Publications by authors named "Yohei Kawano"

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology has significantly contributed to basic research and clinical settings for various purposes, including protective and therapeutic drugs. However, a rapid and convenient method to generate high-affinity antigen-specific mAbs has not yet been reported. Here, we developed a rapid, easy, and low-cost protocol for antigen-specific mAb production from single memory B cells.

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The sublingual mucosa (SLM) has been used for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) which has the potential to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance. We previously demonstrated the CD206 macrophages that were increased in the SLM after repeated antigen exposure. These macrophages showed high expression of the gene encoding ILDR2 (Ig-like domain-containing receptor 2), an immune checkpoint molecule.

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Article Synopsis
  • PRC2 is an important protein complex that modifies DNA to regulate gene expression by adding methyl groups to histone proteins, specifically H3K27.
  • Researchers studied the role of PRC2 in iNKT cell development by deleting a crucial component, Eed, in mouse T cells, which resulted in fewer iNKT cells, particularly NKT1 and NKT17 subtypes.
  • Eed-deficient mice not only showed impaired iNKT cell differentiation and increased cell death but also displayed heightened sensitivity to liver damage caused by acetaminophen, emphasizing the importance of PRC2 in immune response and liver health.
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Throughout life, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), residing in bone marrow (BM), continuously regenerate erythroid/megakaryocytic, myeloid, and lymphoid cell lineages. This steady-state hematopoiesis from HSC and multipotent progenitors (MPPs) in BM can be perturbed by stress. The molecular controls of how stress can impact hematopoietic output remain poorly understood.

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  • - The study highlights how the reduced effectiveness of antibodies against mutated SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD can lead to breakthrough infections from Omicron variants, showing the need for effective neutralizing antibodies.
  • - Researchers analyzed a powerful antibody called NCV2SG48 from long-term COVID-19 patients, which shows strong activity against multiple Omicron variants as well as other strains.
  • - The antibody’s effectiveness is attributed to its unique structure and extensive binding capabilities, allowing it to neutralize various variants; this suggests that targeting specific B cells could improve immunity against evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains.
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Background/aim: Glycyrrhizin (GZ) is widely used to treat high-dose methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver dysfunction. However, in a previous in vivo study, we showed that simultaneous administration of both drugs increased the plasma concentration of MTX and exacerbated hepatic injuries. In this study, we investigated the optimal dosing interval in rats to avoid the interaction between high-dose MTX and GZ and to demonstrate the inherent hepatoprotective effect of GZ.

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The immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants caused by multiple amino acid replacements in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein wanes the effectiveness of antibodies elicited by current SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination. The vaccines that target Omicron strains have been recently developed, however, there has been a concern yet to be addressed regarding the negative aspect of the immune response known as original antigenic sin. Here, we demonstrate that the breadth of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants is barely elicited by immunizing monovalent viral antigens via vaccination or natural infection in mice and human subjects.

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Although paliperidone-related hyperglycemia has been extensively examined, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. We investigated the effects of a single intravenous injection of paliperidone (0.2, 0.

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Article Synopsis
  • Most people who get infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) develop a specific immunity that helps control the virus throughout their lives.
  • Researchers studied the characteristics and gene expression of EBV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells in mice and found that both types exhibit similar cytotoxic functions and gene patterns.
  • They discovered that the differentiation of EBV-specific cytotoxic CD4 T cells might be influenced by shared mechanisms with cytotoxic CD8 T cells, particularly through the transcription factor T-bet, suggesting that the environment plays a key role in T cell development rather than just the T cell type itself.
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Background/aim: An association between leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and cancer has been previously reported, but the relationship between LTRA use and cancer prevention remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the cancer-preventive effect of LTRA in Japanese patients with bronchial asthma.

Patients And Methods: We obtained information from a large populationbased medical information database to analyze data on patients who were newly diagnosed with bronchial asthma between 2006 and 2015.

