Lymphocytes constitute a critical component of host defenses against cryptococcosis. Previously, we demonstrated that human lymphocytes cultured with interleukin-2 formed conjugates with, and directly inhibited the growth of, Cryptococcus neoformans. Here, we explore the anticryptococcal activity of freshly isolated, highly purified populations of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymphocytes...

This study describes the design, synthesis, and use of selective peptide substrates for cysteine peptidases of the C1 papain family, important in many biological processes. The structure of the newly synthesized substrates is Glp-Xaa-Ala-Y (where Glp=pyroglutamyl; Xaa=Phe or Val; and Y=pNA [p-nitroanilide], AMC [4-amino-7-methylcoumaride], or AFC [4-amino-7-trifluoromethyl-coumaride]). Substrat...

NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in rat liver microsomes was solubilized by bromelain digestion and purified to homogeneity. An antibody preparation obtained by immunization with this enzyme was found to inhibit the NADPHcytochrome c reductase activity of both the purified enzyme and intact microsomes by more than 90%. This antibody also inhibited the NADPH-dependent peroxidation of microsomal lipi...

Haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (HEV), a member of the coronavirus family, was purified and analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was shown to contain eight polypeptides, seven of which were glycosylated. They had apparent mol. wt. of 180,000 (GP 180), 130,0000 (GP 130), 120,000 (GP 120) 76,000 (GP 76), 64,000 (VP 64), 54,000 (GP 54), 32,000 (GP 32) and 31,000 (GP 31)...

INTRODUCTION Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) produces good results in the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The efficacy of combined administration of dietary supplements with ESWT has not yet been studied. METHODS In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, Shock Waves therapy and Arginine for Achilles Tendinopathy (SWAAT), subjects affected by insertional Achilles ...

Actinopyga lecanora, a type of sea cucumber commonly known as stone fish with relatively high protein content, was explored as raw material for bioactive peptides production. Six proteolytic enzymes, namely alcalase, papain, pepsin, trypsin, bromelain and flavourzyme were used to hydrolyze A. lecanora at different times and their respective degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were calculated. Subsequent...

Peptides have the potential to serve as an alternative for petroleum-based polymers to support a sustainable society. However, they lack thermoplasticity, owing to their strong intermolecular interactions. In contrast, nylon is famous for its thermoplasticity and chemical resistance. Here, we synthesized peptides containing a nylon unit to modify their thermal properties by using papain-catalyz...

We have raised a rabbit antiserum to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C terminus (residues 400-416) of the Rh30A polypeptide. The rabbit antiserum reacted with the Rh30B (D30) polypeptide in addition to the Rh30A (C/c and/or E/e) polypeptide(s), indicating that these proteins share homology at their C termini. The antiserum did not react with erythrocyte membranes from an individual wit...

A unique 33-kDa cysteine protease (Mir1-CP) rapidly accumulates at the feeding site in the whorls of maize (Zea mays L.) lines that are resistant to herbivory by Spodoptera frugiperda and other lepidopteran species. When larvae were reared on resistant plants, larval growth was reduced due to impaired nutrient utilization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the peritrophic matrix...

There is limited information on the effect of fruits on human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fruit juice on CYP2C9-mediated drug metabolism. Nine citrus fruits and eight tropical fruits were chosen. We investigated effects of the fruits on diclofenac 4'-hydroxylation and tolbutamide hydroxylation by human liver microsomes. Among th...