Abstract

Interleukin 16 (IL-16) has been shown to function as chemoattractant factor, as a modulator of T - cell activation and as an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. It is now clear that IL-16 is synthesised as a large precursor molecule (pro-IL-16), from which as yet unidentified proteases release a bioactive carboxyterminal fragment. The mechanism for IL-16 secretion is still unknown, but it is likely that the secreted protein is smaller than the originally published 130 amino acids. Upon transfection of an IL-16 cDNA, human T-cells became virtually resistant against HIV infection. This system may well be helpful in studying the mechanism of HIV suppression by this lymphokine. In addition, this approach could potentially be important for the development of gene therapy against HIV.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.