Bacteriophage preparation inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation by endotoxin-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

It has been known that administration of antibiotics may lead to excessive release of bacterial endotoxins and complicate clinical course of patients with Gram-negative infections. This concern may also apply to phages. Endotoxin may in turn activate neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction in the course of sepsis.

Beta 3 integrin expression on T cells from renal allograft recipients.

Recent studies emphasize the paramount significance of beta 3 integrin in cell adhesion and homing, which may be particularly relevant in cancer progression and metastasis. In contrast, the presence and potential role of beta 3 on human T cells is practically unknown. We show that T cells can express significant amounts of alpha-beta 3 integrin (CD41/CD61), and the expression of alpha(v)-beta 3 (CD51/CD61) remains very low.

Bacteriophages and transplantation tolerance.

Our recent findings suggest that bacteriophages (phages) may not only eliminate bacteria, but also modulate immune functions. In this communication, we demonstrate that phages may strongly inhibit human T-cell activation and proliferation as well as activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB in response to a viral pathogen. Phage administration in vivo can diminish cellular infiltration of allogeneic skin allografts.

Effects of bacteriophages on free radical production and phagocytic functions.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in mediating antibacterial functions of phagocytic cells. However, excessive ROS production may cause oxidative stress and tissue damage. Uncompensated ROS release has been implicated in a variety of disorders.