Inhibitory effects of DC vaccine sensitized with MAGE-3 combined with CpG ODN on bladder cancer BIU-87 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the role of CpG ODN (CpG oligodeoxynucleotide) adjuvant in enhancing the anti-bladder cancer response induced by MAGE-3 (melanoma antigen gene -3) antigen and its molecular mechanism. Methods: Mononuclear cells were isolated from HLA-A2 type peripheral blood of healthy donors by Ficoll method to prepare mature DC by conventional means. DC surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. MTT assay was used to detect the promotion effect of DCs sensitized by different means (MAGE-3, CpGODN, MAGE-3+CpG ODN, irrelevant control antigen) on the proliferation of T lymphocytes and the killing effect of CTL on BIU-87 tumor cells. The tumor mass of nude mice bearing BIU-87 bladder cell xenograft were examined on Day 7 and 11 after CpG ODN+MAGE-3 sensitized DC treatment. The expression of Bcl-2/Bax protein was detected by Western blotting while the proliferation level of xenograft cells was detected by MTT assay. Results: DCs sensitized by CpG ODN combined with MAGE-3 antigenic peptides could promote the proliferation of T lymphocytes and significantly enhance the killing effect of CTLon target BIU-87 cells (P< 0.05). Compared with other sensitized DCs, in vivo experiments showed that 7 and 11 days after treatment, both the tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced (all P<0.05), and the proliferation ability of xenograft tumor was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with other sensitization means, CpG ODN+MAGE-3 especially exhibited obvious inhibitive effect on tumor growth on Day 11, and significantly promoted the proliferation of splenic monocytes of tumor bearing mice (P<0.01); moreover, Bcl-2 expression in xenograft tissues significantly decreased（P<0.01）while Bax expression significantly increased（P<0.05 or P<0.01）on Day 3 after treatment. Conclusion: CpG ODN can promote the inhibitory effect of MAGE-3 sensitized DC on bladder cancer BIU-87 cells, which will provide experimental basis for clinical application of DC vaccine in bladder cancer treatment.

Protective effect of CpG-ODN conditioning on hypoxic/ischemicbrain damage in neonatal rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the therapeutic effect of CpG-ODN, an agonist of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), on hypoxic/ischemic encephapathy in neonatal rats and investigate the mechanisms.Methods Fifty healthy 7-day-old neonatal Wistar rats (in either gender, weighing 12~17g) were randomly divided into sham operation group, HIBD group, and CpG-ODN low group(0.35 mL·kg-1), CpG-ODN middle group(1.40 mL·kg-1), CpG-ODN high group(5.60 mL·kg-1).The neurological function was scored after 48h operation;ten rats of each group was executed respectively and brains tissue was taken;HE staining was used to observe the brain pathological changes.Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of TLR9 and phosphor-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases(p-p38 MAPK), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was adopted to detect TNF-α expression.Results The CpG-ODN low, middle group were improved in impairment significantly compared with the HIBD group, and the brain pathological change was lessened, while the CpG-ODN high group was impaired significantly compared with the HIBD group (P<0.05), and brain pathological change was sharpened.Western blot showed the up-regulation in TLR9 and p-p38 MAPK and a significant increase of the expression of TNF-α in the brain tissue in CpG-ODN group with statistical difference in HIBD group and sham operation group(P<0.05).Conclusions The neuro-behavioral score and nervous system function can be improved and the hypoxic/ischemic brain damage can be reduced in neonatal rats in the CpG-ODN low, middle group.The protective mechanisms may be suitably via activating p38 MAPK signaling pathway to promote p38 MAPK phosphory1ation and up-regulation of the expression of TNF-α in the brain tissue of rats.

