Cell surface expression of human RP105 depends on N-glycosylation of MD-1.

For its cell surface expression, radioprotective 105 (RP105) - an orphan Toll-like receptor - must form a complex with a soluble glycoprotein called myeloid differentiation 1 (MD-1). The number of RP105-negative cells is significantly increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, to elucidate the mechanism underlying this increase, how RP105 is expressed on the cell surface depending on MD-1 should be investigated. We demonstrated that RP105 exhibits two forms depending on MD-1 and its two N-glycosylation sites, N96 and N156.

Detection of Urinary Antibodies and Its Application in Epidemiological Studies for Parasitic Diseases.

For epidemiological studies of infectious diseases, pathogen-specific antibody levels in an area give us essential and appropriate information. The antibodies against pathogens are usually detected in blood, the drawing of which inconveniences people. Collection of blood increases the risk of accidental infections through blood, and it is difficult to obtain the participation of the target populations, especially the younger generation.

A Novel Gene Delivery Vector of Agonistic Anti-Radioprotective 105 Expressed on Cell Membranes Shows Adjuvant Effect for DNA Immunization Against Influenza.

Radioprotective 105 (RP105) (also termed CD180) is an orphan and unconventional Toll-like receptor (TLR) that lacks an intracellular signaling domain. The agonistic anti-RP105 monoclonal antibody (mAb) can cross-link RP105 on B cells, resulting in the proliferation and activation of B cells. Anti-RP105 mAb also has a potent adjuvant effect, providing higher levels of antigen-specific antibodies compared to alum.

Phospholipase A2 from bee venom increases poly(I:C)-induced activation in human keratinocytes.

Bee venom (BV) induces skin inflammation, characterized by erythema, blisters, edemas, pain and itching. Although BV has been found to have an inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors (TLRs), we here show that BV enhances keratinocyte responses to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a ligand for TLR3. Our results revealed that the enhanced TLR activity was primarily induced by secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), a component of BV (BV-sPLA2).

Surveillance of infection by anti-filarial IgG4 in urine among schoolchildren and molecular xenomonitoring in Sri Lanka: a post mass drug administration study.

Background: Surveillance of hidden foci or resurgence of the bancroftian filariasis has high priority to maintain the elimination status in Sri Lanka. For the surveillance, two methods were applied in Matotagama, Matara, Sri Lanka; (i) molecular xenomonitoring (MX) by PCR to detect parasite DNA in the vector, () and (ii) survey of anti-filarial IgG4 in urine samples from schoolchildren.

Results: Mosquitoes were collected monthly from index houses for 17 months (2013 to 2014) to confirm the existence of bancroftian parasite.

A surveillance system for lymphatic filariasis after its elimination in Sri Lanka.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been declared eliminated in Sri Lanka in September 2016. To maintain elimination status, a surveillance system to detect hidden endemic foci or LF resurgence is of highest priority. In this paper, we have reported an investigation of LF transmission in Trincomalee district where a surveillance program was not carried out due to 30 years of civil unrest.

C4b-binding protein negatively regulates TLR4/MD-2 response but not TLR3 response.

Recently, we reported a novel function for C4b-binding protein (C4BP) in inhibiting the toll-like receptor (TLR)1/2 response by interacting with TLR2. TLRs share a common structure; hence, we examined the effect of C4BP on activation of other TLRs-TLR4 and TLR3. The results of immunoprecipitation assays suggest that C4BP interacts with TLR4/MD-2 but not TLR3.

Immunodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis using urine samples.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is one of the most lethal zoonotic parasitic infections. The diagnosis is based on the combination of the abdominal imaging including CT, MRI and PET, and serology. To develop a new diagnostic tool for AE with urine as samples, mouse-Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) model and then human cases were studied.

Visual detection of filaria-specific IgG4 in urine using red-colored high density latex beads.

The use of urine for the immunodiagnosis of lymphatic filariasis has a definite advantage: the sample collection is not invasive and thus well accepted by people. Urine-based ELISA to detect filaria-specific IgG4 has been used successfully. However, ELISA requires equipment such as a microplate reader, which is often not available in most endemic areas.

Effects of 5 rounds of mass drug administration with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole on filaria-specific IgG4 titers in urine: 6-year follow-up study in Sri Lanka.

ELISA for filaria-specific IgG4 in urine (urine ELISA) was applied to children in 7 schools in Sri Lanka, before and after 5 rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA). The pre-treatment IgG4 prevalence in 2002 was 3.20%, which decreased to 0.