Background: HIV-1 p17 binds heparin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans of the cell surface. Results: heparin/p17 interaction occurs through heparin sulfate groups and a linear basic motif of p17 N-terminus, also involved in p17/CXCR1 interaction. Conclusion: targeting the basic motif inhibits p17/receptors interaction and consequent biological activities. Significance: heparin-like molecules rep...

The long-term efficacy of anti-angiogenesis drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been lacking. We have shown that the ELR+CXCL cytokines and their (C-X-C) chemokine receptors, namely CXCR1 and CXCR2, stimulate cancer cell proliferation, tumor inflammation, and angiogenesis. Hence, this essential molecular...

Background Mycobacterium tuberculosis has evolved highly specialized mechanisms to proliferate in the host during infection. In this process, the infection of alveolar epithelial cells is a necessary step for mycobacteria dissemination; however the mechanisms of mycobacterial epithelial interactions are incompletely understood. Previously, we characterized the role of epithelial G protein coupl...