Publications

Jurkat T cell lines constitutively expressing Tax, the 40-kilodalton transactivator protein of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), were used to investigate the mechanism by which this viral product deregulates the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha gene (IL-2R alpha, Tac). Transfection of deleted forms of the IL-2R alpha promoter and in vitro DNA-binding studies revealed that a 12-base pair promoter segment, which has homology with the binding site for NF-kappa B, was required for Tax-induced activation of the IL-2R alpha promoter in vivo. An 18-base pair oligonucleotide containing this kappa B-like regulatory element proved sufficient to confer Tax inducibility upon a heterologous promoter. DNA affinity precipitation assays showed that Tax, like mitogenic stimuli, induced the expression of the 86-kilodalton cellular protein HIVEN86A, which specifically binds to the IL-2R alpha kappa B element in vitro. Furthermore, DNA/protein cross-linking studies revealed that several polypeptides interact with this sequence motif. Thus, the deregulation of IL-2R alpha gene expression encountered in HTLV-I leukemias appears to involve Tax activation of one or more cellular proteins that are normally induced by mitogens and that directly contribute to transcriptional activation of this receptor gene.

Reactions to human seminal plasma may present as immediate hypersensitivity, cell-mediated hypersensitivity, or fixed eruptions. There are no typical responses to semen. An abnormal skin lesion or systemic response after intercourse may be the only clue to identifying those who are reacting to semen. The use of condoms has proven to be the most consistent preventive modality. However, the use of condoms is unacceptable to some regardless of the relief provided. Although conventional therapy for hypersensitivity reactions to human seminal plasma is suboptimal, one should be aware of MA in the treatment of an atypical cause of human seminal plasma induced reactions.