Article Abstract:
Three potential mechanisms by which Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(sub L) promote cell survival are presented. One perspective is that Bcl-2-related proteins may function as signaling receptors for intracellular organelles. Another viewpoint is that phosphorylation of Bad may be an important factor in promoting cell survival, when the persistent association of Bad with 14-3-3 in the cytosol makes it unavailable for interaction with Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(sub L), which, in turn, are allowed to perform their anti-apoptotic function. The third mechanism involves the three-dimensional structure of Bcl-x(sub L).
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Article Abstract:
Two CD28 ligands B7-1(CD 80) and B7-2(CD 86) have been established to bind to CTLA-4, a receptor related to CD28 and the B7/CD28 costimulatory pathway that seems to play a role in regulating the differentiation of T helper (Th) cells besides production and proliferation of these cells. Th cells are differentiated into Th1 cells that direct immunity and Th2 cells that support humoral immune response. The B7-1 and BB7-2 ligands seem to have distinguishable abilities to differentiate the Th cells and this fact has a great consequence on immunotherapy.
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Article Abstract:
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD) is necessary for the development and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Apoptosis or necrosis disrupts mitochondrial physiology. It is reported that a variety of apoptotic and necrotic stimuli lead to progressive mitcochondrial swelling and membrane rupture. Changes can be inhibited by the mitochondrial membrane protein Bcl-XL, in response to agents that inhibit oxidative phosphorylation.
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