A novel type of binding specificity to phospholipids for rat mannose-binding proteins isolated from serum and liver

AbstractMannose-binding protein (MBP) belongs to the collectin subgroup of C-type lectins with specificity for mannose and N-acetylglucosamine sugars. We investigated whether rat MBPs isolated from serum (S-MBP) and liver (L-MBP) interact with phospholipids using antibody against each MBP. Both S- and L-MBPs bound to phosphatidylinositol coated onto microtiter wells in a concentration- and a Ca2+-dependent manner. L-MBP also bound to phosphatidylglycerol and weakly to phosphatidylserine. MBPs interacted with liposomes composed of these lipids. S- and L-MBPs bound to phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate. L-MBP also bound to cardiolipin. These results provide evidence for a novel type of ligand binding specificity for MBPs, and raise the possibility that phospholipids are ligands for collectins

Quantum Stream Cipher Based on Holevo–Yuen Theory

In this review paper, we first introduce the basic concept of quantum computer-resistant cryptography, which is the cornerstone of security technology for the network of a new era. Then, we will describe the positioning of mathematical cryptography and quantum cryptography, that are currently being researched and developed. Quantum cryptography includes QKD and quantum stream cipher, but we point out that the latter is expected as the core technology of next-generation communication systems. Various ideas have been proposed for QKD quantum cryptography, but most of them use a single-photon or similar signal. Then, although such technologies are applicable to special situations, these methods still have several difficulties to provide functions that surpass conventional technologies for social systems in the real environment. Thus, the quantum stream cipher has come to be expected as one promising countermeasure, which artificially creates quantum properties using special modulation techniques based on the macroscopic coherent state. In addition, it has the possibility to provide superior security performance than one-time pad cipher. Finally, we introduce detailed research activity aimed at putting the quantum stream cipher into practical use in social network technology