Autophagy-inducing peptide increases CHO cell monoclonal antibody production in batch and fed-batch cultures.

The development of generic biopharmaceuticals is increasing the pressures for enhanced bioprocess productivity and yields. Autophagy ("self-eating") is a cellular process that allows cells to mitigate stresses such as nutrient deprivation. Reputed autophagy inhibitors have also been shown to increase autophagic flux under certain conditions, and enhance recombinant protein productivity in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cultures.

Role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replication.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA genome virus that has become a major infection in swine, exerting huge economic losses to the industry worldwide. Detailed knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms by which the virus manipulates the host cell signals transduction machinery is not only critical to further our understanding of viral replication and pathogenesis, but also guides our efforts to design new and improved therapeutic strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) are major host cell signalling pathways that regulate protein synthesis, cell growth, proliferation, migration and survival.

CpG protects human monocytic cells against HIV-Vpr-induced apoptosis by cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-2 through the calcium-activated JNK pathway in a TLR9-independent manner.

Monocytic cells survive HIV replication and consequent cytopathic effects because of their decreased sensitivity to HIV-induced apoptosis. However, the mechanism underlying this resistance to apoptosis remains poorly understood. Lymphocytic cells are exposed to microbial products because of their translocation from the gut in persons with chronic HIV infections or following coinfections.

Anti-apoptotic genes in the survival of monocytic cells during infection.

Macrophages are cells of the immune system that protect organisms against invading pathogens by fulfilling critical roles in innate and adaptive immunity and inflammation. They originate from circulating monocytes and show a high degree of heterogeneity, which reflects the specialization of function given by different anatomical locations. Differentiation of monocytes towards a macrophage phenotype is also accompanied by an increase of resistance against various apoptotic stimuli, a required characteristic that allows macrophages to accomplish their function in a stressful environment.

Inverse association of repressor growth factor independent-1 with CD8 T cell interleukin (IL)-7 receptor [alpha] expression and limited signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling in response to IL-7 among [gamma]-chain cytokines in HIV patients.

Background: CD8 T lymphocytes from chronically infected HIV-positive patients degenerate into a preapoptotic state and exhibit impaired functionality. Particularly in viremic patients, this was associated with an increased proportion of interleukin-7 receptor-alpha low-expressing (IL-7Ralpha(low)) effector-like CD8 T cells. As cytokine signaling through signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) is essential for cellular function, we hypothesized that activation of this pathway may be impaired in these cells.