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Yu PC, Liu D, Han ZX, Liang F, Hao CY, Lei YT, Guo CR, Wang WH, Li XH, Yang XN, Li CZ, Yu Y, Fan YZ. Thymopentin-Mediated Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell Stemness Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Oxaliplatin on Colon Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:779715. [PMID: 35242031 PMCID: PMC8886222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.779715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is an immunomodulatory pentapeptide that has been widely used in malignancy patients with immunodeficiency due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we propose that TP5 directly inhibits the stemness of colon cancer cells HCT116 and therefore enhances the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin (OXA) in HCT116 cells. In the absence of serum, TP5 was able to induce cancer stemness reduction in cultured HCT116 cells and significantly reduced stemness-related signals, such as the expression of surface molecular markers (CD133, CD44 and CD24) and stemness-related genes (ALDH1, SOX2, Oct-4 and Nanog), and resulted in altered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) are implicated in this process. OXA is a common chemotherapeutic agent with therapeutic effects in various cancers. Although TP5 had no direct effect on the proliferation of HCT116, this pentapeptide significantly increased the sensitivity of HCT116 to OXA, where the effect of TP5 on the stemness of colon cancer cells through stimulation of AchRs may contribute to this process. Our results provide a promising strategy for increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by incorporating immunomodulatory peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Liu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Xiang Han
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Three Departments of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui-Yun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Lei
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Run Guo
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Hua Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Yu R, Petit E, Barboiu M, Li S, Sun W, Chen C. Biobased dynamic hydrogels by reversible imine bonding for controlled release of thymopentin. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 127:112210. [PMID: 34225862 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, but the short in vivo half-life of TP5 strongly restricts its clinical applications. A series of blank and TP5 loaded hydrogels were synthesized via reversible dual imine bonding by mixing water soluble O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with a dynamer (Dy) prepared from Jeffamine and benzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde. TP5 release from hydrogels was studied at 37 °C under in vitro conditions. The molar mass of CMCS, drug loading conditions and drug content were varied to elucidate their effects on hydrogel properties and drug release behaviors. Density functional theory was applied to theoretically confirm the chemical connections between TP5 or CMCS with Dy. All hydrogels exhibited interpenetrating porous architecture with average pore size from 59 to 83 μm, and pH-sensitive swelling up to 10,000% at pH 8. TP5 encapsulation affected the rheological properties of hydrogels as TP5 was partially attached to the network via imine bonding. Higher TP5 loading led to higher release rates. Faster release was observed at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4 due to lower stability of imine bonds in acidic media. Fitting of release data using Higuchi model showed that initial TP5 release was essentially diffusion controlled. All these findings proved that the dynamic hydrogels are promising carriers for controlled delivery of hydrophilic drugs, and shed new light on the design of drug release systems by both physical mixing and reversible covalent bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Eddy Petit
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Mihail Barboiu
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Suming Li
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Wenjing Sun
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Diagnostics of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China.
| | - Congmei Chen
- National Supercomputing Center in Shenzhen (Shenzhen Cloud Computing Center), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
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3
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Liu Y, Pan Y, Hu Z, Wu M, Wang C, Feng Z, Mao C, Tan Y, Liu Y, Chen L, Li M, Wang G, Yuan Z, Diao B, Wu Y, Chen Y. Thymosin Alpha 1 Reduces the Mortality of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 by Restoration of Lymphocytopenia and Reversion of Exhausted T Cells. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:2150-2157. [PMID: 32442287 PMCID: PMC7314217 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) had been used in the treatment of viral infections as an immune response modifier for many years. However, clinical benefits and the mechanism of Tα1 treatment for COVID-19 patients are still unclear. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 76 severe COVID-19 cases admitted to 2 hospitals in Wuhan, China, from December 2019 to March 2020. The thymus output in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from COVID-19 patients was measured by T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). The levels of T-cell exhaustion markers programmed death-1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) on CD8+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS Compared with the untreated group, Tα1 treatment significantly reduced the mortality of severe COVID-19 patients (11.11% vs 30.00%, P = .044). Tα1 enhanced blood T-cell numbers in COVID-19 patients with severe lymphocytopenia. Under such conditions, Tα1 also successfully restored CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell numbers in elderly patients. Meanwhile, Tα1 reduced PD-1 and Tim-3 expression on CD8+ T cells from severe COVID-19 patients compared with untreated cases. It is of note that restoration of lymphocytopenia and acute exhaustion of T cells were roughly parallel to the rise of TRECs. CONCLUSIONS Tα1 treatment significantly reduced mortality of severe COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with counts of CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in circulation less than 400/μL or 650/μL, respectively, gained more benefits from Tα1. Tα1 reversed T-cell exhaustion and recovered immune reconstitution through promoting thymus output during severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueping Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Pan
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhong Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.,Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhui Wang
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeqing Feng
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Congzheng Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zilin Yuan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Diao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongwen Chen
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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4
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Hardeland R, Rodella LF. Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8806. [PMID: 33233845 PMCID: PMC7699871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Lower Saxony, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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5
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Zhang T, Qin XY, Cao X, Li WH, Gong T, Zhang ZR. Thymopentin-loaded phospholipid-based phase separation gel with long-lasting immunomodulatory effects: in vitro and in vivo studies. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:514-521. [PMID: 30002492 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is an effective immunomodulatory agent for autoimmune disease that has been used clinically for decades. However, its application is greatly limited by its extremely short half-life in vivo, poor membrane permeability and extensive metabolism in gastrointestinal tract, resulting in repeated injection and poor patient compliance. In the present study, we developed a TP5-loaded, phospholipid-based phase separation gel (PPSG) to achieve sustained drug release profile and long-lasting therapeutic effects. We firstly demonstrated the physiochemical characteristics of PPSG before and after phase transition by examining the viscosity and morphology change caused by the phase transition. Moreover, the PPSG exerted a low cytotoxicity in L929 cells and HUVECs, suggesting the biocompatibility of PPSG. A month-long drug release profile of TP5 PPSG was observed both in vitro and in vivo, revealing its sustained and controlled drug release property. Most importantly, in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive rats, a single dose of TP5 PPSG (15 mg/kg, sc) injected could normalize their T-SOD levels and CD4+/CD8+ ratio; such an immunoregulatory effect was comparable to that produced by repeated injection of TP5 solution (0.6 mg/kg per day, sc) for 14 consecutive days. Thus, TP5 PPSG has a great potential for sustained delivery of TP5 in clinical use because of its simple manufacture process, good biocompatibility and long-lasting immunomodulatory efficacy, which could greatly improve patient compliance.
