Search results

Hepatitis B is one of a few known non-retroviralviruses which employ reverse transcriptionas a part of its replication process. (HIV, a completely unrelated virus, also uses reverse transcription, but it is a retrovirus.) HBV invades the cell by binding to surface receptor and become internalized. The viral core particles then migrate to the hepatocyte nucleus and the partially double-stranded, relaxed circular genomes (RC-DNA) are repaired to form a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the template for viral genomic and sub-genomic RNAs by cellular RNA polymerase II. Of these, the pregenomic RNA(pgRNA is selectively packaged into progeny capsids and is then reverse-transcribed into new RC-DNA. The core can either bud into the endoplasmic reticulum to be enveloped or exported from the cell or recycled back into the genome for conversion to cccDNA.

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 from synovial cells.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. Subtype H5N1 is commonly known as avian influenzaor bird flu. H5N1 may cause more than one influenza pandemicas it is expected to continue mutating in birds. The dominant strain of HPAI A (H5N1) evolvedcreating the Z genotype. It has also been called Asian lineage HPAI/A/H5N1 which is divided into 2 antigenicclades. "Clade 1 includes human and bird isolates from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodiaand bird isolates from Laosand Malaysia. Clade 2 viruses were first identified in bird isolates from China, Indonesia, Japan, and South Koreabefore spreading westward to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Hepatitis B is one of a few known non-retroviralviruses which employ reverse transcriptionas a part of its replication process. (HIV, a completely unrelated virus, also uses reverse transcription, but it is a retrovirus.) HBV invades the cell by binding to surface receptor and become internalized. The viral core particles then migrate to the hepatocyte nucleus and the partially double-stranded, relaxed circular genomes (RC-DNA) are repaired to form a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the template for viral genomic and sub-genomic RNAs by cellular RNA polymerase II. Of these, the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA is selectively packaged into progeny capsids and is then reverse-transcribed into new RC-DNA. The core can either bud into the endoplasmic reticulum to be enveloped or exported from the cell or recycled back into the genome for conversion to cccDNA.

Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin) is a toxin produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. Shiga-like toxin is named for its similarity to the AB5-type Shiga toxin produced by the bacteria Shigella dysenteriae. There are two known types-SLT1 and SLT2. The Shiga-like toxin is linked with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Shiga-like toxin requires highly specific receptors on the cells'' surface in order to attach and enter the cell. Species such as cattle, swine, and deer which do not carry these receptors may harbor toxigenic bacteria without any ill effect, dropping them in their feces, from where they may be distributed to humans. Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B has nontoxic action, it is the functional region which binds to the receptor. The Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B can be useful in vaccine study, antibody test and other functional research.

Human norovirus is classified into two groups, group 1& group 2. Norwalk virus is the species which belongs to group 1 and was discovered in 1968 at Ohio. Norovirus is a familiar virus which causes human gastroenteritis with the following symptoms vomiting, diarrhea and sickness. CDC report revealed that there are 19-21 million Americans infected by Nororvirus annually with 800 deaths, 1 in 15 people with infection. Around the world, this virus affects about 267 million people and causes over 200,000 deaths each year; these losses are mostly in less developed countries and in the very young, elderly and immuno-suppressed population, though, most cases are self-limited with a full recovery within just a few days. Norovirus is extremely contagious and can spread from human to human through infected food, water or contaminated surfaces. The outbreaks usually occur from November-April, while the peak is in January. Norovirus is a positive sense RNA virus with 7.5 kb nucleotides, encoding a major structural protein VP1 with 50-55kDa. The full length of VP1 capsid comprises the internal N-terminal, Hinge, shell (S) and protruding (P) domains. P domain from 225 to 520 forms P1- P2-P1 structure. Moreover, P domain has a receptor binding region which recognizes human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). P domain expressed in bacteria can spontaneously form a P dime as well as a P particle aggregated by 12 P dimmers. P particle displays an increased binding activity to HBGAs higher than virus-like particle (VLP) formed by the full-length capsid. For norovirus vaccine development, we consider P domain as a good candidate.

