• 검색 결과가 없습니다.

The frequencies of Tim-1 and Tim-4 expressing cells in normal healthy, BDN

The frequencies of Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells were analyzed in cells from lymph nodes (LN), spleen (SP) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of normal healthy (Nor) and BD Normal (BDN; HSV-1 was inoculated but no symptoms) mice and compared with those in BD mice by FACS. In LN, the frequencies of Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells in BD mice were significantly lower than BDN mice [BDN vs. BD (%): Tim-1(+), 20.1±11.5 (n=12) vs. 11.1±6.7 (n=12), p=0.01;

CD4(+)Tim-1(+), 3.4±1.9 (n=9) vs. 2.2±1.6 (n=9), p=0.09; CD8(+)Tim-1(+), 1.9±1.1 (n=9) vs. 1.1±0.6 (n=9), p=0.04]. (Fig 1A). In spelnocytes, the BD mice showed significantly lower frequencies than Nor or BDN mice [Nor vs. BDN vs. BD (%): Tim-1(+), 21.3±6.5 (n=6) vs. 18.3±8.5 (n=10) vs. 12.2±5.9 (n=10), Nor vs. BD p=0.006, BDN vs. BD p=0.04;

CD4(+)Tim-1(+), 3.1±1.6 (n=6) vs. 1.9±1.0 (n=8) vs. 1.7±0.5 (n=8), Nor vs. BD p=0.02, BDN vs. BD p=0.35]. CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells showed similar frequencies among three groups (Fig 1B). In PBMC, the frequencies of BD mice were slightly lower than BDN, but not significant [BDN (n=9) vs BD (n=9) (%): Tim-1(+), 27.6±17.1 vs. 23.6±8.4 p=0.54;

CD4(+)Tim-1(+), 8.3±5.9 vs. 5.7±4.4, p=0.31; CD8(+)Tim-1(+), 7.6±5.0 vs. 5.2±4.3, p=0.29]. BD mice were significantly higher than Nor mice (Fig 1C). These data indicated that the frequencies of Tim-1 expression cells in BD mice were down-regulated compare to

- 10 - BDN mice.

The frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells were also analyzed in LN, SP and PBMC of Nor, BDN and BD mice. In LN, the frequency of Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice was significantly higher than Nor and BDN mice [Nor vs. BDN vs. BD (%): 1.3±0.8 (n=11) vs. 3.2±0.9 (n=15) vs. 5.8±2.0 (n=15), Nor vs. BDN p=0.000005, Nor vs. BD p=0.0000001, BDN vs. BD p=0.00003](Fig 2A). In splenocytes, the frequency of Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice was also significantly higher than Nor mice [Nor vs BD (%): 3.9±2.8 (n=11) vs. 6.7±4.3 (n=17), p=0.035]. However, the difference between BDN and BD mice were not significant (Fig 2B).

In PBMC, the frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice were higher than Nor mice (Fig 2C).

Moreover, in peritoneal macrophages, the frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice were significantly higher than Nor and BDN mice [Nor vs. BDN vs. BD (%): 6.1±2.0 (n=5) vs.

8.6±4.0 (n=9) vs. 26.6±17.0 (n=5), Nor vs. BDN p=0.11, Nor vs. BD p=0.02, BDN vs. BD p=0.005]. There was not found any differences between Nor and BDN mice (Fig 2D). In addition, we also examined the frequencies of CD11b(+)Tim-4(+) and CD11c(+)Tim-4(+) cells in LN and spleen. In LN, both markers in BD mice were higher than Nor and BDN mice [Nor (n=5) vs. BDN (n=6) vs. BD (n=5) (%): CD11b(+)Tim-4(+), 1.1±0.3 vs. 1.7±0.7 vs. 3.0±1.4, Nor vs. BDN p=0.05, Nor vs. BD p=0.01, BDN vs. BD p=0.04; CD11c(+)Tim-4(+), 0.1±0.0 vs. 0.5±0.1 vs. 0.7±0.5, nor vs. BDN p=0.00003, Nor vs. BD p=0.01, BDN vs.

