Cytokine gene delivery by viral vectors is a promising novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Semliki Forest virus (SFV) has many advantages as a delivery vector, including the ability to (i) induce p53-independent killing of tumor cells via apoptosis, (ii) elicit a type-I interferon (IFN) response, and (iii) express high levels of the transgene. SFV vectors encoding cytokines such as interle...

Objective(s): Protosappanin A (PrA) is an effective and major ingredient of Caesalpinia sappan L. The current study was aimed to explore the effect of PrA on atherosclerosis (AS). Materials and Methods: Firstly, the experimental model of AS was established in rabbits by two-month feeding of high fat diet. Then, the rabbits were randomly divided into five groups and treated with continuous high ...

We describe a computer-based protocol to design protein mutations increasing binding affinity between ligand and its receptor. The method was applied to mutate interferon-γ receptor 1 (IFN-γ-Rx) to increase its affinity to natural ligand IFN-γ, protein important for innate immunity. We analyzed all four available crystal structures of the IFN-γ-Rx/IFN-γ complex to identify 40 receptor residues ...

The chimeric herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are Δγ₁34.5 vectors encoding the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IRS1 or TRS1 genes. They are capable of late viral protein synthesis and are superior to Δγ₁34.5 HSVs in oncolytic activity. The interferon (IFN) response limits efficient HSV gene expression and replication. HCMV TRS1 and IRS1 restore one γ₁34.5 gene function: evasion of IFN-inducible protei...

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disease that affects approximately 0.1% of the population, with most afflicted individuals being young women. SLE is characterized by inflammatory destruction of skin, blood elements, joints, kidneys, serosa, central nervous system, and other tissues [1]. Despite intensive efforts by many investigators, the cellular and molecular mecha...