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6
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Zhang C, Wang Y, Fang Q, Xu M, Lv M, Liao J, Li S, Nie Z, Zhang W. Thymosin From Bombyx mori Is Down-Regulated in Expression by BmNPV Exhibiting Antiviral Activity. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2016; 16:75. [PMID: 27432352 PMCID: PMC4948601 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Thymosins have been highly conserved during evolution. These hormones exist in many animal species and play an essential role in many biological events. However, little is known regarding the physiological function of silkworm Bombyx mori thymosin (BmTHY). In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of BmTHY in a Bombyx mori larval ovarian cell line (BmN) challenged with Bombyx mori nuclear polyhydrosis virus (BmNPV) and the antiviral effect of recombinant BmTHY (rBmTHY) for Bombyx mori against BmNPV. Western-blot assay and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the level of BmTHY protein expression and transcription decreased over time when BmN cells were infected by BmNPV. Treatment with endotoxin-free rBmTHY led to a significant reduction in viral titer in the supernatant of BmN cells challenged with BmNPV. The results from antiviral tests performed in vitro and in vivo showed that endotoxin-free rBmTHY improved the survival rate of Bombyx mori infected with BmNPV. These findings suggest that BmTHY exerts immunomodulatory effects on Bombyx mori, rendering them resistant to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Yongdi Wang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Qiang Fang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Minlin Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengyuan Lv
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Jinxu Liao
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Si Li
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; )
| | - Zuoming Nie
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; ) Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China (; ; ; ; ; ; wuxinzm@126. com; ) Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and most patients who are diagnosed with HCC are ineligible for curative local therapy. The targeted agent sorafenib provides modest survival benefits in the setting of advanced disease. Novel systemic treatment options for HCC are sorely needed. In this review, we identify and categorize the drugs and targets that are in various phases of testing for use against HCC. We also focus on the potential for combining these agents with radiotherapy. This would help identify directions for future study that are likely to yield positive findings and improve outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Ohri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Andreas Kaubisch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Madhur Garg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
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8
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Abstract
The thymus develops from an endocrine area of the foregut, and retains the ancient potencies of this region. However, later it is populated by bone marrow originated lymphatic elements and forms a combined organ, which is a central part of the immune system as well as an influential element of the endocrine orchestra. Thymus produces self-hormones (thymulin, thymosin, thymopentin, and thymus humoral factor), which are participating in the regulation of immune cell transformation and selection, and also synthesizes hormones similar to that of the other endocrine glands such as melatonin, neuropeptides, and insulin, which are transported by the immune cells to the sites of requests (packed transport). Thymic (epithelial and immune) cells also have receptors for hormones which regulate them. This combined organ, which is continuously changing from birth to senescence seems to be a pacemaker of life. This function is basically regulated by the selection of self-responsive thymocytes as their complete destruction helps the development (up to puberty) and their gradual release in case of weakened control (after puberty) causes the erosion of cells and intercellular material, named aging. This means that during aging, self-destructive and non-protective immune activities are manifested under the guidance of the involuting thymus, causing the continuous irritation of cells and organs. Possibly the pineal body is the main regulator of the pacemaker, the neonatal removal of which results in atrophy of thymus and wasting disease and its later corrosion causes the insufficiency of thymus. The co-involution of pineal and thymus could determine the aging and the time of death without external intervention; however, external factors can negatively influence both of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Csaba
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Zhang Y, Feng J, Cui L, Zhang Y, Li W, Li C, Shi N, Chen Y, Kong W. Investigation Into Efficiency of a Novel Glycol Chitosan-Bestatin Conjugate to Protect Thymopoietin Oligopeptides From Enzymatic Degradation. J Pharm Sci 2016; 105:828-837. [PMID: 26173563 DOI: 10.1002/jps.24567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a novel glycol chitosan (GCS)-bestatin conjugate was synthesized and evaluated to demonstrate its efficacy in protecting thymopoietin oligopeptides from aminopeptidase-mediated degradation. Moreover, the mechanism and relative susceptibility of three thymopoietin oligopeptides, thymocartin (TP4), thymopentin (TP5), and thymotrinan (TP3), to enzymatic degradation were investigated and compared at the molecular level. Initial investigations indicated that formation of the GCS-bestatin conjugate, with a substitution degree of 7.0% (moles of bestatin per mole of glycol glucosamine unit), could significantly protect all 3 peptides from aminopeptidase-mediated degradation in a concentration-dependent manner. The space hindrance and loss of one pair of hydrogen bonds, resulting from the covalent conjugation of chitosan with bestatin, did not affect the specific interaction between bestatin and aminopeptidase. Moreover, TP4 displayed a higher degradation clearance compared with those of TP5 and TP3 under the same experimental conditions. The varying levels of susceptibility of these 3 peptides to aminopeptidase (TP4 > TP5 > TP3) were closely related to differences in their binding energies to enzyme, which mainly involved Van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions, as supported by the results of molecular dynamics simulations. These results suggest that GCS-bestatin conjugate might be useful in the delivery of thymopoietin oligopeptides by mucosal routes, and that TP3 and TP5 are better alternatives to TP4 for delivery because of their robust resistance against enzymatic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Shijiazhuang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
| | - Jiao Feng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Lili Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wenzhao Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Chunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Shijiazhuang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Nianqiu Shi
