Investigating the Effect of Bromelain on Leukocyte Recruitment Using Model Substr

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The inflammatory response is a highly regulated process involving numerous receptor-ligand interactions that result in the trafficking of leukocyte subsets to sites of infection or injury. Inflammation is essential for health and survival, but a variety of diseases can result when it becomes deregulated. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular and multi-parametric basis of leukocyte recruitment is essential for the development of more effective therapeutics that target multiple receptor-ligand interactions simultaneously. Additionally, a multi-parameter approach would be valuable for investigating the effects of existing and potential multi-target therapeutics on leukocyte recruitment. Using a direct biophotolithographic approach, 14 single- and multi-component model substrates presenting relevant ligands with varied biomolecular surface densities will be generated and used in leukocyte flow assays. The contributions of individual and multi- parameter receptor-ligand interactions to leukocyte rolling and adhesion will be revealed, and the effect of bromelain (a natural anti-inflammatory proteinase preparation) eight on the rolling and adhesion of various subsets of leukocytes will be investigated. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: A photochemical approach will be applied to the generation of surface-immobilized biomolecular gradients that will be utilized to investigate the molecular basis of leukocyte recruitment and reveal the mechanism of action of an alternative medicine anti-inflammatory treatment. These studies will lay the groundwork for the development of multi-target therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.