Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
In vitro Methylation Assay to Study Protein Arginine Methylation
Published on: October 5, 2014
Identification and purification of arginine deiminase that originated from Mycoplasma arginini
1Institute of Immunological Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Insights
A novel lymphocyte blastogenesis inhibitory factor (LBIF) was isolated from U937 cells. This factor, originating from Mycoplasma arginini, exhibits arginine deiminase activity, potentially explaining mycoplasma-induced immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- U937 cells are a human histiocytic lymphoma cell line.
- Lymphocyte blastogenesis is a key indicator of immune response.
- Mycoplasma infections can impact host immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a lymphocyte blastogenesis inhibitory factor (LBIF) from U937 cells.
- To determine the origin and enzymatic activity of LBIF.
- To discuss the implications of arginine-utilizing mycoplasma in immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used for protein purification.
- U937 cells were cultured and their supernatant analyzed.
- Enzymatic assays were performed to determine LBIF activity.
Main Results:
- LBIF was successfully purified from U937 cell culture supernatant.
- LBIF was identified as originating from Mycoplasma arginini infection.
- LBIF demonstrated arginine deiminase activity.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma arginini is a source of LBIF.
- Arginine deiminase activity of LBIF contributes to immunosuppression.
- Arginine-utilizing mycoplasma species may induce in vivo immunosuppression.
Abstract:
A lymphocyte blastogenesis inhibitory factor, (LBIF), was purified from the culture supernatant of human histiocytic lymphoma U937 by fast protein liquid chromatography. In this study, we demonstrated, first, that LBIF originated from a mycoplasma, Mycoplasma arginini, infecting U937 cells, and second, that LBIF bore the arginine deiminase activity. The implication of in vivo immunosuppression induced by arginine-utilizing mycoplasma species is discussed.
