Influence of Paleobacteria on the Proliferative Activity of Human Lymphocytes In Vitro.

When testing the proliferative activity of 14 strains of permafrost microorganisms in the reaction of blast transformation of human lymphocytes in vitro, a strain (Alcaligenes sp.) with mitogen properties was isolated (20-fold increase in the rate of lymphocyte proliferation in comparison with the control). Four strains activated lymphocyte proliferation by 3-9 times in comparison with the control. Three strains produced substances with cytostatic properties and reduced proliferation activity by 33-43% and one strain (Bacillus sp.) almost completely suppressed phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte proliferation. These data indicate that strains with a unique immunobiological potential are concentrated in the population of permafrost microorganisms that have undergone rigorous evolutionary selection.

Influence of the Microbiota of the Cryolithozone Paleoecosystems on the Behavioral Functions of the Nervous System of Chickens Gallus gallus.

We studied the influence of microorganisms isolated from permafrost on the psychophysiological parameters of birds. Significant effect of the microbiota of the paleoecosystems of the cryolithozone on locomotor activity, psycho-emotional state, and psychophysiological lateralization of brain function of Gallus gallus chickens. The involvement of both the autonomic and the higher central nervous systems in this regulatory process via synthesis of neuropeptides by symbionts is discussed.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Bacillus sp. Metabolites from Permafrost on Lymphocyte Differentiation in the Thymus.

We studied the effect of a single intraperitoneal injection of metabolites from Bacillus sp. M3 strain isolated from permafrost (from 5×103 to 50×103 microbial bodies) on differentiation of T cells in the thymus of F1(CBA/Black-6) mice. On day 21 after the injection of metabolites, a dose-dependent decrease in the level of CD34+CD44+ and an increase in the number of CD34+CD44-, CD25-TCR+, CD25+TCR+max, CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8+, and CD44+TCR+ lymphocytes were observed in the thymus. The increase in thymus level of mature (CD25+TCR+max) and migration-ready (CD44+TCR+) T cells in combination with a moderate decrease in the level of T cell precursors entering the thymus from the bone marrow (CD34+CD44+) can indicate a modulating influence of Bacillus sp. metabolites on functional activity of the thymus aimed at maintenance of the T cell balance in the body.

Reparation and Immunomodulating Properties of Bacillus sp. Metabolites from Permafrost.

An ointment containing metabolites of Bacillus sp. microorganisms isolated from permafrost samples was applied onto the skin wound of BALB/c mice. Metabolites isolated during culturing of Bacillus sp. at 37°C produced a potent therapeutic effect and promoted wound epithelialization by 30% in comparison with the control (ointment base) and by 20% in comparison with Solcoseryl. Treatment with Bacillus sp. metabolites stimulated predominantly humoral immunity, reduced the time of wound contraction and the volume of scar tissue, and promoted complete hair recovery. These metabolites can be considered as modulators of the wound process with predominance of regeneration mechanisms.

Effects of Secondary Metabolites of Permafrost Bacillus sp. on Cytokine Synthesis by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

We studied the effects of secondary metabolites of Bacillus sp. isolated from late Neogene permafrost on secretion of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-2, and IFNγ) and antiinflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. It was found that metabolites of Bacillus sp. produced more potent effect on cytokine secretion than mitogen phytohemagglutinin and metabolites of Bacillus cereus, medicinal strain IP5832. Activity of metabolites depended on the temperature of bacteria incubation. "Cold" metabolites of Bacillus sp. (isolated at -5°C) primarily induced Th1-mediated secretion of IFNγ, while "warm" metabolites (obtained at 37°C) induced Th2-mediated secretion of IL-4. The results suggest that Bacillus sp. metabolites are promising material for the development of immunomodulating drugs.

Effects of temperature on biological activity of permafrost microorganisms.

The number and viability of microorganism specimens Bacillus spp. isolated from permafrost soil remained unchanged after incubation at temperatures of -16-37°C. Experiments on F1 CBA/Black-6 mice showed that incubation of bacteria at -5°C for 72 h promotes a decrease in their toxicity and an increase in their immunostimulating effect.