ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate potential human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted epitope peptides of glypican-3 (GPC3) and determine the cytotoxicity of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods The potential HLA-A*0201-restricted GPC3 peptides were screened using computer algorithms, T2 cell-binding affinity and stability of peptide/HLA-A*0201 complex assay. The peptide-specific CTLs were generated and their cytotoxicity against GPC3
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate potential human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted epitope peptides of glypican-3 (GPC3) and determine the cytotoxicity of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.@*METHODS@#The potential HLA-A*0201-restricted GPC3 peptides were screened using computer algorithms, T2 cell-binding affinity and stability of peptide/HLA-A*0201 complex assay. The peptide-specific CTLs were generated and their cytotoxicity against GPC3 SMMC 7721 and HepG2 cells was detected using IFN-γ based enzyme-linked immunospot and lactate dehydrogenase release assays in vitro.@*RESULTS@#A total of six peptides were identified for bindings to HAL-A2 and the GPC3 522-530 and GPC3 229-237 peptides with HLA-A*0201 molecules displayed high binding affinity and stability. The CTLs induced by the GPC3 522-530 or positive control GPC3 144-152 peptide responded to the peptide by producing IFN-γ, which were abrogated by treatment with anti-HLA-A2 antibody. The GPC3 522-530-specific CTLs responded to and killed SMMC 7721 and HepG2 cells, instead of GPC3-silenced SMMC 7721 or HepG2 cells. GPC3 522-530-specific CTLs response to HCC cells was blocked by anti-HLA-A2 antibody.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The GPC3 522-530 peptide contains antigen-determinant and its specific CTLs can effectively kill HCC in a HLA-A2-restricted and peptide-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that this peptide may be valuable for development of therapeutic vaccine.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of xiaokeling concentration fluid on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression in sciatic nerve of Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty diabetic rats were randomly divided into model group, mecobalamin tablets group, and xiaokeling concentration fluid group. The IGF-1 mRNA level in sciatic nerve of each group was determined after 8 weeks by relative quantity RT-PCR.@*RESULTS@#The IGF-1 mRNA level in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats between xiaokeling concentration fluid group, mecobalamin tablets group and normal group showed no significant difference ( P = 0.213, P = 0.822, P = 0.304 ), while was significantly higher than that of the model group ( P < 0.05 ). IGF-1 mRNA level was negatively correlated with the level of blood sugar (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#IGF-1 mRNA level decreased in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. Xiaokeling concentration fluid can increase the IGF-1 mRNA level in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. Xiaokeling concentration fluid is involved in the regulation of IGF-1 expression, and probably prevents diabetic peripheral neuropathy from deteriorating.