BD p=0.14] (Fig 2E). In splenocytes, expression of CD11c(+)Tim-4(+) cells was found similar to the LN in Nor (0.3±0.1%, n=5), BDN (0.6±0.4%, n=6) and BD mice (1.0±0.6%, n=8) (Nor vs. BDN p=0.07, Nor vs. BD p=0.07, BDN vs. BD p=0.1). On the other hand, the frequencies of CD11b(+)Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice were significantly lower than Nor, but

- 11 -

higher than BDN mice (Fig 2F). These data suggested that the frequencies of Tim-4 expression cells in BD mice were up-regulated compare to BDN mice.

Figure 1. The frequencies of Tim

mice. The frequencies of Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim

were compared to Nor and BDN mice by FACS analysis in A. lymph nodes, B. spleen, and C.

PBMC. (n=6~12) (*p < 0.1, ** p < 0.05, *** p < 0.01) normal mice

- 12 -

Figure 1. The frequencies of Tim-1(+) cell phenotypes in normal healthy, BDN and BD 1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells in BD mice and BDN mice by FACS analysis in A. lymph nodes, B. spleen, and C.

(*p < 0.1, ** p < 0.05, *** p < 0.01) Nor: normal healthy mice, BDN: BD , BDN and BD 1(+) cells in BD mice and BDN mice by FACS analysis in A. lymph nodes, B. spleen, and C.

mice, BDN: BD

Figure 2. The frequencies of Tim

mice. The frequency of Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice was compared to FACS analysis in A. lymph nodes, B. spleen, C. PBMC, and D.

expression of CD11b(+)Tim-4(+) and CD11c(+)Tim

compared to Norand BDN mice in E. lymph nodes and F. spleen.

< 0.01, *** p < 0.001) Nor: normal healthy

- 13 -

of Tim-4(+) cell phenotypes in normal healthy, BDN and BD 4(+) cells in BD mice was compared to Norand BDN mice by FACS analysis in A. lymph nodes, B. spleen, C. PBMC, and D. peritoneal macrophage

4(+) and CD11c(+)Tim-4(+) cells in BD mice were also and BDN mice in E. lymph nodes and F. spleen. (n=5~17) (*p < 0.05, ** p

normal healthy mice, BDN: BD normal mice

, BDN and BD and BDN mice by macrophage. The 4(+) cells in BD mice were also

< 0.05, ** p

- 14 - B. The expression of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in BD mice

The frequencies of Tim-3(+) cells in lymph node and Gal-9 in peritoneal macrophages of Nor and BDN mice were compared to those of BD mice by FACS analysis.

The number of Tim-3(+) cells in BD mice (n=7) were significantly higher than those in normal (n=7) and BDN mice (n=6) (Nor 1.3±0.3% vs. BD 5.8±1.8%, p=0.00003; BDN 2.0±0.5% vs. BD 5.8±1.8%, p=0.005) (Fig 3A). On the other hand, the frequencies of Gal-9 in peritoneal macrophages from BD mice (n=7) were significantly lower than those in Nor (n=5) and BDN (n=6) mice (Nor 52.5±7.8% vs. BD 6.9±6.8%, p=0.000001, BDN 19.2±10.3%

vs. BD 6.9±6.8%, p=0.027) (Fig 3B).

Figure 3. Expression of Tim-3 and Gal lymph node and (B) Gal-9(+) in

and BD mice by FACS analysis.

mice, BDN: BD normal mice

- 15 -

3 and Gal-9 in BD mice. The frequencies of (A) Tim 9(+) in peritoneal macrophages were compared among

and BD mice by FACS analysis. (n=5~7) (**p < 0.05, ***p < 0.01) Nor: normal healthy The frequencies of (A) Tim-3(+) in macrophages were compared among Nor, BDN, normal healthy

- 16 -

C. Administration of Tim-1 vector up-regulates the frequency of Tim-1(+) cells in vivo lymph nodes

We investigated the change of BD-like symptoms according to the regulation of Tim-1 expression. To up-regulate the expression of Tim-1, Tim-1 expression vector was administered into BD mice and the frequencies of Tim-1(+) cells were down-regulated in BD mice compared to BDN mice (Fig 1). Tim-1 vector was injected intraperitoneally at 10, 30 and 50 μg per mouse into Nor mice for 2 times at 2 days interval. Then, next day of the last injection, the frequencies of Tim-1(+) cells from LN were compared to those of the control vector injected group. The expression of Tim-1(+) cells in 10 μg of Tim-1 vector injected group (19.1±5.1%, n=3~4) were significantly higher than control vector injected group (10.4±5.4%, n=4, p=0.03) (Fig 4). However, 30 and 50 μg of Tim-1 vector injected group showed lower expression than 10 μg injected group. After that, 10 μg of Tim-1 vector was used for the following study.

