TNF superfamily: Costimulation and clinical applications

Therapeutic Targets of the TNF Superfamily

T cell costimulation by the TNF ligand BAFF.

The TNF ligand family member BAFF (B cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family, also called Blys, TALL-1, zTNF-4, or THANK) is an important survival factor for B cells [corrected]. In this study, we show that BAFF is able to regulate T cell activation. rBAFF induced responses (thymidine incorporation and cytokine secretion) of T cells, suboptimally stimulated through their TCR. BAFF ac...

Costimulation blockade: towards clinical application.

Organ transplantation is an increasingly successful therapy for many forms of organ failure, but its success depends upon drug therapies to prevent immunologic destruction of the transplanted organ also known as rejection. Most therapies designed to prevent rejection alter the immune system in a rather broad, antigen independent way, and thus alter protective immunity as well as immune response...

TNF and TNF Receptor Superfamily Members in HIV infection: New Cellular Targets for Therapy?

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF receptors (TNFR) superfamily members are engaged in diverse cellular phenomena such as cellular proliferation, morphogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, and immune regulation. Their role in regulating viral infections has been well documented. Viruses have evolved with numerous strategies to interfere with TNF-mediated signaling indicating the importance of TNF...

Hemoglobin A1c: Clinical applications and analytical considerations

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Hyperglycemia is the common feature of DM. Hyperglycemia causes cardiovascular, renal, ocular, and peripheral nerve disorders in patients with diabetes. Glycemic regulation plays an essential role in controlling these complications. Thus, evaluation of the glycemic control status is crucial in the management of DM. H...