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12th international TNF conference: The good, the bad and the scientistsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Members of the TNF superfamily control numerous aspects of immune defense as well as various processes of homeostasis and embryonic development. Recent advances in our knowledge of both the beneficial and the deleterious activities of these cytokines were thoroughly discussed at this conference. Participants presented new information about signaling mechanisms that these cytokines activate, with special attention to cell-death regulation, ubiquitination of signaling-proteins as a means of regulating their function, and complex systems of gene and signaling regulation. Sessions were devoted specifically to aberrat...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 10, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: David Wallach, Andrew Kovalenko Tags: Conference Review Source Type: journals

New insights into the molecular complexity of the ghrelin gene locusEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Ghrelin is a multi-functional peptide hormone that affects a range of processes, including growth hormone and insulin release, appetite regulation, reproduction, and cancer cell proliferation. The main focus of this review is to advance the hypothesis that the ghrelin gene locus encodes an array of biologically active molecules in addition to ghrelin and is far more complex than currently appreciated. Alternative splicing and the use of alternative post-translational cleavages sites may give rise to novel ghrelin gene-derived peptides that potentially act through different receptors and have novel biological functions.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 10, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Inge Seim, Adrian C. Herington, Lisa K. Chopin Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Bioimmunoadjuvants for the treatment of neoplastic and infectious disease: Coley's legacy revisitedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: In the nineteenth century, William B. Coley induced durable remission of inoperable metastatic sarcoma by repeatedly injecting live streptococcus bacilli and, subsequently, heat-killed bacterial extracts into the primary tumor. While Coley's contemporaries debated the veracity of his results, this bold treatment protocol established the new scientific field of immunology. In Coley's era, the scientific and medical communities lacked the prerequisite knowledge to validate and understand his treatment protocols. Today, a more comprehensive understanding of the human immune system, anchored by the discovery of the m...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 5, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: William K. Decker, Amar Safdar Tags: Perspective Source Type: journals

TGF-β3 and cancer: A reviewEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: With the development of growth factors and growth factor modulators as therapeutics for a range of disorders, it is prudent to consider whether modulating the growth factor profile in a tissue can influence tumour initiation or progression. As recombinant human TGF-β3 (avotermin) is being developed for the improvement of scarring in the skin it is important to understand the role, if any, of this cytokine in tumour progression.Elevated levels of TGF-β3 expression detected in late-stage tumours have linked this cytokine with tumourigenesis, although functional data to support a causative role are lacking. While ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 5, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: H.G. Laverty, L.M. Wakefield, N.L. Occleston, S. O’Kane, M.W.J. Ferguson Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

The role of differential expression of human interferon-A genes in antiviral immunityEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Immune recognition of virus-associated molecules by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and/or RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) triggers intracellular signaling cascades that converge on the activation of interferon regulatory factors – particularly IRF3 and IRF7, leading to the transcriptional induction of type 1 interferon genes. This review summarizes new data describing how these factors regulate the temporal and quantitative differences in the expression of the multigenic IFN-A family. The distinctive DNA-binding features of IRF3 and IRF7 affect the selectivity and affinity of these factors for IFN-A promoters; modifica...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 3, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Pierre Génin, Alexandra Vaccaro, Ahmet Civas Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Leukemia inhibitory factor and interleukin-11: Critical regulators in the establishment of pregnancyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Blastocyst implantation into a receptive endometrium is critical to the establishment of pregnancy and is tightly regulated by factors within the blastocyst–endometrial micro-environment. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-11 (IL11) have key roles during implantation. Female mice with a null mutation in the LIF or IL11RA gene are infertile due to a complete failure of implantation or a defective differentiation/decidualization response to the implanting blastocyst, respectively. LIF and IL11 deficiency during pregnancy is associated with infertility and miscarriage in women. Numerous cell populati...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 3, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Premila Paiva, Ellen Menkhorst, Lois Salamonsen, Evdokia Dimitriadis Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Cytokines and junction restructuring events during spermatogenesis in the testis: An emerging concept of regulationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: During spermatogenesis in mammalian testes, junction restructuring takes place at the Sertoli–Sertoli and Sertoli–germ cell interface, which is coupled with germ cell development, such as cell cycle progression, and translocation of the germ cell within the seminiferous epithelium. In the rat testis, restructuring of the blood–testis barrier (BTB) formed between Sertoli cells near the basement membrane and disruption of the apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES) between Sertoli cells and fully developed spermatids (spermatozoa) at the luminal edge of the seminiferous epithelium occur concurrently at ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 3, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Michelle W.M. Li, Dolores D. Mruk, Will M. Lee, C. Yan Cheng Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Editorial BoardEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - August 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: journals

