Aspergillus fumigatu (A. fumigatus) is one of the most common important fungal pathogens that cause life-threatening infectious disease in immunocompromised individuals. However, the host immune response against this pathogenic mold is not fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in regulating innate immunity. Thus, we investigated the function of miR-146a in inflammatory responses in macrophages after A. fumigatus stimulation in this study. We found that TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in THP-1 macrophage-like cells treated with A. fumigatus at both the mRNA and protein levels. The interaction between THP-1 macrophage-like cells and A. fumigatus resulted in a long-lasting increase in miR-146a expression dependent on p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling. In A. fumigatus-challenged THP-1 macrophage-like cells, overexpression of miR-146a by miR-146a mimics decreased TNF-α and IL-6 production, whereas downregulation of miR-146a by anti-miR-146a significantly enhanced the level of TNF-α and IL-6. Our study demonstrates that the crosstalk between miR-146a and the inflammation-regulating p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways might be a fine-tuning mechanism in the modulation of the inflammatory response in macrophages infected with A. fumigatus. Our findings illuminate the crucial role of miR-146a in the pathogenesis of human diseases associated with A. fumigatus infection.

Emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in disease development. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of Candida albicans (C. albicans) remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate and characterize the mRNA and lncRNA transcriptomes of CD14+ monocytes and THP-1 cells stimulated with insoluble β-glucan by RNA-seq. We identified a total of 10788 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 2021 DE lncRNAs in CD14+ monocytes, while 3349 DE mRNAs and 291 DE lncRNAs were observed in THP-1 cells. A total of 808 DE mRNAs and 51 DE lncRNAs overlapped between the two groups. We examined five collectively DE mRNAs and lncRNAs in both cells using quantitative real-time PCR, validating the reliability of the RNA-seq results. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that the 808 DE mRNAs were mostly enriched in the inflammatory response and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, respectively. Next, lncRNA-mRNA coexpression analysis was performed for the 51 DE lncRNAs and the 808 DE mRNAs in the two groups. We chose the common network pairs of the two groups to construct the coexpression network and revealed 97 network pairs comprising 8 dysregulated lncRNAs and 60 dysregulated mRNAs. We found that lncRNA lnc-CCL3L3-1:1 might be involved in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway in C. albicans infection. In conclusion, the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs might play a role in the pathogenesis of C. albicans infection and could be used as therapeutic targets in the future.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that often involves the formation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) biofilms. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be involved in inflammatory responses. However, it is unknown whether miRNAs play a role in the inflammatory reaction triggered by C. acnes biofilm. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-146a in biofilm-derived C. acnes-induced inflammatory responses. Increased expressions of miR-146a and toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 were detected in acne lesions. In the presence of biofilm-derived C. acnes, TLR2 and its downstream NF-kB and MAPK pathways were activated in keratinocytes. Subsequently, miR-146a was upregulated in these cells along with the induction of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Furthermore, our data indicates that miR-146a could directly bind the 3'-untranslated region of IRAK1 and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and suppress their expression, leading to an inhibition of biofilm-derived C. acnes-induced activation of NF-kB, p38, and ERK1/2 pathways. Overall, our results indicate that biofilm-derived C. acnes induces miR-146a, which can downregulate the production of IL-6, -8, and TNF-alpha in acne inflammation by inhibiting the TLR2/IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-kappa B and MAPK pathways.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents.1 Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is one of the factors possibly playing a role in acne pathophysiology. It induces monocytes and keratinocytes to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α, via activation of the toll like receptor (TLR) 2 signaling pathway.2,3 IL-6 is one important adipokine participating in the pathogenesis of acne inflammation, and its secretion depending on TLR2-NF-κB pathway results in influx of other inflammatory cells and disruption of sebaceous gland homeostasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of Candida infection induced by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species is increasing. However, as a common NAC species, C. tropicalis has received much less study in terms of host immunity than C. albicans has. In this study, we evaluated the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses evoked by C. tropicalis and determined whether dectin-1 and downstream NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways played roles in inflammation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 macrophage-like cells. Exposure of PBMCs and THP-1 macrophage-like cells to C. tropicalis led to the enhanced gene expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. THP-1 macrophage-like cells being challenged by C. tropicalis resulted in the activation of the NF-κB, p38, and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways. We also found that the expression of dectin-1 was increased with C. tropicalis treatment. These data reveal that dectin-1 may play a role in sensing the inflammation response induced by C. tropicalis and that NF-κB and MAPK are involved in the downstream signaling pathways in macrophages.

