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Complement factor H (CFH) is an important regulatory component of the alternative pathway of complement. CFH is prevents complement activation on host cells and tissues, mainly the kidney. CFH controls the formation and decay of the alternative pathway C3/C5 convertase and acts as a cofactor for factor I which proteolytically inactivates C3b when C3b is bound to factor H. The N-terminal 5 domains of CFH bind to C3b and inhibit binding of factor B thus reducing the formation of C3/C5 convertase. CFH also binds to preformed C3/C5 convertases and causes quick release of the catalytic subunit Bb. These activities are necessary for controlling the spontaneous activation of the alternative pathway amplification process in plasma. In addition, CFH controls the formation and decay of these enzymes when C3b is attached to the surface of particles.

Endoglin is a type I membrane glycoprotein located on cell surfaces and is part of the TGF beta receptor complex.The Endoglin protein consists of a homodimer of 180 kDA with disulfide links. Endoglin has been found on endothelial cells, activated macrophages, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, Endoglin has been found to be part of the TGF-beta1 receptor complex. Endoglin thus may be involved in the binding of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta3, activin-A, BMP-2, and BMP-7. Beside TGF-beta signaling endoglin may have other functions. It has been postulated that endoglin is involved in the cytoskeletal organization affecting cell morphology and migration. Endoglin has a role in the development of the cardiovascular system and in vascular remodeling. Endoglin expression is regulated during heart development . Experimental mice without the endoglin gene die due to cardiovascular abnormalities.

Furin is a member of the peptidase S8 family. Furin signifies the ubiquitous endoprotease activity within constitutive secretory pathwaysas well as capable of cleavage at the RX (K/R) R consensus motif.Furin is considered to be one of the proteases responsible for the activation of HIV envelope glycoproteins gp160 as well as gp140 and might take part in tumor progression. Among the diseases associated with FURIN are dementia, familial british and plague.

Terlipressin is similar to a naturally occurring hormone present in the body, known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin. ADH has two main effects in the body. Firstly, it causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thereby limiting blood flow to a particular area of the body. It also acts on receptors in the kidney to retain water in the body, which helps to prevent excessive loss of water in the urine. Terlipressin is commonly used to stop bleeding of varices in the food pipe (oesophagus). Varices are fragile distended veins that can occur in various parts of the body such as the oesophagus. This is caused by an increase in blood pressure in certain diseases such as severe liver disease. These fragile varices can rupture and lead to life threatening bleeding. Terlipressin is therefore given to narrow blood vessels, and so restricting blood flow to the varices and stopping the bleeding.

TNFR binds specifically to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and blocks its interaction with cell surface TNF receptors. TNF is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. It plays an important role in the inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and ankylosing spondylitis and the resulting joint pathology. In addition, TNF plays a role in the inflammatory process of plaque psoriasis. Elevated levels of TNF are found in involved tissues and fluids of patients with RA, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and plaque psoriasis. Two distinct receptors for TNF (TNFRs), a 55 kilodalton protein (p55) and a 75 kilodalton protein (p75), exist naturally as monomeric molecules on cell surfaces and in soluble forms. Biological activity of TNF is dependent upon binding to either cell surface TNFR. Recombinant Human TNFR is a dimeric soluble form of the p75 TNF receptor that can bind to two TNF molecules.
It inhibits the activity of TNF in vitro and has been shown to affect several animal models of inflammation, including murine collagen-induced arthritis. TNFR inhibits binding of both TNF? and TNF? (lymphotoxin alpha [LT?]) to cell surface TNFRs, rendering TNF biologically inactive. Cells expressing transmembrane TNF that bind to TNFR are not lysed in vitro in the presence or absence of complement.
TNFR can also modulate biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including expression of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (i.e., E-selectin and to a lesser extent intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1]), serum levels of cytokines (e.g., IL-6), and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3 or stromelysin).

Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) which is a member of the VEGF sub-family, is a growth factor active in angiogenesis, and endothelial cell growth, stimulating their proliferation and migration. PLGFmainly plays a role in trophoblast growth and differentiation and binds to receptor vegfr-1/flt1.

