Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons^™

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell-Mediated Humoral Autoimmunity, Stephanie M. Dorta-Estremera Ph.D.

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Humoral autoimmunity is characterized by the breakdown of B cell immune tolerance to self-antigens and consequent production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a potent type I interferon (IFN-I) producer, have been linked to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypic systemic humoral autoimmune disease. However, the cellular events that stimulate the development of humoral autoimmunity as a result of pDC activation have not been characterized. Moreover, the B cell subset(s) responsible for the generation of autoantibodies remains to be clearly identified.

The immunization of DNA-containing amyloids into non-autoimmune mice triggers the activation of pDCs and induction …

Structural And Functional Interactions Between Bro1 Domain Of Human Alix Protein And Nucleocapsid Packaging Rna Complex From Hiv, Scott Gross

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

A virus is only as powerful as its ability to spread. Enveloped retroviruses, namely HIV-1, use exocytosis pathways that normal host cells use to release particles from the plasma membrane. The main pathways of interest in this study are the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) and adjacent ALIX pathways. The ESCRT pathway is especially important for degradation of receptor/cargo complexes that form Multi-Vesicular Bodies (MVBs). Currently, there is no known therapy that targets this endosomal pathway, which would prevent the spread of the virus to other cells. The virus has adapted to jump from pathway to pathway when …

Autoantibodies To The Ny-Eso-1 Tumor Antigen In Metastatic Melanoma: Sialylation Of The Fc Region Of Immunoglobulin G Induces Differential Expression Signatures Of Inflammatory Molecules During Dendritic Cell Differentiation And Maturation, Martin Oaks, Nathaniel Rein, John O. Richards, James Shaffer

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that different glycoforms of antibodies from patients with metastatic melanoma have different functional effects on human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.

Methods: Antibodies to the cancer antigen NY-ESO-1 were affinity-purified from patients with melanoma and further fractionated into different glycoforms by lectin chromatography. Sialic acid-rich and sialic acid-poor fractions of these immunoglobulin G antibodies (IgG) were added to dendritic cell cultures during both differentiation and maturation, and the resulting cellular messenger RNA (mRNA) and culture supernatants were tested by microarray and enzyme-linked immunoassay for molecules related to inflammatory pathways.

Results: We identified unique mRNA and …

The Effects That Liquid And Solid Cattle Manure Have On The Water Quality Of Drainage Ditches In Putnam County, Ohio, Janelle Horstman

Honors Projects

Lake Erie has experienced harmful algal blooms with increased frequency since the mid-1990s due to excess nutrients from Rivers, such as the Maumee River, and largely agricultural watersheds. Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture contributes to eutrophication, algal blooms, and the degradation of water quality. This creates stress on aquatic fauna, reduced aesthetic quality, odor, and limits of the water for usage of drinking, recreation, and industry. This research paper asks what the contributions of having access to manure application records, soil records, and information about antibiotics have on what is known about manure management and antibiotic resistance, which has been …

Receptor Of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (Rage) Is Positively Correlated With Tumor Necrosis Factor-Α In Adolescents With Obesity, Tasnim Rahman, Daniel H. Conrad, Anshu Gupta

Undergraduate Research Posters

Introduction: Obesity in childhood is associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes and other traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, suggesting an epidemic of premature cardiovascular disease among today’s youth. Glycotoxins, known as advanced glycationend products (AGE’s), activating via the membrane-bound receptors (mRAGE), have been implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammation, (increased tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α ]), insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction in adults, but the role of RAGE in the early stages of metabolic disorders is unknown. In this study, we assessed relationship of cardiometabolicrisk factors, mRNA expression of TNF-α and RAGE in peripheral monocytes in adolescents with obesity.