Autophagy machinery has roles in the defense against microorganisms such as Candida albicans. Lipidated LC3, the marker protein of autophagy, participates in the elimination of C. albicans by forming a single-membrane phagosome; this process is called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). However, the influence of C. albicans on autophagic flux is not clear. In this study, we found that C. albicans inhibited LC3 turnover in macrophages. After the phagocytosis of C. albicans in macrophages, we observed fewer acridine orange-positive vacuoles and RFP-GFP-LC3 puncta without colocalization with phagocytized C. albicans. However, phagocytosis of C. albicans led to LC3 recruitment, but p62 and ATG9A did not colocalize with LC3 or C. albicans. These effects are due to an MTOR-independent pathway. Nevertheless, we found that the C. albicans pattern-associated molecular pattern β-glucan increased LC3 turnover. In addition, phagocytosis of C. albicans caused a decrease in BrdU incorporation. Blocking autophagic flux aggravated this effect. Our findings suggest that phagocytosis of C. albicans decreases autophagic flux but induces LAP in an MTOR-independent manner in macrophages. Occupation of LC3 by recruiting engulfed C. albicans might contribute to the inhibition of autophagic flux. Our study highlights the coordinated machinery between canonical autophagy and LAP that defends against C. albicans challenge.

Objective To evaluate the effect of Aspergillus fumigatus on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-oα) and activation of intracellular signaling molecule p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.Methods Cultured THP-1 cells (2 x 105/ml) were divided into 4 groups to be treated with Aspergillus fumigatus suspensions at concentrations of 106 and 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (106-and 107-CFU/ml Aspergillusfumigatus groups),100 mg/L β-glucan (a positive stimulus,β-glucan group),culture medium (blank control group) respectively for 1,3 and 6 hours.Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression of TNF-α in the THP-1 cells in the above groups.Some other THP-1 cells were treated with 107 CFU/ml Aspergillusfumigatus suspensions (107-CFU/ml Aspergillusfumigatus group),β-glucan (β-glucan group) and culture medium (blank control group) separately for 24 hours,and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the level of TNF-α in the culture supernatant of THP-1 cells.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the levels of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK in THP-1 cells after 15-,30-and 60-minute treatment with 107 CFU/ml Aspergillusfumigatus suspensions.After 2-hour incubation with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (20 μmol/L),some THP-1 cells were additionally treated with 107 CFU/ml Aspergillus fumigatus suspensions,β-glucan and culture medium separately for 6 hours,and those without SB203580 treatment served as the control group.Then,qPCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression of TNF-α in the THP-1 cells in the above groups.Results The mRNA expression of TNF-α significantly differed among the 106-and 107-CFU/ml Aspergillus fumigatus groups,β-glucan group and blank control group (F =110.983,P ＜ 0.001),and significantly increased over time (F =701.680,P ＜ 0.001).After 24-hour treatment with 107 CFU/ml Aspergillus fumigatus suspensions,the TNF-α level(6 236.30 ± 437.12 ng/L)significantly increased compared with the blank control group (132.10 ± 0.61 ng/L,P ＜ 0.01).Thirty minutes after the treatment with 107 CFU/ml Aspergillusfumigatus suspensions,the phosphorylated p38MAPK level significantly increased,but started to decrease at 60 minutes.The mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly lower in the SB203580-treated Aspergillusfumigatus groups (3.83 ± 0.62) than in the SB203580-untreated Aspergillus fumigatus groups (187.23 ± 21.62).Conclusion After the treatment with Aspergillus fumigatus,human THP-1 cells can activate the signal molecule p38MAPK and secrete TNF-α,suggesting that monocytes may participate in the innate immune response to Aspergillusfumigatus infection.

