Rheumatoid Arthritis

CCR2, also known as CD192 (cluster of differentiation 192), is a chemokine receptor and is expressed by monocytes, activated T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. This protein is encoded by CCR2 gene in humans. CCR2 gene encodes two protein isoforms of a receptor for chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), MCP3 and MCP4.

Acromegaly is a rare life-shortening disease caused by elevated levels of growth hormone (GH) secreted by a tumor on the pituitary gland. Treatments include somatostatin analogs, which activate somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), reducing GH secretion and tumor size.

MCP1, also known as CCL2, is a small chemokine factor belonging to the CC chemokine family. It is predominantly produced by endothelial cells and macrophages, and specifically is a chemoattractant for monocytes and basophils. It is produced by a wide range of cell types in reaction to diverse inflammatory stimuli including tissue injury, infection, and inflammation.

Over the years muscular dystrophies have become a popular area of research. These are a group of inherited disorders that involve an increase in muscle weakness over time. These disorders greatly decrease the quality of life and there are no known cures. Research in this area appears to have excelled in the past two years with findings related to the genes NCoR and EZH2.

Vimentin is a fundamental 10 nm type III intermediate filament (IF) protein found in many mesenchymal and epithelia tissues, tissue culture cells, and developing neuronal and astrocytic precursor cells of the central nervous system.

The myeloid differentiation protein MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response protein) was originally identified and characterized as a primary upregulated response gene in interleukin-6 mediated myeloid differentiation.

S100A12 (Calgranulin C) belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins. The 20 members of this group share EF-hand domains which are involved in binding of calcium. S100A12 is expressed by granulocytes, whereas its expression by monocytes remains controversial (1). S100A12 is secreted by activated granulocytes (2). S100A12 is a ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expressed on macrophages, lymphocytes and endothelium.

Interleukin 6 is a complex pleiotropic cytokine having both anti and pro-inflammatory effects. Alterations in expression contribute to many human diseases, and the IL6 antibody is widely used in the research areas of innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmune disorders; CAD (coronary artery disease); neurological disorders; cancer and inflammatory disease.

Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) is a cytokine protein that plays an essential role in inducing the systemic inflammatory response, being expressed in tissues throughout the body. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, TNF alpha causes negative clinical effects. These can be controlled by inhibitory TNF antibody drugs, a number of which are now on the market. We at Novus Biologicals have an extensive range of TNF alpha antibodies.

We at Novus Biologicals recently added two new MCP1 antibodies to our antibody catalog. MCP1, also known as MCAF (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor) is released by a diverse range of cell types as part of the inflammatory response. A member of the SIG (small inducible gene) family, it is selective for monocytes and basophils, mainly to recruit monocytes to injury and infection sites.