IL-15에 의한 류마티스관절염 환자 활막 섬유모세포에서의 SDF-1 유도

박영은 ( Young Eun Park ),김성일 ( Sung Il Kim ),박성후 ( Seong Hu Park ),백승훈 ( Seung Hoon Baek ),오혜좌 ( Hye Jwa Oh ),허양미 ( Yang Mi Heo ),조미라 ( Mi La Cho ) 대한류마티스학회 2010 대한류마티스학회지 Vol.17 No.3

Objective: Interleukin-15 (IL-15) recruits and activates synovial T cells, and IL-15 plays an important role in amplifying and perpetuating inflammation in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a potent chemoattractant for memory T cells in the inflamed RA synovium. This study investigated the effect of IL-15 on SDF-1 production in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Methods: The expressions of IL-15 and SDF-1 were determined from the synovium of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) by performing immunohistochemistry. The expressions of SDF-1 was measured from the RA FLS that were cultured with IL-15 and IL-17 by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The SDF-1 expression was also measured, via ELISA, from the RA FLS stimulated by IL-15 together with the inhibitors of such intracellular signal molecules as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase, LY294002), STAT3 (AG490), MAP Kinase (PD98059), NF-κB (parthenolide) and activator protein 1 (AP-1, curcumin). Results: IL-15 and SDF-1 were mainly expressed in the RA synovium compared to that of the OA synovium. IL-15 increased the SDF-1 expressions and it, and had an additive effect with IL-17 on the SDF-1 expressions in the cultured RA FLS. The IL-15 induced increase of the SDF-1 expression in the cultured RA FLS was blocked by the inhibitors of PI 3-kinase, NF-κB and AP-1. Conclusion: The SDF-1 expression was increased in the RA synovium and it was up-regulated by IL-15 in the RA FLS through the PI 3-kinase, NF-κB, and AP-1 pathways. These results imply that the IL-15 induced increase of the SDF-1 expressions may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of RA.

호산구의 활성 억제 사이토카인과 억제 기작의 규명

박춘식 ( Park Chun Sig ),최은남 ( Choe Eun Nam ),이영목 ( Lee Yeong Mog ),박성우 ( Park Seong U ),장안수 ( Jang An Su ),이준혁 ( Lee Jun Hyeog ),최윤성 ( Choe Yun Seong ),정일엽 ( Jeong Il Yeob ) 대한천식알레르기학회 2003 천식 및 알레르기 Vol.23 No.4

Evaluation of ‘TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9’ Test Kit for Screening of Meibomian Dysfunction in Patients with Inflammatory Dry Eye Syndrome

Min-Hye Park,Jung-Eun Park,Jang-Won Byun,Min-Ji Choi,Il-Hoon Cho,Myeong-Jin Jeong,Yoon-Jung Choy,Koon-Ja Lee 대한시과학회 2020 대한시과학회지 Vol.22 No.1

