Limited density of an antigen presented by RMA-S cells requires B7-1/CD28 signaling to enhance T-cell immunity at the effector phase.

The association of B7-1/CD28 between antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T-cells provides a second signal to proliferate and activate T-cell immunity at the induction phase. Many reports indicate that tumor cells transfected with B7-1 induced augmented antitumor immunity at the induction phase by mimicking APC function; however, the function of B7-1 on antitumor immunity at the effector phase is unknown. Here, we report direct evidence of enhanced T-cell antitumor immunity at the effector phase by the B7-1 molecule.

Down-regulation of TIMP3 leads to increase in TACE expression and TNFα production by placental trophoblast cells.

Problem: To determine whether down-regulation of TIMP3 expression promotes TACE expression and increases in TNFα production by placental trophoblast cells.

Method Of Study: Placental expression of TIMP3 and TACE was examined by immunostaining and Western blot. Effects of TIMP3 on TACE expression and TNFα production were assessed by transfection of TIMP3 siRNA into trophoblasts isolated from normal placentas.

Activation of vitamin D receptor promotes VEGF and CuZn-SOD expression in endothelial cells.

Endothelial dysfunction associated with vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many chronic vascular diseases. Vitamin D elicits its bioactive actions by binding to its receptor, vitamin D receptor (VDR), on target cells and organs. In the present study, we investigated the role of VDR in response to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ stimulation and oxidative stress challenge in endothelial cells.

Expression of lymphatic vascular endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) in the human placenta.

Background: Lymphatic vascular endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) is a selective marker for lymphatic endothelium and a homolog of CD44, the hyaluronan (HA) receptor. HA in the extracellular matrix plays roles in tissue remodeling, development, and homeostasis, and as an HA receptor, LYVE-1 mediated HA metabolism might regulate these events. Currently, little is known about the lymphatic character within the human placenta.