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical College, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Yan Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
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10
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Wu C, Zhang M, Zhang Z, Wan KW, Ahmed W, Phoenix DA, Elhissi AMA, Sun X. Thymopentin nanoparticles engineered with high loading efficiency, improved pharmacokinetic properties, and enhanced immunostimulating effect using soybean phospholipid and PHBHHx polymer. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:3371-7. [PMID: 24641274 DOI: 10.1021/mp400722r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Formulation of protein and peptide drugs with sustained release properties is crucial to enhance their therapeutic effect and minimize administration frequency. In this study, immunomodulating polymeric systems were designed by manufacturing PHBHHx nanoparticles (NPs) containing thymopentin (TP5). The release profile of the drug was studied over a period of 7 days. The PHBHHx NPs containing TP5-phospholipid (PLC) complex (TP5-PLC) displayed a spherical shape with a mean size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of 238.9 nm, -32.0 mV, and 72.81%, respectively. The cytotoxicity results showed the PHBHHx NPs had a relatively low toxicity in vitro. TP5 entrapped in the NPs could hardly release in vitro, while the NPs had longer than 7 days release duration after a single subcutaneous injection in Wistar rats. The immunodepression rat model was built to evaluate the immunomodulating effects of TP5-PLC-NPs in vivo. The results of T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio) analysis and superoxide dismutase (SOD) values suggested that TP5-PLC-NPs had stronger immunoregulation effects than TP5 solution. In conclusion, an applicable approach to markedly enhancing the loading of a water-soluble peptide into a hydrophobic polymer matrix has been introduced. Thus, TP5-PLC-NPs are promising nanomedicine systems for sustained release effects of TP5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
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11
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Wang Y, Cao Y, Meng Y, You Z, Liu X, Liu Z. The novel role of thymopentin in induction of maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:255-60. [PMID: 24861251 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin is an immune-modulating peptide that can stimulate cellular immune responses and has been used in many immune handicapped cases [1]. However, despite documented reports proving its efficacy in immunoregulation, there have been no reports, as yet, concerning its impact on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we analyzed the effects of thymopentin on the detailed regulation of maturation of murine bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). The phenotypic and structural maturation of BMDCs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM). The functional maturation was confirmed by an acid phosphatase (ACP) activity test, FITC-dextran bio-assay, test of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), labeled CD4(+)T cell proliferation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We determined that thymopentin up-regulated the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, CD83, and MHC II molecules on BMDCs, down-regulated phagocytosis of BMDCs, increased BMDCs driven CD4(+)T cell proliferation, and enhanced BMDC production of IL-12 and TNF-α. Therefore, we concluded that thymopentin highly induces BMDC maturation and intensifies DC/T-cell pathways. These data also provide direct evidence and rationale concerning the potential clinical use of thymopentin in various immune handicapped cases and suggest that thymopentin should be considered as a potent adjuvant for DC-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhenyu You
- Department of Oncology, 202 Army Hospital, PLA, No. 5, Guangdong Street, Shenyang 110812, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China
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12
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Zheng K, Zhan R, Hong Y, Li J, Shi W, Li S. Synthesis of a precursor tripeptide Z-Asp-Val-Tyr-OH of thymopentin by chemo-enzymatic method. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2012; 42:520-34. [PMID: 23030464 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2012.660902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The precursor tripeptide of thymopentin was synthesized by a combination of chemical and enzymatic methods. First, Val-Tyr-OH dipeptide was synthesized by a novel chemical method in two steps involving preparation of NCA-Val. Second, the linkage of the third amino acid Z-Asp-OMe to Val-Tyr-OH was completed by an enzymatic method under kinetic control. An industrial alkaline protease alcalase was used in water-organic cosolvent systems. The synthesis reaction conditions were optimized by examining the effects of several factors including organic solvents, water content, temperature, pH, and reaction time on the yield of Z-Asp-Val-Tyr-OH. The optimum condition is of pH 10.0, 35°C, acetonitrile/Na₂CO₃-NaHCO₃ buffer system (85:15, v/v), and reaction time of 2.5 hr, which achieves tripeptide yield of more than 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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13
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Molecular characterization, tissue distribution, subcellular localization and actin-sequestering function of a thymosin protein from silkworm. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31040. [PMID: 22383992 PMCID: PMC3284464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified a novel gene encoding a Bombyx mori thymosin (BmTHY) protein from a cDNA library of silkworm pupae, which has an open reading frame (ORF) of 399 bp encoding 132 amino acids. It was found by bioinformatics that BmTHY gene consisted of three exons and two introns and BmTHY was highly homologous to thymosin betas (Tβ). BmTHY has a conserved motif LKHTET with only one amino acid difference from LKKTET, which is involved in Tβ binding to actin. A His-tagged BmTHY fusion protein (rBmTHY) with a molecular weight of approximately 18.4 kDa was expressed and purified to homogeneity. The purified fusion protein was used to produce anti-rBmTHY polyclonal antibodies in a New Zealand rabbit. Subcellular localization revealed that BmTHY can be found in both Bm5 cell (a silkworm ovary cell line) nucleus and cytoplasm but is primarily located in the nucleus. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR showed that during silkworm developmental stages, BmTHY expression levels are highest in moth, followed by instar larvae, and are lowest in pupa and egg. BmTHY mRNA was universally distributed in most of fifth-instar larvae tissues (except testis). However, BmTHY was expressed in the head, ovary and epidermis during the larvae stage. BmTHY formed complexes with actin monomer, inhibited actin polymerization and cross-linked to actin. All the results indicated BmTHY might be an actin-sequestering protein and participate in silkworm development.
