Crohn Disease

Investigators at Gunma University release new data on immunology

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"We aimed to examine the expression and function of the receptors in these diseases by immunohistochemistry of the colonic mucosae and by in vitro experiments. The density of MCs expressing FcgammaRI, TLR4, or both proteins was significantly higher in CD than in UC or control samples. The density of TNF-alpha(+) MCs expressing FcgammaRI or TLR4 was significantly higher in CD than in control samples. LPS and IgG1 cross-linking synergistically induced a high level of TNF-alpha production in IFN-gamma-treated human MCs," wrote R. Kobayashi and colleagues, Gunma University.

The researchers concluded: "Hyperexpression of FcgammaRI and TLR4 on MCs was related to the high frequency of TNF-alpha expression in CD, suggesting the activation of MCs via these receptors in vivo."

Kobayashi and colleagues published their study in Clinical Immunology (Hyperexpression of FcgammaRI and Toll-like receptor 4 in the intestinal mast cells of Crohn's disease patients. Clinical Immunology, 2007;125(2):149-58).

For additional information, contact R. Kobayashi, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine and Molecular Science, Maebashi, Japan.

Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Immunology is: Academic Press Inc. Elsevier Science, 525 B St., Ste. 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA.

Keywords: Japan, Maebashi, Clinical Immunology, Crohn Disease, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal, Immunology, Interferon.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.