Evidence of a suppressive effect of ghrelin on FSH secretion in vivo: Comment on the review article “Ghrelin: A metabolic signal affecting the reproductive system”Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Lorenzi et al. state in their recent review article that in rats “ghrelin inhibits LH secretion in prepubertal males and in gonadectomized males and females in vivo whereas it does not affect FSH ”,… and that “constant infusion of acylated ghrelin inhibits LH but not FSH secretion in healthy young men .” However, there is evidence in rats and humans that ghrelin suppresses not only LH but also FSH secretion: while in rats ghrelin did not affect FSH secretion in the proestrous and estrous periods of the estrous cycle, gonadectomized rats after single injection and after chronic intermittent administration , a sign...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 31, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Michael Kluge Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: journals

Angiogenesis, adipokines and breast cancerEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rapidly increasing world wide. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer and relapse. However, the biological factors that drive the growth and progression of these tumors and how obesity contributes to the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. Tumor development and metastasis are dependent on the process of angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels. More importantly, a ready supply of adipose tissue-derived angiogenic adipokines, notably VEGF and leptin, and the production of inflammatory...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 11, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Linda Vona-Davis, David P. Rose Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Emerging role of bone morphogenetic proteins in angiogenesisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors belonging to the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. Recent observations clearly emphasize the emerging role of BMPs in angiogenesis: (i) two genetic vascular diseases (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)) are caused by mutations in genes encoding components of the BMP signalling pathway (endoglin, ALK1 and BMPRII). (ii) BMP9 has been identified as the physiological ligand of the endothelial receptor ALK1 in association with BMPRII. This review will focus on the diverse functions ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 8, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Laurent David, Jean-Jacques Feige, Sabine Bailly Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Implications of cytokine gene polymorphisms on the orchestration of the immune response: Lessons learned from oral diseasesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Over the past 10 years, a plethora of information concerning the influence of gene polymorphisms on cytokine expression has been made available in the literature. Significant contribution to this field has come from studies of oral diseases, one of the widest spread health problems in the world, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Here we will discuss the importance of studies of gene polymorphism towards the identification of susceptible groups or prognostic indicators of oral disease. Additionally, we will highlight the differences in data obtained from genetically diverse populations and review the appli...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 8, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Walderez O. Dutra, Paula R. Moreira, Paulo Eduardo A. Souza, Kenneth J. Gollob, Ricardo S. Gomez Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Cell responses to bone morphogenetic proteins and peptides derived from them: Biomedical applications and limitationsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are cytokines of the transforming growth factor beta family. Some BMPs such as BMP-2 and BMP-7 play a major role in the development of the skeleton and the maintenance of homeostasis during bone remodelling. To date, only BMP-2 and BMP-7 have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for specific orthopaedic applications. However, due to BMP cost, peptides derived from their knuckle epitope with osteogenic properties have been developed. BMPs are involved in many other biological events, including embryogenesis, angiogenesis and cancer. BMPs therefore have great biom...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 4, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: H. Senta, H. Park, E. Bergeron, O. Drevelle, D. Fong, E. Leblanc, F. Cabana, S. Roux, G. Grenier, N. Faucheux Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

The essential roles of TGFB1 in reproductionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) is implicated as a key regulator of the development and cyclic remodelling characteristic of reproductive tissues. The physiological significance of TGFB1 in reproductive biology and fertility has been extensively examined in Tgfb1 null mutant mice. Genetic deficiency in TGFB1 causes perturbed functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, inhibiting luteinising hormone (LH) synthesis and leading to downstream effects on testosterone production in males and estrous cycle abnormalities in females. Oocyte developmental incompetence, accompanied by early embryo ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 4, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Wendy V. Ingman, Sarah A. Robertson Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Editorial BoardEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: journals