Thrombin enzyme (Activated Factor IIa) is an important clotting promoter that controls the transformation of soluble fibrinogen to insoluble active fibrin strands. Thrombin is a coagulation protein and a serine protease (EC 3.4.21.5) that catalyzes many coagulation-related reactions. Thrombin triggers factor-XI, factor-V, Factor-XIII and factor-VIII. Thrombin endorses platelet activation, using activation of protease-activated receptors on the platelet. As a result of its high proteolytic specificity, thrombin has become an important biochemical protein. The thrombin cleavage site (Leu-Val-Pro-Arg-Gly-Ser) is widely used in linker regions of recombinant fusion protein constructs. After the purification of the fusion protein, thrombin is used to cleave between the Arginine and Glycine residues of the cleavage site, efficiently removing the purification tag from the protein of interest with a high degree of specificity.

Treponema pallidum is a gram-negative spirochaete bacterium and is considered to be metabolically crippled. There are at least four known subspecies: T. pallidum pallidum, T. pallidum pertenue, T. pallidum carateum and T. pallidum endemicum. The helical structure of T. pallidum pallidum allows it to move in a corkscrew motion through viscous mediums such as mucus. Treponema pallidum sub sp. pallidum has one of the smallest bacterial genomes at 1.14 million base pairs (Mb) and has limited metabolic capabilities, reflecting its adaptation through genome reduction to the rich environment of mammalian tissue.

FeLV is an RNA virus, a member of the Retroviridae family and Oncovirinae subfamily. FeLV retrovirus infects cats and is transferred from infected cats by saliva or nasal secretions. FeLV causes immunosuppression in domestic cats and larger wild cat populations such as cheetahs and lions and is the cause for a form of cancer of the blood cells called lymphocytes (a leukemia) which can be lethal.

Wheat Gliadin and related gluten components from barley, rye and possibly oats can cause an abnormal immune response called Celiac disease which is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Celiac disease characteristics are flattening of the jejunal mucosa and intestinal lesions of variable severity in hereditarily inclined individuals. Even though Celiac disease is not a classic autoimmune disease it is related to anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies and gliadin antibodies tests are most recommended in screening populations at risk for CD and other gluten-sensitive enteropathies. In the past, serologic tests for gliadin antibodies usually were not very precise and were not enough for accurate diagnosis due to missing deamidated epitopes within the authentic gliadin fraction traditionally used in diagnostic test kits. ProSpec's deamidated Gliadin isoform matches to the deamidated neo-epitopes, which in the natural antigen are formed by transglutaminase-mediated glutamine side chain deamidation.

Alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M) is a lipocalin superfamily member (kernal lipocalins). A1M is a low molecular weight protein component of plasma. A1M is distributed in plasma and extravascular compartments of all organs. Alpha-1 Microglobulin is found in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. The primary sites of A1M synthesis are the liver and the kidney. Around the opening of the lipocalin pocket three lysyl residues are situated; those residues carry yellow-brown modification derived from the binding and degradation of heme and kynurenin (a tryptophan metabolite). A1-Microglobulin’s reductase and dehydrogenase have broad biological substrate specificity properties due to its’ free cysteine side-chain which is located in a flexible loop. Alpha-1-microglobulin is glycosylated by three separate carbohydrate chains: two complex carbohydrates which are N-linked to asparagines at residues 17 and 96, and the other simple carbohydrate which is O-linked to threonine at position 5. The carbohydrates comprise 22% of the total molecular mass of the protein. The glycosylation varies between species.
A1M exists in two forms- a free form and complexed to other macromolecules: in humans- complexed to immunoglobulin A (IgA), in rat- complexed to alpha-1-inhibitor-3. Free A1M is exceptionally heterogeneous in charge (therefore also known as protein HC), and is found tightly linked to a chromophore. The free Alpha-1-microglobulin is a monomeric protein composed of one 188 residue polypeptide and contains three cysteines, two of which (residues 75 and 173) form a conserved intra-molecular disulphide link. The chromophoric group is covalently bound to the free cysteine residue at position 34. A1M binds retinol as a major ligand, but this is probably distinct from its covalent chromophore.
Half of all human plasma A1M (approximately 0.03mg/ml) forms a 1:1 complex with about 5% of plasma immunoglobulin A. The resulting macromolecular complexes’ molecular weight is 200000, and a plasma concentration of 0.3mg/ml. The complex can exhibit both antibody activity and affect many of the biological actions of free Alpha-1-microglobulin.
Alpha-1-microglobulin was first discovered in pathological human urine.
It was suggested that A1M might be involved in tissue defense against reactive oxygen species, oxidation by heme and kynurenin. Evidence also suggests that A1M functions in the regulation of the immune system. Other functions include inhibition of stimulation of cultured lymphocytes by protein antigens; induction of cell division of lymphocytes, a mitogenic effect that can either be enhanced or inhibited by the action of other plasma components; inhibition of neutrophil granulocyte migration in vitro; and inhibition of chemotaxis.

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.

Pellino E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase Family Member 2, also known as PELI2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which catalyzes the covalent attachment of ubiquitin moieties onto substrate proteins. PELI2 is implicated in the TLR and IL-1 signaling pathways through interaction with the complex which contain IRAK kinases and TRAF6. PELI2 also mediates IL1B-induced IRAK1 'Lys-63'-linked polyubiquitination and possibly 'Lys-48'-linked ubiquitination. PELI2 is significant for LPS- and IL1B-induced MAP3K7-dependent, however not for MAP3K3-dependent, NF-kappa-B activation. Moreover, PELI2 can activate the MAP (mitogen activated protein) kinase pathway directing to activation of ELK1.

UBX Domain Protein 2B (UBXN2B) is a 331 amino acid protein which comprises one UBX domain and one SEP domain. UBXN2B is essential for ER and Golgi biogenesis and also takes a place in their maintenance during interphase, as well as their reassembly at the end of mitosis. Through interaction with VCP, UBXN2B forms a complex that has membrane fusion activity.

Ras-related protein Ral-B (RALB) is a member of a subfamily of Ras-related GTPases. RALB is activated by a unique nucleotide exchange factor, Ral GDS, and deactivated by a distinct GTPase-activating protein. RALB has a role in the late stages of cytokinesis and is required for the abscission of the bridge joining the sister cells emerging from mitosis. In addition, RALB is required for suppression of apoptosis.

Resistin, also known as adipose tissue-specific secretory factor (ADSF) is a cysteine-rich peptide derived from adipose tissue. Resistin takes part in the inflammatory response, glucose metabolism, and angiogenesis.Resistin blocks insulinstimulated uptake of glucose by adipocytes and promote glucose release by hepatocytes. As such,Resistin considered to participate in diet‑induced insulin-sensitivity. Resistin causes high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), increasing the risk of heart disease.

HIV-1 protease is very significant in the life cycle of the HIV virus. It is expressed in the infected cells as a part of Gag-Pol polyprotein from which it is auto-catalytycaly released after formation of an immature viral particle. The enzyme subsequently cleaves the other parts of viral polyproteins resulting in the maturation of the virus. In HIV-infected patients the enzyme is subjected to intensive mutagenesis and mutants resistant to applied medicines are produced as a result of the selection pressure.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 R2 (UBE2R2) is a member of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. Protein kinase CK2 is a ubiquitous and pleiotropic Ser/Thr protein kinase implicated in cell growth andtransformation. This protein is a protein similar to the E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBC3/CDC34. Studies propose that CK2-dependent phosphorylation of this ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme functions by regulating beta-TrCP substrate recognition and induces its interaction with beta-TrCP, enhancing beta-catenin degradation. UBE2R2 receives ubiquitin from the E1 complex and catalyzes its covalent attachment to other proteins. In vitro catalyzes monoubiquitination and 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitination. UBE2R2 may be implicated in degradation of katenin. Among the diseases associated with UBE2R2 are cblc, and herpes simplex.

