Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:04
Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 22, 2014
A polymeric bacterial protein activates dendritic cells via TLR4
Paula M Berguer1, Juliana Mundiñano, Isabel Piazzon
1Fundación Instituto Leloir, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|February 4, 2006
Summary
Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS) activates immune cells, enhancing dendritic cell maturation and function. This protein shows promise as a vaccine candidate due to its immunogenic properties and adjuvant-free efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbial Biochemistry
Background:
- Brucella spp. lumazine synthase (BLS) is a stable, immunogenic protein.
- Foreign peptides can be fused to BLS without affecting its structure.
- BLS chimeras are effective for eliciting systemic and oral immunity without adjuvants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of BLS on dendritic cells (DCs).
- To determine the in vivo immune responses induced by BLS.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in BLS-mediated immune stimulation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro stimulation of mouse bone marrow dendritic cells with BLS.
- Analysis of DC surface marker expression (CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC II) via flow cytometry.
- Measurement of chemokine mRNA levels and cytokine secretion.
- In vivo studies assessing DC populations and CD62L expression in draining lymph nodes.
- Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dependency assessment.
Main Results:
- BLS up-regulates costimulatory molecules and MHC class II on DCs.
- BLS induces chemokine production and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
- BLS increases DC numbers and CD62L expression in draining lymph nodes in vivo.
- Immune responses to BLS are dependent on TLR4 and independent of LPS.
Conclusions:
- BLS possesses potent immune-stimulating properties, acting as a strong adjuvant.
- BLS effectively promotes DC maturation and migration.
- BLS is a promising candidate for novel vaccine development due to its inherent immunogenicity and adjuvant capabilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:22Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
01:19Formation of Lipopolysaccharides
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are crucial components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serving both structural and functional roles. It contributes to membrane stability and protects bacteria from host immune responses. LPS is composed of three major regions—lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen. The biosynthesis and assembly of LPS involve a highly coordinated set of enzymatic reactions and transport mechanisms. Additionally, LPS is recognized as an endotoxin, triggering...