Cytokine regulation during the formation of the fetal–maternal interface: Focus on cell–cell adhesion and remodelling of the extra-cellular matrixEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: The establishment of human pregnancy requires the orchestration of substantial cell differentiation and tissue remodelling processes in the context of a complex dialogue between the receptive endometrium and the implanting blastocyst, and is therefore dependent upon a complex sequence of signalling events. Cytokines play an important role in each step of implantation, modulating expression of adhesion molecules on both the fetal and maternal surfaces, regulating expression of the proteases that remodel the extra-cellular matrix, and promoting invasion and differentiation of trophoblasts. Here we review the role o...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Miranda McEwan, Roger J. Lins, Sheryl K. Munro, Zoe L. Vincent, Anna P. Ponnampalam, Murray D. Mitchell Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Considering TWEAK as a target for therapy in renal and vascular injuryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: TWEAK is a cytokine of the TNF superfamily that activates the Fn14 receptor. TWEAK may regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell differentiation, angiogenesis and inflammation. The expression of TWEAK and Fn14 is increased during vascular and renal injury. Inflammatory cytokines increase Fn14 receptor expression in tubular and vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, TWEAK induces tubular cell apoptosis under proinflammatory conditions. TWEAK itself contributes to renal and vascular inflammation by promoting chemokine and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Confirmation of its role in acute kidney injury and athe...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - June 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Alberto Ortiz, Ana Belén Sanz, Begoña Muñoz García, Juan Antonio Moreno, Maria Dolores Sánchez Niño, Jose Luis Martín-Ventura, Jesús Egido, Luis Miguel Blanco-Colio Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Editorial BoardEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: journals

Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
As many of the contributors to Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews already know, I am often slow to get manuscript evaluations completed…but they do get completed! Therefore, it is perhaps appropriate for me to wish the readership of CGFR a belated Happy New Year for 2009 and my best wishes for continued personal and scientific success! This year marks the 20th year of Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews (and its predecessor Progress in Growth Factor Research); we have experienced a dramatic and exciting growth in the readership of the journal, as well as an increase in the quality of articles being published in CGFR. Much...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: John Hiscott Tags: Editorial Source Type: journals

