Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 30, 2018

Timing of third-trimester maternal Tdap immunization associated with levels of whooping cough antibodies in newborns

A recent observational study of 626 pregnancies found that maternal Tdap immunization in the third trimester is associated with higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies in infants. Immunizing mothers earlier in the third trimester may maximize these antibody levels, but definitive immunity levels for whooping cough are unknown.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 9, 2018

Protein modifications pointing to cancer

Scientists have developed a method to investigate all proteins in tissue samples that are modified by ADP-ribosylation, a stress response pathway. This allows for conclusions to be drawn about activated signaling pathways and potentially leads to new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 2018

Study reports successful kidney transplants from donors with a history of hepatitis C

Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that kidney transplantation can be safely performed using organs testing positive for hepatitis C virus antibody but negative for active viral infection. The study expanded the number of kidneys available for those in need, addressing a shortage in organ donations.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateAug 22, 2018

Certain antibodies against a sugar are associated with malaria protection

A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines

Study gauges impact of dengue virus on Ethiopia

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that nearly a third of febrile patients in Northwest Ethiopia tested positive for dengue virus. The study identified key risk factors, including residence, occupation, and lack of mosquito net use, which can contribute to DENV infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 31, 2018

Antibody removes Alzheimer's plaques, in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed an antibody that targets APOE protein, leading to the removal of amyloid plaques from mouse brains. This breakthrough could potentially halt brain damage triggered by plaques in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 26, 2018

Gut microbes protect against sepsis: Mouse study

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria stimulate serum IgA responses that offer protection against bacterial sepsis. The study found mice with Proteobacteria-rich microbiota survived longer after sepsis, while those without IgA antibodies died quickly.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 22, 2018

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

No llamas required

Researchers have developed a new method using yeast to create camelid-free antibodies, allowing for faster and more efficient protein structure determination. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex proteins without the need for llama or alpaca facilities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Human antibodies undermine parasite sex

Researchers have discovered that human antibodies can prevent malaria spread by destroying parasites in mosquitoes and preventing fertilization. This finding holds promise for developing a vaccine to halt the disease's transmission, which could significantly reduce global malaria burden.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2018