Abstract β-Glucans are major structural components of fungi. We have recently reported that the pathogenic fungus Pneumocystis carinii assembles a β-glucan-rich cell wall that potently activates alveolar macrophages to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Purified P. carinii β-glucans predictably induce both cytokine generation and associated neutrophilic lung inflammation. Herein, we demonstrate that P. carinii β-glucan-induced macrophage
Abstract In this report we identify an accessory cell that interacts with primed and memory T cells at sites where they collaborate with B cells. These cells are distinguished from conventional dendritic cells by their lack of response to Flt3 ligand and their inability to process antigen. Unlike dendritic cells,
Abstract The carbohydrate polymers known as beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system – stimulating antitumour and antimicrobial activity, for example – by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them. Although beta-glucans are known to bind to receptors, such as complement receptor 3
Translation initiation of poliovirus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA occurs by entry of ribosomes to the internal RNA sequence, called the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). Both IRES bind to the La protein and are thought to require the protein for their translation initiation activity, although they are greatly