Search results

Viral MIP-2 is closely related to MIP-1α, show amino acid sequence similarity of about 41%. At the amino acid sequence level, Viral MIP-1 and Viral MIP-2 share 48% similarity. Viral MIP-1 and Viral MIP-2 are more closely linked to one another phylogenetically than to other human chemokines, signifying that they have gene duplication within the virus rather than by two independent gene aquisitions. Viral MIP-2 binds to the CCR3 chemokine receptor through which eotaxin and other β chemokines activate eosinophils. Viral MIP-2 activates and chemoattract human eosinphils.

NEDD8 is part of the ubiquitin family. Human NEDD8 shares 60% amino acid sequence homology to ubiquitin. The NEDD8 system is essential for the regulation of protein degradation pathways involved in cell cycle progression, morphogenesis and tumorigenesis. NEDD8 is involved in cell cycle control and embryogenesis. Covalent attachment to its substrates requires prior activation by the E-1 complex UbE1c- appbp1 and linkage to the E-2 enzyme UbE2m. Attachment of NEDD8 to cullins activates their associated E-3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and thus promotes polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of cyclins and other regulatory proteins.

Exodus-2 protein or CCL21 is a cytokine, part of the CC chemokines subgroup. Because of its 6 conserved residues of the cysteine amino acid (instead of the 4 residues we usually see in chemokines), the protein is also named 6Ckine and SLC (secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine). The gene that codes for this protein is located on chromosome 9 in humans. The Exodus-2 is binding to the CCR7 receptor, which is a chemokine receptor located to the cell’s surface.

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.

IFN-gamma produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens or mitogens.
IFN-gamma, in addition to having antiviral activity, has important immunoregulatory functions, it is a potent activator of macrophages, and has antiproliferative effects on transformed cells and it can potentiate the antiviral and antitumor effects of the type I interferons.

Human AIF1 protein shares 98% homology/identity with that of rat. AIF1 is expressed in macrophages and neutrophils. The expression of AIF1 transcripts is upregulated by IFN-g in rat macrophages. AIF1 is expressed selectively in human macrophage-like cell lines, and in a subset of CD68(+) macrophages in the interstitial and perivascular spaces of human heart allografts. In quiescent cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells synthesis of AIF1 is induced by IFN-g, IL1b, and conditioned medium of T-cells. Overexpression of AIF1 in human VSMCs results in enhanced growth of these cells. AIF1 is expressed during apoptosis rat mammary gland and ventral prostate tissues. Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 is expressed by several tumor-associated activated macrophages and microglial cells in rat and human gliomas. There is an evident relationship of AIF1-expressing activated macrophages and microglial cells with tumor malignancy in humans.

Interfereon alpha 7 (IFNA7) is a member of the alpha/beta interferon family. IFNA7 is generated by macrophages. IFN-alpha has antiviral functions. Interferon promotes the production of 2 enzymes: a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase.

OTOR proteins is also known as fibrocyte-derived protein (Fdp) and Melanoma inhibitory activity-like (MIAL). Otoraplin is a member of the melanoma-inhibiting activity gene family. Otoraplin is a secreted 16 kDa globular protein that is expressed in the inner ear by periotic mesenchyme and developing and mature fibrocytes. OTOR is highly homologous to MIA/cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP), which is a cartilage-specific protein that is also expressed in malignant melanoma cells. The 111 amino acid mature human otoraplin contains 1 SH3 domain (46 – 107 amino acids) and a Tyr at position 50 that is reportedly sulfated. Otoraplin takes pasrt in the initiation of periotic mesenchyme chondrogenesis.
Otoraplin is secreted through the Golgi apparatus and plays a role in cartilage development and maintenance. A frequent polymorphism in the translation start codon of OTOR can abolish translation and may be associated with forms of deafness.

Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor III-A (FCGR3A) is a receptor for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G, and is involved in the elimination of antigen-antibody complexes from the circulation, as well as other antibody-dependent responses. FCGR3A needs to associate with the gamma subunit of Fc epsilon. The FCGR3A receptor is expressed on natural killer (NK) cells as an integral membrane glycoprotein anchored through a transmembrane peptide, while FCGR3B is expressed on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) where the receptor is anchored through a phosphatidylinositol (PI) linkage. In addition, FCGR3A is expressed on macrophages, subpopulation of T-cells, immature thymocytes and placental trophoblasts. FCGR3A mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and other antibody-dependent responses, such as phagocytosis. FCGR3A gene mutations are linked with susceptibility to recurrent viral infections, susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus, and alloimmune neonatal neutropenia.

Fc Fragment Of IgG Receptor And Transporter also known as FCGRT is a transmembrane glycoprotein with structural homology to MHC class 1 proteins. FCGRT is widely expressed in endothelial and epithelial cells and takes a vital part in IgG homeostasis. Moreover, FCGRT is expressed in neutrophils in addition myeloid antigen presenting cells. FCGRT can enhance IgG-meditated phagocytosis as well as antigen presentation by heses cells, however it promotes the degradation of opsonizing IgG rather than returning it to the circulation.

TSLP protein is a hemopoietic cytokine which signals throughout a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor & the Interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain. TSLP impacts myeloid cells thus induces the discharge of T cell-attracting chemokines from monocytes & increases the growth of CD11c(+) dendritic cells. TSLP is mainly expressed in the heart, liver and prostate. TSLP is related in its biological activities with IL-7 and binds with the heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of the Interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain & the TSLPR. Similar to IL-7, TSLP enhances phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5, though uses kinases excluding JAKs for its activation. TSLP induces the release of T cell-attracting chemokines such asTARC & MDC from monocytes & triggers CD11c(+) dendritic cells. TSLP activated dendritic cells primes naive T cells to manufacture pro-allergic cytokines such as Iinterleukin-4, Interleukin-5, Interleukin-13 and TNF-alpha whereas down-regulating Interleukin-10 and IFN-gamma play a role in the initiation of allergic inflammation.

RAET1E is a member of the MHC class I family. MHC class I family contains main histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related genes positioned in a cluster on chromosome 6q24.2-q25.3. RAET1E and RAET1G protein are different from other RAET1 proteins since they have type I membrane-spanning sequences at their C termini instead glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor sequences.RAET1E acts as a ligand for NKG2D receptor, expressed on the surface of numerous types of immune cells, involves in innate adaptive immune reactions.RAET1E delivers signals to NK cells and advances tumor immune surveillance by inducing the growth of anti-tumor cytotoxic lymphocyte.

Resistin, a product of the RSTN gene, is a peptide hormone belonging to the class of cysteine-rich secreted proteins which is termed the RELM family, and is also described as ADSF (Adipose Tissue- Specific Secretory Factor) and FIZZ3 (Found in Inflammatory Zone). Human resistin contains 108 amino acids as a prepeptide, and its hydrofobic signal peptide is cleaved before its secretion. Resistin circulates in human blood as a dimeric protein consisting of two 92 amino acid polypeptides, which are disulfide-linked via Cys26.
Resistin may be an important link between obesity resistance. Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity. They have also suggested that resistin is present at elevated levels in blood of obese mice, and is down regulated by fasting and antidiabetic drugs. Way et al., on the other hand, have found that resistin expression is severly suppressed in obesity and is stimulated by several antidiabetic drugs.
Other studies have shown that mouse resistin increases during the differentiation of adipocytes, but it also seems to inhibit adipogenesis. In contrast, the human adipogenic differentiation is likely to be associated with a down regulation of resistin gene expression.

Chromosome 19 Open Reading Frame 80 (C19ORF80) is a significant new regulator of lipid metabolism which regulates serum triglyceride levels, possibly by promoting ANGPTL3 cleavage. C19ORF80 belongs to the ANGPTL protein family. C19ORF80 is a hormone which specifically promotes pancreatic beta cell proliferation and beta cell mass expansion, thus improving glucose tolerance. C19ORF80 is mainly expressed in the liver; it is also expressed in adipose tissues. C19ORF80 is expressed in response to food intake.