목적 : 마이봄샘기능저하증(meibomian gland dysfunction, MGD)을 수반하는 염증성 건성안의 감별진단에 대한 ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ 검사키트의 유용성을 평가하였다. 방법 : 건성안 이외의 안질환이 없는 20~30대 중 OSDI 설문 검사에 따른 건성안 총 118안을 대상하였고, 결막낭 메니스커스로부터 소량의 눈물을 채취하여 TNF-α, IL-6 및 MMP-9 검사를 하였다. 각막염색과 결막충혈 이 모두 Grade 1 이상인 경우는 염증성 건성안으로, 마이봄샘폐쇄와 마이봄샘구멍막힘이 모두 grade 1 이상인 경우는 MGD 관련 건성안으로 평가하였다. 염증성 건성안 및 MGD와 TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9과의 상관성은 카 이제곱검정(Chi-square test)으로 분석하였고, ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ 검사키트의 염증성 건성안과 MGD를 수반하는 염증성 건성안 감별능력은 ROC 커브를 이용하여 민감도, 특이도 및 AUC(Area under the curve)를 구하고 정확도를 평가하였다. 결과 : 염증성 건성안은 TNF-α와 IL-6와 유의한 상관성을 보였고(p<.050), ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ 검사 키트는 MMP-9 검사키트와 80.20%의 높은 일치도를 나타냈으나(p<.050), 염증성 건성안 감별에 대한 민감도, 특이도, 정확도는 MMP-9 검사키트보다 낮았다. MGD는 MMP-9 검사와 상관성을 보이지 않았고, TNF-α와 IL-6 검사와는 유의한 상관성을 보였으며, MGD 감별에 대한 민감도, 특이도, 정확도는 각각 85.50%, 34.70%, 0.601, 85.50%, 32.70%, 0.591로 나타났다. MGD 수반한 염증성 건성안 감별에 대한 ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ 검사키트의 민감도, 특이도 및 정확도는 100.00%, 34.10%, 0.670로 MMP-9 검사키트보다 더 높았다. 결론 : MGD 진단에는 TNF-α, IL-6 검사가 유용하며, ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ 검사키트는 MGD를 수반한 염증성 건성안 평가에 유용할 것으로 사료된다. Purpose : To evaluated the ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ test kit for screening of inflammatory dry eye and IDE (inflammatory dry eye) with MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction). Methods : A total of 118 dry eyes were selected using OSDI (ocular surface disease index) questionnaire among participated 20~30s without ophthalmologic diseases except for dry eye. Small amount of tear obtained from meniscus of the conjunctiva were tested with TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9 kit. IDE refers to the criteria which specifies the corneal staining and conjunctival hyperemia more than grade 1 and MGD refers to the criteria which specifies meibomian gland blockage and meibomian orifice obstruction with more than grade 1. Chi-square test was performed to analyze the correlation between the IDE, MGD and the results of ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ tests. and ROC (receiver operate characteristics) curve was used for the sensitivity, specificity and AUC (area under the curve) for the accuracy of ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ tests. Results : TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly correlated with IDE (p<.050) and ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ test kit showed a high agreement of 80.20% with MMP-9 test kit(p<.050) although the accuracy was lower than MMP-9 test kit. The MMP-9 showed no correlation with MGD, however TNF-α, IL-6 were significantly correlated with MGD (p<.050). sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of TNF-α, IL-6 tests for MGD were 85.50%, 34.70%, 0.601, 85.50%, 32.70%, and 0.591. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ test kit for IDE with MGD were 100.00%, 34.10%, and 0.670, respectively, which shows higher accuracy than MMP-9. Conclusion : TNF-α and IL-6 tests are useful for the diagnosis of MGD, and ‘TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9’ test kit is useful for screening IDE with MGD.

Impact of interleukin-21 in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome: increased serum levels of interleukin-21 and its expression in the labial salivary glands

Kang, Kwi Young,Kim, Hyun-Ok,Kwok, Seung-Ki,Ju, Ji Hyeon,Park, Kyung-Su,Sun, Dong-Il,Jhun, Joo Yeon,Oh, Hye Jwa,Park, Sung-Hwan,Kim, Ho-Youn BioMed Central 2011 ARTHRITIS RESEARCH AND THERAPY Vol.13 No.5

<P><B>Introduction</B></P><P>Interleukin (IL)-21 is a cytokine that controls the functional activity of effector T helper cells and the differentiation of Th17 cells, and promotes B-cell differentiation. To test whether IL-21 participates in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), serum IL-21 level was measured and IL-21 expression in the labial salivary glands (LSG) was examined.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>Serum IL-21 levels in 40 primary SS, 40 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 38 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 20 healthy controls were measured. Serum IL-21 levels of SS patients were assessed for correlations with laboratory data, including anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro/La antibodies, globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig) class, and IgG subclass. LSGs from 16 primary SS and 4 controls with sicca symptoms were evaluated for IL-21 and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression by immunohistochemistry. Confocal microscopy was performed to further characterize the IL-21 positive cells.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>Primary SS patients had significantly higher serum IL-21 levels than controls, and these increments correlated positively with levels of IgG, IgG1. Serum IgG1 levels correlated with anti-Ro antibody titers. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that lymphocytic foci and the periductal area of the LSGs from SS patients expressed high levels of IL-21 and lower levels of IL-21R, whereas the control LSGs showed minimal expression of both antigens. The more the lymphocyte infiltrated, IL-21expression in LSGs showed a tendency to increase. Confocal microscopic analyses revealed that IL-21 expressing infiltrating lymphocytes in the LSGs of SS patients also expressed CXCR5.</P><P><B>Conclusions</B></P><P>Primary SS is associated with high serum IL-21 levels that correlate positively with serum IgG, especially IgG1, levels. The expression of IL-21 is increased as more lymphocytes infiltrated in LSGs. These observations suggest that IL-21 may play an important role in primary SS pathogenesis.</P>

A Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor Targeting the IL-6 Receptor β Subunit, Glycoprotein 130

Hong, Soon-Sun,Choi, Jung Ho,Lee, Sung Yoon,Park, Yeon-Hwa,Park, Kyung-Yeon,Lee, Joo Young,Kim, Juyoung,Gajulapati, Veeraswamy,Goo, Ja-Il,Singh, Sarbjit,Lee, Kyeong,Kim, Young-Kook,Im, So Hee,Ahn, Sun The American Association of Immunologists, Inc. 2015 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Vol.195 No.1

<P>IL-6 is a major causative factor of inflammatory disease. Although IL-6 and its signaling pathways are promising targets, orally available small-molecule drugs specific for IL-6 have not been developed. To discover IL-6 antagonists, we screened our in-house chemical library and identified-LMT-28, a novel synthetic compound, as a candidate IL-6 blocker. The activity, mechanism of action, and direct molecular target of LMT-28 were investigated. A reporter gene assay showed that LMT-28 suppressed activation of STAT3 induced by IL-6, but not activation induced by leukemia inhibitory factor. In addition, LMT-28 downregulated IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3, gp130, and JAK2 protein and substantially inhibited IL-6-dependent TF-1 cell proliferation. LMT-28 antagonized IL-6-induced TNF-alpha production in vivo. In pathologic models, oral administration of LMT-28 alleviated collagen-induced arthritis and acute pancreatitis in mice. Based on the observation of upstream IL-6 signal inhibition by LMT-28, we hypothesized IL-6, IL-6R alpha, or gp130 to be putative molecular targets. We subsequently demonstrated direct interaction of LMT-28 with gp130 and specific reduction of IL-6/IL-6R alpha complex binding to gp130 in the presence of LMT-28, which was measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Taken together, our data suggest that LMT-28 is a novel synthetic IL-6 inhibitor that functions through direct binding to gp130.</P>

선모(仙茅) 열수(熱水) 추출물의 Collagen 유발 관절염에 대한 약리 효능 연구

서부일 ( Bu Il Seo ),노성수 ( Seong Soo Roh ),박지하 ( Ji Ha Park ),박찬익 ( Chan Ik Park ),구진숙 ( Jin Suk Koo ) 대한본초학회 2016 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.31 No.4

Objectives:In Korean medicine, Curculiginis Rhizoma was treated for arthritis in remedy. But efficacy of Curculiginis Rhizoma on collagen induced arthritis was not revealed. Methods:Anti inflammatory effect of Curculiginis Rhizoma was researched in vitro with RAW264.7 cell and cell toxicity, levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12) and PGE2 were analyzed by ELISA assay. Inflammatory protein were analyzed by western blotting assay (JNK, ERK, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β). In vivo, collagen induced arthritis mice model was used to evaluate anti-inflammation effect through arthritis index, immune cell number and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in serum. Results:ECR(Extract of Curculiginis Rhizoma) has not shown cell toxicity in 200 ㎍/㎖ on RAW264.7 cell. ECR suppressed releases of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and PGE2 on RAW264.7 cell treated with lipopolysacharide (1 ㎍/㎖). And ECR inhibited regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA, reduced protein release of JNK, ERK, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and TNF-α. AI of group treated with ECR 200 ㎎/㎏ and 100 ㎎/㎏ were significantly decreased compared to vihicle arthritis mice, the number of immune cell in foot joint was increased on control mice but those of group treated with ECR 200 ㎎/㎏ and 100 ㎎/㎏ were significantly reduced. This results correspond with contens of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in serum. Conclusions:Curculiginis Rhizoma has anti-inflammation effect on RAW264.7 cell in vitro and collagen induced arthritis in vivo . So it is necessary to research more mechanism for cascade imfact.