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Yang B, Lu XC, Yu RL, Chi XH, Liu Y, Wang Y, Dai HR, Zhu HL, Cai LL, Han WD. Repeated transfusions of autologous cytokine-induced killer cells for treatment of haematological malignancies in elderly patients: a pilot clinical trial. Hematol Oncol 2011; 30:115-22. [PMID: 22972689 DOI: 10.1002/hon.1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The elderly population is susceptible to haematological malignancies, and these elderly patients are intolerant to cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, the exploration of a safe and reliable strategy exclusive of chemotherapy is critical in improving the prognosis of elderly patients with haematological malignancies. We evaluated the safety and the efficacy of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells combined with recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) in the treatment of haematological malignancies in elderly patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 20 elderly patients with haematological malignancies, then augmented by priming with interferon gamma, rhIL-2 and CD3 monoclonal antibody. The autologous CIK cells (2-3 × 10(9)) were transfused back to patients, followed by a subcutaneous injection of IL-2 (1 mU/day) for 10 consecutive days. The regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. The host cellular immune function, tumour-related biological parameters, imaging characteristics, disease condition, quality of life and survival time were assessed. Fourteen patients received 8 cycles of transfusion and 6 received 4 cycles. No adverse effects were observed. The percentages of CD3(+), CD3(+) CD8(+) and CD3(+) CD56(+) cells were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the levels of serum β2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were markedly decreased (p < 0.05) after autologous CIK cell transfusion. Cancer-related symptoms were profoundly alleviated, as demonstrated by the improved quality of life (p < 0.01). Complete remission was observed in 11 patients, persistent partial remission in 7 patients and stable disease in 2 patients. At the end of follow-up, the mean survival time was 20 months. Transfusion with autologous CIK cells plus rhIL-2 treatment is safe and effective for treating haematological malignancies in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Geriatric Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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15
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Ikehara S. Thymus transplantation for treatment of cancer: lessons from murine models. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2011; 7:205-11. [PMID: 21426258 DOI: 10.1586/eci.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that tumor-bearing mammals, including humans, show decreased T-cell function due to involution of the thymus. This decrease results in faster tumor growth, susceptibility to infection and reduced life expectancy. Thus, the best strategy to restore T-cell function might be to transplant the thymus from the fetus or newborn. Based on this hypothesis, this article introduces our recent findings using mice and evidence is provided that, in humans, thymus transplantation in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation could become a valuable strategy for suppressing tumor growth, thereby prolonging survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Ikehara
- Department of Stem Cell Disorders, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Purified thymus extracts (pTE) and synthetic thymic peptides (sTP) are thought to enhance the immune system of cancer patients in order to fight the growth of tumour cells and to resist infections due to immunosuppression induced by the disease and antineoplastic therapy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of pTE and sTP for the management of cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, BIOETHICSLINE, BIOSIS, CATLINE, CISCOM, HEALTHSTAR, HTA, SOMED and LILACS (to February 2010). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials of pTE or sTP in addition to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, compared to the same regimen with placebo or no additional treatment in adult cancer patients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data from published trials. We derived odds ratios (OR) from overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates, tumour response (TR) rates, and rates of adverse effects (AE) related to antineoplastic treatments. We used a random-effects model for meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS We identified 26 trials (2736 patients). Twenty trials investigated pTE (thymostimulin or thymosin fraction 5) and six trials investigated sTP (thymopentin or thymosin α(1)). Twenty-one trials reported results for OS, six for DFS, 14 for TR, nine for AE and 10 for safety of pTE and sTP. Addition of pTE conferred no benefit on OS (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.25); DFS (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.16); or TR (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.25). Heterogeneity was moderate to high for all these outcomes. For thymosin α(1) the pooled RR for OS was 1.21 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.56, P = 0.14), with low heterogeneity; and 3.37 (95% CI 0.66 to 17.30, P = 0.15) for DFS, with moderate heterogeneity. The pTE reduced the risk of severe infectious complications (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78, P = 0.0008; I² = 0%). The RR for severe neutropenia in patients treated with thymostimulin was 0.55 (95% CI 0.25 to 1.23, P = 0.15). Tolerability of pTE and sTP was good. Most of the trials had at least a moderate risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found neither evidence that the addition of pTE to antineoplastic treatment reduced the risk of death or disease progression nor that it improved the rate of tumour responses to antineoplastic treatment. For thymosin α(1), there was a trend for a reduced risk of dying and of improved DFS. There was preliminary evidence that pTE lowered the risk of severe infectious complications in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Wolf
- Klinikum NordMedizinische Klinik 5‐Schwerpunkt Onkologie/HaematologieProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Str. 1NuernbergGermany90340
| | - Stefania Milazzo
- Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum NuernbergDepartment of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and HematologyProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Str. 1NuernbergGermanyD‐90419
| | - Katja Boehm
- Klinikum NordMedizinische Klinik 5‐Schwerpunkt Onkologie/HaematologieProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Str. 1NuernbergGermany90340
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- University of BernInstitute of Social and Preventive MedicineFinkelhubelweg11BernSwitzerland3012
| | - Markus Horneber
- Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum NurembergDepartment of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and HematologyProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Str. 1NurembergGermanyD‐90419
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Abstract
In cancer therapy vastly different kinds of treatment regimens, but as a rule scientifically validated and reviewed, play a central role dependent on the tumor entity. Besides the options of schoolbook medicine complementary, alternative and supportive treatment options are becoming more frequently used in routine clinical practice. Numerous concepts and agents, partly verified in studies and partly based on empirical experiences are being applied. It is our intention to give a survey of the most common agents and concepts and to point out the risks and capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schnöller
- Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Deutschland.
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18
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Potential Role of Thymosin-alpha1 Adjuvant Therapy for Glioblastoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2010; 2009:302084. [PMID: 20111737 PMCID: PMC2810470 DOI: 10.1155/2009/302084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Revised: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 10/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas are high-grade, malignant CNS neoplasms that are
nearly always fatal within 12 months of diagnosis. Immunotherapy
using proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2 or IL-12 may prolong
survival with glioblastoma. Thymosin-α1 (Talpha1) is a thymic hormone and immunemodulator
that increase IL-2 production and T-cell proliferation. We
examined potential therapeutic effects of Talpha1 in experimental
in vivo glioblastoma, and characterized Talpha1's anti-tumor
effects in vitro. Rar 9L cells (104) were implanted into the right frontal lobe of adult
Long Evans rats that were subsequently treated with vehicle, BCNU,
Talpha1, or Talpha1+BCNU from postoperative day 6. Talpha1+BCNU
significantly lowered tumor burdens, and increased cure rates. In
vitro experiments demonstrated that Talpha1 had no direct effect
on viability or mitochondrial function, and instead, it increased
expression of pro-apoptosis genes, including FasL, FasR and
TNFα-R1 (65.89%, 44.08%, and 22.18%, resp.),
and increased 9L cell sensitivity to oxidative stress. Moreover,
Talpha1 enhanced 9L cell sensitivity to both Granzyme B- and
BCNU-mediated killing. The findings suggest that Talpha1 enhances
BCNUmediated eradication of glioblastoma in vivo, and that Talpha1
mediates its effects by activating pro-apoptosis mechanisms,
rendering neoplastic cells more sensitive to oxidative stress and
immune-mediated killing by Granzyme B and chemotherapeutic agents.
