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IL2-Ra is one of the three constituent subunits of the IL2 receptor. IL-2Ra is released into the serum after increased cellular expression such as increased activation of B and T cells. Clinical manifestations of IL2-Ra elevation include autoimmune conditions and some leukemias and lymphomas.

IL2-Ra is one of the three constituent subunits of the IL2 receptor. IL-2Ra is released into the serum after increased cellular expression such as increased activation of B and T cells. Clinical manifestations of IL2-Ra elevation include autoimmune conditions and some leukemias and lymphomas.

Beta Defensin 116, also known as DEFB116 is a member of the beta-defensin family.DEFB116 has antibacterial activity. The innate immune system includes antimicrobial peptides that protect multicellular organisms from a diverse spectrum of microorganisms. In addition, Beta-Defensins contain one important family of mammalian antimicrobial peptides.

Interleukin-27 protein is related to IL-12A & is one of the subunits of a heterodimeric cytokine complex. IL-27 interacts with EBV induced gene 3 also called EBI3, and forms a complex that drives rapid expansion of CD4 (+) T cells.
IL-27 complex is synergizes with IL-12 in order to trigger the cytokine production of IFN-Gamma of CD4 (+) T cells. The biological effect of IL-27 is mediated by class-I cytokine receptor (WSX1/TCRR).
The pro-inflammatory activity of IL-27 is mediated through the growing expression of key molecules involved in the MHC class-I & MHC class-II pathways. Both MHC class-I and MHC-class-II expression are increased in endothelial cells after Interleukin-27 stimulation which suggests that it may play an important role in conferring the immune function on vascular endothelium IL-27p28 subunit can be induced by IFN-beta and during LPS-induced maturation of dendritic cells in type-I IFN-dependent manner through IFN regulatory factor-1 activation. Interleukin-27 regulates Interleukin-12 responsiveness of CD4+ T cells through Stat1-dependent and -independent mechanisms. IL-17 & IL-23 play an important IL-17 role in inflammation. Interleukin-27 possesses potent anti-angiogenic activity that plays an important role in its antitumor and antimetastatic activities.
EBV induced gene 3 plays a role, independently from IL-27, in regulating anti-viral or anti-tumoral immune responses. Interleukin-27 is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in macrophages, CD4+ T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Interleukin-27 triggers STAT activation and gene transcription.

Uromodulin is the most abundant protein in normal urine. Its secretion in urine follows proteolytic cleavage of the ectodomain of its glycosyl phosphatidylinosital-anchored counterpart that is situated on the luminal cell surface of the loop of Henle. Uromodulin plays a role as a constitutive inhibitor of calcium crystallization in renal fluids. Secretion of uromodulin in urine provides protection against urinary tract infections caused by uropathogenic bacteria. Defects in Uromodulin expression are associated with the autosomal dominant renal disorders medullary cystic kidney disease-2 (MCKD2) and familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy (FJHN). These disorders are characterized by juvenile onset of hyperuricemia, gout, and progressive renal failure. While several transcript variants may exist for this gene, the full-length natures of only two have been described to date. UMOD is involved in regulating the circulating activity of cytokines as it binds to il-1, il-2 and tnf with high affinity.

BDH1 belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase gene family. BDH1 forms a homotetrameric lipid-requiring enzyme of the mitochondrial membrane and has a specific necessity for phosphatidylcholine for optimal enzymatic activity. BDH1 catalyzes the interconversion of acetoacetate and (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, the 2 main ketone bodies formed during fatty acid catabolism.

Zinc Binding Alcohol Dehydrogenase Domain Containing 2, also known as ZADH2, is a protein coding gene which is a part of the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.

