 |
|
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
Pathogens Current Events and Pathogens News RSSU.S. and European Experts Applaud Creation of New Transatlantic Task Force on Global Antibiotic Resistance Threat
Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide.
DNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
Pathogen protection and virulence: Dark side of fungal membrane protein revealed
Researchers at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) at Virginia Tech and Montana State University have discovered a fungal protein that plays a key role in causing disease in plants and animals and which also shields the pathogen from oxidative stress.
New Synthetic Molecules Trigger Immune Response to HIV and Prostate Cancer
Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic molecules capable of enhancing the body's immune response to HIV and HIV-infected cells, as well as to prostate cancer cells. Their findings, published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
Inappropriate sepsis therapy leads to fivefold reduction in survival
Patients experiencing septic shock who receive inappropriate therapy may have a fivefold reduction in survival, shows a new study.
Laser etching safe alternative for labeling grapefruit
Laser labeling of fruit and vegetables is a new, patented technology in which a low-energy carbon dioxide laser beam is used to label, or "etch" information on produce, thereby eliminating the need for common sticker-type labels.
Poorly cleaned public cruise ship restrooms may predict norovirus outbreaks
team of researchers from Boston University School (BUSM), Carney Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance and Tufts University School of Medicine, have found that widespread poor compliance with regular cleaning of public restrooms on cruise ships may predict subsequent norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs).
USU scientists report major advance in human antibody therapy against deadly Nipah virus
A collaborative research team from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Australian Animal Health Laboratory and National Cancer Institute, a component of the National Institutes of Health, reports a major step forward in the development of an effective therapy against two deadly viruses, Nipah virus and the related Hendra virus.
Exploring the final frontier: Disease proposed as major barrier to Mars and beyond
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that prolific virulence and growth of bacteria, coupled with reduced production of antibodies could limit future space travel.
Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?
This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the "Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease," a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics-with all its associated tools and techniques-can provide insights into our understanding of emerging infectious disease.
More Pathogens Current Events and Pathogens News Articles
 |
Biology Video: Introducing The Pathogens Also With: Video Education Australasia (Producer) Biology Video: Introducing The Pathogens by Video Education Australasia. A program exploring the characteristics of pathogenic organisms. This DVD explores the characteristics of the five major groups of pathogenic organisms, the progress of scientific research and technology in understanding these organisms, and how to combat the diseases they cause. We study how pathogens have altered the course of human history and why some infectious diseases are still a major cause of death in developing countries. First published in 1997. Geared to Grades 5 to 9. Running time: 35 minutes. Includes Teacher's Guide and Activity Masters! |
 |
Pathogens and Toxins in Food: Challenges and Interventions by Vijay K. Juneja (Editor), John N. Sofos (Editor) "Pathogens and Toxins in Foods: Challenges and Interventions" offers a farm-to-table approach to food safety that enables readers to control microbial pathogens and toxic agents at all stages of the food supply chain. The book begins with chapters that help readers understand the characteristics of specific pathogens and toxins, the illnesses they cause, and the factors such as food processing operations that affect their survival and growth in food products. Further, the chapters in the book explore the most recent advances in biological, chemical, and physical interventions to control food-borne hazards during preharvest, harvest, food processing, and in retail ready-to-eat foods and food service operations. Also included are chapters that discuss the latest methods to rapidly detect... |
|
Fungal Pathogens And Diseases of Cereals | |
|
Chinese Journal of Pathogen Biology = Zhongguo Bingyuan Shen by China Intl Book Trading Corp | |
 |
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. |
 |
Bloodborne Pathogen Clean Up Kit in Plastic Case, Wall Mountable (UNS03082) Category: First Aid Kits by Unisan Bloodborne Pathogen Clean-Up Kit • Meets OSHA standards for cleaning blood and other bodily fluid spills, preventing disease and contamination For outside, vehicle or indoor use. Plastic case with handle and wall mounts. Includes apron, eye cover, two shoe covers, two latex gloves, absorbent pack, two scoops/scrapers, two red biolhazard bags with ties, towel, isolation mask, two antiseptic wipes, germicidal wipe and instruction sheet. 12w x 3d x 6h. |
 |
Blood Born Pathogen Kit in Case by Aqua Gear Direct Our blood born pathogen kit in a hard plastic case with two snap shut latches and a folddown polypropylene combination handle/hanger |
 |
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. |
 |
Pathogen Howell-Freundlich Overdrive (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |