RECEPTOR RECOGNITION FACTOR AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

摘要

A receptor recognition factor exists that recognizes the specific cell receptor to which a specific ligand has been bound, and that may thereby signal and/or initiate the binding of the transcription factor to the DNA site. The receptor recognition factor may itself be a part of a transcription factor or may interact with a transcription factor to cause it to activate and travel to the nucleus for DNA binding. The receptor recognition factor appears to be second-messenger-independent in its activity, as overt perturbations in second messenger concentrations are of no effect. The concept of the invention is illustrated by the results of studies conducted with interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene transcription, and particularly, the activation caused by IFN alpha . Additional observations derived from studies with IFN tau are also supportive.