Objective:To determine the effect of Aspergillus fumigatus on the production of interleukin-6 and activation of IκBɑ in an acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Methods:THP-l cells were cultured in vitro and divided into 106CFU/mL and 107CFU/mL A.fumigatus group, 100 μg/mL β-Glucan control group and blank control group. The level of IL-6 mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCR and ELISA re-spectively. The level of IκBɑ and phosphorylated IκBɑ was detected by Western blot.Results:The experimen-tal concentration was selected to be 107CFU/mL,because the level of IL-6 mRNA in the 106CFU/mL A.fu-migatus group was lower than that in the 107CFU/mL group. The levels of IL-6 mRNA and protein in the 107 CFU/mL A. fumigatus group were 209.38±25.35 and 879.86±32.35 ng/L,which were higher than that in the blank control group(1.19±0.36 and 10.67±0.17 ng/L),with significant differences(Ps<0.05). The level of phosphorylated IκBɑ protein was increased significantly when induced by 107CFU/mL A.fumigatus and was decreased when induced by NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor of bay 11-7082. Conclusion: A. fumigatus stimulates the secretion of IL-6 in human THP-1 cells through activating IκBɑ.

Objective To investigate the roles of Dectin-1 in phagocytosis of Candida albicans (C.albicans) by macrophage-like cells derived from a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.Methods THP-1 macrophage-like cells served as the target cells,and were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Dectin-1 to down-regulate the expression of Dectin-1 receptor (siRNA-Dectin-1 group).THP-1 macrophage-like cells transfected with nonsense siRNA (siRNA-NC) served as a negative control group.After transfection,the THP-1 macrophage-like cells in the above 2 groups were cocultured with heat-killed C.albicans separately.And then,fluorescence microscopy was performed to count THP-1 macrophage-like cells phagocytosing C.albicans,and flow cytometry was used to determine the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of dihydrorhodamine (DHR)-123 fluorescent cells.Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t test with the SPSS19.0 software.Results After transfection with siRNA-Dectin-1,the mRNA and protein expression of Dectin-1 significantly decreased in THP-1 macrophage-like cells (t =26.163,P ＜ 0.001).After 1-,2-,4-hour co-culture of THP-1 macrophagelike cells with C.albicans,fluorescence microscopy showed that the phagocytosis rates of C.albicans by THP -1 macrophage-like cells were significantly lower in the siRNA-Dectin-1 group than in the negative control group (17.5％ vs.22.1％,18.6％ vs.24.3％,39.2％ vs.59.1％,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05),so were the percentage of THP-1 macrophage-like cells phagocytosing more than 3 C.albicans cells (2.2％ vs.4.7％,2.5％ vs.5.4％,5.1％ vs.8.3％,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).After 30-minute,1-,2-and 4-hour co-culture of THP-1 macrophage-like cells with DHR-123-labelled C.albicans,flow cytometry showed that the MFI of C.albicans-phagocytosing cells was significantly lower in the siRNA-Dectin-1 group than in the negative control group (36.8 vs.45.7,54.3 vs.62.4,72.1 vs.84.9,93.6 vs.116.7,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Dectin-1 receptor plays an important role in the phagocytosis of C.albicans by macrophages.