Interferon-γ: A historical perspectiveEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article reviews the main lines of thinking and exploration that have led to our current conception of the role of IFN-γ in immune defense and autoimmunity. In 1965 the first report appeared describing production of an interferon-like virus inhibitor in cultured human leukocytes following exposure to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. In the early 1970s the active principle became recognized as being distinct from classical virus-induced interferons, leading to its designation as immune interferon or Type II interferon, and eventually IFN-γ. Up to that point interest in the factor had come almost exclusively from virolo...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Alfons Billiau, Patrick Matthys Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Structural conservation of interferon gamma among vertebratesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), being the hallmark of the T-cell TH1 response, has been extensively studied with respect to its expression and regulation of immune function. This gene has been extensively characterized in many mammalian species, making it one of the most widely cloned immunoregulatory genes. Recently, the gene has been identified in avian and piscine species and we have identified the gene in the frog genome. Based on these identified DNA sequences, we have constructed an evolutionary history of IFN-γ that shows this molecule can be traced back more than 450 million years ago. Our analysis shows that...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Ram Savan, Sarangan Ravichandran, Jack R. Collins, Masahiro Sakai, Howard A. Young Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Interferon gamma: A master regulator of atherosclerosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by the development of fibrotic plaques in the arterial wall. The disease exhibits a complex aetiology and its progression is influenced by a number of environmental and genetic risk factors. The cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a key regulator of immune function, is highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and has emerged as a significant factor in atherogenesis. Evidence from both mouse models of atherosclerosis and in vitro cell culture has suggested that the role of IFN-γ is complex since both pro- and anti-atherogenic actions have bee...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: James E. McLaren, Dipak P. Ramji Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Ghrelin: a metabolic signal affecting the reproductive systemEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Ghrelin, an acylated 28 amino acid gastric peptide, was isolated from the stomach as an endogenous ligand for growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor in 1999. Circulating ghrelin is mainly produced by specific cells in the stomach's oxyntic glands. Ghrelin potently stimulates GH release and food intake and exhibits diverse effects, including ones on glucose metabolism and on secretion and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Besides these effects on food intake and energy homeostasis, ghrelin is also involved in controlling reproductive functions, and a role for it as a novel regulator of the hypothalamic-pi...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Teresa Lorenzi, Rosaria Meli, Daniela Marzioni, Manrico Morroni, Alessandra Baragli, Mario Castellucci, Oreste Gualillo, Giampiero Muccioli Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Activin and related proteins in inflammation: Not just interested bystandersEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is released rapidly into the circulation during inflammation. This review examines the evidence that activin is a critical mediator of inflammation and immunity. Activin modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, including release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production and immune cell activity. Crucially, inhibiting activin with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein, alters the pattern of cytokines released and improves survival in a mouse model of endotoxic shock. Serum and tissue concentrations of activin a...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: David J. Phillips, David M. de Kretser, Mark P. Hedger Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Tumor necrosis factor-α as a therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Activation of innate immunity with the subsequent development of a chronic low-grade inflammatory response is now recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. In the setting of diabetic nephropathy, there is now evidence of the relevant contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with special participation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This new pathogenic perspective leads to new therapeutic implications derived from modulation of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines. Experimental studies have shown the beneficial r...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Juan F. Navarro-González, Ana Jarque, Mercedes Muros, Carmen Mora, Javier García Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Growth factor based therapies and intestinal disease: Is glucagon-like peptide-2 the new way forward?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disease associated with severe damage to the intestinal mucosa. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a potent and specific gastrointestinal growth factor that is demonstrating therapeutic potential for the prevention or treatment of an expanding number of intestinal diseases, including short bowel syndrome (SBS), small bowel enteritis and IBD. The biological activity of GLP-2 is limited due to proteolytic inactivation by the protease dipeptidyl peptidase (DP)IV. Inhibitors of DPIV activity may represent a novel strategy to prolong the growth promoting acti...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Roger Yazbeck, Gordon S. Howarth, Catherine A. Abbott Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Interleukin-21 (IL-21)-mediated pathways in T cell-mediated diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is produced mostly by activated CD4+ T cells and controls the differentiation and functional activity of effector T helper cells, counteracts the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells, and stimulates non-immune cells to make inflammatory mediators. IL-21-driven tissue damage has been demonstrated in a number of organs, such as the gut, pancreas, and brain. Therefore new treatment modalities to neutralise IL-21 in vivo would be a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium to combat immune-mediated inflammation. Here we describe the emerging role of IL-21 in the initiation and pro...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - April 1, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Giovanni Monteleone, Francesco Pallone, Thomas T. Macdonald Tags: Surveys Source Type: journals

Growth factor based therapies and intestinal disease: Is glucagon-like peptide-2 the new way forward?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disease associated with severe damage to the intestinal mucosa. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a potent and specific gastrointestinal growth factor that is demonstrating therapeutic potential for the prevention or treatment of an expanding number of intestinal diseases, including short bowel syndrome (SBS), small bowel enteritis and IBD. The biological activity of GLP-2 is limited due to proteolytic inactivation by the protease dipeptidyl peptidase (DP)IV. Inhibitors of DPIV activity may represent a novel strategy to prolong the growth promoting actions of...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 24, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Yazbeck R, Howarth GS, Abbott CA Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Ghrelin: a metabolic signal affecting the reproductive system.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Ghrelin, an acylated 28 amino acid gastric peptide, was isolated from the stomach as an endogenous ligand for growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor in 1999. Circulating ghrelin is mainly produced by specific cells in the stomach's oxyntic glands. Ghrelin potently stimulates GH release and food intake and exhibits diverse effects, including ones on glucose metabolism and on secretion and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Besides these effects on food intake and energy homeostasis, ghrelin is also involved in controlling reproductive functions, and a role for it as a novel regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitar...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 16, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Lorenzi T, Meli R, Marzioni D, Morroni M, Baragli A, Castellucci M, Gualillo O, Muccioli G Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