Optimization of strategies for inoculation of Treponema pallidum pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate immune protective effects of Treponema pallidum(Tp)pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine delivered through different inoculation routes against Tp-induced skin infection in New Zealand rabbits. Methods A total of 108 New Zealand rabbits were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups:A1 and A2 groups treated with intramuscular injection of empty plasmids pcD and pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine respectively for 2 sessions, B1, B2, C1 and C2 groups firstly treated with intramuscular injection of the pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine for 1 session for primary immunization, then receiving nasogastric feeding with pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine, pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine+cytosine-phosphate-guanine(CpG)oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), and recombinant Tp92 protein, and recombinant Tp92 protein+CpG ODN respectively for booster immunization. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was conducted to detect the serum level of anti-Tp92 IgG antibody at week 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 after immunization, the SIgA level in the nasopharyngeal region and vaginal mucosa at week 8 after immunization, as well as levels of interleukin-2(IL-2)and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)in the culture supernatant of rabbit spleen cells at week 8 after immunization, and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay was performed to estimate proliferative activity of rabbit splenic lymphocytes in three rabbits from each group. At week 10 after immunization, other 15 rabbits from each group were subcutaneously inoculated with Tp standard strain, and changes of skin lesions at the inoculation site during early-stage infection were observed and recorded. Results At week 8 after immunization, the C2 group showed significantly higher serum level of anti-Tp92 IgG antibody(1.825 ± 0.175), supernatant levels of IL-2 (154.7 ± 14.6)and IFN-γ(277.4 ± 24.4), and proliferative activity of T cells(3.57 ± 0.24)compared with the A2(1.372 ± 0.322, 112.3 ± 13.4, 232.8 ± 25.3, 3.08 ± 0.22, respectively, all P<0.05), B1(0.893 ± 0.297, 76.6 ± 21.5, 165.7 ± 22.6, 2.12 ± 0.14, respectively, all P<0.05)and B2(1.294 ± 0.124, 97.3 ± 18.7, 211.3 ± 24.6, 2.88 ± 0.18, respectively, all P<0.05)groups. In addition, effective immunoprotection was achieved in the C2 group with more production of mucosa-specific SIgA antibody, as well as the lowest Tp-positive rate (6.67%) and ulcer formation rate (6.67%) in skin lesions at the inoculation sites. Conclusion The effective vaccination strategy, namely intramuscular injection of the pcD/Tp92 DNA vaccine for primary immunization followed by nasogastric feeding with mucosal adjuvant CpG ODN combined with recombinant Tp92 protein for booster immunization, can induce the strongest mucosal immune responses and immune protective effects.

Activation of TLR9 affected chemotherapeutic sensitivity of doctaxel in human non-small cell lung cancer in vitro / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To probe whether CpG oligodeoxyribonucleotides 7909 (CpG ODN7909) combined with Toll like receptor (TLR)9 affected the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of doctaxel (DOC) in human lung cancer A549 and H520 cell lines.METHODS:Sequences of TLR9 siRNAs were designed.A549 and H520 cells were transfected with TLR9 siR-NA by lipofectamine.The expression of TLR9 was detected by Western blot .The cell activity was measured by CCK-8 as-say.The experiments were divided into blank control group , control siRNA group and TLR9 siRNA interference group.The cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry .The expression of P38 and Bax was determined by Western blot .The cells in each group were exposed to CpG ODN 7909 and/or DOC.RESULTS: In A549 cells and H520 cells, CpG ODN7909 alone had no obvious effect on the cell activity , G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis , but in-creased the protein expression of P 38 and Bax ( P<0.01) .In addition, there was no significant changes of the above inde-xes in CpG ODN7909 treated-TLR9 siRNA group was observed .DOC alone significantly inhibited the cell activity , higher the G2/M phase fractions, apoptotic rates and Bax expression (P<0.01), but didn’t affect the expression of P38 in all 3 groups.Compared with the cells treated with DOC alone , the cells treated with CpG ODN7909 combined with DOC exhibi-ted lower cell activity, higher G2/M phase fractions, apoptosis rates and more Bax expression (P<0.01), showed no sig-nificant change of P38 expression.In addition, there was no significant change of the above indexes in CpG ODN 7909 com-bined with DOC treated-TLR9 siRNA group was observed .CONCLUSION:CpG ODN7909 may enhance the chemothera-peutic sensitivity of DOC in human lung cancer cells by combining with TLR 9.The mechanism might be related to enhan-cing the inhibitory effect and apoptosis of DOC on the cell activity in vitro, arresting the cells at G 2/M phase of the cells .

Effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 1826 on acute radiation-induced lung injury in mice

BACKGROUND: The radiation-induced lung injury is a common complication from radiotherapy in lung cancer. CpG ODN is TLR9 activator with potential immune modulatory effects and sensitization of radiotherapy in lung cancer. This study aimed to examine the effect of CpG ODN on acute radiation-induced lung injury in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mouse model of radiation-induced lung injury was established by a single dose of 20 Gy X-rays exposure to the left lung. The results showed that the pneumonia score was lower in RT+CpG group than in RT group on 15th and 30th days. Compared with RT group, CpG ODN reduced the serum concentrations of MDA (P < 0.05) and increased the serum concentrations of SOD, GSH (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of TNF-α in RT+CpG group was lower on 15th and 30th days post-irradiation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that CpG ODN has preventive effects of acute radiation-induced lung injury in mice. Lung inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress are promoted in the initiation of radiation-induced pneumonia. CpG ODN may reduce the injury of reactive oxygen species and adjust the serum TNF-α concentration in the mice after irradiation, which reduces the generation of the inflammatory cytokines.

CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Inhibits Cockroach-Induced Asthma via Induction of IFN-gamma+ Th1 Cells or Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in the Lung

PURPOSE: CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN), a TLR9 agonist, activates innate immunity and induces Th1 response. Although the immune modulatory effect of CpG-ODN has been extensively studied, its function in cockroach extract-induced allergic asthma has not been studied. Here, we investigated the inhibitory function of CpG-ODN in cockroach extract-induced asthma in mice with different treatment schemes. METHODS: Scheme 1: BALB/C mice were intra-nasally co-administered by cockroach extract and CpG-ODN twice a week for 3 weeks; Scheme 2: The mice were intra-nasally pre-treated with CpG-ODN at day 0 and cockroach allergen challenge was performed from day 3 as in scheme 1. Scheme 3: Cockroach allergen challenge was performed as in scheme 1 and CpG-ODN was post-treated at day 21. Then, BAL cell count, flow cytometric analysis of alveolar macrophages, regulatory T cells, and lung tissue histology, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, serum IgE, cockroach specific IgE, IgG1/IgG2a ratio, and airway hyper-responsiveness were evaluated. RESULTS: Mice with repeated intra-nasal exposure to CpG-ODN showed a dramatic decrease in eosinophilic inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyper-responsiveness with reduction of IL-13, IL-5, and serum IgE, cockroach specific IgE and IgG1/IgG2a ratio. This inhibitory function might be related to the up-regulation of IL-10 and CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the lung. Interestingly, one-time challenge of CpG-ODN either prior or posterior to cockroach extract exposure could modulate airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness via increase of Th1 response. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our data suggest that CpG-ODN treatment modulates Th2 inflammation in the lung by induction of regulatory T cells or Th1 response in a cockroach-induced asthma model.

Protection of CpG ODN 1826 against radiation pulmonary fibrosis in rats / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To explore the protectional function of CpG ODN 1826 against radiation pulmonary fibrosis in rats.Methods The rat left lung was exposed to 20 Gy of 6 MV X-rays for establishing a radiation pulmonary fibrosis model.SD rats were randomly divided into control group,irradiated group and intervention group,with 30 rats in each group.CpG ODN 1826 was intraperitoneally injected into rats at 0,1,2,5 and 7 d post-irradiation.The rats were terminated at 5,15,30 and 90 d post-irradiation,and the lung indexes were recorded.Paraffin sections of the radiated lung were conducted with HE staining and Masson staining,the pulmonary fibrosis scores were recorded.The serum concentrations of TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured.Results The radiation pulmonary fibrosis rat model was successfully established.The lung indexes of the control group were lower than those of the irradiated and intervention groups at 5 d post-irradiation (t =3.046,2.252,P ＜ 0.05).The lung indexes of the intervention group were lower than those of the irradiated group (t =4.120,5.226,5.719,P ＜ 0.05).Pulmonary fibrosis scores of intervention group were lower than those of irradiated group (t =3.212,4.959,P ＜ 0.05).The serum concentrations of TGF-β1 of irradiated group were higher than those of the intervention group (t =4.138,5.924,4.138,5.924,P ＜ 0.05).The Hyp in the lung of irradiated group was higher than that of intervention group (t =7.527,8.416,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions CpG ODN1826 will not worse the radiation pulmonary fibrosis,on the contrary,it could reduce the serum concentrations of TGF-β1 and the lung content of Hyp in radiation pulmonary fibrosis,and protects rat against radiation pulmonary fibrosis.

