Binding of alpha2-macroglobulin to collagen type I: modification of collagen matrix by alpha2-macroglobulin induces the enhancement of macrophage migration.

Alpha2-macroglobulin (a2M) secreted by tissue macrophages and fibroblasts functions in the environment of extracellular matrix macromolecules. We supposed that it may interact with these molecules and change the properties of extracellular matrix. Modified variant of ELISA was used to prove the direct binding of human a2M to collagen.

Method to evaluate the proliferation of activated lymphocytes in a three-dimensional collagen matrix.

It is well known that the enhancement of the cell-matrix interactions represents one of the early steps in the process of lymphocyte activation. However, the information regarding the role of these interactions in the late stages of lymphocyte activation (in particular, the proliferation) is still controversial. This is basically due to the absence of adequate experimental models.

Alpha2-Macroglobulin Modulates Interactions between Lymphocytes and Fibroblasts.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of apha2-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) on lymphocyte adhesion to fibroblasts. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors and two fibroblast lines (human diploid embryo fibroblasts M-19 and mouse transformed fibroblasts L929) were used in the experiments. alpha(2)M treatment of fibroblast monolayer appeared to result in the enhancement of lymphocyte adhesion to fibroblasts.

Adhesion of Fibroblasts to Immobilized alpha(2)-Macroglobulin.

This study examines effects of alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) on adhesion of fibroblasts. Native alpha(2)M and transformed form of alpha(2)M, alpha(2)M-plasmin, were bound to plastic. Adhesion of mouse L929 and human embryo M-19 fibroblasts to immobilized alpha(2)M was estimated under various conditions by counting adherent cells using videomicroscopy and computer-assisted image analysis.

Low-Molecular Collagen Peptides Have Different Effects on Peritoneal Macrophages and Neutrophils.

Two types of phagocytes - neutrophils and macrophages, are very important participants in inflammation. However, the roles played by these cells in the regulation of an inflammation are radically different. Neutrophils initiate and ensure the alteration phase.

Apoptogenesis of Immunodeficiency Diseases.

The tremendous progress, which has been made in the study of cellular and molecular basis of the maturation and functioning of immune system allowed to reveal the fine pathogenetic mechanisms of many primary (genetically caused) immunodeficiencies in human. The programmed cellular death is well known to be the basic natural mechanism of positive and negative selection in T and B lymphocytes, directed to elimination of cells with defective antigen-cognitive receptors or with capacity to react against "self". The controlled apoptosis is considered to be an important mechanism for support of optimal balance in the immune system.

Low Molecular Weight Collagen Peptides Affect Migration, Proliferation and Apoptosis of Mouse Spleen Lymphocytes.

As a consequence of inflammatory tissue degradation collagen proteolysis products may be accumulated in the altered tissue. In this connection, we elaborated a hydrolysis scheme to obtain low molecular weight collagen peptides analogous to those produced in vtiro. To elucidate a possible role of collagen peptides during inflammation their action on lymphocyte migration, proliferation and apoptosis was studied at a wide range of concentrations 1-1000 &mgr;g/ml.

Pathogenetic Principle of Immune System Evaluation in Human: Positive and Negative Activation.

The main advantage of the pathogenetic principle for immune system evaluation is that the principle allows to optimize assessment of the main and accessory functions of immunocompetent cells. The investigation of immune system begins from the evaluation of cell recognition function, and then, step by step, the investigator moves further, while determining the capacity of immunocompetent cells to be activated, to proliferate and differentiate. The investigation of immune system may be terminated at its every stage once a defect in immune system is detected.