Growth factors are protein molecules that regulate cell division and survival, and can be genetically engineered for biological therapy. They bind to cell surface receptors, activating proliferation and differentiation, and are versatile in stimulating cellular division across various cell types or specific to one. Growth factors function as stimulators or inhibitors, affecting cell migration, tumor cell invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell survival. (More Info)

Chemokines are pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly chemotactic for various cell types, with molecular weights of 8-10 kDa and 20%-50% sequence homology. They are categorized into two subfamilies by chromosomal location: Alpha-Chemokines (CXC-Chemokines) on chromosome 4q12-21, which include ELR sequence chemokines that attract neutrophils, and non-ELR sequence chemokines that attract monocytes, dendritic cells, and other immune cells. Chemokines share common genes, structures, and conserved cysteine residues. (More Info)

Cell surface antigens on leukocytes, known as CD antigens, are crucial for immune responses. These Clusters of Differentiation indicate the lineage or maturation stage of lymphocytes, with different antigens expressed as cells mature. Initially identified by monoclonal antibodies, CD antigens serve as receptors for cell communication and immune reactions, and their nomenclature describes antibodies recognizing identical antigens, with arbitrary numbering and a “w” prefix indicating tentative designations. (More Info)

Neurotrophins play a vital role in nerve development by influencing cell survival, differentiation, and growth. These small proteins maintain nerve cell viability at low concentrations but can also trigger cell death in certain contexts. They regulate the growth of dendrites and promote neuronal survival during development phases, acting as neurotrophic factors that support neuronal differentiation, proliferation, synaptic functions, and survival in both central and peripheral nervous systems. (More Info)

Hormones act as catalysts for cellular changes essential for growth, development, and energy, carrying signals through the bloodstream to maintain homeostasis in organisms. They regulate target cells via specific receptors and their actions depend on secretion patterns and tissue response. While some hormones circulate freely, others bind to plasma proteins, like hydrophobic steroid hormones. For instance, Insulin and Glucagon form antagonistic pairs, regulating blood glucose levels by lowering or raising them as needed. (More Info)

Enzymes are highly efficient and specific catalysts that accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy, essential for nearly all chemical reactions in living organisms. They can either join molecules together or break them apart, playing crucial roles in processes like digestion, respiration, and growth. Enzymes can be extracellular (outside cells) or intracellular (inside cells), but they require the correct structure to function and are sensitive to factors like temperature, pH, and heavy metal ions. (More Info)

A viral antigen is a strain-specific protein encoded by the viral genome, forming a critical part of viral particles and playing roles in infection processes. Viruses pose significant global health threats, causing diseases like influenza, hepatitis, and AIDS, with antibodies and cellular immune responses being vital in combating viral infections. ELISAs utilizing recombinant viral proteins aid in virus detection, diagnosis, and response, especially for emerging viruses and new strains. (More Info)

Recombinant proteins are created through genetic engineering, combining genes to produce proteins with known functions. This technology utilizes vectors, like bacteria or yeast cells, as factories to mass-produce proteins for medical and research purposes. Tags are often added to simplify purification and expression processes, streamlining production of recombinant proteins. (More Info)

Natural proteins, such as thrombin, fibronectin, avidin, aprotinin, and anticoagulant factors, are essential molecules with diverse functions in the body. These proteins play crucial roles in blood clotting, cell adhesion, enzyme inhibition, and maintaining blood fluidity, showcasing the complexity and versatility of natural protein structures. (More Info)

Monoclonal antibodies are derived from a single cell and have identical offspring, recognizing specific epitopes to provide protection against diseases. They target proteins on normal and cancer cells, coupling with cytotoxic agents to selectively destroy cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones. These antibodies are produced by fusion of tumor cells with mammalian cells, resulting in hybridomas that continuously generate specific antibodies, unlike polyclonal antibodies from multiple cell types. (More Info)

Polyclonal antibodies, generated by B cells, target multiple epitopes on antigens and are relatively easy, quick, and cost-effective to produce compared to monoclonal antibodies. The production process involves preparing the antigen, choosing an adjuvant, injecting the antigen-adjuvant solution into an animal, collecting blood for antibody extraction, and offers advantages in versatility and accessibility for research and diagnostic purposes. (More Info)