Cytomegalovirus pulls strings behind NK cells

Cytomegalovirus pulls strings behind NK cells

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the BCRABL1 kinase have revolutionized the treatment strategy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Among the TKIs, dasatinib is distinctive in that it inhibits a broad spectrum of tyrosine kinases, including key regulators of immune responses [1]. In agreement with this p...

Regulation of myofibroblast activities: calcium pulls some strings behind the scene.

Myofibroblast-induced remodeling of collagenous extracellular matrix is a key component of our body's strategy to rapidly and efficiently repair damaged tissues; thus myofibroblast activity is considered crucial in assuring the mechanical integrity of vital organs and tissues after injury. Typical examples of beneficial myofibroblast activities are scarring after myocardial infarct and repair o...

Human NK Cells Inhibit Cytomegalovirus

Membrane cytoskeleton: PIP2 pulls the strings

A recent application of optical tweezers has shown that plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) levels control adhesion of the membrane bilayer to the underlying cytoskeleton, by regulated direct binding of PIP(2) to cytoskeletal proteins and/or indirect effects on cytoskeleton structure.

Galectin-1 Pulls the Strings on VEGFR2

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cancer immunotherapy targets angiogenesis but development of resistance in patients is common. In this issue of Cell, Croci et al. identify a complex set of mechanisms by which galectin-1 prolongs cell-surface retention of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and stimulates VEGF-independent tumor angiogenesis.