Natural killer (NK) cells serve a critical role in the immune response against microbes and developing tumors. We have demonstrated that NK cells produce stimulatory cytokines (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChemically modified oligonucleotides are routinely used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to their enhanced biological stability relative to natural DNA and RNA. Here, we examine the biological stability of α-l-threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA), an artificial genetic polymer composed of repeating units of α-l-threofuranosyl sugars linked by 2',3'-phosphodiester bonds. We show that TNA remains undigested after 7days of incubation in the presence of either 50% human serum or human liver microsomes and is stable against snake venom phosphordiesterase (a highly active 3' exonuclease).
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