Toll-like receptors （TLRs） recognize distinct microbial components to initiate the innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR activation culminates in the expression of appropriate pro-inflammatory and immunomodulato...Toll-like receptors （TLRs） recognize distinct microbial components to initiate the innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR activation culminates in the expression of appropriate pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors to meet pathogenic challenges. The transcription factor NF-kB is the master regulator of all TLR-induced responses and its activation is the pivotal event in TLR-mediated activation of the innate immune response. Many of the key molecular events required for TLR-induced NF-r.B activation have been elucidated. However, much remain to be learned about the ability of TLRs to generate pathogen-specific responses using a limited number of transcription factors. This review will focus on our current understanding of NF-kB activation by TLRs and potential mechanisms for achieving a signal-specific response through NF-kB. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology. 2007;4（1）：31-41.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus and its complications are becoming one of the most important health problems in the world. Diabetic nephropathy is now the main cause of end-stage renal disease. The mechanisms leading tothe develop... Diabetes mellitus and its complications are becoming one of the most important health problems in the world. Diabetic nephropathy is now the main cause of end-stage renal disease. The mechanisms leading tothe development and progression of renal injury are not well known. Therefore, it is very important to f ind new pathogenic pathways to provide opportunities for early diagnosis and targets for novel treatments. At the present time, we know that activation of innate immunity with development of a chronic low grade inflammatory response is a recognized factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown the participation of different inflammatory molecules and pathways in the pathophysiology of this complication.展开更多
The Chinese tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri chinensis） a squirrel-like and rat-sized mammal, has a wide distribution in Southeast Asia, South and Southwest China and has many unique characteristics that make it suitabl...The Chinese tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri chinensis） a squirrel-like and rat-sized mammal, has a wide distribution in Southeast Asia, South and Southwest China and has many unique characteristics that make it suitable for use as an experimental animal. There have been many studies using the tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri） aimed at increasing our understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and for the modeling of human diseases and therapeutic responses. The recent release of a publicly available annotated genome sequence of the Chinese tree shrew and its genome database （www.treeshrewdb.org） has offered a solid base from which it is possible to elucidate the basic biological properties and create animal models using this species. The extensive characterization of key factors and signaling pathways in the immune and nervous systems has shown that tree shrews possess both conserved and unique features relative to primates. Hitherto, the tree shrew has been successfully used to create animal models for myopia, depression, breast cancer, alcohol-induced or non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, herpes simplex virus type 1 （HSV-1） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） infections, to name a few. The recent successful genetic manipulation of the tree shrew has opened a new avenue for the wider usage of this animal in biomedical research. In this opinion paper, I attempt to summarize the recent research advances that have used the Chinese tree shrew, with a focus on the new knowledge obtained by using the biological properties identified using the tree shrew genome, a proposal for the genome-based approach for creating animal models, and the genetic manipulation of the tree shrew. With more studies using this species and the application of cutting-edge gene editing techniques, the tree shrew will continue to be under the spot light as a viable animal model for investigating the basis of many different human diseases.展开更多
The brown planthopper （BPH） is the most notorious pest of rice （Oryza sativa）. Studies of rice-BPH interaction have contributed to development of new rice varieties, offering an effective means for long-lasting co...The brown planthopper （BPH） is the most notorious pest of rice （Oryza sativa）. Studies of rice-BPH interaction have contributed to development of new rice varieties, offering an effective means for long-lasting control of BPH. Here, we review the status of knowledge of the molecular basis of rice-BPH interaction, from the perspective of immunity. The BPH has complicated feeding behaviors on rice, which are mainly related to host resistance. Now, 24 resistance genes have been detected in rice, indicating gene-for-gene relationships with biotypes of the BPH. However, only one BPH resistance gene （Bph14） was identified and characterized using map-based cloning. Bph14 encodes an immune receptor of NB-LRR family, providing a means for studying the molecular mechanisms of rice resistance to BPH. Plant hormones （e.g. salicylic acid and jasmonate/ethylene）, Ca2＋, mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs）, and OsRacl play important roles in the immune response of rice to BPH. Signal transduction leads to modifying expression of defense- related genes and defense mechanisms against BPH, including sieve tube sealing, production of secondary metabolites, and induction of proteinase inhibitor. A model for the molecular interactions between rice and the BPH is proposed, although many details remain to be investigated that are valuable for molecular design of BPH-resistant rice varieties.展开更多
Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide. The rice-M, oryzae pathosystem has become a model in the study of plant-fungal interactions beca...Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide. The rice-M, oryzae pathosystem has become a model in the study of plant-fungal interactions because of its scientific advancement and economic importance. Recent studies have identified a number of new pathogen- associated molecular patterns （PAMPs） and effectors from the blast fungus that trigger rice immune responses upon perception. Interaction analyses between avirulence effectors and their cognate resistance proteins have provided new insights into the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions. In this review, we summarize the recent research on the characterization of those genes in both M. oryzae and rice that are important for the PAMP- and effector-triggered immunity recognition and signaling processes. We also discuss future directions for research that will further our understanding of this pathosystem.展开更多