Figure 4. Administration of Tim observe the up-regulation of Tim 10, 30 and 50 μg per mouse into the last injection, the frequency of Tim

injected group by FACS analysis. Control was used empty vector, PCDEF3 (n=3~4) (**p < 0.05) Con: control vector

injection to Nor mice

- 17 -

Tim-1 vector increased the frequency of Tim-1(+) cells

regulation of Tim-1 expression, Tim-1 vector was injected intraperitoneally at g per mouse into Nor mice for 2 times at 2 days interval. Then, next day of the last injection, the frequency of Tim-1(+) cells in LN was compared to the control

group by FACS analysis. Control was used empty vector, PCDEF3 (50 on: control vector injection to Nor mice, Tim-1: Tim

1(+) cells. To vector was injected intraperitoneally at mice for 2 times at 2 days interval. Then, next day of 1(+) cells in LN was compared to the control vector μg/mouse).

Tim-1 vector

- 18 -

D. Administration of Tim-1 vector affected the BD-like symptoms

Ten mg of Tim-1 vector was injected intraperitoneally 4 times at 2 day intervals into BD mice, followed by the observation for 2 weeks. In this study, skin and genital ulcers were improved after Tim-1 vector administration when compared to the control vector injected group (Fig 5A). However, Tim-1 vector was not effective in eye involvement (Table 1).

Additionally, in control vector group, the severity score was 2.83±0.41 before and 2.83±0.75 at one week and 2.67±1.21 at two week after first injection of control vector (p=0.8, n=6). In Tim-1 vector group, severity score was 3.17±0.75 before the injection, 1.50±1.22 at one

week after injection (p=0.004), 1.33±1.51 at two weeks after injection in BD mice (p=0.03) (Fig 5B). After injection of Tim-1 vector, the severity score was decreased, whereas, control vector injection was not different in BD mice.

Two weeks after the first administration of Tim-1 vector to BD mice, isolated lymph node and PBMC were analyzed for Tim-1(+) cells by FACS. In LN, the frequency of Tim-1(+) cells in Tim-1 vector injected group was slightly high compared to control vector injected group [Con vs. Tim-1 (%): 10.3±1.7 (n=4) vs. 11.9±3.2 (n=5), p=0.19]. However, CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells were similar to control vector injected group (Fig 5C). The frequencies of 4(+) cells were also not different (Fig 5D). In PBMC, Tim-1(+) cells was slightly lower in Tim-1 vector injected group. CD4(+)Tim-Tim-1(+), CD8(+)1(+) and 4(+) cells were not different (Fig 5C-D). Interestingly, CD4(+) T cells in Tim-1 vector injected group were higher than control vector injected group [Con vs. Tim-Tim-1 (%):

21.3±10.7 (n=8) vs. 27.6±13.7 (n=8), p=0.36, Fig 5C]. One week after administration of Tim-1 vector, the frequencies of those marker expressing cells were similar compared with

- 19 -

two weeks after injection (data not shown). Up-regulated Tim-1 expression improved BD-like symptoms in BD mice.