CMV belongs to the Betaherpesvirinae subfamily of Herpesviridae which includes herpes simplex virustypes 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, and Epstein-Barrvirus. The herpesviruses share a characteristic ability to remain latentover long periods. CMV is a double-stranded linear DNA virus with 162 hexagonal protein capsomeres surrounded by a lipid membrane. CMV has the largest genome of the herpes viruses, ranging from 230-240 kilobase pairs. Human CMV is composed of unique and inverted repeats that include the existence of 4 genome isomers caused by inversion of L-S genome components (class E). Replication may be divided into immediate early, delayed early, and late gene expression based on time of synthesis after infection. The DNA is replicated by rolling circles. In vitro, CMV replicates in human fibroblasts.

SENP8 is a cysteine protease which belongs to the sentrin-specific protease family. SENP8 takes part in processing and deconjugation of the ubiquitin-like protein labeled, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 8(NEDD8).

IFN-gamma produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens or mitogens.
IFN-gamma, in addition to having antiviral activity, has important immunoregulatory functions, it is a potent activator of macrophages, and has antiproliferative effects on transformed cells and it can potentiate the antiviral and antitumor effects of the type I interferons.

DYNLL1 is a protein that cooperates with NOS1 causing NOS1 inhibition. Binding of DYNLL1 weakens NOS1 (Neuronal nitric oxide synthase) dimer, a conformation needed for activity, and it regulates several biologic processes through its effects on nitric oxide synthase activity. DYNLL1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein that demonstrates high expression in testis and moderate expression in brain.

RAB8, Member RAS Oncogene Family (RAB8B), is a low molecular mass monomeric GTPases which localize on the cytoplasmic surfaces of distinct membrane-bound organelles. RAB8 takes part in polarized vesicular trafficking and neurotransmitter release and also in cell junction dynamics in Sertoli cells. RAB proteins function in intracellular vesicle transport by aiding in the docking or fusion of vesicles with their target membranes.

CD8B encodes the CD8 beta chain isoforms of the CD8 antigen. CD8 is a cell surface glycoprotein which facilitates efficient cell-cell interactions within the immune system and is located on most cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The T-cell receptor on the T lymphocyte and the co-receptor CD8 antigen identify antigens exposed by an antigen presenting cell (APC) in the context of class I MHC molecules. The functional co-receptor is either a heterodimer composed of one alpha and one beta chain or a homodimer composed of two alpha chains. Both alpha and beta chains share substantial homology to immunoglobulin variable light chains.

Leukocyte Cell Derived Chemotaxin 1, also known as LECT1, is a glycosylated transmembrane protein which is cleaved to form a mature, secreted protein. The mature protein encourages chondrocyte growth and inhibits angiogenesis. The mature protein takes part in endochondral bone development by permitting cartilaginous anlagen to be vascularized and replaced by bone. LECT1 is expressed in the avascular area of prehypertrophic cartilage and its expression reduces during vascular invasion and chondrocyte hypertrophy.

IL12B is a subunit of interleukin 12 which is a cytokine that acts on T and natural killer cells, and has a broad array of biological activities. Interleukin 12 is a disulfide-linked heterodimer composed of the 40kDa cytokine receptor like subunit encoded by the IL12B gene, and a 35kDa subunit encoded by IL12A. The IL12B cytokine is expressed by activated macrophages which serve as an important inducer of Th1 cells development. The IL12B cytokine has been found to be important for sustaining a sufficient number of memory/effector Th1 cells to mediate long-term protection to an intracellular pathogen. Overexpression of the IL12B gene was observed in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting a role of the IL12B cytokine in the pathogenesis of the disease. The promoter polymorphism of the IL12B gene has been reported to be linked to the severity of atopic and non-atopic asthma in children.