The liver is a tolerogenic organ with exquisite mechanisms of immune regulation that ensure upkeep of local and systemic immune tolerance to self and foreign antigens, but that is also able to mount effective immune r...The liver is a tolerogenic organ with exquisite mechanisms of immune regulation that ensure upkeep of local and systemic immune tolerance to self and foreign antigens, but that is also able to mount effective immune responses against pathogens. The immune privilege of liver allografts was recognized first in pigs in spite of major histo-compatibility complex mismatch, and termed the ＂liver tolerance effect＂. Furthermore, liver transplants are spontaneously accepted with only low-dose immunosuppression, and induce tolerance for non-hepatic co-transplanted allografts of the same donor. Although this immunotolerogenic environment is favorable in the setting of organ transplantation, it is detrimental in chronic infectious liver diseases like hepatitis B or C, malaria, schistosomiasis or tumorigenesis, leading to pathogen persistence and weak anti-tumor effects. The liver is a primary site of T-cell activation, but it elicits poor or incomplete activation of T cells, leading to their abortive activation, exhaustion, suppression of their effector function and early death. This is exploited by pathogens and can impair pathogen control and clearance or allow tumor growth. Hepatic priming of T cells is mediated by a number of local conventional and nonconventional antigen-presenting cells （APCs）, which promote tolerance by immune deviation, induction of T-cell anergy or apoptosis, and generating and expanding regulatory T cells. This review will focus on the communication between classical and nonclassical APCs and lymphocytes in the liver in tolerance induction and will discuss recent insights into the role of innate lymphocytes in this process.展开更多
文摘Toll-like receptors （TLRs） recognize distinct microbial components to initiate the innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR activation culminates in the expression of appropriate pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors to meet pathogenic challenges. The transcription factor NF-kB is the master regulator of all TLR-induced responses and its activation is the pivotal event in TLR-mediated activation of the innate immune response. Many of the key molecular events required for TLR-induced NF-r.B activation have been elucidated. However, much remain to be learned about the ability of TLRs to generate pathogen-specific responses using a limited number of transcription factors. This review will focus on our current understanding of NF-kB activation by TLRs and potential mechanisms for achieving a signal-specific response through NF-kB. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology. 2007;4（1）：31-41.
基金Supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación(Instituto de Salud Carlos Ⅲ-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria:PI07/0870and PI10/576)Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social(Dirección General de Terapias Avanzadas y Trasplante:TRA-182)Sociedad Espaola de Nefrología y ACINEF
文摘 Diabetes mellitus and its complications are becoming one of the most important health problems in the world. Diabetic nephropathy is now the main cause of end-stage renal disease. The mechanisms leading tothe development and progression of renal injury are not well known. Therefore, it is very important to f ind new pathogenic pathways to provide opportunities for early diagnosis and targets for novel treatments. At the present time, we know that activation of innate immunity with development of a chronic low grade inflammatory response is a recognized factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown the participation of different inflammatory molecules and pathways in the pathophysiology of this complication.
基金supported by the grant of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC U1402224)the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS zsys-02)
文摘The Chinese tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri chinensis） a squirrel-like and rat-sized mammal, has a wide distribution in Southeast Asia, South and Southwest China and has many unique characteristics that make it suitable for use as an experimental animal. There have been many studies using the tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri） aimed at increasing our understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and for the modeling of human diseases and therapeutic responses. The recent release of a publicly available annotated genome sequence of the Chinese tree shrew and its genome database （www.treeshrewdb.org） has offered a solid base from which it is possible to elucidate the basic biological properties and create animal models using this species. The extensive characterization of key factors and signaling pathways in the immune and nervous systems has shown that tree shrews possess both conserved and unique features relative to primates. Hitherto, the tree shrew has been successfully used to create animal models for myopia, depression, breast cancer, alcohol-induced or non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, herpes simplex virus type 1 （HSV-1） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） infections, to name a few. The recent successful genetic manipulation of the tree shrew has opened a new avenue for the wider usage of this animal in biomedical research. In this opinion paper, I attempt to summarize the recent research advances that have used the Chinese tree shrew, with a focus on the new knowledge obtained by using the biological properties identified using the tree shrew genome, a proposal for the genome-based approach for creating animal models, and the genetic manipulation of the tree shrew. With more studies using this species and the application of cutting-edge gene editing techniques, the tree shrew will continue to be under the spot light as a viable animal model for investigating the basis of many different human diseases.