Positive and negative roles of interleukin-6 in bone metabolism , inflammation and cell differentiation : application in oriental medical research

Lee, Dong Kyu,Kang, Dong Hwi,Kim, Dong Il,Lee, Tae Kyun,Park, Young Guk,Kim, Cheorl Ho 대한한의학회 부인과학회 2000 大韓韓方婦人科學會誌 Vol.13 No.2

Interleukin 6 (IL-6)은 여러종류의 세포에서 분화 및 주화인자로 작용하는 사이토카인이다. 사람 IL-6의 분자구조는 21에서 28 kDa의 분자량을 갖는 하나의 폴리펩타이드 단백질로서 N-형과 O-형당부가반응과 세린잔기에 인산화를 수반하여 수식되어 있다. 이 사이토카인은 수성의 28-아미노산 자기로 구성된 시그날배열을 가진 212 아미노산의 전구체 단백질로서 생합성된다. IL-6와 가장 밀접한 분자구조를 갖는 물질로는 granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)가 있으며 사람 IL-6의 유전자는 염색체 7p21에 암호화되어 있다. IL-6는 IL-6수용체 (80 kDa subunit, IL-6Ra)의 a-사슬의 세포의 영역과 상호작용을 거쳐 세포표면에 결합하게 되며 이렇게 생성된 결합체는 gp130수용체와 상호작용하며, 이때 gp130 subunit는 JAK/STAT signaling cascade의 계속적인 활성화능력을 보유하도록 리간드-의존적인 2량화 형성이 유도된다. IL-6Ra의 세포내 영역도메인은 신호전달반응에 아무런 역할을 하지 않으며 IL-6Ra의 세포막통과와 세포질도메인이 결여된 수용성 IL-6수용체도 마찬가지로 IL-6와 반웅하며 상승제로서 가능을 하게 된다. 이러한 광범위한 발현과 효과 때문에 IL-6생성의 생체내에서의 부적절한 발현과 조절은 중요한 생리적인 변화를 야기시킨다. 본 총설에서는 생리적이고 병태생리적인 조건에서의 IL-6의 역할과 기능을 검토하였으며 한의학에서의 면역, 천식, 골대사, 당뇨, 암, 순환기계질환, 신경계질환의 약물개발과 기전해석의 수단으로서 검토하였다. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that functions as a trophic and differentiating factor in cells of many types. Human IL-6 is a single-chain protein with a molecular mass ranging from 21 to 28 kDa. IL-6 is modified by N- and O-glycosylations, as well as by phosphorylation on serine residues. The cytokine is synthesized as a precursor protein of 212 amino acids with a hydrophobic 28-residue signal sequence. Its closest homolog is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The gene for human IL-6 is located on chromosome 7p21. IL-6 binds to the cell surface via an interaction with the extracellular region of the a-chain of the IL-6 receptor (80 kDa subunit, IL-6Ra). This complex then associates with the gp130 receptor. The gpl30 subunit undergoes ligand-dependent dimerization with subsequent activation of the JAK/STAT signaling cascade. The intracellular domain of IL-6Ra does not play a role in signal transduction. The soluble IL-6 receptor, which lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of IL-6Ra, is also responsive to IL-6 and acts as an agonist. Because of its wide-ranging expression and effects, the inappropriate expression and modulation of IL-6 production has important physiological consequences. Presently, it was examined that role of IL-6 under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and its feasibility as a drug discovery target are meaningful in fields of oriental medical research.

도시공원 범죄예방을 위한 CPTED 인증평가기준 정립에 관한 연구

김강일(Kang Il Kim),조준택(Joon Tag Cho),박현호(Hyeon Ho Park) 한국셉테드학회 2018 한국셉테드학회지 Vol.9 No.1

