Cytokines & Chemokines

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), initially known as Cytokine Synthesis Inhibitory Factor (CSIF), belongs to the IL-10 family and shares more than 80% sequence homology with Epstein-Barr Virus protein BCRFI. It is produced by many immune cells, such as T-cells, macrophages, mast cells, and dendritic cells. It is usually secreted as a homodimer and, upon binding to its receptor, inhibits the synthesis of a number of cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, TNF and GM-CSF produced by activated macrophages and Th2 cells. It also displays ability to suppress Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC) function. The net effect of Interleukin-10 appears to be inhibitory; however, stimulatory effects, such as stimulation of B cell maturation and antibody production, are also reported.

TRAIL/Apo2L, also known as Tumor Necrosis Factor Super-Family 10 (TNFSF10), is a pleiotropic cytokine thatbelongs to the TNF superfamily. The full length TRAIL expressed in vivo is a Type II transmembrane protein, although the soluble form also exists and functions. TRAIL has four major receptors: two death receptors DR4 and DR5, two decoy receptors DcR1 and DcR2. TRAIL binds to the death receptors, recruits the FAS-associated death domain, activates caspases 8 and 10, and eventually leads to apoptosis. Because of its antitumor potential, TRAIL is actively studied as a therapeutic agent. On the other hand, abnormal expression of TRAIL in small arteries can induce the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, resulting in increasing vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

TRAIL/Apo2L, also known as Tumor Necrosis Factor Super-Family 10 (TNFSF10), is a pleiotropic cytokine thatbelongs to the TNF superfamily. The full length TRAIL expressed in vivo is a Type II transmembrane protein, although the soluble form also exists and functions. TRAIL has four major receptors: two death receptors DR4 and DR5, two decoy receptors DcR1 and DcR2. TRAIL binds to the death receptors, recruits the FAS-associated death domain, activates caspases 8 and 10, and eventually leads to apoptosis. Because of its antitumor potential, TRAIL is actively studied as a therapeutic agent. On the other hand, abnormal expression of TRAIL in small arteries can induce the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, resulting in increasing vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

TRAIL/Apo2L, also known as Tumor Necrosis Factor Super-Family 10 (TNFSF10), is a pleiotropic cytokine thatbelongs to the TNF superfamily. The full length TRAIL expressed in vivo is a Type II transmembrane protein, although the soluble form also exists and functions. TRAIL has four major receptors: two death receptors DR4 and DR5, two decoy receptors DcR1 and DcR2. TRAIL binds to the death receptors, recruits the FAS-associated death domain, activates caspases 8 and 10, and eventually leads to apoptosis. Because of its antitumor potential, TRAIL is actively studied as a therapeutic agent. On the other hand, abnormal expression of TRAIL in small arteries can induce the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, resulting in increasing vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D, also known as c-Fos-induced growth factor (FIGF), is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is expressed highly in lung, heart and small intestine, and at lower levels in skeletal muscle, colon and pancreas. It binds to VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors and activates downstream signals. VEGF-D is a growth factor active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and endothelial cell growth. It is involved in many developmental and physiological processes including the formation of venous and lymphatic vascular systems during embryogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated lymphatic endothelium in adults. In tumor pathology, it has been reported to play a role in restructuring of lymphatic channels and regional lymph node metastasis.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D, also known as c-Fos-induced growth factor (FIGF), is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is expressed highly in lung, heart and small intestine, and at lower levels in skeletal muscle, colon and pancreas. It binds to VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors and activates downstream signals. VEGF-D is a growth factor active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and endothelial cell growth. It is involved in many developmental and physiological processes including the formation of venous and lymphatic vascular systems during embryogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated lymphatic endothelium in adults. In tumor pathology, it has been reported to play a role in restructuring of lymphatic channels and regional lymph node metastasis.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D, also known as c-Fos-induced growth factor (FIGF), is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is expressed highly in lung, heart and small intestine, and at lower levels in skeletal muscle, colon and pancreas. It binds to VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors and activates downstream signals. VEGF-D is a growth factor active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and endothelial cell growth. It is involved in many developmental and physiological processes including the formation of venous and lymphatic vascular systems during embryogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated lymphatic endothelium in adults. In tumor pathology, it has been reported to play a role in restructuring of lymphatic channels and regional lymph node metastasis.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine, and belongs to Interleukin-6 (IL-6) subfamily, which also includes IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), ciliary neurotropic factor, cardiotrophin-1, and novel neurotropin-1. In vivo, OSM is secreted from activated T cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and endothelial cells. OSM is related to LIF, and shares a receptor with LIF in human. Human OSM can bind to gp130 and recruit OSM Receptor β or LIF Receptor β to form a ternary complex. OSM stimulates the growth of different types of cells, including megakaryocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and T cells. OSM inhibits the proliferation of several cancer cell lines, such as solid tissue tumor cells, lung cancer cells, melanoma cells, and breast cancer cells.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine, and belongs to Interleukin-6 (IL-6) subfamily, which also includes IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), ciliary neurotropic factor, cardiotrophin-1, and novel neurotropin-1. In vivo, OSM is secreted from activated T cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and endothelial cells. OSM is related to LIF, and shares a receptor with LIF in human. Human OSM can bind to gp130 and recruit OSM Receptor β or LIF Receptor β to form a ternary complex. OSM stimulates the growth of different types of cells, including megakaryocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and T cells. OSM inhibits the proliferation of several cancer cell lines, such as solid tissue tumor cells, lung cancer cells, melanoma cells, and breast cancer cells.