A Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor Targeting the IL-6 Receptor β Subunit, Glycoprotein 130

Hong, Soon-Sun,Choi, Jung Ho,Lee, Sung Yoon,Park, Yeon-Hwa,Park, Kyung-Yeon,Lee, Joo Young,Kim, Juyoung,Gajulapati, Veeraswamy,Goo, Ja-Il,Singh, Sarbjit,Lee, Kyeong,Kim, Young-Kook,Im, So Hee,Ahn, Sun The American Association of Immunologists, Inc. 2015 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Vol.195 No.1

<P>IL-6 is a major causative factor of inflammatory disease. Although IL-6 and its signaling pathways are promising targets, orally available small-molecule drugs specific for IL-6 have not been developed. To discover IL-6 antagonists, we screened our in-house chemical library and identified-LMT-28, a novel synthetic compound, as a candidate IL-6 blocker. The activity, mechanism of action, and direct molecular target of LMT-28 were investigated. A reporter gene assay showed that LMT-28 suppressed activation of STAT3 induced by IL-6, but not activation induced by leukemia inhibitory factor. In addition, LMT-28 downregulated IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3, gp130, and JAK2 protein and substantially inhibited IL-6-dependent TF-1 cell proliferation. LMT-28 antagonized IL-6-induced TNF-alpha production in vivo. In pathologic models, oral administration of LMT-28 alleviated collagen-induced arthritis and acute pancreatitis in mice. Based on the observation of upstream IL-6 signal inhibition by LMT-28, we hypothesized IL-6, IL-6R alpha, or gp130 to be putative molecular targets. We subsequently demonstrated direct interaction of LMT-28 with gp130 and specific reduction of IL-6/IL-6R alpha complex binding to gp130 in the presence of LMT-28, which was measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Taken together, our data suggest that LMT-28 is a novel synthetic IL-6 inhibitor that functions through direct binding to gp130.</P>

PLZF+ Innate T Cells Support the TGF-beta-Dependent Generation of Activated/Memory-Like Regulatory T Cells

Kyeong-Cheon Jung,Byung Hyun Kang,Hyo Jin Park,Hi Jung Park,Jae-il Lee,Seong Hoe Park 한국분자세포생물학회 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.6

PLZF-expressing invariant natural killer T cells and CD4 T cells are unique subsets of innate T cells. Both are selected via thymocyte-thymocyte interaction, and they contribute to the generation of activated/memory-like CD4 and CD8 T cells in the thymus via the production of IL-4. Here, we investigated whether PLZF+ innate T cells also affect the development and function of Foxp3+ regulatory CD4 T cells. Flow cytometry analysis of the thymus and spleen from both CIITA transgenic C57BL/6 and wild-type BALB/c mice, which have abundant PLZF+ CD4 T cells and invariant natural killer T cells, respectively, revealed that Foxp3+ T cells in these mice exhibited a CD103+ activated/memory-like phenotype. The frequency of CD103+ regulatory T cells was considerably decreased in PLZF+ cell-deficient CII-TATgPlzflu/lu and BALB/c.CD1d−/− mice as well as in an IL-4-deficient background, such as in CIITATgIL-4−/− and BALB/ c.IL-4−/− mice, indicating that the acquisition of an activated/memory-like phenotype was dependent on PLZF+ innate T cells and IL-4. Using fetal thymic organ culture, we further demonstrated that IL-4 in concert with TGF- enhanced the acquisition of the activated/memory-like phenotype of regulatory T cells. In functional aspects, the activated/memory-like phenotype of Treg cells was directly related to their suppressive function; regulatory T cells of CIITATgPIV-/- mice more efficiently suppressed ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation compared with their counterparts from wild-type mice. All of these findings suggest that PLZF+ innate T cells also augmented the generation of activated/memory-like regulation via IL-4 production.