Effect of CpG ODN on pancreatic cancer cell line PANC1 sensitivity to gemcitabine / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG ODN2216 on the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cell line PANC1's to gemcitabine.Methods The immunofluorescence staining method and Western blot method were used to examine the expression of TLR9 protein in PANC1 cells.The changes of sensitivity to gemcitabine after CpG ODN2216 treatment were examined by MTT assay.Results The TLR9 protein was highly expressed in PANC1 cells and the median inhibition concentration of gemcitabine against PANC1 cells was reduced from (1.23 ± 0.14) mg/L to (0.28 ± 0.13) mg/L after CpG ODN2216 treatment,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P ＜0.01).After 0.01,0.10,1.00,10.00 mg/L gemcitabine treatment with CpG 0DN2216,the inhibition rates of PANC1 were (34.4 ±1.3)％,(43.5 ± 2.7)％,(76.3 ± 2.5)％,(95.3 ± 2.2)％ ; and without CpG ODN2216,the inhibition rates of PANC1 were (14.5 ± 0.9) ％,(23.5 ± 1.1) ％,(44.8 ± 1.4) ％,(63.6 ± 1.8) ％,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The sensitivity of PANC1 cells to gemcitabine can be enhanced by CpG ODN2216.

Dose response of CpG ODN1826 and its combination effect with X-ray irradiation on Lewis lung cancer in mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To explore the combination effect of unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) 1826 and X-rays on Lewis lung cancer in mouse and the dose response of CpG ODN.Methods The tumor-bearing mouse model was established by injecting Lewis lung cancer cells into the right infra-axillary dermis of mouse.Sixty-four C57BL /6 J mice were evenly randomized into eight groups with 8 mice each:control group,IR group,CpG OND1826 0.15 mg group,CpG OND1826 0.3 mg group,CpG OND1826 0.45 mg group,CpG OND1826 0.15 mg + IR group,CpG OND1826 0.30 mg+ IR group,and CpG OND1826 0.45 mg + IR group.On the 1st,2nd,and 9th days,CpG ODN was injected into mouse.After 3 hours of injection,the mice were start to irradiate with X-rays once a day on the 2nd-6th days,and the total dose was 12.50 Gy.Tumor growth and TGD were measured,and the apoptosis of tumor cells were examined with TUNEL.Results The Lewis lung cancer-bearing model was successfully established in all mice.Under the treatments of CpG OND1826 and irradiation,the tumor volumes were smaller than that of control group,and the tumor volumes of CpG OND1826 0.45 mg+IR group was the smallest.TUNEL results revealed that the apoptosis rate were (2.40 ± 0.51 )％ in control group,(5.62 ±0.50)％ in IR,(7.13±0.83)％ in CpG OND1826 0.15 mg,(11.63±1.06)％ in CpG OND1826 0.3 mg,(19.13 ±0.83)％ in CpG OND1826 0.45 rag,( 12.88±0.83)％ in CpG OND1826 0.15 mg+ IR,(20.57±2.37)％ in CpG OND1826 0.3 mg+ IR,and (28.17 ±3.31)％ in CpG OND1826 0.45 mg + IR group,and thus the apoptosis rate of every therapy group was higher than that in control ( t=11.15,7.91,17.82,39.48,24.73,16.61 and 17.05,P＜0.05).The apoptosis rates of CpG ODN1826 plus X-ray irradiation group were significantly higher than those in IR alone ( t =13.78,15.08 and 17.47,P＜0.05 ) or CpG ODN group (t=18.53,9.66and7.51,P＜0.05).Conclusions CpG ODN1826 can dramatically increase the efficiency of radiotherapy by inhibiting tumor growth and promoting lumor apoptosis.