Methods: Thirty …

Coccidia Of Gerbils From Mongolia, Ethan Thomas Jensen

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this study, gerbils collected in the Mongolia over the summers of 2009-2012 were examined for coccidia. In total, 171 gerbils of three species from 22 localities were examined for coccidia. Coccidian oocysts were identified from 21 gerbils, but those found in 1 of those gerbils were probably pseudoparasites of the host from which they were recovered. From the remaining 20 gerbils, 7 morphotypes of Eimeria and 1 morphotype of Isospora were identified. Four of the 7 morphotypes of Eimeria were attributed to new species which were described in this study. In addition, 10 previously described species of Eimeria were …

Characterization Of The Infectivity Of Non-Replicating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)-Derived Viral Vectors., Vanessa E. Rodriguez, Manuel Llano, Luis Valdes

COURI Symposium Abstracts, Summer 2012

The ability of HIV-derived viral vectors to integrate genes of interest into the host genome causing permanent phenotypic modifications makes them excellent tools in gene therapy. However, integration also causes insertional mutagenesis and controlling integration site selection will increase the biosafety of these molecular tools. HIV DNA integration site selection is influenced by LEDGF/p75, a chromatin-bound cellular protein that interacts with the viral enzyme integrase through the integrase binding domain (IBD). Integrase catalyzes viral DNA integration and non-covalently associates with the HIV genome forming the pre-integration complex (PIC). Therefore, interaction of chromatin-bound LEDGF/p75 with the PIC-associated integrase tethers the HIV …

Role Of Poly [Adp-Ribose] Polymerase 1 In Retroviral Infection, Vanessa E. Rodriguez ^, Manuel Llano *

COURI Symposium Abstracts, Spring 2012

No abstract provided.

Novel Mechanisms Of Antigen Processing That Enhance Bcg Vaccine Efficacy, Christopher R. Singh

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is the most lethal single infectious agent afflicting man today causing 2 million deaths per year. The World Health Organization recommends a vaccine as the best option to prevent this disease. The current vaccine, BCG, has a variable efficacy and does not protect adults. It is known that BCG vaccine becomes sequestered in special phagosome compartments of macrophages that do not fuse with lysosomes. Since lysosome fusion is necessary for peptide production and T cell priming leading to protective T_H1 immunity, we hypothesized that vaccine efficacy is reduced and occurs perhaps …

The Potential Role Of Ledgf/P75 In Prostate Cancer, Tracy Ruth Daniels

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The serum autoantibody repertoire from cancer patients is currently being exploited for the identification of tumor associated antigens (TAA) and the design of TAA arrays. Such arrays would facilitate autoantibody profiling and potentially aid in the serological diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize prostate-specific TAA. We observed that while the general frequency and titers of autoantibodies in PCa patients were relatively similar to those in matched controls, significant differences could be detected between the two groups in the autoantibody response to the lens epithelial-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75). LEDGF/p75 is a …

Field Parasitology Techniques For Use With Mammals, Scott Lyell Gardner

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Obtaining parasites from mammals that are collected during surveys or bioinventories is time-consuming, and in the past such collections have rarely been made. Parasites and other symbionts are important components of the biology of the host, however, and must be sampled for a complete picture of its ecology and other aspects of its life history. For example, work on parasite diversity and biogeography of mammals in Bolivia (Gardner and Duszynski 1990; Gardner 1991: Gardner et al. 1991; Gardner and Campbell 1992a, 1992b) could not have been accomplished without proper collections of the parasite and symbiont fauna of the hosts.

Many …

Técnicas De Parasitología De Practicas De Campo Para El Uso Durante La Investigación De Mamíferos, Scott Lyell Gardner

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

First paragraph of the introduction:

La obtención de parásitos de mamíferos que son colectados durante las investigaciones o bio-inventarios toma mucho tiempo; y en el pasado, estas colectas ráramente se realizaban. De cualquier forma, los parásitos y otros simbiotas forman un componente importante de las características biologicas y ecologicas de los hospederos y deben ser muestreados. Por ejemplo, trabajos recientes en la diversidad parasitaria y la biogeografía en mamíferos de Bolivia por Gardner y Duszynski (1990), Gardner (1991), y Gardner y Campbell (1992 a,b) no hubiera popdido realizarse sin el trabajo de colección apropiado de la fauna parasitaria/simbiótica de los …

Suppressive Effects Of Transforming Factor-Β And Interleukin-10 On The Cytolytic Activity Of Murine Macrophages And Reversal By Cytokines, Chin-Hung Lin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, the suppressive effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) on peritoneal macrophage killing of H238 target cells and the potential for reversal of the immunosuppressive effect by IL-4 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were investigated. The responsiveness of naive and peptone-activated macrophages was compared. The cytolytic activity for tumor cells of these effector cells was measured by percent lysis of ³H-thymidine labeled Herpes simplex virus type 2-transformed tumor cells (H238). After 18-24 hours of incubation with TGF-β or IL-10, the cytolytic activity of macro-medium alone. The immunosuppressive effect of TGF-β or IL-10 on non-activated macrophages was …

