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Smallpox
New smallpox study results reported from Oklahoma State University
March 3rd, 2009
"Human interleukin-18 (hIL-18) is a cytokine that plays an important role in inflammation and host defense against microbes. Its activity is regulated in vivo by a naturally occurring antagonist, the human IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP)," scientists writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America report. "Functional homologs of human IL-18BP are encoded by all orthopoxviruses, including variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. They contribute to virulence by suppressing IL-18-mediated immune responses. Here, we describe the 2.0-angstrom resolution crystal structure of an orthopoxvirus IL-18BP,...
Source: TB & Outbreaks Week (2009-03-03)
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