Objective To determine the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cystic lesions of patients with acne vulgaris,and to evaluate the in vitro effect of Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) on the production of IL-6 and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.Methods Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of IL-6 in cystic lesions of 6 patients with acne vulgaris,as well as in skin tissues of 6 healthy persons.Some cultured THP-1 cells were divided into 5 groups to be treated with 2 × 106 CFU/ml,2 × 107 CFU/ml and 2 × 108 CFU/ml heat-killed P.acnes suspensions (P.acnes groups),100 μμtg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS group) and RPMI 1640 medium (control group) respectively.After 1-,3-and 6-hour treatment,real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA expression of IL-6 in the above groups.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the level of IL-6 in the culture supernatant of cells in the 2 × 108-CFU/ml P.acnes group,LPS group and control group at 24 hours after the treatment.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein expression of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK in the 2 × 108-CFU/ml P.acnes group after 15-,30-and 60-minute treatment,as well as in the LPS group after 30-minute treatment and in the control group.Some other THP-1 cells were divided into 3 groups:2 × 108-CFU/ml P.acnes group treated with 2 × 108 CFU/ml P.acnes suspensions,SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38MAPK) group treated with 20 μmol/L SB203580 for 30 minutes followed by the treatment with 2 × 108 CFU/ml P.acnes suspensions,and control group treated with RPMI 1640 medium alone.After 6-hour treatment,the mRNA expression of IL-6 in the above 3 groups was measured by real-time fluorescencebased quantitative PCR.Results The mRNA expression of IL-6 was significantly higher in the cystic lesions of acne vulgaris than in the normal skin tissues (3.680:±:0.790 vs.1.155 ± 0.250,t =3.047,P ＜0.05).Two-way analysis of variance showed that there were significant difference in the mRNA expression of IL-6 among the 2 × 106-CFU/ml,2 × 107-CFU/ml and 2 × 108-CFU/ml p.acnes groups,LPS group and control group (F =532.3,P ＜ 0.001,v =4),and the mRNA expression of IL-6 significantly differed among different time points (F =526.6,P ＜ 0.001,v =2).There were also significant differences in the IL-6 level in the culture supernatant of cells among the 2 × 108-CFU/ml p.acnes group ([1 618.22 ± 32.23] ng/L),LPS group ([3 212.06 ± 353.00] ng/L) and control group ([147.10 ± 0.53] ng/L;v =2,F =102.35,P ＜0.01).After 15-,30-and 60-minute treatment with 2 × 108 CFU/ml P.acnes suspensions,the protein expression of phosphorylated p38MAPK obviously increased.The mRNA expression of IL-6 in THP-1 cells was significantly lower in the SB203580 group than in the 2 × 108-CFU/ml p.acnes group (t =15.91,P =0.004).Conclusions The mRNA expression of IL-6 evidently increases in the cystic lesions of patients with acne vulgaris.P.acnes can activate the signaling molecule p38MAPK in THP-1 cells,and promote the production of IL-6 by THP-1 cells.

Dectin-1 is the critical sensor for β-glucan from Candida which is the most common human fungal pathogen and cause superficial and system infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating innate immunity. However, the functional role of miRNAs in inflammatory response dependent on the activation of dectin-1 pathway has not been defined. In the present study, we found insoluble β-glucan from the cell wall of Candida albicans (CaIG) was able to increase the production of of IL-6 and TNFα through Dectin-1-Syk-NF-κB and p38MAPK pathway. MiRNAs profiles combined with real-time PCR validation revealed that miR-146a, miR-30-5p, miR-210-3p expression level were increased in THP-1 cells treated with CaIG. The interaction between Dectin-1 and CaIG resulted in an long lasting increase of miR-146a expression dependent on Dectin-1-Syk-NF-κB, p38MAPK, contrasting with a rapid and transient increase of IL-6 and TNFα. Overexpression of miR-146a significantly suppressed the production of IL-6 and TNFα. MiR-146a mimics inhibited CaIG-induced activity of p-IκBα and translocation of NF-κB p65. Luciferase reporter assays showed miR-146a inhibited NF-κB promoter-binding activity. Together, our data suggest miR-146a may play the potent negative feedback regulator in inflammatory response following Dectin-1 stimulation.