An Immunochemical Analysis Of Alcoholic Hyaline And Its Relationship To Keratin Intermediate Filaments, David L. Drexler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Alcoholic Hyaline (AH) and keratin intermediate filaments possess ultrastructural, biochemical and immunochemical similarities. This study compares human AH, human stratum corneum keratin (HSCK) and normal human liver cytokeratin (HCK) by quantitative immunochemical means, using polyclonal as well as monoclonal antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed, as well as "immunoblotting" and immunocytochemical techniques. HCK was isolated using Triton X-100 and "high-salt” buffers and exhibited seven major polypeptide bands on SDS-PAGE (41-58 kd). Antisera were made toward HCK and the two major HCK bands. Other immunochemicals included antisera toward AH, the three major AH bands, and HSCK, as well as 3 …

A Rapid Concentration And Identification Technique For Human Malaria Infections Using A Mouse Model, Donald D. Barton

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Red blood cells infected with malaria parasites experience a change in density making them lighter (less dense). This paper reports a new, rapid diagnostic technique using this change in density in the infected red blood cell. It is not only easy to use, but it is also compatible with the technological conditions found where the malaria problem is most acute - in many developing countries of the world. A small sample of blood drawn from a simple finger stick can be concentrated and examined microscopically for malaria parasites within 10 minutes. The thick film slide preparation, presently used, takes a …

Cryptosporidiosis In The Immunosuppressed Mouse And In Cell Culture, Mercy Prabhu Das

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection primarily of animals that has been recently recognized as an important disease in immunocompromised humans. Most cases to date have occurred in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Persons with abnormal humoral or cellular immune function, and even normal subjects, have also been affected.

To determine whether or not mice, when experimentally immunosuppressed, would develop cryptosporidiosis, a test was designed using the AKR/J strain. This strain was selected because, it was previously reported that it was the strain shown to respond most readily to the production of disease caused by the opportunistic protozoan, Pneumocystis carinii …

Arapaho Prairie, Arthur County, Nebraska: Approximate Ap Grid For Gis, Kathleen H. Keeler, A. T. Harrison, L. S. Vescio

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Grid map of field sites at Arapaho Prairie in Arthur County, Nebraska. Scale 1 5/16" = 1/4 mile. Shows permanently marked vegetation quadrats, blowouts and ravine washouts, roads, and 100' contour intervals. Part of the map was destroyed by mice. What remains of the map as of 2013 is shown.

Effects Of Trypanosoma Musculi Kendall, 1906 Immune Serum On The Reproduction Of Trichinella Spiralis (Owen, 1835) Railliet, 1896 In Mice, Samuel L. Chafin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The possible effects of ablastin, a reproduction-inhibiting antibody which is produced during the infection of the blood parasite, Trypanosoma musculi in the mouse, were investigated by fractionating the parasite into a supernatant fraction (designated as Group A test mice) and a pellet fraction (Group B test mice). These groups A and B mice were injected with the respective fractions, plus Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Control mice were injected with FCA only. Sera from these three groups of mice were removed after the Group A and Group B mice were shown to be negative to T. musculi challenge, and Group A …

Effect Of Time And Diet On The Immune Status Of Mice Challenged With Herpes-Transformed Cells, Daila S. Gridley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Human Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2)-transformed Balb/c mouse cells (H238 cells) are malignant in Balb/c mice. The immune stratus of mice bearing H238 cell-induced tumors was studied and changes in immune response with time and with altered diet of the mice were measured.

In the experiments dealing with the status of immunity with time after tumor cell injection, mice were fed Purina Laboratory Chow (P.L.C.), injected with H238 cells, and sacrificed three to eight weeks post-injection. In the diet experiments, groups of mice were fed either P.L.C. or one of six equicaloric diets, consisting of low or high …

New Laboratory For Virus Disease Studies, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Exotic diseases continually pose a threat to Australia's animal industries and the consequences of major outbreak could be disastrous.

If an outbreak should occur, it is essential that clinical diagnosis is confirmed without delay for control measures to be effective.

