RESUMO

Rspo1 belongs to the Rspo family, which is composed of 4 members (Rspo1-4) that share 40 to 60% sequence homology and similar domain organizations, and regulate the WNT signaling pathway via a common mechanism. Rspo1 plays a key role in vertebrate development and is an effective mitogenic factor of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. We report the cloning of chicken Rspo1 and its gene expression distribution among tissues. It contained an open reading frame of 783 bp encoding a protein of 260 amino acids, and its molecular weight was predicted to be 28.80 kDa. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based gene expression analysis indicated that chicken Rspo1 was highly expressed in the stomach muscle tissue, but was expressed at low levels in the lung, brain, jejunum, cecum, ileum, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and glandular stomach. These results suggest that Rspo1 plays a major role in muscular immune protection.

Assuntos

Galinhas/genética , Trombospondinas/genética , Animais , Clonagem Molecular/métodos , Feminino , Masculino , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Distribuição Tecidual , Via de Sinalização Wnt

RESUMO

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by mucosal epithelial cells in mammals. Lf has non-immune natural defense functions and biological functions in addition to and distinct from its role in regulating inflammatory responses. Lf also improved some physiological and immunological parameters. Lf is a biomarker for monitoring medical treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases. Current LF research focuses on iron absorption, antimicrobial activity, and the modulation of iron metabolism during inflammation. No systematic research about Lf expression levels in mouse mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation exists. We investigated Lf mRNA expression levels in mouse mammary glands by collecting samples on days 1, 6, 12, and 18 of pregnancy and lactation (six mice per group). The expression levels of Lf mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using GAPDH as an internal control. Lf mRNA was not expressed in mammary glands on days 1, 6, and 12 of pregnancy, but it was expressed on day 18 (IOD: integrated optical density; Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.46). Lf expression levels were higher during lactation stages than during pregnancy stages, and it stabilized at 0.71-0.73 (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD)) from day 1 to 12 of lactation; however, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). At day 18 of lactation, Lf expression began to decline (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.61), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Based on these results, the variation in Lf expression levels during developmental stages may be related to its regulatory role in mouse mammary gland immunity.

Assuntos

Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Lactação/genética , Lactoferrina/genética , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Animais , Células Epiteliais/citologia , Células Epiteliais/imunologia , Feminino , Genes Essenciais , Gliceraldeído 3-Fosfato Desidrogenase (NADP+)/genética , Gliceraldeído 3-Fosfato Desidrogenase (NADP+)/metabolismo , Ferro/metabolismo , Lactação/imunologia , Lactação/metabolismo , Lactoferrina/imunologia , Lactoferrina/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/citologia , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/imunologia , Camundongos , Gravidez , RNA Mensageiro/imunologia , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Fatores de Tempo

RESUMO

Galectins are evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding proteins with pleiotropic roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. Galectin-3 has been implicated in several immunological processes as well as in pathogen recognition through specific binding to glycosylated receptors on the surface of host cells or microorganisms. In spite of considerable evidence supporting a role for galectin-3 in host-pathogen interactions, the relevance of this lectin in the regulation of the host defence mechanisms in vivo is poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the impact of galectin-3 deficiency during infection with three distinct species of rodent malaria parasites, Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL, Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium chabaudi AS. We found that galectin-3 deficiency showed a marginal effect on the course of parasitaemia during P. chabaudi infection, but did not alter the course of parasitaemia during P. berghei infection. However, lack of galectin-3 significantly reduced P. yoelii parasitaemia. This reduced parasitaemia in Lgals3(-/-) mice was consistent with higher titres of anti-P. yoelii MSP1(19) IgG2b isotype antibodies when compared with their wild-type counterparts. Our results reflect the complexity and singularity of host-pathogen interactions, indicating a species-specific role of endogenous galectin-3 in the control of parasite infections and the modulation of antibody responses.

Assuntos

Galectina 3/imunologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Malária/patologia , Plasmodium berghei/patogenicidade , Plasmodium chabaudi/patogenicidade , Plasmodium yoelii/patogenicidade , Animais , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Galectina 3/deficiência , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Malária/imunologia , Malária/parasitologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Parasitemia/imunologia , Parasitemia/parasitologia , Parasitemia/patologia , Plasmodium berghei/imunologia , Plasmodium chabaudi/imunologia , Plasmodium yoelii/imunologia