Newly Identified TLR9 Stimulant, M6-395 Is a Potent Polyclonal Activator for Murine B Cells

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been extensively studied in recent years. However, functions of these molecules in murine B cell biology are largely unknown. A TLR4 stimulant, LPS is well known as a powerful polyclonal activator for murine B cells. METHODS: In this study, we explored the effect of a murine TLR9 stimulant, M6-395 (a synthetic CpG ODNs) on B cell proliferation and Ig production. RESULTS: First, M6-395 was much more potent than LPS in augmenting B cell proliferation. As for Ig expression, M6-395 facilitated the expression of both TGF-beta1-induced germ line transcript alpha (GLTalpha) and IL-4-induced GLTgamma1 as levels as those by LPS and Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 agonist) : a certain Ig GLT expression is regarded as an indicative of the corresponding isotype switching recombination. However, IgA and IgG1 secretion patterns were quite different--these Ig isotype secretions by M6-395 were much less than those by LPS and Pam3CSK4. Moreover, the increase of IgA and IgG1 production by LPS and Pam3CSK4 was virtually abrogated by M6-395. The same was true for the secretion of IgG3. We found that this unexpected phenomena provoked by M6-395 is attributed, at least in part, to its excessive mitogenic nature. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that M6-395 can act as a murine polyclonal activator but its strong mitogenic activity is unfavorable to Ig isotype switching.

CpG-ODN plus alum as a composite adiuvant to enhance the immunogenicity of influenza split virion vaccine / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To evaluate the immuno-potentiating effects of CpG-ODN plus alum as a composite adjuvant on influenza split virion vaccine.Methods BALB/c mice were immunized with various amounts of 2009 H1N1 influenza split virion vaccine,alone or in combination with CpG-ODN,alum,or both (composite adjuvant).Antigen-specific humoral immune responses were evaluated by ELISA,hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) assay and neutralizing assay.Antigen-specific cellular immune responses were evaluated by ELISPOT assay,intracellular cytokine staining assay and in vivo CTL assay.Results Compared with the control group immunized with antigen alone,a single use of either adjuvant weakly enhanced the humoral immune responses,as indicated by the increase of antigen-specific IgG titers,HI titers and neutralizing titers by 3-6 folds,2-4 folds and 4-8 folds,respectively,after two immunizations.In contrast,the composite adjuvant induced more potent humoral immune responses; the antigen-specific IgG titers,HI titers and neutralizing titers were increased by 23-57 folds,9-20 folds and 16-64 folds,respectively.Consequently,the composite adjuvant achieved antigen-sparing by at least 16 folds.In addition,the composite adjuvant significantly enhanced the antigen-specific cellular immune responses,as revealed by the increase of IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ T cells and the enhancement of CTL activity in immunized mice.Conclusion CpG-ODN plus alum as a composite adjuvant can enhance the immunogenicity of influenza split virion vaccine and achieve the antigen-sparing effect.

Influence of CPG ODN on the down-regulation of pancreas cell line PANC-1 and the expression of TLR9 in human pancreatic cancer / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To detect the expression of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in pancreatic cancer and to study the effect of CPG ODN2216 on the biological behavior of pancreatic cell carcinoma, and to explore their clinical significance. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of TLR9 protein in pancreatic cancer tissue and immunofluorescence staining was also performed to detect TLR9 protein expression in pancreatic carcinoma cells. In vitro cell adhesion, wound-healing scrape assay, transwell invasion assay and cell colony formation assay were performed to assess the effect of CPG ODN2216 on the invasive properties of Panc-1 cells. Results TLR9 were highly expressed in the pancreatic cancer tissue and pancreatic carcinoma cells. In vitro experiments as cell spreading assays, cell adhesion, colony formation assay and invasion assays showed the cell adhesion and cell motility properties of CPG ODN 2216 group to be apparently weakened compared with the control group. MTT assay showed cell proliferation ability in the CPG ODN group to be notably decreased, and CPG ODN2216 had inhibitive effects on the growth of panc-1 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Conclusions TLR9 gene was correlated with the invasive and metastatic potentials of pancreatic carcinoma. The used of CPG ODN2216 induced the inhibition of migration and invasion of the Panc-1 cell line.