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Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2009 Mar 4; Authors: Hiscott J PMID: 19268626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 4, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Hiscott J Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Interferon-gamma: A historical perspective.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article reviews the main lines of thinking and exploration that have led to our current conception of the role of IFN-gamma in immune defense and autoimmunity. In 1965 the first report appeared describing production of an interferon-like virus inhibitor in cultured human leukocytes following exposure to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. In the early 1970s the active principle became recognized as being distinct from classical virus-induced interferons, leading to its designation as immune interferon or Type II interferon, and eventually IFN-gamma. Up to that point interest in the factor had come almost exclusively from ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 4, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Billiau A, Matthys P Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Structural conservation of interferon gamma among vertebrates.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), being the hallmark of the T-cell T(H)1 response, has been extensively studied with respect to its expression and regulation of immune function. This gene has been extensively characterized in many mammalian species, making it one of the most widely cloned immunoregulatory genes. Recently, the gene has been identified in avian and piscine species and we have identified the gene in the frog genome. Based on these identified DNA sequences, we have constructed an evolutionary history of IFN-gamma that shows this molecule can be traced back more than 450 million years ago. Our analysis shows th...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 4, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Savan R, Ravichandran S, Collins JR, Sakai M, Young HA Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Activin and related proteins in inflammation: Not just interested bystanders.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is released rapidly into the circulation during inflammation. This review examines the evidence that activin is a critical mediator of inflammation and immunity. Activin modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, including release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production and immune cell activity. Crucially, inhibiting activin with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein, alters the pattern of cytokines released and improves survival in a mouse model of endotoxic shock. Serum and tissue concentrations of activin are e...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 2, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Interleukin-21 (IL-21)-mediated pathways in T cell-mediated disease.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is produced mostly by activated CD4+ T cells and controls the differentiation and functional activity of effector T helper cells, counteracts the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells, and stimulates non-immune cells to make inflammatory mediators. IL-21-driven tissue damage has been demonstrated in a number of organs, such as the gut, pancreas, and brain. Therefore new treatment modalities to neutralise IL-21 in vivo would be a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium to combat immune-mediated inflammation. Here we describe the emerging role of IL-21 in the initiation and progress ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - March 2, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Monteleone G, Pallone F, Macdonald TT Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha as a therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Activation of innate immunity with the subsequent development of a chronic low-grade inflammatory response is now recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. In the setting of diabetic nephropathy, there is now evidence of the relevant contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with special participation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This new pathogenic perspective leads to new therapeutic implications derived from modulation of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines. Experimental studies have shown the beneficial r...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - February 27, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Navarro-González JF, Jarque A, Muros M, Mora C, García J Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Hematopoietic growth factor mimetics: From concept to clinic.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) mimetics offer a number of attractive advantages as therapeutic agents. Small chemical compounds, in particular, provide reduced cost and oral availability. As many of these mimetics are unrelated in structure to the normal cytokine the immunogenic response is not a significant issue. Isolation of small peptide agonists for erythropoietin (EPO) and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptors has been associated with significant translational challenges and here we summarize approaches used to achieve the potency and stability required for clinical utility. We also compare and contrast the initial s...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - February 13, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Perugini M, Varelias A, Sadlon T, D'Andrea RJ Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Characterization and potential clinical applications of autoantibodies against cytokines.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Autoantibodies recognizing cytokines arise in certain patients during the course of therapy with recombinant cytokines, although they may arise spontaneously as well. They are typically high avidity and in vitro neutralizing IgG antibodies present in picomolar to nanomolar concentrations. Methodology is therefore critical. Quantitative studies based on sound methodology strongly indicate that nanomolar levels of cytokine autoantibodies are likely to be involved in a number of "new" syndromes such as acquired immune deficiencies, lung diseases, and certain age-related manifestations. There are many ways in which the aut...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - February 10, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: de Lemos Rieper C, Galle P, Hansen MB Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Antiviral defense: RIG-Ing the immune system to STING.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A critical component of the innate immune response is the presence of germ line-encoded receptors capable of recognizing a wide variety of pathogen-associated molecules. One group of these receptors, the cytoplasmic RIG-I-like helicases (RLH), is involved in the induction of Type I interferon in response to viral infection. Here we discuss results of recent investigations into the initiation and transmission of signals through the RIG-I pathway. PMID: 19211297 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - February 9, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Bowzard JB, Ranjan P, Sambhara S, Fujita T Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Scatter Factors in renal disease: Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Scatter Factors are two homologous proteins, named Scatter Factor/Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Macrophage Stimulating Protein. Their receptors are the products of two oncogenes, Met and Ron, respectively. The Scatter Factors induce movement, stimulate proliferation, regulate apoptosis and are morphogenic, i.e. operate an integrated program that seems tailored to drive organ development and to regenerate injured tissues. On the other hand, Scatter Factors may be responsible for pathologic tissue remodeling, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and tumor growth and diffusion. The review describes the involvement of Sc...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - February 5, 2009 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Rampino T, Gregorini M, Dal Canton A Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