RESUMO

Galectin-3 (gal-3) is a ß-galactoside binding protein present in multivalent complexes with an extracellular matrix and with cell surface glycoconjugates. In this context, it can deliver a variety of intracellular signals to modulate cell activation, differentiation and survival. In the hematopoietic system, it was demonstrated that gal-3 is expressed in myeloid cells and surrounding stromal cells. Furthermore, exogenous and surface gal-3 drive the proliferation of myeloblasts in a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-dependent manner. Here, we investigated whether gal-3 regulates the formation of myeloid bone marrow compartments by studying galectin-3(-/-) mice (gal-3(-/-)) in the C57BL/6 background. The bone marrow histology of gal-3(-/-) mice was significantly modified and the myeloid compartments drastically disturbed, in comparison with wild-type (WT) animals. In the absence of gal-3, we found reduced cell density and diaphyseal disorders containing increased trabecular projections into the marrow cavity. Moreover, myeloid cells presented limited capacity to differentiate into mature myeloid cell populations in gal-3(-/-) mice and the number of hematopoietic multipotent progenitors was increased relative to WT animals. In addition, bone marrow stromal cells of these mice had reduced levels of GM-CSF gene expression. Taken together, our data suggest that gal-3 interferes with hematopoiesis, controlling both precursors and stromal cells and favors terminal differentiation of myeloid progenitors rather than proliferation.

Assuntos

Células da Medula Óssea/citologia , Células da Medula Óssea/metabolismo , Galectina 3/deficiência , Animais , Diferenciação Celular , Galectina 3/genética , Galectina 3/metabolismo , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos e Macrófagos/farmacologia , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/citologia , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/metabolismo , Endogamia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Células Estromais/citologia , Células Estromais/metabolismo

RESUMO

Galectins control critical pathophysiological processes, including the progression and resolution of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. In spite of considerable progress in dissecting their role within lymphoid organs, their functions within the inflamed CNS remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-glycan interactions in the control of oligodendrocyte (OLG) differentiation, myelin integrity and function. Both galectin-1 and -3 were abundant in astrocytes and microglia. Although galectin-1 was abundant in immature but not in differentiated OLGs, galectin-3 was upregulated during OLG differentiation. Biochemical analysis revealed increased activity of metalloproteinases responsible for cleaving galectin-3 during OLG differentiation and modulating its biological activity. Exposure to galectin-3 promoted OLG differentiation in a dose- and carbohydrate-dependent fashion consistent with the 'glycosylation signature' of immature versus differentiated OLG. Accordingly, conditioned media from galectin-3-expressing, but not galectin-3-deficient (Lgals3(-/-)) microglia, successfully promoted OLG differentiation. Supporting these findings, morphometric analysis showed a significant decrease in the frequency of myelinated axons, myelin turns (lamellae) and g-ratio in the corpus callosum and striatum of Lgals3(-/-) compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, the myelin structure was loosely wrapped around the axons and less smooth in Lgals3(-/-) mice versus WT mice. Behavior analysis revealed decreased anxiety in Lgals3(-/-) mice similar to that observed during early demyelination induced by cuprizone intoxication. Finally, commitment toward the oligodendroglial fate was favored in neurospheres isolated from WT but not Lgals3(-/-) mice. Hence, glial-derived galectin-3, but not galectin-1, promotes OLG differentiation, thus contributing to myelin integrity and function with critical implications in the recovery of inflammatory demyelinating disorders.

Assuntos

Diferenciação Celular , Bainha de Mielina/fisiologia , Oligodendroglia/citologia , Animais , Astrócitos/citologia , Astrócitos/metabolismo , Axônios/metabolismo , Comportamento Animal , Células Cultivadas , Cuprizona/toxicidade , Galectina 1/metabolismo , Galectina 3/deficiência , Galectina 3/genética , Galectina 3/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Microglia/citologia , Microglia/metabolismo , Bainha de Mielina/genética , Bainha de Mielina/metabolismo , Oligodendroglia/metabolismo , Polissacarídeos/metabolismo , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas , Ligação Proteica , Ratos , Ratos Wistar

RESUMO

Inflammation is a critical process for eliminating pathogens, but can lead to serious deleterious effects if left unchecked. Identifying the endogenous factors that control immune tolerance and inflammation is a key goal in the field of immunology. Galectins, a family of endogenous lectins with affinity for beta-galactoside-containing oligosaccharides, are expressed by several cells of the immune system and tissue-resident stromal cells. According to their architecture, this family of glycan-binding proteins is classified in those containing one-carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) (proto-type), those containing two-CRD joined by a linker non-lectin domain (tandem-repeat) and those that have one-CRD attached to an N-terminal peptide (chimera-type). Accumulating evidence indicates that galectins play critical regulatory roles in immune cell response and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize recent developments in our understanding of the galectins' roles within different immune cell compartments, and in the broader context of the inflammatory microenvironments. In particular we illustrate the immunoregulatory role of three representative members of each galectin subfamily: galectin-1, -3 and -9. This body of knowledge, documenting the coming of age of galectins as potential immunosuppressive agents or targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, represents a sound basis to further explore their potential as novel therapies for autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation and cancer.

