G-CSF: From granulopoietic stimulant to bone marrow stem cell mobilizing agent
G-CSF was among the first cytokines to be identified and rapidly transitioned into clinical medicine. Initially used to promote the production of neutrophils in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia it helped to revolutionize the delivery of cancer therapy. Its ability to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood was subsequently exploited, changing the face of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Today the knowledge gained in unraveling the mechanisms of stem cell mobilization by G-CSF is being explored as a means to increase chemosensitivity in hematological malignancies. (Source:...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 23, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Linda J. Bendall, Kenneth F. Bradstock Tags: Survey 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 Source Type: research
IL-4 and IL-13 receptors: Roles in immunity and powerful vaccine adjuvants
The roles of IL-4 and IL-13 during both innate and adaptive Th2 mediated immunity has received considerable scrutiny, however, mechanisms by which these cytokines influence the cellular interactions involved in negatively modulating the development of effective Th1 immunity is 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 activate IL-4/IL-1...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 23, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Charani Ranasinghe, Shubhanshi Trivedi, Danushka Wijesundara, Ronald Jackson Source Type: research
G-CSF: From granulopoietic stimulant to bone marrow stem cell mobilizing agent
G-CSF was among the first cytokines to be identified and rapidly transitioned into clinical medicine. Initially used to promote the production of neutrophils in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia it helped to revolutionize the delivery of cancer therapy. Its ability to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood was subsequently exploited, changing the face of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Today the knowledge gained in unraveling the mechanisms of stem cell mobilization by G-CSF is being explored as a means to increase chemosensitivity in hematological malignancies. (Source:...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 23, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Linda J. Bendall, Kenneth F. Bradstock Source Type: research
Heart-specific expression of FGF-16 and a potential role in postnatal cardioprotection
The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a multifunctional family of 22 members in humans that are involved in embryonic development, wound healing, angiogenesis, metabolism and endocrine signaling pathways [1–5]. Most FGF proteins share 28 highly conserved and six identical amino acids that constitute an internal core region [5–7], and 10 of these conserved amino acids can interact with FGF receptors (FGFRs) [8,9]. In spite of the family name and conserved residues, not all members stimulate fibroblast cell division, but all FGFs can bind heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG). (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 21, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jie Wang, David Sontag, Peter A. Cattini Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
Heart-Specific Expression of FGF-16 and a Potential Role in Postnatal Cardioprotection
The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a multifunctional family of 22 members in humans that are involved in embryonic development, wound healing, angiogenesis, metabolism and endocrine signaling pathways [1–5]. Most FGF proteins share 28 highly conserved and six identical amino acids that constitute an internal core region [5–7], and ten of these conserved amino acids can interact with FGF receptors (FGFRs) [8,9]. In spite of the family name and conserved residues, not all members stimulate fibroblast cell division, but all FGFs can bind heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG). (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 21, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jie Wang, David Sontag, Peter A. Cattini Source Type: research
Induction and suppression of innate antiviral responses by picornaviruses
The family Picornaviridae comprises of small, non-enveloped, positive-strand RNA viruses and contains many human and animal pathogens including enteroviruses (e.g. poliovirus, coxsackievirus, enterovirus 71 and rhinovirus), cardioviruses (e.g. encephalomyocarditis virus), hepatitis A virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus. Picornavirus infections activate a cytosolic RNA sensor, MDA5, which in turn, induces a type I interferon response, a crucial component of antiviral immunity. Moreover, picornaviruses activate the formation of stress granules (SGs), large aggregates of preassembled mRNPs (messenger ribonucleoprotein part...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 18, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Qian Feng, Martijn A. Langereis, Frank J.M. van Kuppeveld Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
Antiviral RNA recognition and assembly by RLR family innate immune sensors
Virus-encoded molecular signatures, such as cytosolic double-stranded or otherwise biochemically distinct RNA species, trigger cellular antiviral signaling. Cytoplasmic proteins recognize these non-self RNAs and activate signal transduction pathways that drive the expression of virus-induced genes, including the primary antiviral cytokine, IFNβ, and diverse direct and indirect antiviral effectors [1–4]. One important group of cytosolic RNA sensors known as the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) is comprised of three proteins that are similar in structure and function. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 15, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Annie M. Bruns, Curt M. Horvath Source Type: research
Advances in Nod-like receptors (NLR) biology
The innate immune system is equipped with a set of receptors, termed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), that detect imminent dangers such as microbial invasion, environmental or endogenous noxious substances, and elicit protective responses to contain and eliminate these harmful triggers while providing the host with resistance mechanisms to tolerate damage and restore normalcy. PRRs can be classified into five main classes that include Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), absent-in-melanoma (A...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: François Barbé, Todd Douglas, Maya Saleh Tags: Survey Source Type: research
Danger, diversity and priming in innate antiviral immunity
The rapid response to viral infection is imperative for a cell, tissue and whole organism to gain the advantage in the interplay between host and virus. In the traditional model, viral infection is first detected via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). At the cell surface, detection can be mediated following recognition of viral glycoproteins by surface receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) [1–3]. Following entry, viral nucleic acids act as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and are recognized via TLRs in the endosome or RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) or DNA sensors in the cytoplasm. (Source: Cytokine a...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Susan E. Collins, Karen L. Mossman Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
Innate immune activation of NFκB and its antagonism by poxviruses
Under the constant selective pressure of pathogens, immunity is the most rapidly evolving system in vertebrates. All viruses evolve strategies to inhibit or evade host immunity leading to minimally symptomatic and persistent infection once virus–host adaptation is optimally attuned. Poxviruses are particularly adept at targeting innate immunity in a precise and efficient manner. Poxviral immune evasion genes collectively form a toolbox of inhibitors and decoys targeting the rate-limiting steps in host anti-viral signalling pathways. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gareth Brady, Andrew G. Bowie Tags: Survey Source Type: research
The potential of adipokines as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular disease
Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ by producing bioactive secretory proteins, also known as adipokines, that can directly act on nearby or remote organs. Most of the adipokines are upregulated by obese conditions, and typically promote obese complications. In contrast, some adipokines, such as adiponectin, CTRP9 and omentin, are downregulated in obese states. These factors exert salutary actions on obesity-linked cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we focus on the significance of adiponectin, CTRP9 and omentin as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular disease. (Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews)
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Rei Shibata, Koji Ohashi, Toyoaki Murohara, Noriyuki Ouchi Tags: Mini review Source Type: research
Advances in Nod-like receptors (NLR) biology
The innate immune system is equipped with a set of receptors, termed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), that detect imminent dangers such as microbial invasion, environmental or endogenous noxious substances, and elicit protective responses to contain and eliminate these harmful triggers while providing the host with resistance mechanisms to tolerate damage and restore normalcy. PRRs can be classified into five main classes that include Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), absent-in-melanoma (A...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: François Barbé, Todd Douglas, Maya Saleh Source Type: research