基金This study was supported by the National Program on High Technology Development （Grant No. 2012AA10A303） the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant No. 31230060）and a project of the Ministry of Agriculture of China for Transgenic Research （Grant No. 2011ZX08009-003-001）.
文摘The brown planthopper （BPH） is the most notorious pest of rice （Oryza sativa）. Studies of rice-BPH interaction have contributed to development of new rice varieties, offering an effective means for long-lasting control of BPH. Here, we review the status of knowledge of the molecular basis of rice-BPH interaction, from the perspective of immunity. The BPH has complicated feeding behaviors on rice, which are mainly related to host resistance. Now, 24 resistance genes have been detected in rice, indicating gene-for-gene relationships with biotypes of the BPH. However, only one BPH resistance gene （Bph14） was identified and characterized using map-based cloning. Bph14 encodes an immune receptor of NB-LRR family, providing a means for studying the molecular mechanisms of rice resistance to BPH. Plant hormones （e.g. salicylic acid and jasmonate/ethylene）, Ca2＋, mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs）, and OsRacl play important roles in the immune response of rice to BPH. Signal transduction leads to modifying expression of defense- related genes and defense mechanisms against BPH, including sieve tube sealing, production of secondary metabolites, and induction of proteinase inhibitor. A model for the molecular interactions between rice and the BPH is proposed, although many details remain to be investigated that are valuable for molecular design of BPH-resistant rice varieties.
基金This work was supported by the US NSF-IOS to G.L.W. （1120949）the National Natural Science Foundation of China to W.D.L. （31272034）+3 种基金 Y.S.N. （31101405） and X.L.W. （31101404） the 973 Project （2012CBl14005） of Ministry of Science and Technology China and the National Transgenic Crop Initiative to G.L.W. （2012ZX08009001） and the Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Hunan Universities from Hunan Department of Science and Technology and the Program for Innovative Research Team in University from Ministry of Education in China IRT1239） to Z.L.W. No conflict of interest declared.
文摘Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide. The rice-M, oryzae pathosystem has become a model in the study of plant-fungal interactions because of its scientific advancement and economic importance. Recent studies have identified a number of new pathogen- associated molecular patterns （PAMPs） and effectors from the blast fungus that trigger rice immune responses upon perception. Interaction analyses between avirulence effectors and their cognate resistance proteins have provided new insights into the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions. In this review, we summarize the recent research on the characterization of those genes in both M. oryzae and rice that are important for the PAMP- and effector-triggered immunity recognition and signaling processes. We also discuss future directions for research that will further our understanding of this pathosystem.
文摘The liver is a tolerogenic organ with exquisite mechanisms of immune regulation that ensure upkeep of local and systemic immune tolerance to self and foreign antigens, but that is also able to mount effective immune responses against pathogens. The immune privilege of liver allografts was recognized first in pigs in spite of major histo-compatibility complex mismatch, and termed the ＂liver tolerance effect＂. Furthermore, liver transplants are spontaneously accepted with only low-dose immunosuppression, and induce tolerance for non-hepatic co-transplanted allografts of the same donor. Although this immunotolerogenic environment is favorable in the setting of organ transplantation, it is detrimental in chronic infectious liver diseases like hepatitis B or C, malaria, schistosomiasis or tumorigenesis, leading to pathogen persistence and weak anti-tumor effects. The liver is a primary site of T-cell activation, but it elicits poor or incomplete activation of T cells, leading to their abortive activation, exhaustion, suppression of their effector function and early death. This is exploited by pathogens and can impair pathogen control and clearance or allow tumor growth. Hepatic priming of T cells is mediated by a number of local conventional and nonconventional antigen-presenting cells （APCs）, which promote tolerance by immune deviation, induction of T-cell anergy or apoptosis, and generating and expanding regulatory T cells. This review will focus on the communication between classical and nonclassical APCs and lymphocytes in the liver in tolerance induction and will discuss recent insights into the role of innate lymphocytes in this process.
