| 摘要 |
<p>A method is provided for inhibiting or preventing adherence of cancer cells or immunocytes to their target cells or target tissues by reducing the level of activity of FX enzyme in the cells. The reduction may either be in the amount of the FX protein or in the enzymatic activity of the protein in the cells. In addition, methods and agents are provided for down-regulating or up-regulating the level of activity of FX in cancer cells and in immunocytes. The down-regulation of FX in cancer cells is provided for inhibiting or preventing metastasis of cancer cells and the up-regulation of FX activity in cancer cells is useful for increasing the immunogenicity of these cells when used in a cancer vaccine. Down-regulation of FX in immunocytes inhibits or prevents conditions such as undesired inflammatory responses, auto-immunity and transplant rejection. Up-regulation of FX activity in immunocytes is useful for enhancing an immune reaction in cases of reduced immunity of an individual. The regulation of the level of activity of FX in cancer cells and immunocytes may be achieved by contacting the cells with various agents such as antibodies, growth factors, cytokines or various combinations of such agents. The level of activity of FX in cancer cells is also used as a diagnostic and prognostic factor of metastasis and the level of activity of FX in immunocytes is used as a marker of activation useful in determining an individual's response to an immunogen. Regulation of the level of activity of FX in various cancer cells and activated lymphocytes using an FX antisense sequence enables also to effect the level of various selectin ligands on these cells.</p> |
