MRI Contrasting Agent Based on Mn-MOF-74 Nanoparticles with Coordinatively Unsaturated Sites.

Purpose: The development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting agents (CAs) that are safer and have a higher relaxivity than Gd(III)-based agents is a significant research topic. Herein, we propose the use of a Mn-based metal organic framework (MOF), Mn-MOF-74, characterized by a safe paramagnetic center, a coordinatively unsaturated site (CUS) for aquation, and a long rotational correlation time, endowing high relaxivity. Furthermore, biocompatibility and delivery to the tumor are generally expected for MOFs that are obtainable in the nanometer size range.

Comparative genomic analysis of mammalian NKG2D ligand family genes provides insights into their origin and evolution.

NKG2D is a major activating receptor of natural killer cells. Its ligands are major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like molecules whose expression is induced by cellular stresses such as infections and tumorigenesis. Humans have two families of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL): MHC class I-related chains (MIC) encoded in the MHC and UL16-binding proteins (ULBP) encoded outside the MHC.

Rat CD4+CD8+ macrophages kill tumor cells through an NKG2D- and granzyme/perforin-dependent mechanism.

We previously identified a subpopulation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells expressing both CD4 and CD8. This subpopulation was expanded in rat peripheral blood and spleen after immunization with adjuvants containing killed tuberculosis germs. CD4+CD8+ monocytes/macrophages obtained from preimmunized rats exhibited a Th1-type cytokine/chemokine profile, expressed high levels of Fas ligand, perforin, granzyme B, and NKR-P2 (rat ortholog of human NKG2D), and killed certain tumor cells.

Chicken CD1 genes are located in the MHC: CD1 and endothelial protein C receptor genes constitute a distinct subfamily of class-I-like genes that predates the emergence of mammals.

Mammals have several major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-like genes. Although some of them are assumed to have originated before the emergence of mammals, the origin of class-I-like genes is poorly understood. We analyzed here the recently released chicken draft genome sequence and identified two families of class-I-like genes: CD1 and PROCR (the gene for the endothelial protein C receptor).

Comparative genomics of the Mill family: a rapidly evolving MHC class I gene family.

Mill (MHC class I-like located near the leukocyte receptor complex) is a novel family of class I genes identified in mice that is most closely related to the human MICA/B family. In the present study, we isolated Mill cDNA from rats and carried out a comparative genomic analysis. Rats have two Mill genes orthologous to mouse Mill1 and Mill2 near the leukocyte receptor complex, with expression patterns similar to those of their mouse counterparts.

Identification of the rat IgA Fc receptor encoded in the leukocyte receptor complex.

Human FcalphaRI (CD89) is a myeloid-specific IgA Fc receptor encoded in the leukocyte receptor complex. Thus far, no gene coding for FcalphaRI has been identified in mice. Here, we show that, unlike mice, rats have the gene ( Fcar) coding for FcalphaRI.