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram-negative bacillus-shaped bacterium, which is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Y.Enterocolitica is motile at temperatures between 22-29°C, however becomes non-motile at normal human body temperature. Y. Enterocolitica infection causes the yersiniosis disease, which is an animal-borne disease occurring in humans, as well as in a various groups of animals such as cattle, deer, pigs, and birds. Yersinia enterocolitica is a heterogeneous group of strains, which are conventionally classified by bio-typing into six bio-groups on the basis of phenotypic characteristics, and by serotyping into more than 57 “O” serogroups, on the basis of their O (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) surface antigen. Five of the six biogroups (1B and 2–5) are considered as pathogens. Nevertheless, only a few of these serogroups have been linked with disease in either humans or animals. Strains which belong to serogroups O:3 (biogroup 4), O:5,27 (biogroups 2 and 3), O:8 (biogroup 1B), and O:9 (biogroup 2) are most frequently isolated worldwide from human samples. Still, the main Y. enterocolitica serogroup in many European countries is serogroup O:3 followed by O:9, whereas the serogroup O:8 is mostly detected in the United States.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the major etiologic agent of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide, is a spherical, non-enveloped, single stranded RNA virus that is approximately 32 to 34 nm in diameter. HEV belongs to a genus of HEV-like viruses (unassigned genus). HEV has a single-stranded polyadenylated RNA genome of approximately 8 kb. Based on its physicochemical properties it is presumed to be a calici-like virus.

Natriuretic Peptide Precursor B acts as a cardiac hormone with a variety of biological actions including natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, and inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion. It is thought to play a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Helps restore the body's salt and water balance. Improves heart function.

FLT3 ligand is a receptor for the fl cytokine has a tyrosine-protein kinase activity & a growth factor that regulates proliferation of early hematopoietic cells. Flt3-Ligand synergizes with other CSFs and interleukins to induce growth and differentiation.

IFN Regulatory Factor-5, also known as IRF5 belongs to the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family, a group of transcription factors with various functions, including virus-mediated activation of IFN, and modulation of cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune system activity. Members of the IRF family are characterized by a conserved N-terminal DNA-binding domain containing tryptophan (W) repeats. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. In addition, IRF5 is implicated in the induction of IFNs IFNA and INFB and inflammatory cytokines upon virus infection. IRF5 is activated by TLR7 or TLR8 signaling.

Based on sequence similarity to VEGF-A, a gene encoding a VEGF homologue has recently been discovered in the genome of Orf virus (OV) (Lyttle et al., 1994). Different isolates of Orf virus show significant amino acid sequence similarity to VEGF-A and described as a viral virulence factor that appears to be derived from captured host genes. All eight cysteine residues of the central cysteine knot motif characteristic of members of the VEGF family are conserved among other residues in the VEGF-E proteins (Dehio et al., 1999; Wise et al., 1999). Alignment of all mammalian VEGF sequences indicated that VEGF-E is distinct from the previously described VEGFs but most closely related to VEGF-A. Like VEGF-A, VEGF-E was found to bind with high affinity to VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) resulting in receptor autophosphorylation, whilst in contrast to VEGF-A, VEGF-E can not bind to VEGF receptor-1 (Flt-1). Furthermore VEGF-E can also not bind to VEGF receptor-3 (FLT-4). Therefore VEGF-E is a potent angiog

TGFB2 is a 27.08 kDa protein having two identical 118 amino acid peptide chains linked by a single disulfide bond. TGFB2 is part of a family of five related cytokines that have an extensive variation of normal and neoplastic cells, indicating the importance of these homo-dimmer proteins as multi-functional regulators of cellular activity. The three mammalian isoforms of TGF-beta (TGFb1, TGFb2 and TGFb3) signal through the same receptor and stimulate similar biological responses. They are involved in physiological processes as embryogenesis, tissue remodelling and wound healing.

Adiponectin is a hormone exclusively expressed from adipose tissue.
Many studies demonstrate that Adiponectin has direct anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory functions. APM-1 can increase insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle. Attenuate hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, regulate NO production in endothelial cells, inhibit proliferation of smooth muscle cells and prevent lipid accumulation of macrophage cells.
In the circulation, Adiponectin is present as three different oligomeric complexes, including the high molecular weight (HMW), the middle molecular weight (MMW, also called hexamer) and low molecular weigh (MMW, also called trimer) forms 8. Different oligomeric complex of Adiponectin activates different signaling pathways and exerts distinct functions.

HIF1A has a role as a master transcriptional monitor of the adaptive response to hypoxia. Under hypoxic conditions HIF1A activates the transcription of over 40 genes, including, erythropoietin, glucose transporters, glycolytic enzymes, vascular endothelial growth factor, and genes whose protein products increase oxygen release or facilitate metabolic adaptation to hypoxia. HIF1A functions as an essential role in embryonic vascularization, tumor angiogenesis and pathophysiology of ischemic disease.

