HIV & AIDS

How antibodies offer protection against an infection with HIV

A team of researchers investigating the transmission of HIV have discovered that HIV antibodies provide sterilizing immunity by inhibiting the infection of the first cell. The research is published in the journal Cell Reports ...

Neuroscience

'Viral relicts' in the genome could fuel neurodegeneration

Genetic remnants of viruses that are naturally present in the human genome could affect the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers at DZNE have come to this conclusion based on studies of cell cultures. In ...

Immunology

How dendritic cells activate the immune system

The specific or acquired immune system of vertebrates is a powerful weapon against pathogens and pathologically altered body cells. Here, T cells play a special role. After activation, they can systematically kill off target ...

Medical research

Researchers identify potential target in myeloid malignancies

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have identified a molecule that plays a role in post-translational modification and activation in myeloid malignancies, making it a potential therapeutic target. The ...

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Membrane protein

A membrane protein is a protein molecule that is attached to, or associated with the membrane of a cell or an organelle. More than half of all proteins interact with membranes.

Biological membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer and a variety of proteins that accomplish vital biological functions. Structural proteins are attached to microfilaments in the cytoskeleton which ensures stability of the cell. Cell recognition proteins allow cells to identify each other and interact. Such proteins are involved in immune response, for example. Membrane enzymes produce a variety of substances essential for cell function. Membrane receptor proteins serve as connection between the cell's internal and external environments. Finally, transport proteins play an important role in the maintenance of concentrations of ions. These transport proteins come in two forms: carrier proteins and channel proteins. Carrier proteins are involved in using the energy released from ATP being broken down to facilitate active transport and ion exchange. These processes ensure that useful substances are able to enter the cell and that toxic substances are pumped out of the cell.

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