We describe a method for the formation of hybrid genes by in vivo recombination between two genes with partial sequence homology. DNA structures consisting of plasmid vector sequences, flanked by the a2 interferon gene on the one side and a portion of the al interferon gene (homology about 801) on the other, were transfected into E.coli SK1592. Appropriate resistance markers allowed the isolati...

Background: Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and differences in its expression may affect susceptibility to infection. Methods: We performed genome-wide quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using hepatitis C virus-infected liver tissue from ...

The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) is a cell population derived from progenitor cells in the bone marrow, and comprising monocytes, macrophages, osteoclasts, dendritic cells, and microglia. Homeostasis of the MPS and response to physiological stress is under the control of signaling molecules and nuclear factors; among them, macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) controls monocyte/mac...

Although juniper (Juniperus communis) berry essential oil (JEO) has been used in skin care products, research on its biological activity in human skin cells is scarce. In the current study, we explored the biological activity of JEO (with alpha-pinene as the major active component) in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts, which were designed to mimic the disease biology of chronic inflammation...

α-Interferon is an antiviral agent used in treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Triggering of the underlying autoimmune disease or exacerbation of pre-existing auto immune disease is documented with α-interferon, but there are few reports about occurrence of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Vitiligo, hypo and hyperthyroidism after administration of α-interferon in the lit...

Infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes serious public health problems and is of great economic importance worldwide. The micronemal protein MIC3, which is a potent adhesin of T. gondii, could be a significant candidate vaccine against toxoplasmosis. In this study, all CBA/J mice intramuscularly vaccinated with a plasmid encoding the immature form of the MIC...

The majority of asthma exacerbations are caused by rhinovirus. Currently the treatment of asthma exacerbations is inadequate. Previous evidence suggests that macrolide antibiotics have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects however the mechanism is unknown. We investigated the anti-rhinoviral potential of macrolides through the induction of anti-viral gene mRNA and protein. Primary human bron...

The majority of asthma exacerbations are caused by rhinovirus. Currently the treatment of asthma exacerbations is inadequate. Previous evidence suggests that macrolide antibiotics have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects; however, the mechanism is unknown. We investigated the anti-rhinoviral potential of macrolides through the induction of antiviral gene mRNA and protein. Primary human bron...

Many cytokines and growth factors trigger rapid changes in gene expression upon binding to their receptors. In many cases, the mechanism by which these changes are affected is unknown. In this report, we show that interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), erythropoietin (Epo), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) treatment of cells causes...

Background Inhalation exposure to fine and ultrafine particles (UFPs) has been associated with respiratory diseases. However, little is known on the quality, threshold levels and concentration of these particles causing adverse health effects. Methods The impact of occupational exposure to submicrometer and UFPs was assessed in 30 healthy police shooting instructors by clinical investigation,...