The interleukin (IL)-1 family members IL-1{alpha}, -1ß, and -18 are potent inflammatory cytokines whose activities are dependent on heterodimeric receptors of the IL-1R superfamily, and which are regulated by soluble antagonists. Recently, several new IL-1 family members have been identified. To determine the role of one of these family members in the skin, transgenic mice expressing IL1F6 in basal keratinocytes were generated. IL1F6 transgenic mice exhibit skin abnormalities that are dependent on IL-1Rrp2 and IL-1RAcP, which are two members of the IL-1R family. The skin phenotype is characterized by acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, the presence of a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, and increased cytokine and chemokine expression. Strikingly, the combination of the IL-1F6 transgene with an IL1F5 deficiency results in exacerbation of the skin phenotype, demonstrating that IL-1F5 has antagonistic activity in vivo. Skin from IL1F6 transgenic, IL1F5–/– pups contains intracorneal and intraepithelial pustules, nucleated corneocytes, and dilated superficial dermal blood vessels. Additionally, expression of IL1RL2, -1F5, and -1F6 is increased in human psoriatic skin. In summary, dysregulated expression of novel agonistic and antagonistic IL-1 family member ligands can promote cutaneous inflammation, revealing potential novel targets for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

A great question was recently asked: “Why can’t most Americans find America on a map”. It is a good one, isn’t it? Makes you think.

This happens, A LOT, in the tech industry. I have been burned many of times by dropping prices — you always will be. But. But in this case Apple has gone a long way towards keeping customers happy. Check out this open letter from Steve Jobs:
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

What a company. This action towards keeping customers happy while developing huge positive PR is pretty unprecedented in the industry. Kudos, Apple.

Yes I want an iPhone, yes I will buy one… and the price drop brought me much closer to that day. Still, I am awaiting the 3G version. Once that product is released I wills say “goodbye” to Verizon, and “hello” iPhone and AT&T.

This is pretty cool. I came across this article over morning coffee. Looks like they organized it based on traffic volume, and formatted it like a metro map. Very nice! A suggestion to anyone with the ability: it might be cool to see a version based on Google’s Page Rank system. =]