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19
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Liu Z, Wang J, Wang E. Direct Binding of Thymopentin to Surface Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex in Living Cells. J Phys Chem B 2009; 114:638-42. [DOI: 10.1021/jp909017j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuojia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China, and Department of Chemistry and Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China, and Department of Chemistry and Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Erkang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China, and Department of Chemistry and Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York
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20
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Shrivastava P, Singh SM, Singh N. Antitumor Activation of Peritoneal Macrophages by Thymosin Alpha-1. Cancer Invest 2009; 23:316-22. [PMID: 16100944 DOI: 10.1081/cnv-58813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It was been previously reported that thyalpha1 can be used to activate monocytes, BMDM and TAM. However, the effect of thyalpha1 on other tissue macrophages has not been investigated. Moreover, there is no report about the use of thyalpha1-treated macrophages in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. In view of these observations in the present study, we checked the response of various tissue macrophages to thyalpha1 for activation. Tissue macrophages showed differential response to thyalpha1; moreover, adoptive transfer of peritoneal macrophages treated with thyalpha1 to mice bearing spontaneous T-cell lymphoma designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL) resulted in the prolongation of the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The mechanism of macrophage therapy-dependent tumor regression was enhanced antitumor activity of macrophages in response to thyalpha1 treatment via their production of macrophage-activating cytokines that act in autocrine manner. These results will help in the development of immunotherapy against tumor based on activation of macrophage with thyalpha1.
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21
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Li M, Zhang Y, Zhai Q, Feurino LW, Fisher WE, Chen C, Yao Q. Thymosin beta-10 is aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer and induces JNK activation. Cancer Invest 2009; 27:251-6. [PMID: 19194824 DOI: 10.1080/07357900802254016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-10 (T beta 10) has been shown to be associated with several cancers; however, its role in pancreatic cancer is not understood. The expression of T beta 10 was determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The phosphorylation of JNK and the cytokine secretion was determined by using the Bio-Plex phosphoprotein and cytokines assays. Pancreatic cancer tissues and cells expressed higher amounts of T beta 10 than normal surrounding tissues and human pancreatic duct epithelial cells. Exogenous T beta 10 caused the phosphorylation of JNK and increased the secretion of cytokines interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-8 in BxPC-3 cells. T beta 10 might be a promising marker and a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Elkins Pancreas Center, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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22
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Miyake T, Hosaka N, Cui W, Nishida T, Takaki T, Inaba M, Kamiyama Y, Ikehara S. Adult thymus transplantation with allogeneic intra-bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation from same donor induces high thymopoiesis, mild graft-versus-host reaction and strong graft-versus-tumour effects. Immunology 2009; 126:552-64. [PMID: 18778285 PMCID: PMC2673367 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02920.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) plus donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is performed for solid tumours to enhance graft-versus-tumour (GVT) effects, a graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) is also elicited. We carried out intra-bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) plus adult thymus transplantation (ATT) from the same donor to supply alloreactive T cells continually. Normal mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT survived for a long time with high donor-derived thymopoiesis and mild GVHR. The percentage of CD4(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells in the spleen of the mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT was lower than in normal B6 mice or mice treated with IBM-BMT alone, but higher than in mice treated with IBM-BMT + DLI; the mice treated with IBM-BMT + DLI showed severe GVHR. In tumour-bearing mice, tumour growth was more strongly inhibited by IBM-BMT + ATT than by IBM-BMT alone. Mice treated with IBM-BMT + a high dose of DLI also showed tumour regression comparable to that of mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT but died early of GVHD. By contrast, mice treated with IBM-BMT + a low dose of DLI showed longer survival but less tumour regression than the mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT. Histologically, significant numbers of CD8(+) T cells were found to have infiltrated the tumour in the mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labelling (TUNEL)-positive apoptotic tumour cells also significantly increased in the mice treated with IBM-BMT + ATT. Allogeneic IBM-BMT + ATT thus can induce high thymopoiesis, preserving strong GVT effects without severe GVHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miyake
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Hosaka
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wenhao Cui
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Nishida
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Takaki
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Muneo Inaba
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kamiyama
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Susumu Ikehara
- First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical UniversityMoriguchi, Osaka, Japan
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23
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Molecular analysis of thymopentin binding to HLA-DR molecules. PLoS One 2007; 2:e1348. [PMID: 18159232 PMCID: PMC2137936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) triggers an immune response by contacting with T cells; however the molecular basis of how TP5 achieves this process remains incompletely understood. According to the main idea of immunomodulation, we suppose that it would be necessary for TP5 to form complex with human class II major histocompatibility complex DR molecules (HLA-DR) before TP5 interacts with T cells. The uptake of TP5 by EBV-transformed B cells expressing HLA-DR molecules and the histogram of fluorescence intensities were observed by using fluorescent- labeled TP5, testifying the direct binding of TP5 to HLA-DR. The binding specificity was confirmed by the inhibition with unlabeled TP5, suggesting the recognition of TP5 by HLA-DR. To confirm the interaction between TP5 and HLA-DR, the complex formation was predicted by using various modeling strategies including six groups of trials with different parameters, alanine substitutions of TP5, and the mutants of HLA-DR. The results demonstrated that TP5 and its alanine substitutions assumed distinct conformations when they bound to HLA-DR. The observation further showed that there was flexibility in how the peptide bound within the binding cleft. Also, the molecular analysis supplemented a newly important discovery to the effect of Val anchor on TP5 binding HLA-DR, and revealed the important effects of Glu11 and Asn62 on the recognition of TP5. These results demonstrated the capability of TP5 to associate with HLA-DR in living antigen presenting cells (APC), thereby providing a new and promising strategy to understand the immunomodulation mechanism induced by TP5 and to design potential immunoregulatory polypeptides.
