A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Activity of Bilirubin
Joint Authors
Hirayama, Noriaki
Isogai, Hideto
Source
International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-4, 4 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-04-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
4
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Bilirubin is an endogenous product of heme degradation in mammals.
Bilirubin has long been considered as a cytotoxic waste product that needs to be excreted.
However, increasing evidence suggests that bilirubin possesses multiple biological activities.
In particular, recent studies have shown that bilirubin should be a protective factor for several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Since these autoimmune diseases are closely associated with specific types of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), we have hypothesized that bilirubin might bind to the antigenic peptide-binding groove of the HLA molecules and exert its immunosuppressive actions.
In order to evaluate the hypothesis, theoretical docking studies between bilirubin and the relevant HLA molecules have been undertaken.
The in silico studies have clearly shown that bilirubin may bind to the antigenic peptide-binding groove of the HLA molecules relevant to the autoimmune diseases with significant affinity.
The bound bilirubin may block the binding of antigenic peptides to be presented to T cell receptors and lead to suppression of the autoimmune responses.
Based on this hypothesis new drug discovery research for autoimmune diseases will be conducted.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Isogai, Hideto& Hirayama, Noriaki. 2013. A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Activity of Bilirubin. International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473815
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Isogai, Hideto& Hirayama, Noriaki. A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Activity of Bilirubin. International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473815
American Medical Association (AMA)
Isogai, Hideto& Hirayama, Noriaki. A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Activity of Bilirubin. International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473815
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-473815