Better immune defense against anthraxSeptember 09, 2009Scientists discover a gene in anthrax-causing bacteria may help defend against this form of bio-warfare. Spread of the deadly disease anthrax by spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis is a known terrorism risk and protection includes finding ways to treat the disease, according to an academic paper reviewed by Faculty of 1000. Scientists from the University of California (San Diego) have identified a gene in B. anthracis that not only contributes to the severity of the anthrax disease but also makes it more difficult for a patient's immune system to fight the infection. Mattias Collin, of Lund University, and Marc A. Williams, of the University of Rochester, praised the study as "a true tour de force" on the Faculty of 1000 Biology website and noted that this might provide a new way to treat anthrax poisoning. If the gene, known as ClpX, is inactivated in the anthrax-causing bacteria, the body's natural defence mechanism can better fight the disease. "This study has indeed identified a potential treasure trove in ClpX", Colin and Williams wrote. While there is much left to learn about the exact mechanism the bacteria use ClpX to attack their hosts, the Faculty of 1000 members added the study will "unveil novel targets for therapeutic intervention in treating anthrax in human subjects. Faculty of 1000: Biology and Medicine |
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| Related Anthrax Current Events and Anthrax News Articles Milestone biodefense publication by Elsevier journal Vaccine Last week during the 'Vaccines for Biothreats and Emerging and Neglected Diseases Symposium' in Galveston TX, USA, the Elsevier journal Vaccine released a supplement dedicated to vaccines for biodefense. Cigarettes Harbor Many Bacteria Harmful to Human Health Cigarettes are "widely contaminated" with bacteria, including some known to cause disease in people, concludes a new international study conducted by a University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France. New explanation for nature's hardiest life form Got food poisoning? The cause might be bacterial spores, en extremely hardy survival form of bacteria, a nightmare for health care and the food industry and an enigma for scientists. Argonne researchers develop method that aims to stabilize antibodies Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed a systematic method to improve the stability of antibodies. Early detection and quick response are key to defense against anthrax attack A large attack on a major metropolitan area with airborne anthrax could affect more than a million people, necessitating their treatment with powerful antibiotics. Data published in the New England Journal of Medicine support use of raxibacumab (ABthrax) for the treatment of inhalation anthrax Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) today announced publication by the New England Journal of Medicine of the results of two pivotal animal efficacy studies, which showed the life-saving potential of the Company's human monoclonal antibody drug raxibacumab. One secret to how TB sticks with you Mycobacterium tuberculosis is arguably the world's most successful infectious agent because it knows how to avoid elimination by slowing its own growth to a crawl. Unexpected discovery can open a new chapter in the fight against tuberculosis A close relative of the microorganism that causes tuberculosis in humans has been found to form spores. Genetic switch potential key to new class of antibiotics Researchers have determined the structure of a key genetic mechanism at work in bacteria, including some that are deadly to humans, in an important step toward the design of a new class of antibiotics. UI chemists' DNA biosynthesis discovery could lead to better antibiotics Combating several human pathogens, including some biological warfare agents, may one day become a bit easier thanks to research reported by a University of Iowa chemist and his colleagues in the April 16 issue of the journal Nature. More Anthrax Current Events and Anthrax News Articles |
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