PLZF⁺ Innate T Cells Support the TGF-β-Dependent Generation of Activated/Memory-Like Regulatory T Cells

Kang, Byung Hyun,Park, Hyo Jin,Park, Hi Jung,Lee, Jae-Il,Park, Seong Hoe,Jung, Kyeong Cheon Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.6

PLZF-expressing invariant natural killer T cells and CD4 T cells are unique subsets of innate T cells. Both are selected via thymocyte-thymocyte interaction, and they contribute to the generation of activated/memory-like CD4 and CD8 T cells in the thymus via the production of IL-4. Here, we investigated whether $PLZF^+$ innate T cells also affect the development and function of $Foxp3^+$ regulatory CD4 T cells. Flow cytometry analysis of the thymus and spleen from both CIITA transgenic C57BL/6 and wild-type BALB/c mice, which have abundant $PLZF^+$ CD4 T cells and invariant natural killer T cells, respectively, revealed that $Foxp3^+$ T cells in these mice exhibited a $CD103^+$ activated/memorylike phenotype. The frequency of $CD103^+$ regulatory T cells was considerably decreased in $PLZF^+$ cell-deficient $CIITA^{Tg}Plzf^{lu/lu}$ and $BALB/c.CD1d^{-/-}$ mice as well as in an IL-4-deficient background, such as in $CIITA^{Tg}IL-4^{-/-}$ and $BALB/c.IL-4^{-/-}$ mice, indicating that the acquisition of an activated/ memory-like phenotype was dependent on $PLZF^+$ innate T cells and IL-4. Using fetal thymic organ culture, we further demonstrated that IL-4 in concert with TGF-${\beta}$ enhanced the acquisition of the activated/memory-like phenotype of regulatory T cells. In functional aspects, the activated/ memory-like phenotype of Treg cells was directly related to their suppressive function; regulatory T cells of $CIITA^{Tg}PIV^{-/-}$ mice more efficiently suppressed ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation compared with their counterparts from wild-type mice. All of these findings suggest that $PLZF^+$ innate T cells also augmented the generation of activated/memory-like regulation via IL-4 production.

In vitro combinatorial anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive effects of <i>Brucea javanica</i> extract with CX-4945 and imatinib in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Jung, Jung-Il,Kim, Se Young,Park, Kyeong-Yong,Sydara, Kongmany,Lee, Sang Woo,Kim, Soon Ae,Kim, Jiyeon Elsevier 2018 BIOMEDICINE AND PHARMACOTHERAPY Vol.106 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Since 1970, the isolated and identified components of <I>Brucea javanica</I> (L.) Merr. have been known to contain anticancer effects, particularly antileukemic effect. In this study, the inhibitory effect of <I>Brucea javanica</I> (BJ) on cell growth and inflammation was confirmed in human T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) cells, and its efficacy as an antileukemic agent was verified. Our results showed that BJ extract induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of T-ALL Jurkat cells through inhibition of the CK2-mediated signaling pathway, while exerting no significant cytotoxicity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, BJ extract suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus, inhibiting the interleukin (IL)-2 expression induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Notably, combined treatment with BJ extract plus CX-4945 or imatinib exerted enhanced inhibitory effects on T-ALL cell growth and IL-2 production. Overall, these results suggest that BJ extract can be a potent therapeutic herbal agent for T-ALL treatment and prevention of IL-2 mediated inflammatory immune responses.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>Brucea javanica</I> extract induces caspase-dependent apoptosis of T-ALL cells. </LI> <LI> <I>Brucea javanica</I> extract the PMA/PHA-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway and IL-2 production. </LI> <LI> <I>Brucea javanica</I> extract suppresses expression of CK2 subunits and Akt phosphorylation. </LI> <LI> Combined treatment exerts enhanced inhibitory effects on T-ALL cell viability and IL-2 production. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Synergistic therapeutic effect of diethylstilbestrol and CX-4945 in human acute T-lymphocytic leukemia cells

