Specificity and biologic activities of novel anti-membrane IgM antibodies.

The concept that the B-cell Receptor (BCR) initiates a driver pathway in lymphoma-leukemia has been clinically validated. Previously described unique BCR Ig-class-specific sequences (proximal domains (PDs)), are not expressed in serum Ig (sIg). As a consequence of sequence and structural differences in the membrane IgM (mIgM) µ-Constant Domain 4, additional epitopes distinguish mIgM from sIgM.

Trastuzumab and lapatinib modulation of HER2 tyrosine/threonine phosphorylation and cell signaling.

Cell surface transmembrane signaling receptors EGFR, HER3, and HER4 are activated by ligand-binding-mediated dimerization and phosphorylation. In contrast, HER2 amplification promotes signaling by increasing homo/heterodimerization and ligand binding. Trastuzumab or lapatinib therapy of HER2 amplicon-positive breast cancer cells induces growth inhibition and intracellular growth pathway signaling modulation.

Glove powder's carrying capacity for latex protein: analysis using the ASTM ELISA test.

Glove donning powders carry latex proteins and disperse them into the workplace environment. We have used the ASTM D6499 ELISA to quantify the amount of latex antigen bound to and carried by glove powders. We could differentiate between a small amount of protein actually bound to the powders and a larger amount carried by the powder.

Lipid transfer protein from Hevea brasiliensis (Hev b 12), a cross-reactive latex protein.

Background: Latex-allergic individuals experience clinical cross-reactivity to a large number of fruits and vegetables. Much of the cross-reactivity can be attributed to Hev b 6, but evidence indicates that additional cross-reactive allergens may be present. A common pan-allergen, which has not previously been identified in latex, but may contribute to this cross-reactivity is lipid transfer protein (LTP).

Measurement of latex proteins and assessment of latex protein exposure.

Reduction of protein levels in manufactured natural rubber latex products is important for preventing sensitization and adverse allergic reactions to latex. Because of the complex nature of latex extracts, accurate protein measurement is a challenge. Standard total protein assays were effective in reducing protein levels from what were once extremely high levels, but these assays are plagued with false-positive reactions and limited sensitivity.

Latex protein: a hidden "food" allergen?

Avoidance of latex allergens is the primary method to prevent adverse reactions. Natural rubber latex is found in many different products in both the health care industry and in modern society, and consequently results in unexpected exposures of sensitized individuals. The use of latex gloves by food handlers provides one potential route for inadvertent exposure to latex allergens.

Cloning and characterization of a latex allergen (Hev b 7): homology to patatin, a plant PLA2.

We previously identified a 46-kD protein allergen in latex as having amino acid sequence homology to the patatin gene family. The objective of this study was to characterize this protein by molecular techniques. RNA was isolated from the latex or leaf material from Hevea brasiliensis and from potato tubers.

IgE epitope analysis of the hevein preprotein; a major latex allergen.

We have previously identified the hevein preprotein as a common allergen for latex allergic healthcare workers. The B cell epitopes in the hevein protein that are recognized by IgE of latex-allergic individuals have not been identified. In this study, we examined the hevein preprotein using epitope mapping.

Measurement of natural rubber proteins in latex glove extracts: comparison of the methods.

Background: Health care workers and individuals with frequent contact with latex are at risk for latex protein allergy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare several established methods for measuring protein in extracts from latex-containing medical devices.

Methods: Extracts from latex gloves were analyzed for natural rubber proteins using a modified Lowry assay and two different immunochemical assays.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis molecules that induce tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion by human monocytes.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis has been shown to induce the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) from monocytes. To identify the molecules responsible for this activity, we separated sonicated M. hyorhinis lysate material by centrifugation at 100,000 x g into soluble (S) and particulate (P) fractions.

Identification of a 46-kD latex protein allergen in health care workers.

Latex allergy is an occupational hazard for health care workers. Extractable latex proteins are known to be allergenic, but most latex allergens have not been specifically identified. The purpose of this study was to characterize the IgE response of latex-allergic patients to latex proteins and to identify common protein allergens.

A 48-kilodalton Mycoplasma fermentans membrane protein induces cytokine secretion by human monocytes.

Mycoplasma fermentans is one of several Mycoplasma species that have been reported to stimulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion from monocytes. This activity has been associated primarily with the mycoplasma membrane fraction. In this article, we have characterized a membrane protein that stimulates TNF and interleukin 1 beta secretion.

Flash sterilization and instrument tape--an experimental study.

A letter appearing in the AORN Journal questioned whether flash sterilization is appropriate for instruments coded with color identification tape. The reply stated that porous, colored tape required a longer time to penetrate and sterilize the area beneath, and thus if it should peel off, the zone beneath might not be sterile. This conclusion was, as far as we can determine, reached by intuitive reasoning and not by experimental evidence.

Differentiation-inducing cytokine P48 exists in a membrane-associated form.

P48 is a recently described 48-kDa differentiation-inducing cytokine isolated from the culture medium of the human leukemia line Reh. P48 induces differentiation and cytolytic activity in the promyelocytic cell line HL-60, and stimulates the release of TNF-alpha and IL-1 from peripheral blood monocytes. In further studies designed to examine the biosynthesis and function of P48, surface immunofluorescence flow cytometry analysis as well as 125I surface labeling and immunoprecipitation, revealed the presence of P48 on the surface of Reh cells.

Synthetic peptides to identify antigenic determinants on Epstein-Barr virus gp350/220.

We synthesized three peptides, MA1 - Thr19-Val28(+Tyr) -, MA2 - Ser807-Ala816-, and MA3-Ser718-Glu729(+Tyr) from the sequence of Epstein-Barr virus gp350/220 and immunized rabbits with these peptides. Rabbit antisera to the peptides had antipeptide radioimmunoassay titers of 1:400 for anti-MA1, 1:200 for anti-MA2, and 1:1600 for anti-MA3. The anti-MA1 serum recognized gp350/220 in Western blotting to SDS-electrophoresed proteins from 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate- and n-butyrate-treated B95-8 cells, but anti-MA2 and MA3 sera did not.

Replication of an RK2 miniplasmid derivative in vitro by a DNA/membrane complex extracted from Escherichia coli: involvement of the dnaA but not dnaK host proteins and association of these and plasmid-encoded proteins with the inner membrane.

A DNA/membrane complex extracted from a miniplasmid derivative of the broad host range plasmid RK2 cultured in Escherichia coli capable of synthesizing new plasmid supercoiled DNA in vitro was treated with antibodies that were made against or reacted with the dnaA and dnaK host-encoded proteins, respectively. Anti-dnaA protein antibody inhibited total plasmid DNA synthesis significantly and the synthesis of supercoil plasmid DNA almost completely. In contrast, anti-dnaK protein antibody and nonimmune serum had little or no effect on total plasmid DNA synthesis.