Molecular Mechanisms of Nickel Allergy

Allergic contact hypersensitivity to metals is a delayed-type allergy. Although various metals are known to produce an allergic reaction, nickel is the most frequent cause of metal allergy. Researchers have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of metal allergy using animal models and human patients. Here, the immunological and molecular mechanisms of metal allergy are described based on the findings of previous studies, including those that were recently published. In addition, the adsorption and excretion of various metals, in particular nickel, is discussed to further understand the pathogenesis of metal allergy

Role of regulatory T cell in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Regulatory T (Treg) cells play key roles in various immune responses. For example, Treg cells contribute to the complex pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis during onset or development of that disease. Many animal models of IBD have been used to investigate factors such as pathogenic cytokines, pathogenic bacteria, and T-cell functions, including those of Treg cells. In addition, analyses of patients with IBD facilitate our understanding of the precise mechanism of IBD. This review article focuses on the role of Treg cells and outlines the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of IBD based on previous reports

Effect of CNT exposure on alveolar macrophages

Background Nanomaterials are widely used in various fields. Although the toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in pulmonary tissues has been demonstrated, the toxicological effect of CNTs on the immune system in the lung remains unclear. Methods and finding In this study, exposure to Taquann-treated multi-walled CNTs (T-CNTs) was performed using aerosols generated in an inhalation chamber. At 12 months after T-CNT exposure, alveolar inflammation with macrophage accumulation and hypertrophy of the alveolar walls were observed. In addition, fibrotic lesions were enhanced by T-CNT exposure. The macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of T-CNT-exposed mice were not largely shifted to any particular population, and were a mixed phenotype with M1 and M2 polarization. Moreover, the alveolar macrophages of T-CNT-exposed mice produced matrix metalloprotinase-12. Conclusions These results suggest that T-CNT exposure promoted chronic inflammation and fibrotic lesion formation in profibrotic macrophages for prolonged periods

Cross-talk between autoimmunity and tumor immunity

Both autoimmunity and tumor immunity are immune responses against self-tissues or cells. However, the precise similarity or difference between them remains unclear. In this study, to understand a novel mechanism of tumor immunity, we performed transplantation experiments with a murine autoimmune model, C57BL/6J (B6)/lpr mice. A melanoma cell line, B16F10 cells, or granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor- overexpressing B16F10 (B16F10/mGM) cells were transplanted into B6 or B6/lpr mice. Tumor growth by transplanted B16F10/mGM cells was significantly accelerated in B6/lpr mice compared with that in B6 mice. The accumulation of M1 macrophages in the tumor tissues of B6/lpr recipient mice was significantly lower compared with that in the control mice. In vitro co-culture experiment showed that impaired differentiation into M1 macrophages was observed in B6/lpr mice. The number of tumor vessels and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were also significantly enhanced in the tumor tissues of B6/lpr mice compared with those in the B6 mice. Moreover, VEGF expression was correlated with the increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the tumor tissues of B6/lpr mice. These results suggest that dysfunctional tumor immunity and enhanced angiogenesis in autoimmunity influence tumor growth

島根県立看護短期大学の地域貢献と情報ネットワークシステム

島根県立看護短期大学は平成7年4月に関学した。建学の理念は、1.人間愛、2.看護職の責務の探求、3.地域に開かれた大学である。教育、研究の成果を地域に還元し、「開かれた大学」として地域社会の発展に貢献することを一つの重要な柱とした。その目的を達成するための学内体制等を整備すると共に、地域開放事業の実施目標を設定した。本学には「情報と映像で世界と地域を結ぶ島根県立看護短期大学の2つのネットワーク」がある。これはコンピュータ情報ネットワークと音声・映像情報ネットワークの2つのシステムから構成されている。後者のシステムは出雲ケーブルピジョンにより、出雲市の家庭と結ばれている。ここでは、音声・映像情報ネットワークを用いて地域の人々に対する看護・介護支援システムを構築し地域社会に貢献する計画を述べた