도시지역에서의 공원이란 시민들의 건강과 휴양 그리고 정서생활에 도움을 주고 녹지를 확보하여 환경에 도움을 주는 공간이다. 하지만 누구에게나 개방되어 있는 도시 공원의 특성상 공간의 안전을 위협하는 소수의 위협들은 다수의 이용자인 시민들에게 불편함을 주거나 위협을 초래하는 경우가 발생한다. 이와 관련하여 각종 선행 연구들은 공원에서 범죄가 빈번하게 발생하고, 시민들의 휴식공간이라는 공원의 제 기능을 다 하지 못하고 있다는 문제를 지적하고 있다. 특히 최근 많은 관심을 받고 있는 사회적 약자를 대상으로 한 범죄에 대응하기 위한 도시공원의 설계 관리가 중요함을 일관되게 강조하고 있다. 이에 이 연구에서는 CPTED의 기본이론을 토대로 도시공원의 범죄예방과 관련된 선행 연구를 분석하여 도시공원에 적합한 CPTED 요소를 추출하고 도시공원의 방범환경 인증평가 체크리스트를 개발하였다. 이러한 체크리스트를 바탕으로 크기별, 종류별 공원 5곳을 선정하여 실제 현장 조사를 실시하고 안전요소를 분석하여 최종 체크리스트를 도출하였다. 이 체크리스트의 최종평가분야는 관리운영, 감시, 접근통제, 영역성, 활동성 지원 CPTED요소를 기반으로 하고 이에 더하여 안내표지, 방범 및 안전시설, 가점항목으로 설정하였으며 각각의 세부평가항목으로 구성하였다. 이 연구에서 개발한 체크리스트의 평가기준은 모든 공원에 대한 범죄예방 인증평가를 수행할 수 있도록 하는 범용 체크리스트로 이러한 평가기준은 다양한 규모와 형태를 가진 공원들의 특성을 고려하여 평가와 인정의 기본원칙에 의거하여 다양한 형태로 변형되어 활용할 수 있도록 하였다. 이와 관련하여 범죄위험을 예방하는데 있어 중요한 분야의 핵심 항목들에 대해서는 높게 배점하고 정성적인 평가에 의해 배점을 차등적으로 주도록 하였다. 또한 신규 공원뿐만 아니라 기존에 있던 공원들도 적극적 개선을 통해 인정을 받게 하고자 하는 취지로 만들어 전체적인 공원 안전개선을 위한 기반이 되도록 하였다. 본 체크리스트는 경찰청이 범죄예방진단팀(CPO)을 통해 시행 중인 도시공원의 범죄예방우수시설 인증사업에 활용하고 있다. Urban public parks are supposed to be the places for citizens’ rest, healing and public health. However, as public parks are usually open for 24 hours almost every day they are often exposed to criminal attacks within the realm of the space. The crime problem therefore threatens the public safety and security. Previous studies on public parks and crime safety continuously indicate that urban parks are vulnerable to crime and disorder and became the cause of fear of crime due to poor environmental design and planning in terms of CPTED. In this context the researchers have developed a checklist for accreditation/certification of urban public parks for crime prevention by analyzing the examples applying the CPTED principles in public parks and reflecting the field survey results in South Korea. In regard to the item and point, the crucial points for public parks rated highly and the grading was differentiated by qualitative evaluation. In addition, basic principles for certification of Secure/Safe Public Parks Awards were suggested, including operating a rating system to certify public parks so as to promote efforts for improvement, not awarding the certification to parks if any relevant regulations are violated, applying the evaluation items or points in accordance with the local context. The assessment checklist can be revised and used in various ways according to the regional circumstances and can contribute to the security and safety of public parks. The Police Crime Prevention Officers (CPO) are to utilize this checklist for the Secure Public Parks Certification Awards program in order to enhance the level of security for public parks in major cities in South Korea.

인간 유방암 MDA-MB-231 세포에서 Peptide H에 의한 IL-6 발현 억제효과

성대일,박잠언,김한복,Sung, Dae Il,Park, Jameon,Kim, Han Bok 한국미생물학회 2014 미생물학회지 Vol.50 No.3