Objective To evaluate the effect of amphotericin B on the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) in a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1).Methods Cultured THP-1 cells were divided into several groups:blank control group receiving no treatment,amphotericin B groups treated with 2,4 and 8 mg/L amphotericin B separately,positive control group treated with 100 μg/L β-glucosan or 100 mg/L lipopolysaccharide.Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-8 after the THP-1 cells were treated with different stimuli for some durations.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect the level of TNF-α in the culture supernatant of THP-1 cells after 24-hour treatment with 8 mg/L amphotericin B,and Western blot analysis to measure the levels of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK after 30-minute treatment with 8 mg/L amphotericin B.Results After 6-hour treatment with 2,4 and 8 mg/L amphotericin B separately,the mRNA levels of TNF-α in THP-1 cells (7.55 ± 1.17,19.47 ± 2.91,57.22 ± 0.65) and IL-8 (2.98 ± 0.04,5.22 ± 1.35,11.82 ± 1.66) were all significantly higher than those in the blank control group (TNF-α:1.00 ± 0.07,P ＜ 0.01,0.001,0.001 respectively;IL-8:1.01 ± 0.23,P ＜ 0.01,0.001,0.001 respectively).After the treatment with 8 mg/L amphotericin B for 1,3,6 hours,the mRNA levels of TNF-α (8.61 ± 0.30,10.75 ± 0.08,56.98 ± 2.43) and IL-8 (2.63 ± 0.28,5.35 ± 0.98,11.73 ± 1.18) in THP-1 cells were all significantly higher than those in the blank control group (TNF-α:1.18 ± 0.17,P ＜ 0.05,0.01,0.001;IL-8:1.23 ± 0.11,P ＜ 0.05,0.01,0.001).After 24-hour treatment with 8 mg/L amphotericin B,the level of TNF-α in the culture supernatant of THP-1 cells was significantly higher than that in the blank control group (4 039.06 ± 223.87 ng/L vs.96.31 ± 0.26 ng/L,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion Amphotericin B can promote the p38MAPK phosphorylation and increase the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in human THP-1 cells in vitro,suggesting its immunomodulatory effects.

Objective To evaluate effects of the yeast form of Sporothrix schenckii on activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in macrophagelike THP-1 cells,which were differentiated from the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.Methods THP-1 macrophage-like cells were divided into 3 groups to be treated with the yeast form of Sporothrix schenckii at a concentration of 2 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (yeast form group),100 mg/L curdlan (curdlan group) and RPMI 1640 medium (blank control group) respectively.Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression of IL-6 in THP-1 macrophage-like cells in the above 3 groups after 3-and 6-hour treatment separately,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the level of IL-6 in the culture supernatant of THP-1 macrophagelike cells after 24-hour treatment.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein expression of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) in the above 3 groups after 30-and 60-minute treatment separately.Other THP-1 macrophage-like cells were pretreated with 100 nmol/L dexamcthasonc (a p38MAPK inhibitor) for 30 minutes,and then were divided into 3 groups to be treated with the yeast form of Sporothrix schenckii,curdlan and RPMI 1640 medium respectively,and changes in the level of pp38MAPK and mRNA expression of IL-6 were also detected.Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS19.0 software by using one-way or multi-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) test.Results Significant differences in the mRNA expression of IL-6 in THP-1 macrophage-like cells were observed among the yeast form group,curdlan group and blank control group (F =5 552.22,P ＜0.001) after 3-hour treatment (56.81 ± 7.36,26.69 ± 1.22 and 0.97 ± 0.05,respectively) and 6-hour treatment (378.03 ± 16.67,276.24 ± 39.13 and 1.02 ± 0.04,respectively).Additionally,the yeast form group showed significantly higher mRNA expression of IL-6 after 6-hour treatment than that after 3-hour treatment (q =16.74,P ＜ 0.001).After 24-hour treatment,the level of IL-6 in the culture supernatant of THP-1 macrophage-like cells also significantly differed among the yeast form group,curdlan group and blank control group (59.96 ± 18.16 pg/L,91.01 ± 17.27 pg/L,5.50 ± 2.30 pg/L,respectively;F =26.62,P ＜ 0.01),and was significantly higher in the yeast form group than in the blank control group (P ＜ 0.01).After 30-and 60-minute treatment,the protein expression of p-p38MAPK was significantly higher in the yeast form group than in the blank control group (both P ＜ 0.01).Moreover,the mRNA expression of IL-6 (4.46 ± 1.03 vs.493.52 ± 113.87,P ＜ 0.001) and protein expression of p-p38MAPK (2.29 ± 0.37 vs.4.55 ±0.46,q =10.81,P ＜ 0.01) were both significantly lower in the yeast form group with dexamethasone pretreatment than in that without dexamethasone pretreatment.Conclusion In vitro treatment with the yeast form of Sporothrix schenckii can enhance the expression of IL-6 in human THP-1 macrophage-like cells by activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Objective:To determine the effects of Sporothrix schenckii yeasts on the activation of NF -κB signal pathway and secretion of TNF-α in human acute monocytic leukemia cells ( THP-1) . Methods: The expression of TNF-αmRNA was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked im-munosorbent assay respectively. The level of phosphorylated IκBαwas detected by Western blot. NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation was measured by immunofluorescence. The level of TNF-α mRNA in THP-1 pretreated with 100 nM Dexamethasone ( a NF-κB inhibitor) for 30 minutes was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results: The levels of TNF-α mRNA in THP-1 cells treated with Sporothrix schenckii yeasts for 6 hours were increased compared with the blank control group (P<0.001). The secretion level of TNF-α in the Sporothrix schenckii yeasts group was 4610.419±121.501 pg/mL, which was higher than that in the blank group (186.964±98.073 pg/mL), with a significant difference (P<0.001). Phosphorylation IκBαprotein increased obviously and in a time-dependent manner after treated with Sporothrix schenckii yeasts from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. The fluorescent intensity of NF-κB-p65 in the Sporothrix schenckii yeasts group was stronger than that in the blank group. The level of TNF-α mRNA was decreased in the THP-1 macrophages treated with 100 nM dexamethasone in the three groups. Conclusion:Sporothrix schenckii yeasts can increase the expression of TNF-α through enhancing the activation of NF-κB pathway.

