Serp-1 and Serp-2, Viral Anti-inflammatory Proteins, Modulate Signaling in Human Monocytes

摘要

Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and cell death (apoptosis) which initiatesplaque growth and thrombotic occlusion. Serine protease inhibitors, or serpins, regulate apoptotic,inflammatory,and coagulation (thrombotic and thrombolytic) pathways driving atherosclerosis and vasculitis.The myxoma pox virus encodes viral serpins that subdue the host’s immune reaction; Serp-1, which significantlyreduces inflammatory cell activation, invasion and plaque growth in animal models, and the cross-class serpin,Serp-2, which reduces inflammation and apoptosis in a variety of animal models. However, the signalingpathways targeted by these serpins are currently unknown. This study assesses the effects of Serp-1 and Serp-2on gene expression changes regulating cell signaling in human monocytes.