1.Cyclophosphamide-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats: The Modulatory Role of Gallic Acid as a Hepatoprotective and Chemopreventive Phytochemical.
Oyagbemi AA1, Omobowale OT2, Asenuga ER1, Akinleye AS1, Ogunsanwo RO2, Saba AB1. Int J Prev Med. 2016 Mar 1;7:51. doi: 10.4103/2008-7802.177898. eCollection 2016.
BACKGROUND: Gallic acid (GA) is an endogenous plant phenol known to have antioxidant, free radical scavenging ability, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-fungal properties. The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of GA on cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats.
2.Functional Specialty of CD40 and Dendritic Cell Surface Lectins for Exogenous Antigen Presentation to CD8(+) and CD4(+) T Cells.
Yin W1, Gorvel L2, Zurawski S3, Li D3, Ni L3, Duluc D3, Upchurch K1, Kim J3, Gu C1, Ouedraogo R3, Wang Z3, Xue Y3, Joo H1, Gorvel JP4, Zurawski G1, Oh S1. EBioMedicine. 2016 Jan 28;5:46-58. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.01.029. eCollection 2016.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells that can efficiently prime and cross-prime antigen-specific T cells. Delivering antigen to DCs via surface receptors is thus an appealing strategy to evoke cellular immunity. Nonetheless, which DC surface receptor to target to yield the optimal CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell responses remains elusive. Herein, we report the superiority of CD40 over 9 different lectins and scavenger receptors at evoking antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses. However, lectins (e.g., LOX-1 and Dectin-1) were more efficient than CD40 at eliciting CD4(+) T cell responses. Common and distinct patterns of subcellular and intracellular localization of receptor-bound αCD40, αLOX-1 and αDectin-1 further support their functional specialization at enhancing antigen presentation to either CD8(+) or CD4(+) T cells. Lastly, we demonstrate that antigen targeting to CD40 can evoke potent antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in human CD40 transgenic mice.
3.Plasmodesmata Localizing Proteins Regulate Transport and Signaling during Systemic Acquired Immunity in Plants.
Lim GH1, Shine MB1, de Lorenzo L2, Yu K1, Cui W3, Navarre D4, Hunt AG2, Lee JY3, Kachroo A5, Kachroo P6. Cell Host Microbe. 2016 Apr 13;19(4):541-549. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.03.006.
Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants is mediated by the signaling molecules azelaic acid (AzA), glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), and salicylic acid (SA). Here, we show that AzA and G3P transport occurs via the symplastic route, which is regulated by channels known as plasmodesmata (PD). In contrast, SA moves via the extracytosolic apoplast compartment. We found that PD localizing proteins (PDLP) 1 and 5 were required for SAR even though PD permeability in pdlp1 and 5 mutants was comparable to or higher than wild-type plants, respectively. Furthermore, PDLP function was required in the recipient cell, suggesting regulatory function in SAR. Interestingly, overexpression of PDLP5 drastically reduced PD permeability, yet also impaired SAR. PDLP1 interacted with AZI1 (lipid transfer-like protein required for AzA- and G3P-induced SAR) and contributed to its intracellular partitioning. Together, these results reveal the transport routes of SAR chemical signals and highlight the regulatory role of PD-localizing proteins in SAR.
4.The Essentiality of Arachidonic Acid in Infant Development.
Hadley KB1, Ryan AS2, Forsyth S3, Gautier S4, Salem N5. Nutrients. 2016 Apr 12;8(4). pii: E216.
Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) is an n-6 polyunsaturated 20-carbon fatty acid formed by the biosynthesis from linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6). This review considers the essential role that ARA plays in infant development. ARA is always present in human milk at a relatively fixed level and is accumulated in tissues throughout the body where it serves several important functions. Without the provision of preformed ARA in human milk or infant formula the growing infant cannot maintain ARA levels from synthetic pathways alone that are sufficient to meet metabolic demand. During late infancy and early childhood the amount of dietary ARA provided by solid foods is low. ARA serves as a precursor to leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes, collectively known as eicosanoids which are important for immunity and immune response. There is strong evidence based on animal and human studies that ARA is critical for infant growth, brain development, and health.