Candida parapsilosis is one of the most prevalent Candida species; however, the inflammation response induced by C. parapsilosis and related mechanism received few studies. In this study, we analyzed the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses evoked by C. parapsilosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 cells, determined the signal pathways related to the inflammation response and investigated the expression of dectin-1 modified with C. parapsilosis. Exposure of PBMCs and THP-1 cells to C. parapsilosis led to the increased gene expression and production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). C. parapsilosis induced TNF-α and IL-6 release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Western blotting was used to analyze p38, ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB was detected by confocal microscopy. THP-1 cells challenged by C. parapsilosis resulted in the activation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs. The expression of dectin-1 was up-regulated after the stimulation of C. parapsilosis. Our results suggest that C. parapsilosis could stimulate the inflammatory response, increase the expression of dectin-1 and activate NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways in macrophages.

TransfusionVolume 55, Issue 6pt2 p. 1582-1583 NEW ALLELES AND ANTIGENS - SHORT REPORTS A novel B allele with c.502C>G mutation identified in a Chinese individual Qing Chen, Qing Chen Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 China Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorJianyu Xiao, Jianyu Xiao Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorLe Lu, Le Lu The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorLeilei Du, Leilei Du Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorChengyin Huang, Chengyin Huang Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorMin Li, Min Li Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPing Li, Corresponding Author Ping Li The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaAddress reprint requests to: Genhong Yao, PhD or Ping Li, MD, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this authorGenhong Yao, Corresponding Author Genhong Yao The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaAddress reprint requests to: Genhong Yao, PhD or Ping Li, MD, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this author Qing Chen, Qing Chen Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 China Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorJianyu Xiao, Jianyu Xiao Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorLe Lu, Le Lu The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorLeilei Du, Leilei Du Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorChengyin Huang, Chengyin Huang Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorMin Li, Min Li Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPing Li, Corresponding Author Ping Li The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaAddress reprint requests to: Genhong Yao, PhD or Ping Li, MD, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this authorGenhong Yao, Corresponding Author Genhong Yao The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 ChinaAddress reprint requests to: Genhong Yao, PhD or Ping Li, MD, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this author First published: 21 November 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.12942Citations: 5 This work was supported by Jiangsu Province Medical Elite Program (No. RC2011088), "333" Projects of Jiangsu Province, and Jiangsu Health International Exchange Program. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. References 1Seltsam A, Hallensleben M, Eiz-Vesper B, et al. A weak blood group A phenotype caused by a new mutation at the ABO locus. Transfusion 2002; 42: 294-301. 2Lin PH, Li L, Lin-Tsai SJ, et al. A unique 502C>T mutation in exon 7 of ABO gene associated with the Bel phenotype in Taiwan. Transfusion 2003; 43: 1254-1259. 3Cai X, Jin S, Liu X, et al. Molecular genetic analysis of ABO blood group variations reveals 29 novel ABO subgroup alleles. Transfusion 2013; 53: 2910-2916. 4Lee SY, Ihm C, Shin DJ, et al. The p.R168Q mutation is associated with the Bw phenotype and a predicted decrease in the stability of the resulting ABO glycosyltransferase. Transfusion 2014; 54: 1298-1304. 