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Shiau AL, Chen SY, Chang MY, Su CH, Chung SY, Yo YT, Wang CR, Wu CL. Prothymosin α Lacking the Nuclear Localization Signal as an Effective Gene Therapeutic Strategy in Collagen-Induced Arthritis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:4688-94. [PMID: 17372028 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.7.4688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Prothymosin alpha (ProT) is regulated by c-Myc, an oncoprotein overexpressed in synovium of rheumatoid arthritis, and is associated with cell proliferation. However, ProT also exerts immunomodulatory activities. The growth-promoting activity of ProT can be abolished by deleting its nuclear localization signal (NLS). In this study, we showed that AdProTDeltaNLS, an adenoviral vector encoding ProT lacking the NLS, did not enhance the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts. AdProTDeltaNLS treatment abolished the up-regulation of the MIP-1alpha promoter activity induced by TNF-alpha in synovial fibroblasts. AdProTDeltaNLS suppressed macrophage chemotaxis and reduced macrophage infiltration into the ankle joints in rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Neutralization test confirmed the involvement of MIP-1alpha in macrophage chemotaxis. Administration of AdProTDeltaNLS reduced the severity of CIA in the clinical, radiographic, and histological aspects. The levels of TNF-alpha (mean +/- SEM, 1261.9 +/- 107.9 vs 2880.1 +/- 561.4 pg/mg total protein; p < 0.05), IL-1beta (56.8 +/- 8.0 vs 109.2 +/- 4.9 pg/mg total protein; p < 0.01), and MIP-1alpha (41.7 +/- 3.6 vs 55.2 +/- 1.1 pg/mg total protein; p < 0.05) in the ankle joints were lower in the AdProTDeltaNLS-treated rats with CIA than those in their control counterparts. In the AdProTDeltaNLS-treated ankle joints, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression was decreased by 40% and infiltrating macrophages reduced by 50%. Our results demonstrate that intra-articular delivery of AdProTDeltaNLS significantly ameliorated the clinical course of CIA in rats. This study is the first to suggest that ProT lacking the NLS may have therapeutic potential for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Li Shiau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, 1 Dashiue Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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25
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Isolation of thymus gland fractions and the determination of their biological activity. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2007. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc0703225r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A calf thymus extract was prepared and fractionated into lipid and non-lipid fractions. The non-lipid fraction was isolated from the calf thymus extract using the Folch method. The components isolated from the non-lipid fraction were characterized by IR, NMR, biuret and HPLC method. The results of the analyses indicated the presence of peptides. The lipid fraction contained phospholipids, glycolipids and neutral lipids. The biological activity of both the isolated lipid and peptide fractions was determined by the in vivo hemolytic plaques method in Wistar rats with an involuted thymus. The peptide and phospholipid fractions of the thymus extract showed a significant increase of hemolytic plaques. The glycolipid and neutral lipid fraction failed to express a significant immunological response.
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26
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Fan YZ, Chang H, Yu Y, Liu J, Zhao L, Yang DJ, Wang R. Thymopentin (TP5), an immunomodulatory peptide, suppresses proliferation and induces differentiation in HL-60 cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2006; 1763:1059-66. [PMID: 16952408 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2006.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2006] [Revised: 06/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr, TP5) has shown immuno-regulatory activities in humans. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TP5 on the proliferation and differentiation of a human promyelocyte leukemia cell line, HL-60. It is noteworthy that TP5 displayed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on the proliferation and colony formation of HL-60 cells. Furthermore, the decrease or even disappearance of AgNORs from nucleoli was observed in HL-60 cells after the treatment with TP5. The suppression induced by TP5 was accompanied by an accumulation of cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, TP5 significantly increased the NBT-reduction activity of HL-60 cells. Cytofluorometric and morphologic analysis indicated that TP5 had induced differentiation along the granulocytes lineage in HL-60 cells. d-tubocurarine (TUB) significantly antagonized the inhibitory effects induced by TP5, whereas atropine did not exhibit such effect. All the results indicated that TP5 was able to significantly inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation in HL-60 cells. Our observations also implied that TP5 not only acted as an immunomodulatory factor in cancer chemotherapy, but is also a potential chemotherapeutic agent in the human leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-zhe Fan
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
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27
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Li M, Feurino LW, Li F, Wang H, Zhai Q, Fisher WE, Chen C, Yao Q. Thymosinalpha1 stimulates cell proliferation by activating ERK1/2, JNK, and increasing cytokine secretion in human pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2006; 248:58-67. [PMID: 16828224 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the expression and function of thymosinalpha1 (Thyalpha1) in human pancreatic cancer. We found that human pancreatic cancer cell lines Panc-1, Panc03.27, ASPC-1, and PL45 cells significantly over-expressed the mRNA of Thyalpha1 as compared to the normal human pancreatic ductal epithelium (HPDE) cells.. Thyalpha1 mRNA and protein levels were also over-expressed in clinical pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens. In addition, synthetic Thyalpha1 significantly promoted Panc-1 cell proliferation and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK. Furthermore, Thyalpha1 increased the secretion of multiple cytokines including IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17 in Panc-1 cells. Thus, Thyalpha1 may have a new role in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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28
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Wang J, Lu WL, Liang GW, Wu KC, Zhang CG, Zhang X, Wang JC, Zhang H, Wang XQ, Zhang Q. Pharmacokinetics, toxicity of nasal cilia and immunomodulating effects in Sprague-Dawley rats following intranasal delivery of thymopentin with or without absorption enhancers. Peptides 2006; 27:826-35. [PMID: 16242213 PMCID: PMC7115518 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2005] [Revised: 09/09/2005] [Accepted: 09/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP 5), a synthetic pentapeptide, has been used in clinic as a modulator for immnuodeficiencies through intramuscular administration. The objectives of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics using normal rats and toxicity of nasal cilia as well as immunomodulating effects using immunosuppression rats after intranasal delivery of thymopentin with or without an absorption enhancer. The absorption extent of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled TP 5 via nasal delivery at a single dose is significantly improved by incorporating sodium deoxycholate, Brij 35 and chitosan, respectively. FITC-TP 5 can also be absorbed to such an extent ranging from 15 to 28% after intranasal administration of FITC-TP 5 alone, FITC-TP 5 with sodium caprylate, or with bacitracin, respectively. After seven consecutive days multiple dosing, TP 5 formulation with sodium deoxycholate or Brij 35 caused apparently injury to nasal cilia, indicating these two enhancers would not be appropriate for nasal delivery. Results from superoxide dismutase activity, maleic dialdehyde, T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio) analyses suggest that all the selected enhancers improve the modulating effects of TP 5 in the immunosuppression rats. On an overall evaluation, intranasal TP 5 alone, TP 5 with chitosan, or TP 5 with bacitracin formulation may be suitable for the future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing 100083, China
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29
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Onoue S, Liu B, Nemoto Y, Hirose M, Yajima T. Chemical Synthesis and Application of C-Terminally 5-Carboxyfluorescein-labelled Thymopentin as a Fluorescent Probe for Thymopoietin Receptor. ANAL SCI 2006; 22:1531-5. [PMID: 17159311 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.22.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is a synthetic pentapeptide fragment, which corresponds to position 32 - 36 of thymic polypeptide thymopoietin. Thymopoietin and TP5 display a variety of biological functions, including phenotypic differentiation of T cells and the regulation of immune systems. Previous chemical modification experiments suggested that there was an absolute requirement for N-terminal amino acids to maintain the biological activity of TP5. On the basis of this structure-activity relationship, we designed and synthesized the C-terminally 5-carboxyfluorescein-coupled TP5 (TP5-FAM) as a fluorescent probe for thymopoietin receptor. TP5-FAM could bind to the membrane of human lymphoid cell lines, MOLT-4 cells, in which the thymopoietin receptor is expressed. The binding is specific and saturable (K(d) = 33 microM). TP5 and human splenopentin are nearly equipotent inhibitors of TP5-FAM binding to the thymopoietin receptor, but porcine secretin did not show any significant inhibition of TP5-FAM binding to MOLT-4 cells. Thus, TP5-FAM is suggested to be a potent and biologically active ligand that would be useful for studying the binding and functional characteristics of the human thymopoietin receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Onoue
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Chiba, Japan.