Jung, Jung-Il,Park, Kyeong-Yong,Kim, Soon Ae,Kim, Jiyeon Elsevier 2018 BIOMEDICINE AND PHARMACOTHERAPY Vol.98 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Human acute T-lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) is one of the most commonly diagnosed hematological disorders, and is characterized by poor prognosis and survival rate. Despite the development of new therapeutic approaches, leukemia treatment options remain limited. In this study, we investigated the immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effects of the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), both alone and combined with the casein kinase 2 (CK2) inhibitor CX-4945. Our results indicated that DES induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in a human T-ALL cell line (Jurkat cells), while exerting no significant cytotoxicity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Phytohaemagglutinin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced interleukin (IL)-2 production and activation of NF-κB signaling pathways, which were both inhibited by DES. Moreover, DES exerted synergistic effects with CX-4945 on proliferation and IL-2 production in Jurkat cells. Our results demonstrated that DES exerts anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive effects through inhibition of CK2 and the NF-κB signaling pathway in human T-ALL Jurkat cells.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> DES induces a caspase-dependent apoptosis of T-ALL cells. </LI> <LI> DES inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway and the production of IL-2. </LI> <LI> The mRNA expression of CK2α subunit was overexpressed in T-ALL patient’s cell. </LI> <LI> DES/CX-4945 synergistically inhibits the proliferation and the production of IL-2. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Effect of IL-4 on the Development and Function of Memory-like CD8 T Cells in the Peripheral Lymphoid Tissues

Hi-Jung Park,Ara Lee,Jae-Il Lee,Seong Hoe Park,Sang-Jun Ha,Kyeong Cheon Jung 대한면역학회 2016 Immune Network Vol.16 No.2

누에와 육계 복합 추출물의 in vivo 면역증진 기능성 연구

김경조 ( Kyeong Jo Kim ),박해진 ( Hae Jin Park ),김일규 ( Il Gyu Kim ),김민주 ( Min Ju Kim ),신미래 ( Mi-rae Shin ),노성수 ( Seong-soo Roh ) 대한본초학회 2018 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.33 No.4

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the immunopotentiating activity of combine extract that Silkworm and Cinnamomum cassia . Recently, acute epidemic diseases such as cold and viral respiratory diseases have been emerging. So, interested in immunity enhancement has been increasing, and research on natural products to promote immunity activity has been actively conducted. Methods : To confirm the immunopotentiating activity effect, Silkworm (SW), Cinnamomum cassia (CC), and SWCC combined extracts were treated 14 days at 300 ㎎/kg/day. The changes of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in serum were analyzed after experiment. The changes in the total spleen cell number were measured. Immune cells in spleen were analyzed using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). also, analyzed the expression of cytokines in spleen. Results : Total number of cells in the spleen and FACS analysis of T lymphocytes activated in the spleen showed that the SWCC combined treated group had much higher frequency of active cells than both single groups. The ratio of CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells in spleen, SWCC is higher than other groups except Nor in CD4+, CD4+CD69+, CD4+CD25+ T cells. The results of this study suggest that SWCC can help immune function via IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ cytokine production, increased T lymphocytes and splenocyte proliferation. Conclusion : Therefore, these results suggested that the SWCC combined extracts administration increase stronger immunity enhancement than when SW and CC adminstration.