The completion of the new Virology Laboratory provides a building in which most exotic viral diseases could be handled with safety for diagnostic purposes in the event of an outbreak.

The Comparative Histochemistry Of The Infective Oncospheres Of Oochoristica Osheroffi Meggitt, 1934, And Oochoristica Scelopori Voge And Fox, 1950, (Cyclophyllidea: Linstowiidae) With Notes On The Origins Of The Egg Membranes, Gary R. Coulter

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Infective oncospheres of Oochorlstica osheroffi and Oochoristica scelopori were compared using fifteen histochemical tests. Vital stains were also used.

Carnoy’s-fixed gravid proglottids were vacuum-embedded in a paraffin-piccolyte mixture and cut transversely at 6 microns. Sections were tested for the presence of phosphatases, proteins, sclerotin precursors, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and acid mucopolysaccharides.

Oncospheres were histochemlcally very similar. Heavy concentrations of mucoproteins and glycoproteins were detected in the oncospheral coat of O. scelopori. Acid phosphatase was found in the embryophore of O. osheroffi, but could not be demonstrated in O. scelopori. No evidence of a sclerotized egg capsule was …

The Effect Of Elevated Glucose On Neutrophilic Phagocytosis In Genetically Diabetic Mice, Larry B. Thompson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Infiltration to an injury site or area of bacterial contamination by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (or neutrophils) is an early and essential phase of the early inflammatory reaction. Their action on foreign matter is the most critical step taken by body defense mechanisms in the first 24 hours. Anything which interferes with that action, phagocytosis, greatly hampers early inflammation. This study was designed to see the effect of elevated glucose levels on neutrophil phagocytosis in a unique strain of genetically diabetic mice.

Twenty-two diabetic and twenty-four control female mice were used. Blood glucose determinations and total white counts were made on each …

Concurrent Infections Of Schistosoma Mansoni And Trypanosoma Equiperdum In Mice, Venus Ee-Siriporn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to determine factors which may influence the survival time of mice infected with Trypanosoma equiperdum and the effects of T. equiperdum on mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

In order to maintain experimentally obtained standard hours of survival (88 hrs) in mice inoculated intraperitoneally with 150,000 T. equiperdum, it was found that trypanosomes removed from the donor rat should be kept at 25 C and all counts, dilutions of the organisms, and injection should be completed within 1 hour after removal from the donor host. Survival time of mice is increased as the …

Carbon Dioxide Fixation In Schistosoma Mansoni, Clint Earl Carter

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adults of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni were perfused from the hepatic portal system of CF1 female mice sixty to seventy days post infection. The worms were then incubated in Eagle’s minimal essential medium with glutamate and 0.03 mg/100 ml of nonlabelled aspartic acid. To this medium was added 10 μc of either NaH¹⁴0₃, glucose-UC¹⁴ or aspartate-4-C¹⁴. The worms were found to fix carbon from the NaH¹⁴0₃ and to incorporate the glucose and aspartate. The amount of activity recovered in five different chemical fractions after two hours incubation was determined …

The Effect Of Varying Protein Intake On Trichinella Spiralis Infection In Mice, Clare K. Kwan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Three hundred Swiss Webster albino mice three weeks of age were placed on low (8%), medium (24%), high (48%) protein levels and a commercial laboratory animal feed, Purina Chow for various lengths of time: (1) simultaneously with infection, and four weeks thereafter, (2) three weeks before infection and throughout the four-week infection period, and (3) six weeks prior to infection and during the infection period. The protein source was casein. Sixty of the 300 mice used served as noninfected controls, and the other 240 were each infected with 400 washed, suspended Trichinella spiralis larvae obtained from a rat by the …

Natural History Of Thelazia Californiensis Price, 1930 (Nematoda: Thelaziidae), A Mammalian Eye Worm, Warren E. Parmelee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Various factors—embryology, host associations, and seasonal changes In eye worn populations—tending to promote the propagation of T. califomlensls were studied.

The early embryology closely parallels that of other nematode species.

The mature embryos remain alive in saline at 35°C as long as 5 days. Dead embryos can be distinguished from living ones by virtue of the rapid staining by methylene blue by the former. Parturient female thelazias release embryos into saline, and embryos are found regularly in tear secretions of infected laboratory rabbits.

Ovic embryos possess an enveloping egg membrane containing chitin. On this account, this eye worm species is …