5Chen Q, Xiao J, Wang S, et al. ABO sequence analysis in an AB type with anti-B patient. Chin Med J (Engl) 2014; 127: 971-972. Citing Literature Volume55, Issue6pt2Special Issue: Immunohematology and Blood Group GenomicsJune 2015Pages 1582-1583 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Objective To investigate the effects of Candida albicans on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and activation of the intracellular signaling molecule p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)in a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Methods Some THP-1 cells were divided into several groups in vitro: two C. albicans groups treated with 105 CFU/ml and 106 CFU/ml heat-killed C. albicans respectively, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)group treated with 100 μg/L LPS, a blank control group treated with RPMI 1640 medium, two dexamethasone-inhibited groups pretreated with 40 μg/L dexamethasone for 30 minutes followed by treatment with 106 CFU/ml heat-killed C. albicans and LPS respectively. After treatment for 1, 3 and 6 hours, real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was performed to measure TNF-α mRNA expression in THP-1 cells in the above groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was conducted to determine the level of TNF-α protein in the supernatant of THP-1 cells treated with 106 CFU/ml heat-killed C. albicans, 100 μg/L LPS or RPMI 1640 medium(blank control group)for 24 hours. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK in THP-1 cells after treatment with 106 CFU/ml heat-killed C. albicans or RPMI 1640 medium (blank control group)for 30 and 60 minutes. Statistical analysis was carried out by using two-way analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference(LSD)-t test. Results Significant differences were observed in the mRNA expression level of TNF-α among the C. albicans groups, LPS group and blank control group (F = 110.98, P < 0.001). The mRNA expression level of TNF-α in THP-1 cells increased over time in a time-dependent manner after C. albicans treatment, with significant differences among different time points (F = 701.680, P < 0.001). Compared with the blank control group, both 106-CFU/ml C. albicans group and LPS group showed a significant increase in TNF-α protein expression (6385.70 ± 533.99 ng/L and 3212.06 ± 353.00 ng/L vs. 147.10 ± 0.53 ng/L, P < 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). An obvious increase was observed in the expression level of phosphorylated p38MAPK protein, but no significant changes were noted in that of p38MAPK protein, in THP-1 cells treated with 106 CFU/ml C. albicans for 30 and 60 minutes compared with the blank control group. The mRNA expression level of TNF-α significantly decreased in dexamethasone-pretreated 106-CFU/ml C. albicans group and LPS group compared with those without dexamethasone pretreatment(3.77 ± 0.62 vs. 208.50 ± 10.50, 6.20 ± 1.93 vs. 161.35 ± 1.65, both P < 0.001). Conclusions Heat-killed C. albicans can induce the activation of p38MAPK in and secretion of TNF-α by human THP-1 cells, which then participate in the innate immune response against C. albicans.

BACKGROUND:Serological analysis of ABO blood group has been widely applied in transfusion medicine. However, ABO subgroups with different expression of blood group antigens sometimes cannot be determined by serological methods. Therefore, genotyping is useful to understand the variant ABO phenotypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Exon 6 to exon 7 and adjacent introns of the ABO gene from a donor with ABO typing discrepancy were amplified and sequenced. Cloning sequencing was also performed to identify the allele. To explore the effect of mutation, three dimensional model of mutant p.Pro234Ala was built and optimized. RESULTS:The variant B (c. 700C > G) allele expressed an AweakB phenotype with anti-A in his serum with a ABO*B(A)02/O02 heterozygote genotype. Cloning sequencing confirmed that the c.700C > G single nucleotide polymorphism was associated with a B101 allele. Three dimensional molecular modeling suggested that p.Pro234Ala might affect the conformation of His233, Met266 and Ala268, which were known as critical residues for donor recognition. CONCLUSION:ABO genotyping is needed for correct identification subgroups to improve accuracy evaluation of blood typing and increase the safety of blood transfusion. Alteration of DNA sequence in the ABO gene resulted in amino acid substitutions and led to a weak or missing expression of ABO antigens.