The study on the immunizing efficiencies of distinct adjuvants on recombinant P6 protein through different immunization routes / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To detect the difference of cytokines and antibodies productions by immunologic system from mice vaccinated with recombinant P6 protein with different immunization routes and adiuvants.Methods 6 weeks female BALB/c mice were vaccinated with meombinant protein P6 combined with A1(OH)3,CpG ODN or the mix of them through intramuscular and intranasal.The mice were boosted twice with the same dose by the same route.Serum and respiratory tract specimen were collected to detect rP6 specific antibodies by ELISA.Results In the 6th week after immunization.The higher titer of serum rP6 specific IgG antibody were detected from the two groups vaccinated with A1(OH)3+CpG ODN+rP6 by intramuscular and vaccinated with CpG ODN+rP6 by intranasal(F=41.259.P=0.000).The ELISPOT experiment showed that,Inoculation with the CpG ODN+rP6 either by intranasal or intramuscular immunization could induce a large number of antigen-specific T lymphocyte activation.In addition.The mice vaccinated with the CpG ODN+rP6 through intranasal can be detected high titer rP6 specific mucosal IgA antibody(F=70.966.P=0.000).Conclusion Inoculation with the CoG ODN+rP6 by jntranasal immunization not only can induce high-titer serum IgG antibody,but also can induce high-titer mucosal IsA antibody and CD4+Th1.CD8+T lymphoeyte activation.

Protective effect of CpG-ODN against irradiation injury of bonemarrowhematopoietic system in mice / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of CpG-ODN, an agonist of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), on irradiation injury of bone marrow hematopoietic system in mice. Methods Mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of CpG-ODN (50 μg each) at 30 min, 24 h and 48 h after irradiation. The survival rates of animals were observed after irradiation with different doses, the numbers of white blood cell (WBC) and bone marrow nucleated cells within a certain period of time were observed, the bone marrow was pathologically studied, and the number of endogenous colony forming unit-spleen (endoCFU-S) was counted. Results Our results showed that intraperitoneal injeciion of CpG-ODN significantly improved the survival rate of mice and increased the numbers of peripheral WBC and bone marrow nucleated cells (P<0.01); moreover, it also ameliorated the pathological injury of the bone marrow and reduced the death of bone marrow stem cells. Conclusion Intraperitoneal CpG-ODN injection can ameliorate the irradiation injury of bone marrow hematopoietic system in mice.

Effects of immunostimulatory CpG ODN on experimental allergic conjunctivitis caused by aspergillus fumigatus / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Researches demonstrated that CpG ODN,a immunostimulatory sequences,has preventing and treating effect on allergic conjunctivitis caused by protein allergen.However,its effect on allergic conjunctivitis caused by fungal allergen is unclear. Objective This study aimed to investigate into whether the Th1-Th2 switching immunostimulatory CpG ODN could reverse the response in the murine allergic conjunctivitis model caused by aspergillus fumigatus. Methods A mixture of spores and hyphae of aspergillus fumigatus strain was used to induce allergic conjunctivitis in male BALB/C mice aged 6-8 weeks.This experiment was designed into preventive or therapeutical treatment program.Under both settings,allergic conjunctivitis of the animals were treated with CpG ODN,nonstimulatory GpC ODN or PBS.After the last challenge with the allergen,the clinical symptoms of the animals were scored based on the criteria of Magone.The animals were sacrificed and the histopathological examination of conjunctiva was performed.Expression of TLR4 mRNA in conjunctiva was analyzed by real-time PCR assay.The responsiveness and populations of lymphocytes in spleen and draining lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry.The use complied with the Standard of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Results In the prevention mode.CpG ODN decreased subconjunctival infiltration compared with GpC ODN and PBS groups with the average neutrophil count index(21.25 ±11.59/section,30.75 ±11.44 section and 69.00±9.90/section,respectively).Expression of TLR4 mRNA was up-regulated significantly by CpG ODN.The clinical scores for CpG ODN group were insignificantly lower than those in GpC ODN group and PBS group(P＞0.05).In the therapeutic mode,compared with GpC ODN and PBS groups,the allergic symptom score in CpG ODN group manifested significantly lower(t=4.000.t=2.750,P＜0.01)and showed fewer cellular infiltration(t=4.870,t=3.829,P＜0.01)and higher expression of TLR4 mRNA(P＜0.01).In cultured splenic and draining lymph node cells,increased percentages of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+ CD69+ in CpG ODN group were observed compared with control groups(|P＜0.05). Conclusion CpG ODN can relieve aspergillus fumigatus-induced allergic conjunctivitis via either subconjunctival injection or topical application by upregulating expression of TLR4 and activating Treg lymphocytes.

