Replikins

Article summary

Replikins, according to some studies, are short peptide sequences characterized by recurring appearances of lysine and histidine residues. One study described these sequences as being 7 to 50 amino acids long, containing two or more lysine residues, at least one histidine, and a 6% or more concentration of lysine. They are typically identified by calculating a "replikin count," which reflects the frequency of these sequences per 100 amino acids in a protein. Some studies have proposed that increases in replikin concentration may correspond with rapid viral replication or changes in pathological behavior, including in the analyses of influenza outbreaks. Replikins have also been investigated in experimental peptide vaccines and in studies exploring potential connections between genomic replikin counts and cancer lethality. A method for identifying replikins was patented by Samuel and Elenore S. Bogoch in 2001. The peptide group was first identified by a proprietary company called Replikins, who have trademarked the name "Replikin Count". == Proposed research applications == === Viral Outbreak Prediction === A 2011 study by Bogoch and Bogoch suggested that increases in "replikin counts" within influenza viruses, like H1N1 and H5N1, may happen before or during major outbreaks.…

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