Alexandria Brooks

Immunology
Professor Smith
Extra Credit

1. Title: Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Mitigates Inflammation in Human Lung Cells

Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Robert Emeh, Ejovwoke Dosunmu, Shreekumar R. Pillai, Shree R. Singh, Vida
A. Dennis
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research was to observe the anti-inflammatory
pathway of the antimicrobial peptide TP359 and its effect on the on Human lung cells
infected with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
How Problem was addressed: To test the effect of this peptide the experimenter
observed the effect of TP359 on human cells with ELISA assays to measure pro-
inflammatory cytokines IL-6, -8, and TNF.
Significant findings or results: The experimenter’s results showed that TP359 reduced
the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose and time dependent manner.
2. Title: Role of SOCS Proteins on IFN-Y Signaling In Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: David Martin, Saurabh Dixit, Skyla Duncan, Shree R. Singh, Vida A. Dennis
Purpose of Study: The objective of this project was to investigate how CT induction of
SOCS1 negatively impacts IFN-Y signaling to control its own inflammation.
How Problem was addressed: The presenter had to find the optimal concentration of
IFN-Y needed to induce SOCS. Mouse macrophages were exposed to various
concentrations of IFN-Y(12.5 to 50 ng/mL) and LPS (1 µg/mL) and qRT-PCR was
performed to assess expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA gene transcripts.
Significant findings or results: The experimenter’s results showed that all
concentrations of IFN-Y induced marked upregulation of SOCS1 in macrophages as
compared to SOCS3.
3. Title: Modulation of Hsp70-Mediated cytoprotection by Resveratrol and Staurosporine in
Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Sanjay Kumar, Natalie White, Karyn Scissum Gunn, Manoj Mishra, Upender
Manne, Sabita N. Saldanha
Purpose of Study: The experimenter’s studies aimed at looking at the chemotherapeutic
effects of naturally occurring molecules resveratrol(RES) and staurosporine(STS) on the
expression of Hsp70, which are potent cytotoxic drugs.
How the problem was addressed: The experimenter hypothesized that the use of natural
compounds will block the Hsp70-mediated protection in colon cancer. They proved this
by taking HCT116 WT and SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and treating
individually with RES (100μM) and STS (1μM), for 24h, and cell killing, morphology,
and expression of hsp70 was studied.
Significant findings and results: The presenter stated that the preliminary results
indicated that RES and STS treated cells showed altered cell morphology and enhanced
cell killing. Further, results demonstrated that the expression of hsp70 decreased in
treated HCT116 WT. Thus, these findings illustrate the importance of these agents as
potential therapeutic molecules in controlling colon cancer.

Normal function of cytokines mentioned:

Interleukin 6 (IL6) – Induces acute phase proteins in the liver, influences adaptive
immunity by the proliferation and antibody secretion of B cell lineage

Tumor necrosis factor - α (TNF α ) – Causes vasodilation and inflammation, also causes
the induction of phase proteins in the liver, can cause cachexia, and is responsible
for the induction of death in many cells.
Interferon γ (IFNγ) – Activates macrophages, increases the expression of MHC class I
and class II molecules, increases antigen presentation.