NF-kappaB modulators in osteolytic bone diseases.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption and play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of osteolytic disorders. NF-kappaB is a set of nuclear factors that bind to consensus DNA sequences called kappaB sites, and is essential for osteoclast formation and survival. NF-kappaB signalling pathways are strictly regulated to maintain bone homeostasis by cytokines such as RANKL, TNF-alpha and IL-1, which differentially regulate classical and/or alternative NF-kappaB pathways in osteoclastic cells. These pathways are also modulated by NF-kappaB mediators, including TRAF6, aPKC, p62/SQSTM1 and deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD t...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 27, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Xu J, Wu HF, Ang ES, Yip K, Woloszyn M, Zheng MH, Tan RX Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Proteases and bone remodelling.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Bone remodelling is regulated by osteogenic cells which act individually through cellular and molecular interaction. These interactions can be established either through a cell-cell contact, involving molecules of the integrin family, or by the release of many polypeptidic factors and/or their soluble receptor chains. Proteolytic shedding of membrane-associated proteins regulates the physiological activity of numerous proteins. Proteases located on the plasma membrane, either as transmembrane proteins or anchored to cell-surface molecules, serve as activators or inhibitors of different cellular and physiological proces...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 26, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Georges S, Ruiz Velasco C, Trichet V, Fortun Y, Heymann D, Padrines M Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Interferon gamma: A master regulator of atherosclerosis.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by the development of fibrotic plaques in the arterial wall. The disease exhibits a complex aetiology and its progression is influenced by a number of environmental and genetic risk factors. The cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a key regulator of immune function, is highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and has emerged as a significant factor in atherogenesis. Evidence from both mouse models of atherosclerosis and in vitro cell culture has suggested that the role of IFN-gamma is complex since both pro- and anti-atherogenic actions have ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 26, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: McLaren JE, Ramji DP Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

The dual role of IL-6-type cytokines on bone remodeling and bone tumors.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Many factors such as vitamins, hormones and cytokines, control bone metabolism and remodeling. Cytokines of the interleukin-6 family, by acting on bone cells (i.e. osteoblasts and osteoclasts), have an important role in the bone tissue but they recently appeared as double-edged swords. They sustain bone formation but they can also drive bone loss in various osteolytic pathologies. Similarly, development of bone cancers can be either prevented or enhanced by these cytokines, depending on the cell type, the stage of the tumor and the bone environment. This dual effect is also apparent at the level of the signal transduce...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 25, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Blanchard F, Duplomb L, Baud'huin M, Brounais B Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Cytokine and cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms and their functionality.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Cytokines, signaling proteins produced by a variety of cell types, are essential for the development and functioning of both innate and adaptive immune response. Cytokine gene expression is tightly regulated, and aberrant expression from environmental and genetic polymorphism has been implicated in a range of diseases, susceptibility to infections, and responses to treatment. This review concentrates on the functionality of cytokine and cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms; it is through these variants that genuine disease-associations are based. Several mechanisms for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) functionality...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 25, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Smith AJ, Humphries SE Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