Intratumoral Administration of Secondary Lymphoid Chemokine and Unmethylated Cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine Oligodeoxynucleotide Synergistically Inhibits Tumor Growth in Vivo

Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC), which is expressed in T cell zones of secondary lymphoid organs, including the spleen and lymph nodes, strongly recruits both T lymphocytes and mature dendritic cells. As appropriate interaction of tumor-specific T cells and mature dendritic cells, equipped with tumor antigens, is a prerequisite for effective T cell immunity against established tumors, we mobilized lymphocytes and dendritic cells to tumor sites by intratumoral injection of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine-Fc (SLC-Fc) fusion protein using the B16F10 murine melanoma model. Activation of dendritic cells, another prerequisite for the effective activation of naive tumor-specific T cells, was achieved by the addition of immunostimulatory cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) into the tumor site. Intratumoral administration of SLC-Fc or CpG-ODN revealed antitumor effects against B16F10 murine melanoma grown in the subcutaneous space. Co-treatment of SLC-Fc and CpG-ODN displayed synergistic effects in reducing the tumor size. The synergistic antitumor effect in co-treatment group was correlated with the synergistic/additive increase in the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells in the tumor mass compared to the single treatment groups. These results suggest that the combined use of chemokines and adjuvant molecules may be a possible strategy in clinical tumor immunotherapy.

Therapeutic effect of chemokine SLC combined with immune adjuvant CpG-ODN in treatment of implanted mouse melanoma / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) combined with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) in treatment of implanted mouse melanoma and the possible mechanism. Methods: SLC-Fc fusion protein was prepared and its chemotaxis of lymphocytes was detected by chemotaxis assay. Implanted melanoma mouse models were established and randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SLC-Fc group, CpG-ODN group, and SLC-Fc+CpG-ODN group. The growth of implanted tumors in each group was observed after treatment. Subtype and infiltration of lymphocytes in implanted tumor tissues were examined by flow cytometry. Results: SLC-Fc protein was successfully prepared, and it dose-dependently attracted lymphocytes (0.03, 0.3, and 3 μg/L). Intra-tumor injection SLC-Fc and CpG-ODN alone or in combination significantly inhibited growth of B16-implanted tumors. Tumor size in SLC-Fc+CpG-ODN group was significantly smaller than that in control group (P<0.01), and animals in SLC-Fc+CpG-ODN group survived longer. Tumor-infiltrated CD4~+ T, CD~8+ T, and dendritic cells (DCs) in SLC-Fc+CpG-ODN group were markedly increased as compared with those in control group (P<0.05), and tumor draining lymph nodes were dramatically enlarged. Conclusion: SLC combined with CpG-ODN can inhibit the growth of implanted melanoma by attracting CD4~+ T and CD8~+ T and promoting proliferation of DCs.