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T-cell responses are fine-tuned by positive and negative co-signal molecules expressed on immune cells and adjacent tissues. VSIG4 is a newly identified member of the B7 family of ligands, which negatively regulates innate inflammatory and CD4 T cell-mediated responses. However, little is known about the direct effects of VSIG4, which are exerted through an unidentified counter-receptor on CD8 T cells.

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Background/aim: High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is widely used to treat osteosarcoma. However, some patients develop hepatic toxicity, leading to dose modification and delays in the scheduled chemotherapy. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors of hepatotoxicity in patients with osteosarcoma.

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Mirtazapine (MTZ) is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant that has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding. However, there is insufficient evidence confirming this association. We hypothesised that 5-HT and α receptor-mediated inhibitory effects of MTZ on platelets suppress platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study aimed to identify risk factors for unplanned acute care (UAC) related to outpatient chemotherapy with oral anticancer drugs among cancer patients.
  • - Conducted at National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan, the research involved 1,674 patients and showed that a low body mass index (BMI) was linked to a higher risk of UAC during treatment.
  • - The findings emphasize the need for close monitoring and supportive care for underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), who are at greater risk for adverse effects during chemotherapy.
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Background/aim: Recent experimental studies have reported that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) might protect against dementia. However, few clinical studies have examined this in humans. This study assessed whether the use of LTRAs can prevent the onset of dementia in humans.

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Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, the differences in safety and effectiveness among four DOACs, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, in Japanese patients have not been clarified. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to directly compare the safety and effectiveness among the four DOACs using the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) claims database.

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Background/aim: High-dose methotrexate is a therapy for acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and osteosarcoma. Glycyrrhizin has been used to treat hepatic dysfunction caused by high-dose methotrexate. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between glycyrrhizin and high-dose methotrexate.

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Oral anticoagulants (OACs) pose a major bleeding risk, which may be increased or decreased by concomitant medications. To explore medications that affect the bleeding risk of OACs, we conducted a nested case-control study including 554 bleeding cases (warfarin, n = 327; direct OACs [DOACs], n = 227) and 1337 non-bleeding controls (warfarin, n = 814; DOACs, n = 523), using a Japanese health insurance database from January 2005 to June 2017. Major bleeding risk associated with exposure to concomitant medications within 30 d of the event/index date was evaluated, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

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Objectives: Irinotecan is a widely intravenously used drug for the treatment of certain types of solid tumours. The oral administration of irinotecan has recently been recognized as being a more effective method for the treatment than intravenous administration. However, the limited oral bioavailability of irinotecan poses a problem for its oral delivery.

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Mirtazapine (MTZ) is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. MTZ is reportedly associated with an increased risk of bleeding. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

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Background/aim: SLC20A1 has been identified as a prognostic marker in ER+ breast cancer. However, the role of SLC20A1 expression in breast cancer subtypes other than the ER+ types remains unclear.

Materials And Methods: Genomics datasets were downloaded and analyzed, and the effect of SLC20A1 knockdown using targeted siRNA on cell viability and tumor-sphere formation was assessed.

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Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) expressed in T cells may regulate immune responses in the gut. In addition to T cells, B cells are also an important population in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues that orchestrate mucosal homeostasis. However, the role of CEACAM1 in B cells has not been elucidated.

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Background: Permeability of antineoplastic agents through medical gloves is an important factor that must be considered for the appropriate selection of gloves. However, predicting the permeability of antineoplastic agents through medical gloves based on their physicochemical properties remains difficult. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the physicochemical properties and permeability of antineoplastic agents through medical gloves.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluated the safety of outpatient oral anticancer drugs by tracking serious adverse effects (SAEs) in 1,832 patients.
  • A total of 52 SAEs were reported, with gastrointestinal toxicity as the most common, occurring mainly within 32 days of treatment.
  • Unplanned consultations and calls were frequent, highlighting the need for better management of gastrointestinal issues during chemotherapy.
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