The ability of the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) protein Nef to induce cytoskeleton changes in infected host cells is a key event in viral replication. In renal podocytes, we found that Nef induced loss of stress fibers and increased lamellipodia, pathological changes leading to proteinuria in HIV-associated nephropathy. These morphological changes were mediated by Nef-induced Ra...

Nef is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) auxiliary protein that plays an important role in virus replication and the onset of acquired immunodeficiency. Although known functions of Nef might explain its contribution to HIV-1-associated pathogenesis, how Nef increases virus infectivity is still an open question. In vitro, Nef-deleted viruses have a defect that prevents efficient comp...

CXCR4 receptors have been implicated in tumorigenesis and proliferation, making it a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy. Expression of this chemokine receptor on cellular surfaces appears to promote metastasis by directly stimulating tumor cell migration and invasion. The receptor/ligand, CXCR4/SDF-1alpha, pair are critically important to angiogenesis and vascular remodeling which s...

A number of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1)-based vectors have recently been shown to transduce nondividing cells in vivo as well as in vitro. However, if these vectors are to be considered for eventual clinical use, a major consideration is to reduce the probability of unintended generation of replication-competent virus. This can be achieved by eliminating viral genetic elements involve...

Knowing that adenoviral vectors could initiate innate immunity, the ability of E1-deleted recombinant adenovirus (Ad-E1Δ) in induction of B7.1 and IL-2 molecules was studied. Methods: The expression of green fluorescent protein in C1498 cells following transfection of these cells with adenovirus green fluorescent protein vector confirmed the ability of adenovirus vectors in infecting the cells ...

Nef is a HIV-1 accessory protein critical for the replication of the virus and the development of AIDS. The major pathological activity of Nef is the down-regulation of CD4, the primary receptor of HIV-1 infection. The mechanism underlying Nef-mediated CD4 endocytosis and degradation remains incompletely understood. Since protein ubiquitination is the predominant sorting signal in receptor endo...

knowing that adenoviral vectors could initiate innate immunity, the ability of e1-deleted recombinant adenovirus (ad-e1δ) in induction of b7.1 and il-2 molecules was studied. methods: the expression of green fluorescent protein in c1498 cells following transfection of these cells with adenovirus green fluorescent protein vector confirmed the ability of adenovirus vectors in infecting the cells ...