Enoyl CoA hydratase domain containing 1 (ECHDC1) is a member of the enoyl-CoA hydratase/isomerase family. ECHDC1 is an enzyme which hydrates the double bond between the second and third carbons on acyl-CoA. The ECHDC1 enzyme is crucial to metabolizing fatty acids to supply both acetyl CoA and energy.

IFN-gamma produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens / mitogens.
IFN-gamma, on top of 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.

Eotaxin-2, also called MPIF2 & Ckb6, is a novel CC chemokine produced by activated monocytes and T lymphocytes. Eotaxin-2 selectively chemoattracts cells expressing CCR3 including eosinophils, basophils, Th2 T cells, mast cells, and certain subsets of dendritic cells. Furthermore, Eotaxin-2 inhibits the proliferation of multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cells. The mature protein, which includes C-terminal truncation, contains 78 amino acids (92 amino acids for the mouse homolog, without C-terminal truncation).
CCL24 functions as a chemotactic chemokine for resting t-lymphocytes, and eosinophils. CCL24 has lower chemotactic activity for neutrophils but none for monocytes and activated lymphocytes. CCL24 is a strong suppressor of colony formation by a multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cell line and binds to CCR3.

Epiregulin is part of the EGF family. Epiregulin functions as a ligand of EGFR, as well as a ligand of most members of the ERBB (v-erb-b2 oncogene homolog) family of tyrosine-kinase receptors.Epiregulin is expressed mostly in the placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes and in specific carcinomas of the bladder, lung, kidney and colon. Epiregulin stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. Epiregulin inhibits the growth of several tumor-derived epithelial cell lines. Human Epiregulin is initially synthesized as a glycosylated 19.0 kDa transmembrane precursor protein, which is processed by proteolytic cleavage to produce a 6.0 kDa mature secreted sequence.

SDF-1 (stromal cell-derived factor-1) is small cytokine belonging to the chemokine family that is officially designated Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12). It is produced in two forms, SDF-1?/CXCL12a and SDF-1?/CXCL12b, by alternate splicing of the same gene. Chemokines are characterized by the presence of four conserved cysteines, which form two disulfide bonds. The CXCL12 proteins belong to the group of CXC chemokines, whose initial pair of cysteines are separated by one intervening amino acid. CXCL12 is strongly chemotactic for lymphocytes and has been implicated as an important cell co-ordinator during development. During embryogenesis it directs the migration of hematopoietic cells from foetal liver to bone marrow. Mice which were knocked-out for CXCL12 gene were lethal before the birth or within just 1 hour of life. As another role, CXCL12a alters also the electrophysiology of neurons. CXCL12 was shown to be expressend in many tissues in mice (including brain, thymus, heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and bone marrow).
The receptor for this chemokine is CXCR4, which was previously called fusin. This CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction used to be considered exclusive (unlike for other chemokines and their receptors), but recently it was suggested that CXCL12 is also bound by CXCR7 receptor.
The gene for CXCL12 is located on human chromosome 10. In human and mouse both CXCL12 and CXCR4 show high identity of sequence: 99% and 90%, respectively.

IL3RA, also known as Interleukin 3 Receptor Subunit Alpha, is a single-pass type 1 membrane protein which is a member of the type 1 cytokine receptor family as well as type 5 subfamily. IL3RA is a pleiotropic cytokine which is produced mainly by activated T cells or mast cells. Moreover, the specific alpha subunit of the interleukin 3 receptor is strongly expressed in a variety of leukemic blasts as well as leukemic stem cells and appears to be a great target for the therapy of leukemias.