 |
|
Modeling pathogen responses
October 12, 2007The search for a vaccination against HIV has been in progress since 1984, with very little success. Traditional methods used for identifying potential cellular targets can be very costly and time-consuming. The key to creating a vaccination lies in knowing which parts of the pathogen to target with which antibodies. A new study by David Heckerman and colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital, publishing on October 12, 2007, in PLoS Computational Biology, has come up with a way to match pathogens to their antibodies.
At the core of the human immune response is the train-to-kill mechanism in which specialized immune cells are sensitized to recognize small peptides from foreign pathogens (e.g., HIV). Following this sensitization, these cells are then activated to kill cells that display this same peptide. However, for sensitization and killing to occur, the pathogen peptide must be "paired up" with one of the infected person's other specialized immune molecules-an HLA (human leukocyte antigen) molecule. The way in which pathogen peptides interact with these HLA molecules defines if and how an immune response will be generated.
Heckerman's model uses ELISpot assays to identify HLA-restricted epitopes, and which HLA alleles are responsible for which reactions towards which pathogens. The data generated about the immune response to pathogens fills in missing information from previous studies, and can be used to solve a variety of similar problems. The model was applied to data from donors with HIV, and made 12 correct predictions out of 16. This study, says David Heckerman, has "significant implications for the understanding of-vaccine development". The statistical approach is unusual in the study of HLA molecules, and could lead the way to developing an HIV vaccine.
Public Library of Science
Public Library of Science
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Autophagy Gestational Diabetes Malaria Vaccine Quantum cryptography Quantum Dot Antiretroviral Therapy Restless Legs Syndrome Epstein-barr Virus Peptides Macrophages Insecticide Cardiac Death Secondhand Smoke Jupiter Collagen Pneumonia Heart Disease Flowering Plants Pesticides Antidepressants Archaea Microbes Amphibians Tumor Suppressor Flooding
See More: Science News Tags
Pathogens Current Events and Pathogens News RSSScripps research scientists find key culprits in lupus
The more than 1.5 million Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (or lupus) suffer from a variety of symptoms that flare and subside, often including painful or swollen joints, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, fever, and kidney problems.
Intestinal cells surprisingly active in pursuit of nutrition and defense
Every cell lining the small intestine bristles with thousands of tightly packed microvilli that project into the gut lumen, forming a brush border that absorbs nutrients and protects the body from intestinal bacteria.
Gladstone scientists identify key factor that controls HIV latency
Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes of Virology and Immunology (GIVI) have found another clue that may lead to eradication of HIV from infected patients who have been on antiretroviral therapy.
Research uncovers clues to virus-cancer link
In a series of recently-published articles, a research team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered clues to the development of cancers in AIDS patients.
Plant Microbe Shares Features with Drug-Resistant Pathogen
An international team of scientists has discovered extensive similarities between a strain of bacteria commonly associated with plants and one increasingly linked to opportunistic infections in hospital patients.
Preventing spread of infectious diseases is everyone's responsibility
According to a report published today, we must all share responsibility for preventing the spread of diseases such as swine flu, SARS, avian influenza, diarrhoeal and skin diseases, and even the common cold.
Rare disorder gives modelers first glimpse at immune system development
Children born without thymus glands have given Duke University Medical Center researchers a rare opportunity to watch as a new immune system develops its population of infection-fighting T-cells.
A tiny frozen microbe may hold clues to extraterrestrial life
A novel bacterium that has been trapped more than three kilometres under glacial ice in Greenland for over 120 000 years, may hold clues as to what life forms might exist on other planets.
Tracking down the causes of multiple sclerosis
Over 100,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis in Germany alone. Despite intensive research, the factors that trigger the disease and influence its progress remain unclear.
Common diabetes drug may 'revolutionize' cancer therapies
Researchers at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that a widely used anti-diabetic drug can boost the immune system and increase the potency of vaccines and cancer treatments.
More Pathogens Current Events and Pathogens News Articles
 |
Bloodborne Airborne Pathogens by McGraw-Hill (Corporate Author) The National Safety Council has been the leader in protecting life and promoting health in the workplace for nearly 100 years. Its mission is to educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death. The National Safety Council's courses have grown to meet the changing needs of emergency responders at all levels of expertise. More than 8 million first aid/CPR/AED responders have trained by over 10,000 instructors through a network of approximately 2,500 training centers nationwide. Fulfill OSHA training requirements and reduce employees' risk of injury and illness with the National Safety Council's "Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens" course - the choice for infection control compliance information. |
 |
Born Again in Brazil: The Pentecostal Boom and the Pathogens of Poverty by Rutgers University Press Combining historical, political, and ethnographic research, the author shows that the relationship between faith healing and illness in the conversion process is integral to the popularity of Pentecostalism among Brazil's poor. |
|
Fungal Pathogens And Diseases of Cereals | |
 |
First Aid Only Bloodborne Pathogen Bodily Spill Kit, 21-Piece Kit by First Aid Only This 23pc. bodily fluid spill kit is specifically designed to protect the user during biohazard clean-up and is intended for businesses, offices and work sites. This kit includes a complete head-to-toe defense package for fluid pick-up necessities and to protect against bio-hazardous contaminants. This kit meets with federal OSHA recommendations and contains an ample supply of garment disposal and biohazard bags. Products are contained in a sturdy, reusable plastic case that can be easily carried or mounted on a wall. |
 |
Microbe-Lift TheraP Pathogen Controller, 16-Ounce by Microbe-Lift TheraP helps control pathogens in reef, marine and fresh water tanks. |
|
Chinese Journal of Pathogen Biology = Zhongguo Bingyuan Shen by China Intl Book Trading Corp | |
 |
Stargate SG-1: Pathogen by Sharon Gosling (Author) Teal'c - was there a rock fall? Are we.... are we trapped in here? SG-1 runs into trouble when the team triggers a Goa'uld trap meant for grave robbers. Infected by an unknown pathogen, Colonel O'Neill orders the team to stay put and sends for help. It arrives in the form of Dr Janet Fraiser, but when did any rescue ever go smoothly for Stargate Command's flagship team - or its intrepid doctor? |
 |
ElmridgE All-Ready Total System First Aid Kit with Blood Borne Pathogen Protection by ElmridgE This first aid system is a patented approach to treating common injuries until professional help arrives. Contains the 9 packs of the Total System: * Basics * Bites & Stings * Bleeding * Bone * Breathing * Burns * Eye * Head & Spine * Shock Plus 2 additional packs: * Blood Borne Pathogen Protective Clothing * Blood Borne Pathogen Clean Up The injury care packs come complete with all the right supplies you will need along with a 22-page color- and icon-coded guidebook and instruction cards for rapid identification. Everything is conveniently stored in the large soft-sided carry case. |
 |
Bloodline by Pathogen Hailing from Perth, Pathogen is a five-piece band who are dedicated to giving new life to the musical genre of metal. Intricate and epic melodies combined with powerful groove sections laden with rich acoustic passages, Pathogen has developed a unique style. The 'Bloodline' album is a 62 minute epic and encompasses over seven years worth of material. |
 |
Pathogen by Fervor Records |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |