The IL-2 cytokine family in cancer immunotherapy
The use of cytokines from the IL-2 family (also called the common γ chain cytokine family) such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 to activate the immune system of cancer patients is one of the most important areas of current cancer immunotherapy research. The infusion of IL-2 at low or high doses for multiple cycles in patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma was the first successful immunotherapy for cancer proving that the immune system could completely eradicate tumor cells under certain conditions. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 31, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Geok Choo Sim, Laszlo Radvanyi Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
TNF and TNF-receptors: from mediators of cell death and inflammation to therapeutic giants – past, present and future
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on TNF/TNFR molecules and discusses the reagents currently being used to block TNF in the treatment of human diseases. It surveys the benefits and disadvantages of blocking TNF's broad range of biological activities in vivo and the reasons behind their therapeutic efficacy and limitations. This review will also debate the most recent developments in the use of TNF and anti-TNF agents: the search for ways to pre-identify treatment responders, and the status of the search for the “holy grail” of selective blockade of specific TNFR signaling pathways, not just in vivo,...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 31, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Lisa M. Sedger, Michael F. McDermott Source Type: research
IL-12-and IL-23 in health and disease
The interleukin 12 (IL-12) cytokine family includes IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and its newest member, IL-35. Each cytokine is formed of two subunits, some of which form bioactive cytokines themselves, and others which are shared among family members. Such a characteristic provides these cytokines with a great degree of interaction potential not present in other cytokine families, both in the context of receptor binding and other molecular interactions. This diversity is perhaps responsible the highly variable biological functions that have been reported in the context of preclinical studies of inflammation. (Source: Cytokine and ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 31, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Andrew L. Croxford, Paulina Kulig, Burkhard Becher Source Type: research
The IL-2 Cytokine Family in Cancer Immunotherapy
The use of cytokines from the IL-2 family (also called the common γ chain cytokine family) such as Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 to activate the immune system of cancer patients is one of the most important areas of current cancer immunotherapy research. The infusion of IL-2 at low or high doses for multiple cycles in patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma was the first successful immunotherapy for cancer proving that the immune system could completely eradicate tumor cells under certain conditions. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 31, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Geok Choo Sim, Laszlo Radvanyi Source Type: research
Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to modulate immune responses
This article reviews what is known about regulation of IL-7R expression, and recent progress in therapeutic approaches related to IL-7 and its receptor. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: John J. Zaunders, Yves Lévy, Nabila Seddiki Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
IL-17 and related cytokines involved in the pathology and immunotherapy of multiple sclerosis: Current and future developments
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune neurological disorder, is driven by self-reactive T helper (Th) cells. Research on the role of Th17 lymphocytes in MS pathogenesis has made significant progress in identifying various immunological as well as environmental factors that induce the differentiation and expansion of these cells, different subsets of Th17 cells with varying degrees of pathogenicity, and the role of the secreted effector cytokines. While approved therapies for MS offer significant benefit to patients, there remain unmet needs. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Dirk W. Luchtman, Erik Ellwardt, Catherine Larochelle, Frauke Zipp Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
TGFβ in T cell biology and tumor immunity: Angel or devil?
