G protein-coupled receptors provide attractive targets for drug therapy due to the sheer size and diversity of ligands within this receptor family. G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) GPR41 and GPR43 are related members of a homologous family of orphan G protein-coupled receptors that are tandemly encoded at a single chromosomal locus in both humans and mice. GPR43 functions as a ligand for short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), notably acetate and propionate. Bacteria in the gut produce high concen

B7-H4 protein is expressed on the surface of a variety of immune cells and functions as a negative regulator of T cell responses. While B7-H4 mRNA is widely distributed in mouse and human peripheral tissues, cell surface expression of B7-H4 protein is limited and shows an inducible pattern on hematopoietic cells. Putative receptor of B7-H4 can be upregulated on activated T cells. By arresting cell cycle, B7-H4 ligation of T cells has a profound inhibitory effect on the growth, cytokine secre

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily, and is exclusively expressed in monocytes and macrophages. It functions as an acute phase-regulated receptor involved in the clearance and endocytosis of hemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes by macrophages, and may thereby protect tissues from free hemoglobin-mediated oxidative damage. This protein may also function as an innate immune sensor for bacteria and inducer of local inflammation.

The extensive family of COL gene products (collagens) is composed of several chain types, including fibril-forming interstitial collagens (types I, II, III and V) and basement membrane collagens (type IV), each type containing multiple isoforms. Collagens are fibrous, extracellular matrix proteins with high tensile strength and are the major components of connective tissue, such as tendons and cartilage. All collagens contain a triple helix domain and frequently show lateral self-associati

LAMP3 might change the lysosome function after the transfer of peptide MHC class II molecules to the surface of dendritic cells. It's over expression is associated with an enhanced metastatic potential and may be a prognostic factor for cervical cancer. Expressed in lymphoid organs and dendritic cells and lung. Up regulated in carcinomas of the esophagus, colon, rectum, ureter, stomach, breast, fallopian tube, thyroid and parotid tissues.

HIV-1, the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), contains an RNA genome that produces a chromosomally integrated DNA during the replicative cycle. Activation of HIV-1 gene expression by the transactivator Tat is dependent on an RNA regulatory element (TAR) located downstream of the transcription initiation site. The protein encoded by this gene is a transcriptional repressor that binds to chromosomally integrated TAR DNA and represses HIV-1 transcription. In addition, t