암, 류마티스, 크론병 등은 만성염증과 관련되어 있다. Interleukin-6 (IL-6)는 염증의 주요 매개인자이다. 청국장은 콩 발효식품으로 대두단백질이 분해되어 다양한 peptide가 생성되면서, 생리활성물질이 될 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 청국장에서 분리한 peptide (Gly-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Met-Tyr)를 가공한 6mer H, [(Glu-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Met-Tyr(EVYYMY)]가 유방암세포 MDA-MB-231에서 IL-6 발현을 억제할 수 있는지 여부를 결정하였다. MDA-MB-231 세포에 peptide H를 처리해 주면, IL-6 발현은 peptide를 처리하지 않은 control에 비해, 크게 억제되었으며, 세포의 성장은 농도의존적으로 억제되었다. 암 이외에, 류마티스, 크론병 등 만성염증 질환에서 IL-6 신호의 차단은 염증개선에 유효한 것으로 알려져 있다. Peptide H는 염증과 관련된 IL-6 발현의 감소효과가 있으므로, IL-6 관련 암, 류마티스, 크론병 등의 치료제 개발로 응용, 연결될 수 있을 것이다. Chronic inflammation is involved in cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Inerleukin-6 (IL-6) plays major roles in inflammation. Chungkookjang, fermented soybean contains diverse peptides produced by cleavage of soybean proteins. The peptides can be bioactive compounds. Peptide (Gly-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Met-Tyr was purified from Chungkookjang, and modified to be 6mer H, Glu-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Met-Tyr (EVYYMY). Peptide H's activity to suppress IL-6 expression in a human breast cancer cell, MDA-MB-231 was determined. IL-6 Expression was reduced in the cell treated with peptide H 25 times less than controls which were not treated with peptide H. Proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by peptide H, which is concentration-dependent. Blocking of IL-6 signals is known to be effective in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and cancers. Since peptide H can reduce inflammatory IL-6 expression, application of this study will contribute to drug development for diseases which are caused by excessive IL-6.

Genetic effect of <i>CCR3</i> and <i>IL5RA</i> gene polymorphisms on eosinophilia in asthmatic patients

Lee, June-Hyuk,Chang, Hun Soo,Kim, Ji Hyun,Park, Se-Min,Lee, Yong Mok,Uh, Soo Taek,Rhim, Taiyoun,Chung, Il Yup,Kim, Yong-Hoon,Park, Byung Lae,Park, Choon-Sik,Shin, Hyoung Doo Elsevier 2007 The journal of allergy and clinical immunology Vol.120 No.5

<P><B>Background</B></P><P>Eosinophilic infiltration and peripheral blood eosinophilia in asthma require the cooperation of eosinophil-specific cytokines and chemokines and their receptors.</P><P><B>Objective</B></P><P>We investigated the association of polymorphisms in <I>CCR3</I> and <I>IL5RA</I> with asthma susceptibility or peripheral blood eosinophilia and the effects of the polymorphisms on receptor expression.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>Polymorphisms in <I>CCR3</I> and <I>IL5RA</I> were identified and genotyped in 576 asthmatic patients and 180 healthy control subjects. CCR3 and IL-5 receptor α (IL-5Rα) protein expression on eosinophils was measured by means of flow cytometry.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>Although polymorphisms in <I>CCR3</I> were not associated with asthma susceptibility, the <I>CCR3</I> haplotype <I>ht2</I> showed a negative gene dose effect on the eosinophil count (<I>P</I> = .003–.009). <I>IL5RA c.−5091G>A</I> was weakly associated with eosinophil count. The effects of <I>ht2</I> were greater when paired with <I>IL5RA c.−5091A</I> (<I>P</I> = .001–.002). CCR3 protein expression was higher on eosinophils of asthmatic patients without <I>ht2</I> than in those with <I>ht2</I>. Asthmatic patients with the <I>IL5RA c.−5091A</I> allele showed higher IL-5Rα expression than those who were homozygous for the G allele.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>The genetic association between <I>CCR3</I> polymorphisms and the number of circulating eosinophils was revealed as a novel finding. These associations were more pronounced when the <I>CCR3</I> polymorphisms were paired with polymorphisms in <I>IL5RA</I>. The protein expression levels of CCR3 and IL-5Rα on peripheral blood eosinophils are associated with the polymorphisms on their own genes.</P><P><B>Clinical implications</B></P><P>The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes of <I>CCR3</I> and <I>IL5RA</I> might be useful in developing markers for intermediate phenotypes of eosinophil number and in designing strategies to control diseases related to hypereosinophilia.</P>