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New research can put an end to allergic reactions

Researchers at Aarhus University have found a new mechanism by which an antibody can prevent allergic reactions, including those caused by birch pollen and insect venom. The antibody interferes with the binding of IgE molecules to immune cells, thereby eliminating allergic symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2018

New vaccine technology shows promise as a tool to combat the opioid crisis

Researchers developed an experimental heroin vaccine that induces antibodies blocking the drug's effects, preventing euphoria and addictive properties. The vaccine appears to dampen the impact of heroin at high doses, potentially preventing overdose. Antibodies induced by the vaccine do not cross-react with therapies for opioid misuse.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2017

To trim away a protein

Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

University of Louisville lab helps discover new disease that causes kidney failure

Researchers at the University of Louisville discovered a new autoimmune disease that causes kidney failure, dubbed anti-brush border antibody (ABBA) disease. The disease was identified after analyzing biopsied kidney tissue from patients with acute kidney injury, and it affects the nephrons' brush borders by coating them with antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 3, 2017

Study shows antibody-biogel partnership can be stronger defense than previously thought

Scientists have discovered that weak binding between antibodies and biological gels like mucus is more effective in trapping pathogens, making it a stronger first line of defense. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of various diseases by providing new targets for engineered antibodies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2017

Two antibodies are better than one for preventing HIV infection

Researchers found that a combination of two broadly-neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies protected primates against infection with a mixed population of HIV viruses. The findings suggest that combination therapies might be essential to prevent HIV in people, highlighting the need for regimens that protect against several targets.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 20, 2017

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017

Storming the cellular barricades to fight fungi

Researchers have created antibody-recruiting molecules targeting fungi (ARM-Fs) that can attach to fungal cell walls and recruit human antibodies to combat infections. These small molecules offer a new strategy for treating fungal diseases affecting thousands of people each year.

SourceYale University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 12, 2017

New therapeutic antibody for dog cancers

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody that induces immune responses and tumor regression in dogs with malignant cancers. The antibody targets PD-L1-positive cancers, including oral malignant melanoma and undifferentiated sarcoma.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2017

Metal simplifies synthesis of antibody drugs

Rice University scientists have developed a method to efficiently modify natural antibodies that can deliver drugs to target cells by adding rhodium, a rare transition metal. The new technique allows labs to test the relative function of various antibody sources and antigen targets to see which will work best on tumor cells.

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

A new test to detect reliably an autoimmune disease

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed a new test to detect anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease affecting around 0.5% of the population. The test targets the specific antibody that binds to cells, producing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic factors, offering improved accuracy and standardization.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHaematologica·DateJun 14, 2017