BLNK is a cytoplasmic linker or adaptor protein which has a significant role in B cell development. B-cell linker (BLNK) is essential for normal B-cell development. BLNK bridges B cell receptor-associated kinase activation with downstream signaling pathways, thus affecting different biological functions. BLNK associates with the effector proteins GRB2, Vav, NCK and PLC-g following activation of the B cell receptor. BLNK is phosphorylated by the Syk tyrosine kinase, which in turn permits activation of downstream effector proteins including GRB2 and PLC-g. Mutations in the BLNK gene cause hypoglobulinemia and absent B cells, a disease in which the pro- to pre-B-cell transition is developmentally blocked. Deficiency in the BLNK protein is seen in some cases of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

CD33 is putative adhesion molecule of myelomonocytic-derived cells which mediates sialic-acid dependent binding to cells. CD33 prefers to bind to alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid. The sialic acid recognition site is masked by cis interactions with sialic acids on the same cell surface. In the immune response, CD33 perform as an inhibitory receptor upon ligand induced tyrosine phosphorylation by recruiting cytoplasmic phosphatases through their SH2 domains which block signal transduction through dephosphorylation of signaling molecules. In addition, CD33 induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia.

IL4 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by activated T cells. IL4 is a ligand for interleukin 4 receptor. The interleukin 4 receptor also binds to IL13, which may contribute to many overlapping functions of this cytokine and IL13. STAT6, a signal transducer and activator of transcription, has been shown to play a central role in mediating the immune regulatory signal of this cytokine. This gene, IL3, IL5, IL13, and CSF2 form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q, with this gene particularly close to IL13. IL4, IL13 and IL5 are found to be regulated coordinately by several long-range regulatory elements in an over 120 kilobase range on the chromosome. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.

Interleukin-1b is produced by activated macrophages, IL-1B stimulates thymocyte proliferation by inducing il-2 release, b-cell maturation and proliferation, and fibroblast growth factor activity. IL1B proteins are involved in the inflammatory response, being identified as endogenous pyrogens, and are reported to stimulate the release of prostaglandin and collagenase from synovial cells.

CD4 is a cell-surface glycoprotein found on the mature helper T cells and immature thymocytes, as well as on monocytes and macrophages. (Some cytotoxic T cells have CD4 protein as well.) Normally, about 65% of T cells in the blood are CD4+ (have CD4 protein protruding from their membrane). A mature T cell with either have CD4 or CD8, but not both. During one stage of development T cells develop CD4 and CD8 receptors, but they eventually are differentiated in the thymus and become more specialized.

Activins are homodimers or heterodimers of the different ? subunit isoforms, part of the TGF? family. Mature Activin A has two 116 amino acids residues betaA subunits (bA-bA). Activin displays an extensive variety of biological activities, including mesoderm induction, neural cell differentiation, bone remodelling, haematopoiesis, and reproductive physiology. Activins takes part in the production and regulation of hormones such as FSH, LH, GnRH and ACTH. Cells that are identified to express Activin A include fibroblasts, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, osteoclasts, bone marrow monocytes, prostatic epithelium, neurons, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and ovarian granulosa cells.

FCGR3B, also known as CD16b belongs to the Ig super family. FCGR3B encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein which is expressed constitutively by neutrophils. FCGR3B binds to complex or aggregated IgG and monomeric IgG. Different from III-A, FCGR3B cannot arbitrate antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. FCGR3B operate to capture immune complexes in peripheral blood circulation that does not activate neutrophils.

Inositol monophosphatase 3 (IMPAD1) belongs to the inositol monophosphatase family. IMPAD1 is restricted to the Golgi apparatus and catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphoadenosine phosphate (PAP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). IMPAD1 gene mutations cause the GRAPP type chondrodysplasia with joint dislocations, and a pseudogene of the IMPAD1 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 1.

CD68 encodes a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. It is a member of the lysosomal/endosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP) family. The protein primarily localizes to lysosomes and endosomes with a smaller fraction circulating to the cell surface. It is a type I integral membrane protein with a heavily glycosylated extracellular domain and binds to tissue- and organ-specific lectins or selectins. The protein is also a member of the scavenger receptor family. Scavenger receptors typically function to clear cellular debris, promote phagocytosis, and mediate the recruitment and activation of macrophages. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcripts encoding different isoforms.