Analysis of monitoring Road-kill in Odaesan National Park

Sang Jin Lim,Ki Yoon Kim,Woo Chan Lim,Hyeong Woo Ji,Baek Soon Choi,Tae Il Kim,Hyo Nam Kim,Ji Hong Min,Hey Ri Kim,Eui Kyeong Kim,Yung Chul Park 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2017 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 학술대회 Vol.2017 No.11

We surveyed mammalian roadkill at the National Route 6 (Jin-gogae to Songcheon, 18㎞) and a local road 446 (Odaesan National Park office to Sangwon-temple, 12㎞) in Odaesan National Park. Data of the surveys were analyzed by year, month, and species. Roadkills of 226 individuals were found at the survey areas. Of them, the road-killed 131 mammal individuals, 44 bird individuals, 40 reptile individual and 11 amphibian individuals were found during the survey period. High ratio of the road-kills was observed in mammals than the other animals. Among mammalian species, high ratio of the road-kills was observed in squirrels. There were road-kills of three endangered species, containing otters, yellow-throated marten and leopard cats. According to the analyses of annual road-kills, roadkills of 104 cases were occurred and highly frequent in 2014, following by roadkills of 81 cases in 2015, and then those of 41 cases in 2016. Most ases of the roadkills occurred in summer (June to September). The results will contribute to establishing management for reduction of roadkill in Odaesan National Park.

CD4 ^hi CD8 ^low Double-Positive T Cells Are Associated with Graft Rejection in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Islet Transplantation

Choi, Yun Jung,Park, Hi-Jung,Park, Hye Jin,Jung, Kyeong Cheon,Lee, Jae-Il Hindawi 2018 Journal of immunology research Vol.2018 No.-

<P>Peripheral CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T cells are associated with autoimmune disorders, cancer, and viral infection. However, the relationship between organ transplantation and DP T cells is unclear. Here, we examined the functional characteristics of peripheral DP T cells and analyzed their significance with respect to islet graft rejection in a nonhuman primate model of islet transplantation. DP T cells were functionally equivalent to conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells in terms of helper and cytotoxic activity, respectively. DP T cells expressed high levels of CXCR5 and PD-1 and secreted IFN-<I>γ</I>, IL-4, and IL-21 in amounts equivalent to those secreted by CD4 or CD8 T cells; also, they produced large amounts of granzyme B and perforin. In addition, under steady-state conditions, DP T cells expressed eomesodermin (Eomes) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) proteins, both of which act as transcription factors in innate/memory-like T cells. The number of peripheral DP T cells in the islet transplantation model was high in the group that experienced graft rejection; this was not the case in the long-term survival group. Interestingly, numbers of effector memory T cells (TEM) within the DP T cell population increased significantly during islet graft rejection, as did those of TEM within the cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Furthermore, the most conspicuous of which was the increase of CD4<SUP>hi</SUP>CD8<SUP>low</SUP> T cell subpopulation at that point. Taken together, the data suggest that peripheral DP T cells showing an innate/memory-like phenotype have both helper and cytotoxic activity <I>in vitro</I> and that they may act as a novel biomarker for graft rejection after islet transplantation.</P>

리더십 행동의 규정요인 및 유효성 검토 : An Expectancy Theory Approach

임무경,김석일,박일호 한국스포츠리서치 2004 한국 스포츠 리서치 Vol.15 No.3

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the instrumentality perceptions (concerning the degree to which the leadership behavior is seen as leading to accomplish his own instructional objectives), extrinsic factors (characteristic of group, characteristics of followers, task uncertainty and favorableness for leader) and instrumentality perceptions (concerning the degree to which the leader is seen as leading to realize follower's objectives) on the leadership behavior (initiating structure and consideration), and the influence of the difference between two leadership measurements (leader's own and followers') on the effectiveness of sport clubs in community. The subjects were 54 leaders and 273 members of sport clubs in community. 1. The correlation between the instrumentality perceptions of Initiating structure and the actual leadership (initiating structure) were considerably high. 2. Significantly positive correlation between the instrumentality perceptions of leader by club members and the attitude toward the leadership of leader were found. 3. As to the effectiveness of clubs, coincidence clubs (leader's own evaluation and followers' on leadership) was higher than uncoincident clubs. These findings indicated that the leader's leadership behavior (initiating structure) could be predicated from the Expectancy Theory model and the difference between leader's own evaluation and that of club members' on leadership influenced on the effectiveness of sport clubs in community.