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Studying immune system using MHC II/ EGFP knock-in mouse
Zadražil, Zdeněk ; Černý, Jan (advisor) ; Tlaskalová - Hogenová, Helena (referee)
The immune system is essential for keeping the integrity of multicellular organisms. We were able to make a step forward in studying the complex immune reactions in mammals in vivo and/ or in situ using the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II/ enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) knock-in mouse model. Due to the EGFP visualization of MHC II expressing cells we were able to observe antigen presenting cells, which are essential for the onset of immune responses, in their natural environment. Thus, we report some original features of the immune system. We have identified MHC II+ cell clusters with unknown, probably unique function, in the intestine. We have also described MHC II+ cell migration to the lactating mammary gland and tested few hypotheses about the role of this phenomenon for the development of the mammary gland, milk secretion or infant immune system establishment. Lastly, we observed residential macrophages in the cornea. The presence of APCs in the cornea is a very contradictory issue due to the fact that cornea is an immunologically privileged tissue and therefore harbors special immune features. key words: antigen presenting cells (APC), major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), immune system, knock-in mouse model
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Cytokines in the effector function of regulatory T cells
Zadražil, Zdeněk ; Holáň, Vladimír (advisor) ; Stříž, Ilja (referee)
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an important control mechanism within the Immune system (IS). Tregs prevent overactivation of effector T cells or autoreactive cells from invading organism-derived tissues. Treg are characterised by expression of surface molecules, CD4, CD25 and by an intracellular transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3). There are two basic populations of Treg, naturally occuring Treg (nTreg) developing in the thymus and induced Treg (iTreg) rising from CD4+ T cells in periphery, which are also precursors for T helper cells. In spite of an outgoing intensive research, there is still no clear clue which mechanisms are used by Treg to inhibit other effector cells. First in vitro experiments showed, that those mechanisms are of a contact dependent manner and do not use secreted molecules. But in vivo experiments showed the exact opposite. Those studies showed that secretory molecules, such as interleukin (IL)-10, IL-35 or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), are important in the effectory phase of Treg. Since the first experiments other distinct mechanisms of supression by Treg cells have been discovered. Those mechanisms seem to be important only in particular situations, particular cell assays or with using of specific experimental models. The reasons for this...
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