The evolutionally conserved transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) affects multiple cell types in the immune system by either stimulating or inhibiting their differentiation and function. Studies using transgenic mice with ablation of TGFβ or its receptor have revealed the biological significance of TGFβ signaling in the control of T cells. However, it is now clear that TGFβ is more than an immunosuppressive cytokine. Disruption of TGFβ signaling pathway also leads to impaired generation of certain T cell populations. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Eric Tu, Pei Zhi Cheryl Chia, Wanjun Chen Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
Interferons: Success in anti-viral immunotherapy
The interferons (IFNs) are glycoproteins with strong antiviral activities that represent one of the first lines of host defense against invading pathogens. These proteins are classified into three groups, Type I, II and III IFNs, based on the structure of their receptors on the cell surface. Due to their ability to modulate immune responses, they have become attractive therapeutic options to control chronic virus infections. In combination with other drugs, Type I IFNs are considered as “standard of care” in suppressing Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) infections, while Type III IFN has generated encouraging res...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Fan-ching Lin, Howard A. Young Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
IL-17 and related cytokines involved in the pathology and immunotherapy of Multiple Sclerosis: Current and future developments
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune neurological disorder, is driven by self-reactive T helper (Th) cells. Research on the role of Th17 lymphocytes in MS pathogenesis has made significant progress in identifying various immunological as well as environmental factors that induce the differentiation and expansion of these cells, different subsets of Th17 cells with varying degrees of pathogenicity, and the role of the secreted effector cytokines. While approved therapies for MS offer significant benefit to patients, there remain unmet needs. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Dirk W. Luchtman, Erik Ellwardt, Catherine Larochelle, Frauke Zipp Source Type: research
Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to modulate immune responses
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a pivotal cytokine in the early thymic development of human T lymphocytes. However, IL-7 is also important in the later homeostasis of a large proportion of resting mature CD4 T lymphocytes, through expression of the receptor for IL-7. As a result, IL-7 signalling also indirectly affects the many other cell types that interact with CD4 T lymphocytes in immune responses. However, not all memory CD4 T lymphocytes express the IL-7 receptor, and in the case of memory CD4 T cells, IL-7R+and IL-7R- cells, respectively, can have opposing regulatory functions. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: John J. Zaunders, Yves Lévy, Nabila Seddiki Source Type: research
IL-17 and related cytokines involved in the pathology and immunotherapy of ultiple Sclerosis: current and future developments
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune neurological disorder, is driven by self-reactive T helper (Th) cells. Research on the role of Th17 lymphocytes in MS pathogenesis has made significant progress in identifying various immunological as well as environmental factors that induce the differentiation and expansion of these cells, different subsets of Th17 cells with varying degrees of pathogenicity, and the role of the secreted effector cytokines. While approved therapies for MS offer significant benefit to patients, there remain unmet needs. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Dirk W. Luchtman, Erik Ellwardt, Catherine Larochelle, Frauke Zipp Source Type: research
TGFβ in T cell biology and tumor immunity: angel or devil?
The evolutionally conserved transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) affects multiple cell types in the immune system by either stimulating or inhibiting their differentiation and function. Studies using transgenic mice with ablation of TGFβ or its receptor have revealed the biological significance of TGFβ signaling in the control of T cells. However, it is now clear that TGFβ is more than an immunosuppressive cytokine. Disruption of TGFβ signaling pathway also leads to impaired generation of certain T cell populations. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Eric Tu, Pei Zhi Cheryl Chia, Wanjun Chen Source Type: research
Interferons: Success in anti-viral immunotherapy
The interferons (IFNs) are glycoproteins with strong antiviral activities that represent one of the first lines of host defense against invading pathogens. These proteins are classified into three groups, Type I, II and III IFNs, based on the structure of their receptors on the cell surface. Due to their ability to modulate immune responses, they have become attractive therapeutic options to control chronic virus infections. In combination with other drugs, Type I IFNs are considered a “standard of care” in suppressing Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) infections, while Type III IFN has generated encouraging resu...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Fan-ching Lin, Howard A. Young Source Type: research
The multifaceted activity of VEGF in angiogenesis – Implications for therapy responses
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key growth factor driving angiogenesis (i.e. the formation of new blood vessels) in health and disease. Pharmacological blockade of VEGF signaling to inhibit tumor angiogenesis is clinically approved but the survival benefit is limited as patients invariably acquire resistance. This is partially mediated by the intrinsic flexibility of tumor cells to adapt to VEGF-blockade. However, it has become clear that tumor stromal cells also contribute to the resistance. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 23, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Stijn Moens, Jermaine Goveia, Peter C. Stapor, Anna Rita Cantelmo, Peter Carmeliet Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
IL-4 and IL-13 receptors: Roles in immunity and powerful vaccine adjuvants
The roles of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 during both innate and adaptive Th2 mediated immunity have received considerable scrutiny, however, mechanisms by which these cytokines influence the cellular interactions involved in negatively modulating the development of effective Th1 immunity are poorly characterized. In this article we discuss the recent advances in IL-4/IL-13 biology, mainly (i) role of these cytokines in allergic inflammation, atopic dermatitis, cancer, transplant rejection, bacterial/viral infections, and specifically the therapeutic potential of IL-13Rα2, (ii) insights into how “alarmin” stimulation ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 23, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Charani Ranasinghe, Shubhanshi Trivedi, Danushka K. Wijesundara, Ronald J. Jackson Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