CHD4 is a member of a family of alleged chromodomain helicase-DNA-binding proteins. Biochemically, CHD4 is a component of the nucleosome transformation and deacetylase (NuRD) complex that takes part in transcription regulation. Autoantibodies targeting the CHD4 are a serologic feature of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). In IIM Mi-2 antibodies are characterized by diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of approximately 4-18% and 98-100%, respectively. Moreover, anti-CHD4 antibodies are related to dermatomyositis (frequency up to 31%) and have a great positive predictive value for this type of disease subset. Anti-CHD4 are the only defined myositis-specific autoantibodies clearly focused to a nuclear target. An additional slightly outstanding feature of Mi-2 antibodies relates to their frequency in children, which is similar to that in adults.

ULBP2 is a member of the MHC class I family. ULBP2 is ligand for the NKG2D receptor, composed with at least ULBP1 and ULBP3. ULBPs promote multiple signaling pathways in primary NK cells, triggering the production of cytokines and chemokines. Binding of ULBPs ligands to NKG2D encourages calcium mobilization and activation of the JAK2, STAT5, ERK and PI3K kinase/Akt signal transduction pathway. In CMV infected cells, ULBP2 cooperates with soluble CMV glycoprotein UL16. This cooperation is blocked with the NKG2D receptor, providing a mechanism in which CMV infected cells can escape the immune system. Additionally, UL16 causes ULBP2 to be held in the ER and cis-Golgi apparatus so that it does not reach the cell surface.

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II DO Beta (HLA-DOB) is a part of the HLA class II beta chain paralogues. This class II beta chain is a heterodimer which is located in intracellular vesicles and consists of an alpha (DOA) and a beta chain (DOB), both anchored in the membrane. HLA-DOB which interacts with the HLA-DM molecule in B-cells is a significant modulator in the HLA class II restricted antigen presentation pathway. Class II molecules are expressed in antigen presenting cells such as B lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages.

ARL2 is a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family. ARL2 functions as a component of a secretory pathway which is involved in the Ca2-dependent release of acetylcholine. ARL2 has a role in the folding of tubule proteins, thus playing a significant role in microtubule dynamics and cell cycle progression. Unlike other members of the ARF family, ARL2 doesn’t act as an activator of the catalytic subunit of cholera toxin.

SOD2 is part of the iron/manganese superoxide dismutase family. It encodes a mitochondrial protein that forms a homotetramer and binds one manganese ion per subunit. SOD2 binds to the superoxide byproducts of oxidative phosphorylation and converts them to hydrogen peroxide and diatomic oxygen. Mutations in SOD2 gene have been associated with idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDC), premature aging, sporadic motor neuron disease, and cancer. SOD2 destroys radicals which are usually produced within the cells and which are toxic to biological systems.

BTLA, also known as B & T Lymphocyte Associated, is an inhibitory molecule which is part of the Ig superfamily. BTLA is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein in the CD28 family of T cell costimulatory molecules. BTLA is a 3rd inhibitory receptor on T lymphocytes with resemblances to CTLA-4 & PD-1. Moreover, BTLA is a ligand for TNF (receptor) superfamily, TNFRSF14, and HVEM. BTLA-HVEM complexes negatively regulate T-cell immune responses.

CD274 takes part in the costimulatory signal, vital for T-cell proliferation and creation of IL10 and IFNG, in a PDCD1-independent and an IL2-dependent manner. CD274 collaboration with PDCD1 inhibits cytokine production and T-cell proliferation.

XIAP Associated Factor 1 (XAF1) is a protein which binds to and counteracts the inhibitory effect of a member of the IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) protein family. IAP proteins bind to and inhibit caspases which are activated in the course of apoptosis. The ratio of IAPs and proteins which interfere with their activity, such as the XAF1 protein, influence the progress of the apoptosis signaling pathway. Additionally, XAF1 inhibits anti-caspase activity of BIRC4. XAF1 induces cleavage and inactivation of BIRC4 independent of caspase activation. Furthermore, XAF1 mediates TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis and is involved in apoptosis in trophoblast cells.