VRK2 inhibits the replication of infectious bursal disease virus by phosphorylating RACK1 and suppressing apoptosis.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious, and immunosuppressive avian disease caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Despite significant efforts, the lack of knowledge about host proteins that counteract IBDV replication has hindered progress in preventing and controlling IBD in chickens. This study identifies the mitochondria-associated protein vaccinia virus-related kinase 2 (VRK2) as an inhibitor of IBDV.

The role of RANTES as a crucial downstream cytokine in calcineurin-dependent VSMC apoptosis stimulated by INFgamma and CD40L.

Many studies have suggested that VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cell) apoptosis plays a key role in destabilization and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore protection for VSMCs from apoptosis is a promising approach to stabilize 'vulnerable' lesions. However, the mechanisms as to why VSMCs in the fibrous cap often appear as profilerated in early stages, but turn apoptotic in advanced stages, are still unknown.

Downregulation of T helper cell type 3 in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background And Aims: There is an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina. T helper cell type 3 (Th3), which primarily secretes transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), has been shown to inhibit both Th1 and Th2 cells. The present study was designed to investigate whether Th3 cells are involved in plaque destabilization and the onset of ACS.