The humoral immune response to flaviviruses is mainly directed to the major envelope protein, E, and a glycosylated non-structural protein, NS1. Cellmediated immune responses, however, appear to be directed mainly against non-structural proteins. Experiments described here show that a defective recombinant adenovirus (Rad51) containing the gene encoding the NS1 protein of tick-borne encephalitis virus can induce a strong protective immune response against several pathogenic tickborne flaviviruses in an experimental animal model, and can enhance the efficacy of conventional vaccine

To evaluate the suitability of Bacillus subtilis as a production host of heterologous proteins for pharmaceutical purposes, we assessed the biological activity of this bacterium and its major cell envelope components, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan-teichoic acid complex (PGTA) in several eukaryotic effector assays. LTA and PGTA were found to be non-toxic for mice and guinea-pigs in a short-term toxicity assay. PGTA was weakly pyrogenic and weakly mitogenic. Both LTA and PGTA acted as immunologic adjuvants in mice and when injected in mice, also caused an increase in the number of granulocyte-monocyte colony-forming cells in the bone marrow probably via stimulation of production of granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract. Phosphorilated polyprenols (PP) isolated from different sources are known to exert immunomodulating and antiviral activities. In this paper possible anti-inflammatory action of PP were studied using sensitive models of 5-lypoxigenase and 15-lypoxigenase activity inhibition, as well as a model of the hypostasis induced by the complete Freundt’s adjuvant, or carraginan. Also in vitro model of bronchospasm was used to study prospective broncholytic activity of PP. The latter was found to exert dose-dependent inhibitory effect upon both 5-lypoxigenase and 15-lypoxigenase activity. In the suspension cell culture significant inhibitory effect of PP upon leukotriens production was found even at a concentration of 5 mcg/ml; at concentration of 100 mkg/ml activity of the enzyme was suppressed almost to zero. In neutrophil cells cultivated on a collagenic substrate the significant inhibitory effect was also found at the concentration of 5 mcg/ml; 20 mcg/ml of PP reduced 5-LOX activity approximately 20-fold. In another protocol PP significantly inhibited 15-LOX activity. Thus, PP may be regarded as active inhibitor of both lipoxygenases. The PP exerted anti-inflammatory activity at both models of hypostasis, though it was weaker compared with indomethacin. Also PP was found to possess broncholytic activity in vitro in the bronchospasm model. Taking into account early established findings proving that PP may function as a physiological counterregulator of MIF (macrophage inhibitory factor), a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, our data prove that PP possess anti-inflammatory and broncholytic activities, which might be used for development of novel drugs for preventive care and treatment of bronchial asthma, inflammatory diseases and other pathologies.

The results suggest lithium ascorbate has a high neuroprotective potential in stress models in vivo and in vitro.

Zinc and vitamin C supplementation of the body is important for CNS functioning. Zinc ions are involved in the neurotransmission (signal transmission from acetylcholine, catecholamine, serotonin, prostaglandin receptors) and in ubiquitin-related protein degradation. Zinc deficits are associated with Alzheimer's disease and depression. Zinc supplementation (10-30 mg daily) improves neurologic recovery rate in patients with stroke and brain injury, has a positive impact on memory and reduces hyperactivity in children. Vitamin C, a zinc synergist, maintains antioxidant resources of the brain, synaptic activity and detoxification. Vitamin C in dose 130-500 mg daily should be used to prevent dementia and neurodegenerative pathology.