Cytokines & Chemokines

IL-16 is a CD8+ T cell-derived cytokine that induces chemotaxis of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ monocytes and eosinophils. Analysis by gel filtration suggests that, under physiological conditions, human IL-16 exists predominantly as a noncovalently linked multimer, but that some IL-16 may exist as a monomer. However, only the multimeric form appears to possess chemotactic activity, suggesting that receptor cross-linking may be required for activity. IL-16 also induces expression of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and MHC class II molecules on CD4+ T cells. Human and murine IL-16 show significant cross-species reactivity.

IL-16 is a CD8+ T cell-derived cytokine that induces chemotaxis of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ monocytes and eosinophils. Analysis by gel filtration suggests that, under physiological conditions, human IL-16 exists predominantly as a noncovalently linked multimer, but that some IL-16 may exist as a monomer. However, only the multimeric form appears to possess chemotactic activity, suggesting that receptor cross-linking may be required for activity. IL-16 also induces expression of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and MHC class II molecules on CD4+ T cells. Human and murine IL-16 show significant cross-species reactivity.

Histone H3 is one of the five main histones involved in the structure of chromatin in eukaryotic cells. Featuring a main globular domain and a long N-terminal tail, H3 is involved with the structure of the nucleosomes of the "beads on a string" structure. Histone proteins are highly post-translationally modified however Histone H3 is the most extensively modified of the five histones. Histone H3 is an important protein in the emerging field of epigenetics, where its sequence variants and variable modification states are thought to play a role in the dynamic and long term regulation of genes.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Endostatin is a cleaved product of the carboxyl-terminal domain of collagen XVIII. It functions as an anti-angiogenic cytokine that is expressed in various organs especially with high levels in liver, lung, and kidney. Endostatin inhibits angiogenesis by blocking the pro-angiogenic activities of VEGF and FGF-basic. In-vitro studies have shown endostatin blocks the proliferation and organization of endothelial cells into new blood vessels. In animal studies endostatin inhibited angiogenesis and growth of both primary tumors and secondary metastasis.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the long four-helix bundle cytokine superfamily. LIF shares tertiary structure with several other cytokines, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Oncostatin M, ciliary neurotropic factor, and cardiotrophin-1, and their functions in vivo are also redundant to some extent. LIF can bind to the common receptor of IL-6 subfamily, gp130, and then recruit its own receptor LIF Receptor to form a ternary complex. The basal expression of LIF in vivo is low; and its expression is induced by pro-inflammatory factors, including lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, and IL-17, and inhibited by anti-inflammatory agents, including IL-4 and IL-13. The functions of LIF include proliferation of primordial germ cells, regulation in blastocyst implantation and early pregnancy, and maintenance of pluripotent embryonic stem cells.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the long four-helix bundle cytokine superfamily. LIF shares tertiary structure with several other cytokines, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Oncostatin M, ciliary neurotropic factor, and cardiotrophin-1, and their functions in vivo are also redundant to some extent. LIF can bind to the common receptor of IL-6 subfamily, gp130, and then recruit its own receptor LIF Receptor to form a ternary complex. The basal expression of LIF in vivo is low; and its expression is induced by pro-inflammatory factors, including lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, and IL-17, and inhibited by anti-inflammatory agents, including IL-4 and IL-13. The functions of LIF include proliferation of primordial germ cells, regulation in blastocyst implantation and early pregnancy, and maintenance of pluripotent embryonic stem cells.