not the sensitivity to neuropeptide Y was significantly less in diabetic veins compared to control (107.5 ± 19.6%). Thus, the attenuation of neuropeptide Y responses was present in humans as previously observed in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rabbits. There was no difference in the dilator effect of acetylcholine between the diabetic and the control group in any of the vessel types, indicating that the difference in vascular reactivity to neuropeptide Y was not endothelium-dependent. In conclusion, the present study has shown that the postjunctional effects of neuropeptide Y, a co-transmitter of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, is selectively attenuated in diabetes mellitus.     

Tumor-associated lymphocytes (TAL) are competent to produce higher levels of cytokines in neoplastic pleural and peritoneal effusions than those found in sera and are able to release into culture higher levels of IL-2 and IL-6 than those released by PBMC

This work was designed to study the proliferative response of tumor-associated lymphocytes (TAL) from neoplastic effusions against autologous tumor cells and the immunophenotype pattern of TAL from neoplastic effusions and that of PBMC of the same patients. We also compared the serum levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL) 1, 2 and 6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) with those present in neoplastic effusions of the same patients. Moreover, we examined the ability of TAL and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to produce and release the cytokines and sIL-2R and to express membrane CD25 following their stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro. Finally, we compared the cytokines/sIL-2R production and membrane CD25 expression by PHA-stimulated PBMC of the patients with neoplastic effusions with a series of 90 cancer patients without neoplastic effusions and 20 normal healthy subjects. Thirteen neoplastic pleural and eight peritoneal effusions were collected from 11 patients with primary lung cancer, 7 with primary epithelial ovarian cancer, 1 with breast cancer, 1 with pleural mesothelioma, and 1 with pancreatic cancer. The proliferative response of TAL from neoplastic effusions against autologous tumor cells was lower than the response to PHA, IL-2, and anti-CD3, but significant. The percentage distribution of CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocyte subpopulations was higher in peritoneal than in pleural effusions, while the CD16⁺ subset was higher in pleural than in peritoneal effusions. The percentage distribution of CD16⁺ was significantly lower in pleural effusions than in PBMC of patients with pleural effusions. The CD39 antigen was higher on TAL from peritoneal effusions than on PBMC of the same patients. The levels of IL-1 and sIL-2R in peritoneal effusions did not differ from those measured in the sera of the same patients, while the levels of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF were higher in the peritoneal effusions. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF, and sIL-2R, but not IL-1, in pleural effusions were significantly higher than those found in the sera of the same patients. The amounts of IL-2 and IL-6 produced by TAL were generally higher than those released by PBMC. The secretion of cytokines IL-1, IL-2, and sIL2R by PHA-stimulated PBMC was lower, but IL-1 and IL-6 secretion was higher in cancer patients with neoplastic effusions than in either cancer patients without neoplastic effusions or normal subjects. The CD25 expression on PHA-stimulated PBMC derived from cancer patients with neoplastic effusions was in the same range as that of cancer patients without neoplastic effusions and normal subjects. These findings suggest that TAL may be able to produce cytokines and may be amenable to immune manipulation.Abbreviations FITC Fluorescein-isothiocyanate - IL Interleukin - mAb Monoclonal antibody - MHC Major histocompatibility complex - NK Natural killer - PBMC Peripheral blood mononuclear cells - PHA Phytohemagglutinin - TAL Tumor-associated lymphocytes - TIL Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes - TNF Tumor necrosis factor- - sIL-2R Soluble interleukin-2 receptor     

Clinical application of18F-FUdR in glioma patients — PET study of nucleic acid metabolism

Summary Positron emission tomography was used to investigate the metabolism of nucleic acids by¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine (¹⁸F-FUdR) in 22 patients with gliomas. Sixteen cases of high grade glioma clearly demonstrated a region of high activity with a differential absorption rate (DAR) of 0.64 ± 0.34. Six cases of low grade glioma failed to reveal a positive image of the tumor and the DAR in tumor was 0.21 ± 0.042 (p < 0.01). This PET-¹⁸F-FUdR study succeeded in differentiating high and low grade gliomas from the view point of nucleic acid metabolism.     

氟暴露对工人血清IL-8及NO含量的影响

选取某铝厂工人６６ 人,观察血清氟、尿氟浓度,血清ＩＬ－ ８ 及ＮＯ含量变化情况。结果显示：和对照组比较,氟暴露组血清氟浓度和尿氟浓度明显增高;血清ＩＬ－ ８ 含量高工龄组升高,而低工龄组无变化;血清ＮＯ 含量低工龄组升高而高工龄组降低。提示机体染氟后通过各种正向或反向调节维持正常的免疫应答。其中ＩＬ－ ８ 及ＮＯ参与了复杂的免疫调节。