- 20 -

Figure 5. Administration of Tim of Tim-1 expressing cells were not

injected intraperitoneally 4 times at 2 days interval into BD mice, followed by observation for 2 weeks. A. photographs of mice were taken before and

treatment of Tim-1 vector and control vector injected group compared before and at one and two

Tim-1 vector injection, the frequencies of Tim

CD4(+) T cells, and D. Tim-4(+) cells in LN and PBM 0.1) Con: control vector injection to BD mice, Tim

- 21 -

tration of Tim-1 improved the BD-like symptoms, but the frequencies cells were not changed. Ten mg per mouse of Tim-1

injected intraperitoneally 4 times at 2 days interval into BD mice, followed by observation for 2 weeks. A. photographs of mice were taken before and at one and two weeks

vector and control vector injected group. B. The severity score was at one and two weeks after treatment of them. C. Two weeks after

he frequencies of Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+), CD8(+)Tim 4(+) cells in LN and PBMC by FACS analysis. (n=5~6) vector injection to BD mice, Tim-1: Tim-1 vector injection to BD mice

frequencies vector was injected intraperitoneally 4 times at 2 days interval into BD mice, followed by observation weeks after first

- 22 -

Abdominal skin inflammation + +

Tim-1

- 23 -

No. BD-like symptoms Before 1 wk 2 wks

Tim-1

vector

4 Genital ulcer + - -

Back skin ulcer + - -

5

Neck skin ulcer + + -

Back skin crust + - -

Right eyeball inflammation + + +

6

Left eyeball inflammation + + +

Right eye vision loss + + +

Back skin crust + - -

Left earlobe erythema + + -

BD symptom: +, deteriorated: ++, improved: -

- 24 -

E. Tim-1 vector administration affects the regulatory cellular phenotypes

After Tim-1 vector administration, several cellular phenotypes in LN and PBMC were analyzed in BD mice. The frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) (regulatory T, Treg) cells in LN were not significantly changed in Tim-1 vector compared to control vector injected group [Con (n=5) vs. Tim-1 (n=6) (%):

CD4(+)CD25(+), 6.5±1.6 vs. 6.1±2.3 p=0.35; CD4(+)Foxp3(+), 5.3±1.5 vs. 4.7±1.7, p=0.29;

Treg, 5.2±1.4 vs 4.7±1.7, p=0.3] (Fig 6A). But, in PBMC, CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg cells in Tim-1 vector injected group were significantly higher than control vector injected group [Con (n=8) vs. Tim-1 (n=8) (%): CD4(+)CD25(+), 0.31±0.18 vs. 0.61±0.21 p=0.01; CD4(+)Foxp3(+), 0.10±0.10 vs. 0.31± 0.12, p=0.004 ; Treg, 0.04±0.08 vs 0.16±

0.10, p=0.03] (Fig 6A).

CD8(+)CD122(+) T cells are newly identified and regarded as Treg cells (Saitoh et al., 2007) and reported the effect as an anti-inflammatory responses (Rifa’i et al., 2008).

Another type of Treg cells, CD8(+)CD122(+) T cells were also analyzed in LN of Tim-1 vector injected group. [Con (n=5) vs. Tim-1 (n=6) (%): 1.3±0.3 vs. 1.6±0.7 p=0.25] (Fig 6B).

In PBMC, CD122(+) and CD8(+)CD122(+)T cells in Tim-1 vector injected group were also higher than control vector injected group [Con (n=8) vs. Tim-1 (n=8) (%): CD122(+), 1.2±1.0 vs. 9.8±7.9 p=0.04; CD8(+)CD122(+), 1.9±1.5 vs. 2.4±2.1 p=0.58).

Our study indicated that Tim-1 vector up-regulated Treg cells and CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg cells in BD mice. Up-regulation of these cellular phenotypes may be involved in the improvement of BD-like symptoms after injection of Tim-1 vector.

Figure 6. The frequencies of Treg cells in PBMC were affected in

BD mice. Two types of Treg cells and apoptotic cell phenotypes were confirmed in LN and PBMC after Tim-1 administration to BD mice. A. The frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg cells were compared between control and

group. B. CD8(+)CD122(+) T cells were up

significant. CD122(+) cells was significantly increased in (n=5~8) (**p < 0.05, ***p < 0.01)

vector injection to BD mice

- 25 -

Figure 6. The frequencies of Treg cells in PBMC were affected in Tim-1 vector injected Two types of Treg cells and apoptotic cell phenotypes were confirmed in LN and administration to BD mice. A. The frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg cells were compared between control and Tim-1 vector injected group. B. CD8(+)CD122(+) T cells were up-regulated compared to control group but not significant. CD122(+) cells was significantly increased in Tim-1 vector injected grou

