Cisplatin augments FAS-mediated apoptosis through lipid rafts.

Cisplatin is widely and effectively used for the treatment of various types of cancer. However, its biochemical mechanisms are still unelucidated. Previously, we reported that membrane sphingomyelin (SM) was important for FAS-mediated apoptosis through lipid raft function.

Impaired TCR signaling through dysfunction of lipid rafts in sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1)-knockdown T cells.

During T cell activation, TCRs cluster at the center of the T cell-antigen-presenting cell interface forming the central supramolecular activation cluster. Although it has been suggested that sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich microdomains, termed lipid rafts, form platforms for the regulation and transduction of TCR signals, an actual role for membrane sphingomyelin (SM), a key component of lipid rafts, has not been reported. After cloning a gene responsible for SM synthesis, sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) 1, we established a SM-knockdown cell line (Jurkat-SMS1/kd) by transfection of SMS1-short-interfering RNA into Jurkat T cells, which is deficient in membrane expression of SM.

Cloning and expression of two human recombinant monoclonal Fab fragments specific for EBV viral capsid antigen.

Serum titers of antibody to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA) have been positively correlated with malignancies of lymphoid proliferation, such as Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. We have constructed a phage display combinatorial antibody Fab library from a patient with marginal zone B cell lymphoma associated with Sjögren's syndrome and carrying high serum anti-EBV-VCA IgG titer. Fab fragments were selected by panning against EBV-VCA protein coated onto ELISA plates, and selected Fab clones were characterized by ELISA, western blotting (WB), indirect immunofluorescence assay and immunohistochemistry.

Fractalkine in rheumatoid arthritis and allied conditions.

Leukocyte adhesion and trafficking at the endothelium requires both adhesion molecules and chemotactic factors. Fractalkine (CX3C) is a unique chemokine, and is expressed on tumor necrosis factor-alpha- and interleukin-1-activated endothelial cells (ECs). Fractalkine receptor, CX3CR1, is expressed on NK cells, monocytes, and some portion of CD4- and CD8-positive T cells.