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30
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Shrivastava P, Singh SM, Singh N. Activation of tumor-associated macrophages by thymosin alpha 1. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2004; 17:39-47. [PMID: 15000865 DOI: 10.1177/039463200401700106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It was shown earlier that the progressive growth of a transplantable T-cell lymphoma of spontaneous origin, designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL), in a murine host is associated with an inhibition of macrophages (TAM) along with an involution of thymus. However, it remained unclear if a decline in the level of thymic peptides in DL-bearing host, due to thymic regression, has any implications in the inhibited responses of TAM. Therefore, the present investigation was under taken to study whether the TAM of DL-bearing host can be activated to tumoricidal state by peptides of thymic origin. It was observed that intraperitoneal administration of thymosin alpha 1 to DL-bearing mice resulted in activation of TAM. Such TAM were found to produce enhanced amount of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), nitric oxide (NO) and showed an increased abilities of pinocytosis, phagocytosis, antigen presentation and tumor cytotoxicity. The TAM were found to be directly responsive to thymosin alpha1 as in vitro treatment with thymosin alpha 1 could activate TAM to tumoricidal state. Treatment of TAM with thymosin alpha 1 also enhanced their LPS responsiveness for an augmented state of activation. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that the TAM of a T cell lymphoma can be activated to tumoricidal state by thymosin alpha 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Shrivastava
- School of Biotechnology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, U.P., India
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31
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Abstract
PURPOSE Thymus is the site of T-cell development and is essential for the induction of self-tolerance, by deletion of autoreactive T lymphocytes (negative selection) and by generation of regulatory T cells. Defect of the selection mechanism of both types of lymphocytes lead to autoimmune diseases. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS Elimination of potentially self-reactive T cells in the thymus requires the intrathymic expression of ubiquitous and "tissue-specific" antigens. Some thymic antigen expressions are dependent on AIRE expression. Mutations in the AIRE gene that are associated with the absence of autoantigen expression in the thymus, defects in the peptide presentation or in apoptosis can allow autoreactive T cells to escape negative selection, and are associated with autoimmune diseases. Recent data are now available concerning the thymic selection of autoreactive regulatory T cells. The Foxp3 gene was recently shown to be predominantly expressed in regulatory T cells and could be a more specific marker of regulatory T cells than phenotypic markers. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS Animal models show that regulatory T cells injection or intrathymic inoculation of antigen lead to immunological tolerance in autoimmunity and transplantation. These novel strategies could be used in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Puissant
- Laboratoire d'immunologie, hôpital Rangueil, 1, avenue Jean-Poulhès, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse 9, France.
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32
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Shrivastava P, Singh SM, Singh N. Effect of thymosin alpha 1 on the antitumor activity of tumor-associated macrophage-derived dendritic cells. J Biomed Sci 2004; 11:623-30. [PMID: 15316138 DOI: 10.1007/bf02256128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2003] [Accepted: 04/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously suggested that thymosin alpha(1) (thyalpha1), an immunomodulating thymic hormone, can activate tumor-associated macrophages to a tumoricidal state in a murine model bearing a transplantable T-cell lymphoma of spontaneous origin designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL). Since tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DC) also play an important role in the host's antitumor response and are as such in an immunocompromised state in a tumor-bearing host, in the present investigation we studied if thyalpha1 is able to influence the differentiation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) into DC with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and whether these TAM-derived DC show enhanced antitumor activity. It was observed that DC generated from thyalpha1-administered tumor-bearing mice showed augmented antitumor activity in vitro. Adoptive immunotherapy using TAM-derived DC showed a significant delay in the tumor growth and a prolongation of the survival time in tumor-bearing mice. DC obtained from TAM of thyalpha1-administered mice also produced an enhanced amount of cytokines like IL-1 and TNF-alpha. This is the first study of its kind regarding the effect of thyalpha1 on the differentiation of DC from TAM and the role of TAM-derived DC in tumor progression.
