Glossary terms

CpG oligonucleotides

Bacterial DNA oligodeoxynucleotide sequences that include a cytosine–guanosine sequence and certain flanking nucleotides that have been found to induce innate immune responses through interaction with Toll-like receptor 9.

DMXAA

5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid. An experimental anticancer drug currently in clinical trials for lung and prostate cancer. It is classified as a vascular disruption agent, causing apoptosis (death) of vessel endothelial cells and the release of vasoactive molecules, which inhibit the formation of new tumour blood vessels.

Antiviral unit

An antiviral unit is the concentration of an interferon required to inhibit virus replication in vitro by 50%; an international WHO standard provides a reference base for each major interferon type.

Caspase

A group of enzymes that have a role in promoting apoptosis (that is, programmed cell death). Inhibition of such enzymes might be useful for combating cell and tissue damage in conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, inflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Augmentation of such enzymes, through the production of pro-apoptotic proteins, might be useful for combating proliferative conditions, such as cancer.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase

(iNOS). An inducible haem-containing enzyme that produces nitric oxide in response to inflammatory signals.

Nucleoporins

Proteins that function in the nuclear transport of protein and RNA.

MRI lesions

Regions of abnormal signals in the brain or spinal cord, detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and indicative of tissue changes related to the multiple sclerosis pathogenic process. Depending on the imaging technique, these MRI changes can reflect inflammation, demyelination, axonal destruction or scarring.

Glucocorticoids

A group of compounds that belongs to the corticosteroid family. These compounds can either be naturally produced (hormones) or synthetic. They affect metabolism and have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Many synthetic glucocorticoids (for example, dexamethasone) are used in clinical medicine as anti-inflammatory drugs.