p204, a p200 family protein, as a multifunctional regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The interferon-inducible p200 family comprises a group of homologous mouse and human proteins. Most of these have an N-terminal DAPIN domain and one or two partially conserved, 200 amino acid long C-terminal domains (designated as 200X domain). These proteins play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, apoptosis and senescence. p200 family proteins are involved also in autoimmunity and the control of tumor growth. These proteins function by binding to various target proteins (e.g. transcription factors, signaling proteins, oncoproteins and tumor suppressor proteins) and modulat...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 20, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Luan Y, Lengyel P, Liu CJ Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Interferon and cytokine responses to Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus; an emerging and neglected viral zonoosis.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes an acute disease with the potential of a fatal outcome. The virus is prevalent in about 30 countries. Clinical symptoms of infection commonly include fever, myalgia, and hemorrhages. Levels of liver enzymes are raised, and bleeding markers are often increased. A role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis has been suggested, and CCHFV employs a range of passive and active mechanisms to avoid induction of the antiviral type I interferons. Here, we review the most recent findings on the molecular pathogenesis and the interaction of CCHFV with the type I interfer...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - November 20, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Weber F, Mirazimi A Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Osteopontin: Role in immune regulation and stress responses.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Recent research has led to a better but as yet incomplete understanding of the complex roles osteopontin plays in mammalian physiology. A soluble protein found in all body fluids, it stimulates signal transduction pathways (via integrins and CD44 variants) similar to those stimulated by components of the extracellular matrix. This appears to promote the survival of cells exposed to potentially lethal insults such as ischemia/reperfusion or physical/chemical trauma. OPN is chemotactic for many cell types including macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells; it enhances B lymphocyte immunoglobulin production and prolifera...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - October 24, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Wang KX, Denhardt DT Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

The many faces of the SOCS box.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) box is a structural domain found at the C-terminus of over 70 human proteins. It is usually coupled to a protein interaction module such as an SH2 domain in case of SOCS proteins, a family of modulators of cytokine signaling. The SOCS box participates in the formation of E3 ligase complexes, marking activated cytokine receptor complexes for proteasomal degradation. A similar mechanism was recently uncovered for controlling SOCS activity itself, since SOCS2 was found to enhance the turnover of other SOCS proteins. The SOCS box can also add unique features to individual SOCS ...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - October 21, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Piessevaux J, Lavens D, Peelman F, Tavernier J Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

Pivotal role for TGF-beta in infectious heart disease: The case of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and consequent Chagasic myocardiopathy.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This paper summarizes recent data from the literature suggesting that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) participates at least in four different processes influencing development of myocardiopathy in Chagas disease, a major parasitic illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection: (a) invasion of cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes; (b) intracellular parasite cycle; (c) regulation of inflammation and immune response; (d) fibrosis and heart remodeling during acute and chronic disease. All these effects point to an important role of TGF-beta in Chagas disease myocardiopathy and suggest that monitoring the circulating...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - October 18, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Araújo-Jorge TC, Waghabi MC, Soeiro MD, Keramidas M, Bailly S, Feige JJ Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals

IFNgamma signaling-Does it mean JAK-STAT?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The molecular pathways involved in the cellular response to interferon (IFN)gamma have been the focus of much research effort due to their importance in host defense against infection and disease, as well as its potential as a therapeutic agent. The discovery of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway greatly enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of IFNgamma-mediated gene transcription. However, in recent years it has become apparent that other pathways, including MAP kinase, PI3-K, CaMKII and NF-kappaB, either co-operate with or act in parallel to JAK-STAT signaling to regulate the many facets of IFNgamma biology in a ge...
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - October 15, 2008 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gough DJ, Levy DE, Johnstone RW, Clarke CJ Tags: Cytokine Growth Factor Rev Source Type: journals