Suppression of Th1 cytokine production by a peptide derived from C4b.

Objectives: The complement system has been proposed to play a significant role in the regulation of T-cell responses. However, the precise mechanism underlying C4-induced immune tolerance remains to be clarified. We recently reported that monomeric C4b inhibits CXCL10 production from blood cells.

Inhibition of CXCL10 release by monomeric C3bi and C4b.

Cellulose acetate (CA) beads are often used for leucocyte apheresis therapy against inflammatory bowel disease. In order to clarify the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of CA, global analysis of the molecules generated in blood by the interaction with CA beads was performed in this study. An activated medium was collected from whole blood that had been preincubated with CA beads, and the effects of the CA-activated medium on leucocyte function were investigated.

Induction of Foxp3 expression in T cells by cellulose acetate beads in vitro.

Gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is needed to induce expression of transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), which is required for the development and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. The number of circulating Treg cells and the level of Foxp3 expression increase during granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA), a useful therapy for ulcerative colitis. However, the mechanism underlying GMA-induced Foxp3 expression is unknown.

Assessment of rabbit spleen size using ultrasonography.

Assessment of spleen size using the ultrasonography has become a standard practice in human. However, the assessment is not established method in experimental animals. To establish the index to assess the spleen size using ultrasonography, we measured the cross-section image of rabbit spleen during endotoxin shock.

Studies on the mechanisms of leukocyte adhesion to cellulose acetate beads: an in vitro model to assess the efficacy of cellulose acetate carrier-based granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis.

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) using a column filled with cellulose acetate (CA) beads (carriers) has been associated with a significant clinical efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. To obtain further understanding on the mechanisms of disease modification by cellulose acetate-carrier-based GMA, in the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of granulocyte and monocyte adhesion to CA beads following exposure of human peripheral blood to the carriers at 37 degrees C for up to 60 min under controlled conditions. Cellulose acetate beads selectively adsorbed granulocytes, monocytes.