**p < 0.05, ***p < 0.01) Con: control vector injection to BD mice, Tim

vector injected Two types of Treg cells and apoptotic cell phenotypes were confirmed in LN and administration to BD mice. A. The frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+), vector injected regulated compared to control group but not vector injected group.

vector injection to BD mice, Tim-1: Tim-1

- 26 -

F. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated by Tim-1 vector administration in BD mice

To determine the level of cytokines, two weeks after Tim-1 vector injection into BD mice, sera were analyzed by ELISA. The IL-17 level in Tim-1 vector injected group was significantly lower than control group [Con (n=7) vs. Tim-1 (n=7) (pg/ml): 11.53±4.45 vs.

6.84±2.17, p=0.03]. TNF-a was also significantly decreased in the Tim-1 vector injected group compared to control group [Con (n=11) vs. Tim-1 (n=11) (pg/ml):16.5±13.8 vs.

6.9±5.1, p=0.04]. The IL-6 level in Tim-1 vector injected group was decreased [Con (n=8) vs.

Tim-1 (n=8) (pg/ml):145.7±176.9 vs.72.2±38.8, p=0.27]. In contrast, IL-4 was slightly increased in Tim-1 vector injected group [Con (n=8) vs. Tim-1 (n=9) (pg/ml):9.3±5.4 vs.

10.8±5.0, p=0.53]. But IFN-g did not differ between the Tim-1 and control vector injected group (Fig 7). Consequently, these results indicated that Tim-1 vector might be served as down-regulator for pro-inflammatory cytokines in BD mice.

Figure 7. Tim-1 vector administration decreased pro mice. Two weeks after first injection

17, TNF-a, IL-6, IFN-g and IL injected BD mice by ELISA. (n=7~11

mice, Tim-1: Tim-1 vector injection to BD mice

- 27 -

vector administration decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in BD injection of Tim-1 vector isolated sera in blood. The levels of IL and IL-4 were analyzed in the sera of Tim-1 and control vector

(n=7~11) (**p < 0.05) Con: control vector injection to BD vector injection to BD mice

inflammatory cytokines in BD levels of IL-and control vector vector injection to BD

- 28 -

G. Tim-4 siRNA treatment down-regulated the expression of Tim-4 in normal healthy mice

In BD mice, the frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells were higher than Nor and BDN mice in LN cells and peritoneal macorphages (Fig 2). For down-regulation of Tim-4(+) cells, siTim-4 was injected into Nor mice intraperitoneally and the frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells were analyzed in peritoneal macrophages by FACS. Tim-4 siRNA (siTim-4) at 2, 5 or 10 μg per mouse or negative control (N.C.) scramble siRNA (2 and 5 μg per mouse) were injected [N.C - 5 μg vs. siTim-4 - 2, 5 and 10 μg (n=3~4): 8.9±1.4% vs. 6.6±3.4% (p=0.42), 3.7±0.9%

(p=0.013), 2.8±2.2% (p=0.04)] (Fig 8A). siTim-4 down-regulated Tim-4(+) macrophages by dose dependent manner and showed statistical significance at 5 μg and 10 μg administered groups. Therefore, 5 μg injection was used for the following experiment. To see the time dependent efficacy of Tim-4 siRNA, 5 μg of siTim-4 was injected, and after 24, 48, and 72 hours, the frequencies of Tim-4(+) macrophages were analyzed by FACS. Until 72 hours, siTim-4 significantly down-regulated Tim-4(+) macrophages compared to N.C. The frequencies of Tim-4(+) at 48 hours were lowest [N.C vs. siTim-4 (n=2): 24h, 7.9±0.6% vs.

4.9±0.2%, p=0.02; 48h, 8.9±1.4% vs. 2.9±0.4%, p=0.03; 72h, 15.4±0.1% vs. 4.2±3.0%, p=0.03] (Fig 8B).

