Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Molecular Biotechnology, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Published: July 2008
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
A major current deficit in structural biology is the lack of high-resolution structures of eukaryotic membrane proteins, many of which are key drug targets for the treatment of disease. Numerous eukaryotic membrane proteins require specific lipids for their stability and activity, and efforts to crystallize and solve the structures of membrane proteins that do not address the issue of lipids frequently end in failure rather than success. To help address this problem, we have developed a sparse matrix crystallization screen consisting of 48 lipidic-sponge phase conditions. Sponge phases form liquid lipid bilayer environments which are suitable for conventional hanging- and sitting-drop crystallization experiments. Using the sponge phase screen, we obtained crystals of several different membrane proteins from bacterial and eukaryotic sources. We also demonstrate how the screen may be manipulated by incorporating specific lipids such as cholesterol; this modification led to crystals being recovered from a bacterial photosynthetic core complex.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new viral variants has challenged public health efforts, often evading antibody responses generated by infections and vaccinations. This immune escape has led to waves of breakthrough infections, raising questions about the efficacy and durability of immune protection. Here we focus on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron spike mutations on ACE-2 receptor binding, protein stability, and immune response evasion.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose interleukin (IL-2) treatment for bullous pemphigoid (BP) caused by anti-programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors.
Methods: Low-dose IL-2 treatment was standardized for BP. The Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI), 5D-Itch Scale (5D-IS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were recorded before and after treatment, and hexachromatic lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and cytokines were measured.
The functional specialization of CD4 T lymphocytes into various subtypes, including T1 and T cells, is crucial for effective immune responses. T cells facilitate B cell differentiation within germinal centers, while T1 cells are vital for cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens. Integrin α4, a cell surface adhesion molecule, plays significant roles in cell migration and co-stimulatory signaling.
Background: Mutations commonly occur in cancer cells, arising neoantigen as potential targets for personalized immunotherapy of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the substantial heterogeneity observed among individuals and distinct foci within the same patient presents significant challenges in formulating immunotherapy strategies. The aim of the work is to characterize the mutation pattern and identify neopeptides across different patients and diverse foci within the same patients with LUAD.
Sepsis (sepsis) is a systemic inflammatory response triggered by infection, and its pathologic features include overproduction of peripheral inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), which ultimately leads to cytokine storm and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