The effect of CpG ODN on the immune responses and immune-contraception induced by ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of CpG ODN on the immune responses and immune-contraception induced by ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide.Methods: BALB/e mice were given an injection into the left tibialis anterior muscle of ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide with 20 μg CpG ODN or CFA,then the mice were given other injections at 2,4,6 weeks using the same formulation.The mice' s blood was collected before each vaccination and after the last vaccination every 2 weeks.The specific IgG and IgA in sere and non-specific cytokines IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-10 in vaginal mucosa were measured by ELISA.The ovarial pathological changes were undertaken using hemattxylin and eosin-stained paraffin sections.Results:The specific IgG in sera and IgA in vaginal mucosa induced by ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide combined with CpG ODN were no more than those of ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide combined with CFA.There were significant increases in IFN-γ,and TNF-α when CpG ODN was mixed with ZP121-140 synthetic peptide and the increase of CpG ODN was more significant than that of CFA.Otherwise there was a significant decrease in IL-10 when CpG ODN was mixed with ZP~(121-140) synthetic peptide and the decrease of CpG ODN was more significant than thai of CFA.There was no significant difference in the rate of pregnancy between CpG ODN group and CFA group,but the average number of birth mice in CpG ODN group was less than that in CFA group.No pathological changes were found in the ovaries of experimental mice.Conclusion: The adjuvant effect of CpG ODN is more advantageous than that of CFA in contraception vaccine research.

Toll-like receptor 9-mediated inhibition of apoptosis occurs through suppression of FoxO3a activity and induction of FLIP expression

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) with a CpG-motif are recognized by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and pleiotropic immune responses are elicited. Stimulation of macrophages with TLR9 agonist prevented apoptosis induced by serum deprivation through increased expression of FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP). CpG ODN-mediated anti-apoptosis depended on the TLR9-Akt-FoxO3a signaling pathway. Inhibition of TLR9 by small interfering (si) RNA or an inhibitor suppressed CpG ODN-mediated anti-apoptosis. Analysis of signaling pathways revealed that the anti-apoptotic effect of CpG ODN required phosphorylation of FoxO3a and its translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol. Overexpression of FoxO3a increased apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and CpG ODN blocked these effects through FLIP expression. In contrast, siRNA knock-down of FoxO3a decreased apoptosis by serum deprivation. In addition, Akt activation was involved in CpG ODN-induced phosphorylation of FoxO3a, expression of FLIP, and anti-apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of Akt-FoxO3a in TLR9-mediated anti-apoptosis and indicate that FoxO3a is a distinct regulator for FLIP expression.

The Effect of CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotides with Different Backbone Structures and 3' Hexameric Deoxyriboguanosine Run Conjugation on the Treatment of Asthma in Mice

CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) has two backbones. Phosphorothioate backbone (PS) shows a strong immunostimulating effect while phosphodiester (PE) shows little in vivo. 3' hexameric deoxyriboguanosine-run (3' dG6-run) conjugation to PE CpG-ODN has been reported to enhance immunostimulation and to protect against asthma when injected at the time of sensitization in mice. We evaluated the treatment effects of PE and PS CpG-ODN with or without 3' dG6-run on asthma in presensitized mice. BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin and alum were challenged with 1% ovalbumin on three days. CpG-ODNs (100 microgram) or PBS were injected 4 times; 27 hr before challenge and 3 hr before each challenge (CpG-dG6: CpG-ODN with 3' dG6-run, PE*-CpG-dG6: PE-CpG-dG6 with two PS backbones at the 5' terminus). PE-CpG showed no treatment effect. PE-CpG-dG6 only increased ovalbumin-specific IgG2a. PE*-CpG-dG6 increased ovalbumin-specific IgG2a but also reduced BAL fluid eosinophils and airway hyperresponsiveness. PS-CpG increased ovalbumin-specific IgG2a, reduced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. PS-CpG-dG6 was less effective than PS-CpG on airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. In pre-sensitized mice, PE-CpG required not only 3' dG6-run but also the modification of two PS linkages at 5' terminus to inhibit features of asthma. PS-CpG was strong enough to inhibit asthma but PS-CpG-dG6 was less effective.