Figure 8. The expression of Tim

Tim-4 siRNA was applied intraperitoneally and the frequencies of Tim analyzed in peritoneal macrophages

mouse or negative control (N.C.) siRNA (2 intraperitoneally into Nor mice. B. Five μg of siTim

hours, the frequencies of Tim-4(+) peritoneal macrophages were ana was used as negative control (n=3~4)

mice, siTim-4: siRNA Tim-4 injection to normal mice

- 29 -

Figure 8. The expression of Tim-4(+) cells was down-regulated after siTim-4

4 siRNA was applied intraperitoneally and the frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells were analyzed in peritoneal macrophages in Nor mice by FACS. A. siTim-4 2, 5 and 10 mouse or negative control (N.C.) siRNA (2 and 5 μg per mouse) were injected

mice. B. Five μg of siTim-4 was injected, and after 24, 48, and 72 4(+) peritoneal macrophages were analyzed. Scramble siRNA egative control (n=3~4) (**p < 0.05). N.C: negative control injection to normal

4 injection to normal mice, Mac: macrophage

treatment.

- 30 -

H. Administration of siTim-4 changed the BD-like symptoms

Five mg of siTim-4 was injected intraperitoneally 3 times at 2 days interval into BD mice and followed by observation for 2 weeks (Fig 9A). After administration of siTim-4, BD-like symptoms, such as skin ulcer and genital ulcer were compared to the control group.

However, siTim-4 was not effective in eye involvement (Table 2). In negative control group, the severity score was 2.25±0.46 before and 2.00±1.07 at one week (p=0.35), and 1.88±1.13 at two weeks after first injection of BD mice (p=0.28, n=8). In siTim-4 treated group, score was 2.63±0.52 before and 1.25±0.89 at one week (p=0.001), 1.25±0.89 at two weeks after injection into BD mice (p=0.001, n=8) (Fig 9B). At one and two weeks after first administration of siTim-4 into BD mice, macrophages were isolated from peritoneal cavity and analyzed for Tim-4 by FACS. The frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells at one and two weeks after siTim-4 treated group were lower than negative control group even though not significant (1 week: 18.6±4.8% vs. 15.7±3.7%, p=0.31, 2 weeks: 20.7±6.5%vs. 18.8±3.3%, p=0.42) (Fig 9B). However in LN, 4(+), CD11b(+)4(+), CD11c(+)4(+), Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells of siTim-4 treated group were similar to control treated group (Fig 9C~D). At one week after first injection of siTim-4, those markers assessed but not different to two weeks (date not shown). In these results, BD-like symptoms were improved with si4 treatment and decreased severity score but the changes of Tim-4 related cellular phenotypes could not be found in this study.

- 31 -

- 32 -

Figure 9. BD-like symptoms were changed after siTim-4 administration. Five mg per mouse of Tim-4 siRNA was injected intraperitoneally 3 times at 2 days interval into BD mice and observed for 2 weeks. A. Photographs of mice taken before and at one and two weeks after treatment with siTim-4 and N.C treated group. B. The severity score was compared before and at one and two weeks after treatment between the siTim-4 and N.C treated group. The frequencies of Tim-4(+) cells in peritoneal cavity were compared between siTim-4 and N.C treated groups. C~D. The frequencies of Tim-4(+), CD11b(+)Tim-4(+), CD11c(+)Tim-4(+), Tim-1(+), CD4(+)Tim-1(+) and CD8(+)Tim-1(+) cells in LN were compared to siTim-4 and negative control treated group. (n=7~8) (**p < 0.05) N.C: negative control injection to BD mice, siTim-4: siRNA Tim-4 injection to BD mice, LN: lymph node

- 33 -

Table 2. The change of BD-like symptoms in siTim-4 administered BD mice

No. BD symptoms Before 1 wk 2 wks

- 34 -

BD symptom: +, deteriorated: ++, improved: -

- 35 -

I. Treg cells were up-regulated in siTim-4 treated BD mice

The frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg [CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+)] cells were also analyzed by FACS at one and two weeks after first treatment with siTim-4 into BD mice. After one week, Treg cells were slightly increased in siTim-4 treated BD mice compared with N.C treated group [N.C vs. siTim-4: CD4(+)CD25(+), 5.82±2.01%

vs. 6.84±2.03%, p=0.45, n=5; CD4(+)Foxp3(+), 4,64±1.9% vs. 5.82±2.4%, p=0.41, n=5;

Treg, 3.28±1.57% vs. 4.08±1.73%, p=0.47, n=5]. After two weeks, Treg cells were significantly higher in siTim-4 treated BD mice than N.C treated group [N.C vs. siTim-4:

CD4(+)CD25(+), 4.8±0.6% vs. 5.9±1.2%, p=0.03, n=6; CD4(+)Foxp3(+), 4.1±0.7% vs.

