Selective inhibition of T cell proliferation but not expression of effector function by human alveolar macrophages

BACKGROUND: Alveolar macrophages are thought to play an important part in regulating lung immune responses. While it is clear that human alveolar macrophages suppress T cell proliferation in vitro, the mechanisms by which this is achieved are not clear, nor is it known whether alveolar macrophages also inhibit other aspects of T cell function. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin or house dust mite allergen, and cultured with variable numbers of autologous alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from 20 normal subjects. RESULTS: Alveolar macrophages induced a reversible inhibition of T cell proliferation in response to both mitogen and allergen stimulation, with the latter being considerably more susceptible to inhibition. This was achieved via heterogenous mechanisms, involving both soluble factors derived from alveolar macrophages and cell-cell contact. Despite inhibiting proliferation, alveolar macrophages had little or no effect on T cell calcium flux, the characteristic changes in CD3, CD2, CD28 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor expression which accompany normal T cell activation, and IL-2 and interferon gamma secretion. In contrast, alveolar macrophages inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins which may be involved in IL-2 receptor-associated signal transduction. CONCLUSIONS: The immunoregulatory properties of alveolar macrophages are relatively selective, allowing T cell activation and cytokine secretion while inhibiting T cell proliferation within the lung.     

Latex allergies and adverse reactions: a review of the literature

In the last few years, the allergenic potential of latex has been receiving greater attention. While latex allergies have been widely reported in the literature, the prevalence and severity have rapidly increased in the last few years. The role of rubber in the prevention of HIV infection has played a part in recognizing the allergenic potential, as with increased emphasis on infection control in the dental office has come an increase in complaints of adverse reactions to surgical gloves. A review of the literature reveals latex allergy problems to be not confined to gloves, but to articles of clothing, rubber dam material, and other latex-containing materials. Life-threatening cases have been reported. Little information in the literature concerns the extent of the problem among dental personnel. The dental professional may be faced with not only discomfort for the dental staff, but also compromising reactive possibilities in certain patients. There is a need for development of alternative protective products for the dental office, since elimination of barrier protection is not a viable alternative to infection control.     

The satellite RNA of barley yellow dwarf virus-RPV is supported by beet western yellows virus in dicotyledonous protoplasts and plants

The subgroup II luteovirus barley yellow dwarf virus-RPV (BYDV-RPV) acts as a helper virus for a satellite RNA (satRPV RNA). The subgroup II luteovirus beet western yellows virus (BWYV) and the ST9-associated RNA (ST9a RNA), a BWYV-associated RNA that encodes a polymerase similar to those of subgroup I luteoviruses, were assayed for their ability to support replication of satRPV RNA. SatRPV RNA was replicated in tobacco protoplasts in the presence of BWYV RNA or a mixture of BWYV plus the ST9a RNA, but not in the presence of ST9a RNA alone. ST9a RNA stimulated BWYV RNA accumulation which, in turn, increased the accumulation of satRPV RNA. SatRPV RNA was encapsidated in BWYV capsids primarily as circular monomers, which differs from the linear monomers found in BYDV (RPV + PAV) particles. SatRPV RNA was transmitted to Capsella bursa-pastoris plants by aphids only in the presence of BWYV and ST9a RNA. SatRPV RNA reduced accumulation of both BWYV helper and ST9a nonhelper RNAs in plants but did not affect symptoms. The replication of satRPV RNA only in the presence of subgroup II luteoviral RNAs but not in the presence of RNAs with subgroup I-like polymerase genes, in both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous hosts, suggests that the specificity determinants of satRPV RNA replication are contained within the polymerase genes of supporting viruses rather than in structural genes or host plants.     

Characterization of hexose oxidase from the red seaweed Chondrus crispus

Hexose oxidase from the red seaweed, Chondrus crispus was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme appeared to be encapsulated in particles obtained after mechanical disintegration of the fronds. Liberation of the enzyme in soluble form required either waiting for the spontaneous development of a suitable microbial flora in the suspension, or treatment with a mixture of proteases (pronase). As deduced from (SDS/)PAGE, the enzyme has a molecular mass of 87 kDa and probably consists of subunits of 36 kDa and 25 kDa. The low isoelectric point of 2.8 and the presence of 25% (by mass) sugars indicate that the enzyme is a strongly acidic glycoprotein. The absorption spectrum of isolated enzyme minus that of the substrate-reduced enzyme, and the EPR spectrum of the free radical observed in the reduced enzyme revealed the presence of a flavin. This cofactor is probably covalently bound since flavins were not released upon denaturation of the enzyme by heat or acid treatment. Taking free FAD as a reference compound, the enzyme contains 1 mol flavin/mol enzyme. EPR spectroscopy of the purified preparation showed the presence of Cu2+. However, since the amount was substoichiometric, substrate addition did not affect the signal, and the addition of chelator or Cu2+ did not affect the activity, the presence of this metal ion seems adventitious. It is concluded that the large discrepancies between the presently and the previously reported [Sullivan, J. D. & Ikawa, M. (1973) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 309, 11-22] characteristics of the enzyme probably originate from the characterization of a contaminating protein in the latter case.