Assuntos

Doenças Autoimunes/imunologia , Doenças Autoimunes/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Galectinas/fisiologia , Mediadores da Inflamação/fisiologia , Neoplasias Experimentais/imunologia , Neoplasias Experimentais/metabolismo , Animais , Humanos

RESUMO

Galectin-3 (gal-3), a beta-galactoside-binding animal lectin, plays a role in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Extracellular gal-3 modulates cell migration and adhesion in several physiological and pathological processes. Gal-3 is highly expressed in activated macrophages. Schistosoma mansoni eggs display a large amount of gal-3 ligands on their surface and elicit a well-characterized, macrophage-dependent, granulomatous, inflammatory reaction. Here, we have investigated the acute and chronic phases of S. mansoni infection in wild-type and gal-3(-/-) mice. In the absence of gal-3, chronic-phase granulomas were smaller in diameter, displaying thinner collagen fibers with a loose orientation. Schistosoma-infected gal-3(-/-) mice had remarkable changes in the monocyte/macrophage, eosinophil, and B lymphocyte subpopulations as compared with the infected wild-type mice. We observed a reduction of macrophage number, an increase in eosinophil absolute number, and a decrease in B lymphocyte subpopulation (B220(+/high) cells) in the periphery during the evolution of the disease in gal-3(-/-) mice. B lymphopenia was followed by an increase of plasma cell number in bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes of the infected gal-3(-/-) mice. The plasma IgG and IgE levels also increased in these mice. Gal-3 plays a role in the organization, collagen distribution, and mobilization of inflammatory cells to chronic-phase granulomas, niches for extramedullary myelopoiesis, besides interfering with monocyte-to-macrophage and B cell-to-plasma cell differentiation.

Assuntos

Diferenciação Celular , Galectina 3/genética , Linfonodos/citologia , Esquistossomose/imunologia , Doença Aguda , Animais , Linfócitos B/citologia , Linfócitos B/fisiologia , Contagem de Células , Doença Crônica , Cruzamentos Genéticos , Eosinófilos/citologia , Eosinófilos/fisiologia , Feminino , Granuloma/etiologia , Granuloma/patologia , Imunoglobulina E/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imuno-Histoquímica , Cinética , Fígado/patologia , Linfonodos/fisiologia , Linfopenia , Macrófagos/citologia , Macrófagos/fisiologia , Masculino , Mesentério/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Monócitos/citologia , Monócitos/fisiologia , Plasmócitos/citologia , Schistosoma mansoni/imunologia , Schistosoma mansoni/patogenicidade , Esquistossomose/metabolismo

RESUMO

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cells are believed to play important roles in allergic inflammation. However, their contributions to the pathogenesis of human asthma have not been clearly established. Significant progress has been made recently in our understanding of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness through studies of murine models of asthma and genetically engineered mice. Some of the studies have provided significant insights into the role of IgE and mast cells in the allergic airway response. In these models mice are immunized systemically with soluble protein antigens and then receive an antigen challenge through the airways. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mice with allergic airway inflammation contains significant amounts of IgE. The IgE can capture the antigen presented to the airways and the immune complexes so formed can augment allergic airway response in a high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI)-dependent manner. Previously, there were conflicting reports regarding the role of mast cells in murine models of asthma, based on studies of mast cell-deficient mice. More recent studies have suggested that the extent to which mast cells contribute to murine models of asthma depends on the experimental conditions employed to generate the airway response. This conclusion was further supported by studies using FcepsilonRI-deficient mice. Therefore, IgE-dependent activation of mast cells plays an important role in the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice under specific conditions. The murine models used should be of value for testing inhibitors of IgE or mast cells for the development of therapeutic agents for human asthma.

Assuntos

Asma/imunologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Imunoglobulina E/imunologia , Mastócitos/imunologia , Animais , Imunoglobulina E/fisiologia , Mastócitos/fisiologia , Camundongos , Receptores de IgE/imunologia , Receptores de IgE/fisiologia

RESUMO

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cells are believed to play important roles in allergic inflammation. However, their contributions to the pathogenesis of human asthma have not been clearly established. Significant progress has been made recently in our understanding of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness through studies of murine models of asthma and genetically engineered mice. Some of the studies have provided significant insights into the role of IgE and mast cells in the allergic airway response. In these models mice are immunized systemically with soluble protein antigens and then receive an antigen challenge through the airways. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mice with allergic airway inflammation contains significant amounts of IgE. The IgE can capture the antigen presented to the airways and the immune complexes so formed can augment allergic airway response in a high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI)-dependent manner. Previously, there were conflicting reports regarding the role of mast cells in murine models of asthma, based on studies of mast cell-deficient mice. More recent studies have suggested that the extent to which mast cells contribute to murine models of asthma depends on the experimental conditions employed to generate the airway response. This conclusion was further supported by studies using FcepsilonRI-deficient mice. Therefore, IgE-dependent activation of mast cells plays an important role in the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice under specific conditions. The murine models used should be of value for testing inhibitors of IgE or mast cells for the development of therapeutic agents for human asthma

Assuntos

Animais , Camundongos , Asma , Imunoglobulina E , Mastócitos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Mastócitos , Receptores de IgE