Human IgGs induce synthesis and secretion of IgGs and neonatal Fc receptor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Podocyte-specific knockout of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) results in differential protection depending on the model of glomerulonephritis

Podocytes have been proposed to be antigen presenting cells (APCs). In traditional APCs, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is required for antigen presentation and global knockout of FcRn protects against glomerulonephritis. Since podocytes express FcRn, we sought to determine whether the absence of podocyte FcRn ameliorates immune-mediated disease. We examined MHCII and costimulatory markers expression in cultured wild type (WT) and FcRn knockout (KO) podocytes. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) induced MHCII expression in both WT and KO podocytes but did not change CD80 expression. Neither WT nor KO expressed CD86 or inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOSL) at baseline or with IFNγ. Using an antigen presentation assay, WT podocytes but not KO treated with immune complexes induced a modest increase in IL-2. Induction of the anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) model resulted in a significant decrease in glomerular crescents in podocyte-specific FcRn knockout mouse (podFcRn KO) versus controls but the overall percentage of crescents was low. To examine the effects of the podocyte-specific FcRn knockout in a model with a longer autologous phase, we used the nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) model. We found that the podFcRn KO mice had significantly reduced crescent formation and glomerulosclerosis compared to control mice. This study demonstrates that lack of podocyte FcRn is protective in immune mediated kidney disease that is dependent on an autologous phase. This study also highlights the difference between the anti-GBM model and NTS model of disease.

Markers of Endothelial Cells in Normal and Pathological Conditions

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as well as heart chambers, forming the border between the tissues, on the one hand, and blood or lymph, on the other. Such a strategic position of the endothelium determines its most important functional role in the regulation of vascular tone, hemostasis, and inflammatory processes. The damaged endothelium can be both a cause and a consequence of many diseases. The state of the endothelium is indicated by the phenotype of these cells, represented mainly by (trans)membrane markers (surface antigens). This review defines endothelial markers, provides a list of them, and considers the mechanisms of their expression and the role of the endothelium in certain pathological conditions.

Deposition of Antibody Modified Upconversion Nanoparticles on Glass by a Laser-Assisted Method to Improve the Performance of Cell Culture

A suitable surface is vital for maintaining or even promoting cells' function and communication. Recently, studies show that nanostructured coatings could have a potential in improving cell adhesion. However, it hardly minimizes the contamination by using traditional solution-coating technology. Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique is a contamination-free process and demonstrates an efficient process to deposit biopolymer without damaging their backbone on the surface of various substrates. Here, upconversion nanoparticles (NaGdF4: Yb3+, Er3+) with/without immunoglobulin G (IgG) modification were produced by a one-pot synthesis method. The average size of the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is 50 ± 8 nm. IgG bio-conjugated on the surface of UCNPs can be directly observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). MAPLE system utilizing a Nd:YAG laser (λ = 532 nm, ν = 10 Hz) is applied to deposit UCNPs with/without IgG modification on the glass bottom of culture dish. In addition, the behaviors of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on the culture dishes coated with UCNPs with/without IgG have been studied as compared to the control sample, glass coated with gelatin. No toxic effect is imposed on cells. The results of this work indicate that the deposition of UCNPs with/without antibody by the MAPLE technique could enhance the adhesion and proliferation of cells.

Markers and Biomarkers of Endothelium: When Something Is Rotten in the State

Endothelium is a community of endothelial cells (ECs), which line the blood and lymphatic vessels, thus forming an interface between the tissues and the blood or lympha. This strategic position of endothelium infers its indispensable functional role in controlling vasoregulation, haemostasis, and inflammation. The state of endothelium is simultaneously the cause and effect of many diseases, and this is coupled with modifications of endothelial phenotype represented by markers and with biochemical profile of blood represented by biomarkers. In this paper, we briefly review data on the functional role of endothelium, give definitions of endothelial markers and biomarkers, touch on the methodological approaches for revealing biomarkers, present an implicit role of endothelium in some toxicological mechanistic studies, and survey the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in modulation of endothelial status.