Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:18
Dioscin Mediated IgA Nephropathy Alleviation by Inhibiting B Cell Activation In Vivo and Decreasing Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Production In Vitro
Published on: October 13, 2023
Endogenous anti-inflammatory substances, inter-alpha-inhibitor and bikunin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan. hirokoba@naramed-u.ac.jp
Biological Chemistry
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Bikunin, a component of the inter-alpha-inhibitor (IalphaI) family, acts as both an anti-proteolytic and anti-inflammatory agent. It suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine synthesis by inhibiting calcium influx and ERK signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The inter-alpha-inhibitor (IalphaI) family's biological functions are under new investigation.
- Bikunin, also known as urinary trypsin inhibitor, is the source of the IalphaI family's anti-proteolytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of bikunin's functions, ligands, and interactions.
- To explore bikunin's role as an anti-inflammatory agent beyond its anti-proteolytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on bikunin's biological functions.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bikunin.
Main Results:
- Bikunin suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine synthesis.
- Bikunin inhibits calcium influx and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling.
- Deficits in bikunin signaling down-regulate cytokine expression and impair inflammatory processes.
Conclusions:
- Bikunin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties by modulating key signaling pathways.
- Understanding bikunin's interactions is crucial for comprehending inflammatory processes.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:10Antibody Structure
Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:25Antibody Structure and Classes
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by B cells in response to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. These proteins are critical for recognizing and neutralizing these substances, protecting the body from potential harm.
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:26Antibody Actions
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...