Production of Recombinant B-Chain from Mistletoe and Its Effects on Immune Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Tzu-Li Lu, Chuang Jing-Yuan, Yang Jai-Sing, Chiu Shau-Ting, Hsiao Nai-Wan, Wu Mei-Chen, Wu Shih-Hsiung, Hsu Ching-Hsiang
Primary Institution: China Medical University
Hypothesis
Can the recombinant B-chain of type-2 ribosome-inactivating protein from Viscum articulatum act as an immunomodulator?
Conclusion
The recombinant B-chain (rATB) can stimulate immune cells to release cytokines without causing cytotoxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- rATB showed lectin activity specific toward galactoside moiety.
- rATB preferentially bound to monocytes and stimulated PBMCs to release cytokines.
- rATB was stable in low ionic strength solution for over a week.
Takeaway
Scientists made a special protein from mistletoe that helps the body's immune system work better without making people sick.
Methodology
The B-chain gene was cloned, expressed in E. coli, and the protein was purified and refolded for biological assays.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination with native heterodimer during preparation of the B-chain.
Limitations
The study could not clarify the biological role of protein glycosylation due to the scarcity of the plant.
Participant Demographics
Healthy volunteers provided blood samples for the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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