Biological Response Modifiers Interferons, Double-Stranded RNA and 22,52-Oligo [Paperback]

Biological response modifiers are increasingly used in viral and cancer therapy. Since alterations of the immune system are the primary symptoms of HIV infection, especially therapies directed towards the modulation of the immune response have been under intense evaluation. This volume summarizes current knowledge of the interferon-based natural antiviral protection system including 2',5'-oligoadenylate and double-stranded RNA. It will also help to develop further a solid scientific rationale for the practical use of heterologous immunomodulators in the clinics.Activation of the dsRNA-Dependent Kinase.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Mechanism of Activation of the dsRNA-Dependent Kinase.- 3 Regulation of the dsRNA-Dependent Kinase.- 4 Biological Significance of the dsRNA-Dependent Kinase.- 5 Conclusion and Prospective.- References.- Double-Stranded RNAs as Gene Activators.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Double-Stranded RNA as Gene Inducers.- 3 Interaction of dsRNA with Target Cells.- 4 dsRNAs as Gene Activators.- 5 Conclusions.- References.- Viral-Dependent Phosphorylation of a dsRNA-Dependent Kinase.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Plant-Virus Interactions.- 3 Plant-Protein Phosphorylation.- 4 Detection of Viral-Induced Phosphorylation.- 5 Characterization of Viral-Induced Phosphorylation.- 5.1 Stimulatory Molecules.- 5.2 Temporal Pattern of Phosphorylation.- 5.3 In Vivo Phosphorylation of p68.- 5.4 Characterization of p68 Protein Kinase Activity.- 5.5 Immunological Similarity with the Human p68.- 5.6 Peptide Sequencing.- 5.7 Transgenic Plant Studies.- 6 Homology with Mammalian Kinases.- 7 Conclusions and Future Directions.- References.- Cellular Inhibitors of the Interferon-Induced, dsRNA-Activated Protein Kinase.- 1 Introduction.- 2 A Cellular Inhibitor of the P68 Kinase from Influenza Virus-Infected Cells.- 2.1 Downregulation of the P68 Kinase During Influenza Virus Infection.- 2.2 Purification and Characterization of a Cellular Inhibitor of the P68 Kinase from Influenza Virus-Infected Cells.- 2.lCh