5.2±1.2%, p=0.03, n=7; Treg, 2.7±0.5% vs. 3.5±0.9%, p=0.04, n=7] From this result, the increases of Treg cells are associated with knock down of Tim-4 in BD mice.

Figure 10. The frequencies of Treg cells were up

in BD mice. Treg cells and granzyme B(+) cells were confirmed in LN of BD mice after treatment with siTim-4. At One and two weeks after

frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg were compared between

siTim-negative control injection to BD mice, siTim lymph node

- 36 -

Figure 10. The frequencies of Treg cells were up-regulated after treatment with siTim Treg cells and granzyme B(+) cells were confirmed in LN of BD mice after

One and two weeks after first treatment with siTim frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and Treg [CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)]

-4 and control treated group. (n=5~7) (**p < 0.05) negative control injection to BD mice, siTim-4: siRNA Tim-4 injection to BD mice, LN:

regulated after treatment with siTim-4 Treg cells and granzyme B(+) cells were confirmed in LN of BD mice after ment with siTim-4, the [CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)] cells (**p < 0.05) N.C:

4 injection to BD mice, LN:

- 37 -

J. Treatment with siTim-4 decreased the serum level of IL-17 in BD mice

After administration of siTim-4 into BD mice, serum level of IL-17 was analyzed by ELISA and compared with N.C siRNA treated BD mice. The level of IL-17 was decreased in siTim-4 treated group compared to N.C treated group, but not significant [N.C vs. siTim-4 (n=8): 19.4±11.5 pg/ml vs. 15.6±8.1 pg/ml, p=0.25] (Fig 11).

Figure 11. Administration of siTim Serum obtained at two weeks after of IL-17 was analyzed by ELISA.

siRNA Tim-4 injection to BD mice

- 38 -

siTim-4 decreased the serum level of IL-17 in BD mice erum obtained at two weeks after first injection of siTim-4 and N.C in BD mice.

17 was analyzed by ELISA. (n=8) N.C: negative control injection to BD mice, 4 injection to BD mice

17 in BD mice.

in BD mice. The level N.C: negative control injection to BD mice, siTim-4:

- 39 -

K. Gal-9 treatment up-regulated the expression of Gal-9 in vitro and in vivo

We checked the expression of Gal-9 after Gal-9 treatment in in vitro and in vivo normal healthy mice Lymph node cells and splenocytes from Nor mice were cultured with or without Gal-9, including anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, for 48 h in vitro. In LN cells, the frequencies of Gal-9(+) cells were significantly higher in the Gal-9-treated group than in the non-treated or IgG1-treated control group (non-treated 1.4±0.4% vs. Gal-9-treated 46.7±1.5, p=0.000001; IgG1-treated 1.5±1.2 vs. Gal-9-treated 46.7±1.5, p=0.000002). The frequencies of Gal-9(+) cells in splenocytes were significantly higher in the Gal-9 treated group than in the non-treated group or IgG1-treated group (non-treated 1.3±0.4% vs.

We checked the expression of Gal-9 after Gal-9 treatment in in vitro and in vivo normal healthy mice Lymph node cells and splenocytes from Nor mice were cultured with or without Gal-9, including anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, for 48 h in vitro. In LN cells, the frequencies of Gal-9(+) cells were significantly higher in the Gal-9-treated group than in the non-treated or IgG1-treated control group (non-treated 1.4±0.4% vs. Gal-9-treated 46.7±1.5, p=0.000001; IgG1-treated 1.5±1.2 vs. Gal-9-treated 46.7±1.5, p=0.000002). The frequencies of Gal-9(+) cells in splenocytes were significantly higher in the Gal-9 treated group than in the non-treated group or IgG1-treated group (non-treated 1.3±0.4% vs.