Endogenous S-nitrosothiols, including S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), mediate nitric oxide (NO)-based signaling, inflammatory responses, and smooth muscle function. Reduced GSNO levels have been implicated in several respiratory diseases, and inhibition of GSNO reductase, (GSNOR) the primary enzyme that metabolizes GSNO, represents a novel approach to treating inflammatory lung diseases. Recently, an association between decreased GSNOR expression and human lung cancer risk was proposed in part based on immunohistochemical staining using a polyclonal GSNOR antibody.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe have developed a vaccine delivery system based on the non-ionic block copolymer, Pluronic F127 (F127), combined with selected immunomodulators. F127-based matrices are characterized by a phenomenon known as reverse thermogelation, whereby the formulation undergoes a phase transition from liquid to gel upon reaching physiological temperatures. Protein antigens (tetanus toxoid (TT), diphtheria toxoid (DT) and anthrax recombinant protective antigen (rPA)) were formulated with F127 in combination with CpG motifs or chitosan, as examples of immunomodulators, and were compared to more traditional adjuvants in mice.
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