Myosin regulatory light chains, including MRCL3, MYLPF and MYL9, regulate contraction in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells via phosphorylation by MLCK (myosin light chain kinase). Phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chains, catalyzed by MLCK in the presence of calcium and calmodulin, increases the actin-activated myosin ATPase activity, thus regulating the contractile activity. MYLPF is vital for fast and slow skeletal muscle development.

Oncostatin M is a member of a cytokine family that includes leukemia-inhibitory factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin 6. This gene encodes a growth regulator which inhibits the proliferation of a number of tumor cell lines. It regulates cytokine production, including IL-6, G-CSF and GM-CSF from endothelial cells.

Periostin is a disulfide linked 90 kDa, 811 amino acid protein originally isolated as a osteoblast-specific factor that functions as a cell adhesion molecule for preosteoblasts and is thought to be involved in osteoblast recruitment, attachment and spreading. Additionally, periostin expression has previously been shown to be significantly increased by both transforming growth factor beta-1(TGFbeta1) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2). OSF-2 has a typical signal sequence, followed by a cysteine-rich domain, a fourfold repeated domain and a C-terminal domain. The fourfold repeated domain of OSF-2 shows homology with the insect protein fasciclin
Periostin mRNA is expressed in the developing mouse embryonic and fetal heart, and that it is localized to the endocardial cushions that ultimately divide the primitive heart tube into a four-chambered heart.

L-Selectin belongs to a family of divalent cation-dependent carbohydrate-binding glycoproteins or adhesion molecules. The L-Selectin molecule is composed of various domains: one homologous to lectins, one to epidermal growth factor, and two to the consensus repeat units found in C3/C4 binding proteins.
L-selectin is expressed constitutively on lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes and interacts specifically with carbohydrate groups on activated endothelial cells. L-Selectin may be shed by proteolytic cleavage and circulating levels in biological fluids may be used as an indicator of various pathological conditions. L-Selectin is cleaved by ADAM17.
L-selectin works as a "homing receptor" for leukocytes to enter secondary lymphoid tissues via the high endothelial venules. Ligands present on endothelial cells will attach to leukocytes expressing L-selectin, which causes the leukocytes to become localized at that juncture. The receptor is also located on the cell surfaces of "naive" T cells, which have not yet encountered their particular antigen. This surface expression is lost following the cells activation.

Procalcitonin is a peptide hormone mainly produced by the C cells of the thyroid and certain endocrine cells of the lung. Under normal expression conditions, procalcitonin is immediately cleaved into three specific fragments, an N terminal residue, calcitonin and katacalcin. Levels of unprocessed procalcitonin rise significantly after bacterial infection, trauma or shock.

Cystatin 11 (CST11) is a member of the Cystatin family. The Cystatin superfamily is comprised of proteins with multiple cystatin-like sequences. Several family members are active cysteine protease inhibitors, other family members have lost or perhaps never developed this inhibitory activity. The Cystatin superfamily consists of three inhibitory families, including the type 1 cystatins (stefins), type 2 cystatins and the kininogens. The type 2 cystatin proteins are a class of cysteine proteinase inhibitors found in a variety of human fluids and secretions. The majority of the type 2 cystatin genes and pseudogenes are contained in the cystatin locus on chromosome 20. CST11 is located in the cystatin locus and encodes an epididymal-specific protein whose specific function has not been verified yet.

Stem cell factor / KIT ligand (SCF) is a cytokine which binds CD117(c-Kit). SCF is also known as "steel factor" or "c-kit ligand". SCF exists in two forms, cell surface bound SCF and soluble (or free) SCF. Soluble SCF is produced by the cleavage of surface bound SCF by metalloproteases. SCF is a growth factor important for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and other hematopoietic progenitor cells. One of its roles is to change the BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid) cells, which are the earliest erythrocyte precursors in the erythrocytic series, into the CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid).

BATF is a nuclear basic leucine zipper protein which is a member of the AP-1/ATF superfamily of transcription factors. BATF is intensely expressed in mature T and B lymphocytes, and is up-regulated after transformation by human T-cell leukemia virus type I. BATF acts as a tissue-specific modulator of the AP-1 transcription complex in human cells. Furthermore, BATF connects with IFP35 which is a leucine zipper protein that translocates to the nucleus following IFN treatment.