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Huang Y, Chen Z, Zhou C, Yao H, Li M, Xu C. The modulation of thymosin alpha 1 in the maturation, differentiation and function of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in the absence or presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Int Immunopharmacol 2004; 4:539-46. [PMID: 15099531 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2004.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2003] [Revised: 12/15/2003] [Accepted: 02/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Talpha1) has immunomodulatory effects on T-cells, NK-cells and macrophages, but its action on dendritic cells (DCs), which are recognized as the sole professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) capable of priming naïve T-cells, is poorly understood. In this study, the effect of Talpha1 in vitro on murine bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) maturation, differentiation, and function with or without tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is one of the important inflammatory parameters, has been investigated. We have shown, through flow cytometry, ELISA and mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), that Talpha1 promoted CD4-expressed DC differentiation and the expression of activation markers, but did not influence IL-12 production and T cell-stimulatory capacity of DCs in the absence of TNFalpha during BMDCs maturation. Furthermore, in the presence of TNF-alpha, Talpha1 has been shown not only to promote the expression of CD4 on MHC class II+ DCs and enhance the up-regulated levels of mature markers induced by TNF-alpha, but also to suppress the up-regulated IL-12 production. Particularly, thus effects seen were obvious at pharmacological Talpha1 concentrations. However, Talpha1 did not inhibit TNF-alpha-induced T-cell stimulating function of DCs. This is the first reported example of a direct Talpha1-DC interaction and suggests a mechanism by which Talpha1 may in part affect T-cell responses by acting at the DC level and it may play an important role in the modulation of the local inflammatory responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Huang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79 Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
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Wang N, Huang YB, Xu L, Wu XX, Zhang XZ. Trypsin-catalyzed kinetically controlled synthesis of a precursor dipeptide of thymopentin in organic solvents, using a free amino acid as nucleophile. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2004; 34:45-56. [PMID: 15046296 DOI: 10.1081/pb-120027112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Trypsin-catalyzed, kinetically controlled synthesis of a precursor, dipeptide of thymopentin (TP-5), Bz-Arg-Lys-OH (or-OEt) in organic solvents was studied. Bz-Arg-OEt was used as the acyl donor and Lys-OH and Lys-OEt were used as the nucleophiles. Ethanol was selected as the organic solvent from ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and ethyl acetate tested under the experimental conditions. As expected, Lys-OEt is not a suitable nucleophile in trypsin-catalyzed reaction, due to its competition with the protective Arg-OEt as acyl donor for the active site of trypsin, while Lys-OH does not have this problem. The optimal reaction condition for the synthesis of Bz-Arg-Lys-OH was set up as 20% Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, 35 degrees C for 6 h with the yield of 52.5%, or for 18-24 h with the yield of about 60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
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35
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Hannappel E, Huff T. The thymosins. Prothymosin alpha, parathymosin, and beta-thymosins: structure and function. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2003; 66:257-96. [PMID: 12852257 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(03)01007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The studies on thymosins were initiated in 1965, when the group of A. White searched for thymic factors responsible for the physiological functions of thymus. To restore thymic functions in thymic-deprived or immunodeprived animals, as well as in humans with primary immuno-deficiency diseases and in immunosuppressed patients, a standardized extract from bovine thymus gland called thymosin fraction 5 was prepared. Thymosin fraction 5 indeed improved immune response. It turned out that thymosin fraction 5 consists of a mixture of small polypeptides. Later on, several of these peptides (polypeptide beta 1, thymosin alpha 1, prothymosin alpha, parathymosin, and thymosin beta 4) were isolated and tested for their biological activity. The research of many groups has indicated that none of the isolated peptides is really a thymic hormone; nevertheless, they are biologically important peptides with diverse intracellular and extracellular functions. Studies on these functions are still in progress. The current status of knowledge of structure and functions of the thymosins is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewald Hannappel
- Institute for Biochemistry/Faculty of Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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36
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Savino W, Postel-Vinay MC, Smaniotto S, Dardenne M. The thymus gland: a target organ for growth hormone. Scand J Immunol 2002; 55:442-52. [PMID: 11975755 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2002.01077.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has placed hormones and neuropeptides among potent immunomodulators, in both health and disease. Herein, we focus on the effects of growth hormone (GH) upon the thymus. Exogenous GH enhances thymic microenvironmental cell-derived secretory products such as cytokines and thymic hormones. Moreover, GH increases thymic epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation in vitro, and exhibits a synergistic effect with anti-CD3 in stimulating thymocyte proliferation, which is in keeping with the data showing that transgenic mice overexpressing GH or GH-releasing hormone exhibit overgrowth of the thymus. GH also influences thymocyte traffic: it increases human T-cell progenitor engraftment into the thymus; augments TEC/thymocyte adhesion and the traffic of thymocytes in the lymphoepithelial complexes, the thymic nurse cells; modulates in vivo the homing of recent thymic emigrants, enhancing the numbers of fluroscein isothiocyanate (FITC)+ cells in the lymph nodes and diminishing them in the spleen. In keeping with the effects of GH upon thymic cells is the detection of GH receptors in both TEC and thymocytes. Additionally, data indicate that insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is involved in several effects of GH in the thymus, including the modulation of thymulin secretion, TEC proliferation as well as thymocyte/TEC adhesion. This is in keeping with the demonstration of IGF-1 production and expression of IGF-1 by TEC and thymocytes. Also, it should be envisioned as an intrathymic circuitry, involving not only IGF-1, but also GH itself, as intrathymic GH expression is seen both in TEC and in thymocytes, and that thymocyte-derived GH could enhance thymocyte proliferation. Finally, the possibility that GH improve thymic functions, including thymocyte proliferation and migration, places this molecule as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in immunodeficiency conditions associated with thymocyte decrease and loss of peripheral T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Department of Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro,
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37
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Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which bone marrow-derived T cell precursors undergo differentiation, eventually leading to migration of positively selected thymocytes to the peripheral lymphoid organs. This differentiation occurs along with cell migration in the context of the thymic microenvironment, formed of epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix components. Various interactions occurring between microenvironmental cells and differentiating thymocytes are under neuroendocrine control. In this review, we summarize data showing that thymus physiology is pleiotropically influenced by hormones and neuropeptides. These molecules modulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex gene products by microenvironmental cells and the extracellular matrix-mediated interactions, leading to enhanced thymocyte adhesion to thymic epithelial cells. Cytokine production and thymic endocrine function (herein exemplified by thymulin production) are also hormonally controlled, and, interestingly in this latter case, a bidirectional circuitry seems to exist since thymic-derived peptides also modulate hormonal production. In addition to their role in thymic cell proliferation and apoptosis, hormones and neuropeptides also modulate intrathymic T cell differentiation, influencing the generation of the T cell repertoire. Finally, neuroendocrine control of the thymus appears extremely complex, with possible influence of biological circuitry involving the intrathymic production of a variety of hormones and neuropeptides and the expression of their respective receptors by thymic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Savino
- Department of Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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