Selective induction of tumor necrosis receptor factor 6/decoy receptor 3 release by bacterial antigens in human monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 6/decoy receptor 3 (TR6/DcR3) is an antiapoptosis soluble receptor of the TNF family produced by tumor cells. In this study, TR6 expression in human immune cells was investigated. TR6 mRNA and protein were detectable in selected antigen-presenting cells.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of a human serum albumin-interferon-alpha fusion protein in cynomolgus monkeys.

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is indicated for the treatment of certain viral infections including hepatitis B and C, and cancers such as melanoma. The short circulating half-life of unmodified IFN-alpha makes frequent dosing (daily or three times weekly) over an extended period (6-12 months or more) necessary. To improve the pharmacokinetics of IFN-alpha and decrease dosing frequency, IFN-alpha was fused to human serum albumin producing a new protein, Albuferon.