Research on antibodies and their uses. Covers engineered antitoxin antibodies, long-lasting immunity, monoclonal therapies, and antiviral T cells.
A study found that piglets receive maternal IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies against Cystoisospora suis in the colostrum, which decline after two weeks. High levels of these antibodies are associated with reduced severity of neonatal diarrhoea.
A new strategy developed at UC Davis Health System tests for telltale antibodies in the blood to detect tuberculosis, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The test can detect about 80% of active TB cases, making it a significant advancement in disease detection.
Researchers tracked the movement of specialized cells to shed light on the immune system's response to invading pathogens. The study found that T follicular helper cells continually move between germinal centers within lymph nodes, potentially enhancing antibody production.
Researchers found antibodies specific to MERS-CoV in 100% of serum samples from dromedary camels in Oman, but not in animals from other countries. This suggests that a MERS-CoV-like virus is circulating in dromedary camels, potentially serving as an animal reservoir for the human coronavirus.
University of Alberta researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding prion protein interactions, paving the way for designing molecules that can block prion infection. The discovery opens up possibilities for treating human victims and preventing livestock diseases such as BSE.
Researchers discover that prion protein has a 'switch' controlling its toxicity, which can be triggered by antibodies targeting the flexible tail. The study finds that only antibodies targeting the tail are suitable for use as potential drugs, while those triggering the switch are harmful.
Researchers at the IRCM isolated two important mechanisms that improve antibody quality, providing a new model for studying auto-immune diseases. The study found that these mechanisms, class switching and affinity maturation, are crucial for immune responses to infections and diseases.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism have higher levels of gluten antibodies than those without autism. The researchers also discovered an association between the elevated antibodies and gastrointestinal symptoms in affected children. However, no connection was found to celiac disease.
Researchers have found antibodies against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that may help predict individuals at risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The study found that these antibodies were detectable in nearly 35% of patients with cancer, compared to less than 1% of those without cancer.
A new study on an anti-nicotine vaccination found mixed results, with some patients experiencing a decrease in brain nicotine accumulation but others showing an increase. The study used PET imaging to test the vaccine's effectiveness, revealing that high-affinity antibodies were associated with decreased brain nicotine accumulation.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified an extraordinary family of cow antibodies that could lead to breakthroughs in human medicine. The unique structure and mechanism of these antibodies may allow for the creation of new therapeutic proteins.
Traumatic brain injuries generate toxic tau oligomers that cause nerve cells to clump together and spread to other parts of the brain. These damaging protein assemblages can contribute to memory deficits, seizures, and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle.
Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center found that IL-21 is necessary for long-lasting antibody responses in mice against viral infections. The molecule stimulates germinal centers and supports T helper cells, leading to the generation of virus-specific long-lived plasma cells.
A new study reveals that the level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low. The findings suggest that people living in this area have had little or no exposure to the virus, making it essential to consider alternative plans for pandemic preparedness.
Researchers analyzed data from the RV144 HIV vaccine trial, which showed a 31% protection rate. They found that specific antibodies may interfere with the protective effects of other antibodies, reducing the vaccine's efficacy. This discovery can inform future vaccine development strategies to overcome these limitations.
Researchers at Lund University are testing an antibody-based treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer without a cure. The antibody, BI-505, has shown promising results in cell studies and animal experiments, and a clinical trial is currently underway to test its effects on patients.
Research found pregnant women with mid to high levels of anti-tTG antibodies are at risk for having reduced fetal weight and birth weight. Fetuses of women with positive anti-tTG weighed 16 grams less during the second trimester, while those with intermediate anti-tTG levels were 53 grams lighter.
Scientists have developed a new family of selective antimicrobial agents that use synthetic colloid particles to recognize and inactivate specific types of bacteria. These 'colloid antibodies' show promise as a powerful tool against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found an antibody that directly transforms bone marrow stem cells into neural progenitor cells, a type of almost-mature brain cell. This discovery could lead to simpler and safer cell therapies for treating various conditions.
Researchers discovered that a person's antibody genes, operation, and potential fight-off targets vary from person to person. This study found ethnicity influences immunity, potentially impacting disease risk and treatment responses.
Researchers discovered a genetic deletion in the SMIM1 gene responsible for the Vel blood group, allowing for more accurate DNA testing and reducing the risk of severe reactions during blood transfusions. The study also sheds light on how this gene influences red blood cell traits and haemoglobin levels.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute discovered a polymer hidden within the Ebola virus that can be targeted by llama antibodies, enabling the creation of highly sensitive test kits using a single antibody. This breakthrough may revolutionize emerging viral diagnostics and offer a promising tool for detecting other deadly pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a nanotube-based diagnostic device that can detect Lyme disease bacteria in the blood, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The device uses laboratory-produced antibodies to bind to proteins from the organism, providing an electronic read-out of its presence.
Researchers identified a unique subset of helper T cells that stimulates protective antibody responses following seasonal influenza vaccinations. The study found that these T cells boost production of existing antibodies by stimulating memory B cells, but do not help produce new antibodies by naïve B cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed a cutting-edge technology to screen human blood for disease markers. The 'antigen surrogate' method accurately identified biomarkers for neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disorder, in a recent study published in Chemistry & Biology.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont and France has discovered the tiny protein SMIM1, which causes the rare 'Vel-negative' blood type. This breakthrough allows for fast DNA-based tests to identify Vel-negative individuals, enabling them to receive life-saving transusions.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created a two-dimensional cell-like system on a glass chip, enabling precise observation of gene expression and protein behavior. The system allows for the simultaneous production and trapping of multiple proteins, revealing a spectrum of protein activities.
Researchers found that B cells improve antibody molecules through a process of somatic hypermutation, increasing selection pressure on their own products. This mechanism could accelerate vaccination methods by producing optimal antibodies earlier.
Researchers found that even routine hits can impact the blood-brain barrier and lead to an immune response. The study suggests a possible vaccine or drug therapy to prevent head trauma, offering new insights into concussions and their long-term consequences.
Pediatric kidney transplant recipients with antibodies are more likely to experience kidney injury and rejection. Steroids do not prevent this antibody-mediated injury, but monitoring recipients for antibodies and customizing immunosuppressive treatments can help.
A team led by Dr. Marie-Josée Hébert discovered a new class of antibodies - anti-LG3 - which can trigger severe rejection episodes and high organ loss rates in kidney transplant patients. This breakthrough holds promise for developing new therapies to prevent or limit organ rejection.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a defect in bladder immune memory that hampers a timely attack against bacterial infections. The study found that mast cells produce an immune-suppressing molecule, leading to a lack of antibody response and stifling immune memory.
Researchers propose using two EGFR-blocking antibodies to treat triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks common receptors for hormone-based treatments. In a study, combining two antibodies proved effective in preventing tumor growth and spread in mice.
Researchers discovered a specific B lymphocyte marker that indicates the onset of cGVHD, a devastating syndrome where the patient's tissues are attacked by transplanted immune cells. This easily measured marker could help guide new therapies to mitigate or prevent cGVHD, which affects half of all bone marrow transplant procedures.
A new study from Ohio State University found a strong link between latent herpes virus reactivation and heart disease, particularly in patients who have suffered a heart attack. The researchers detected elevated levels of inflammatory proteins and antibodies to the EBV-encoded viral protein dUTPase in these patients.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered that antibodies are essential for dendritic cell maturation, a process critical to the immune response against pathogens. The study highlights the complex interplay between innate and acquired immunity, showing how antibodies facilitate communication between immune cells.
Researchers found that loneliness is associated with elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and increased inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress. Lonelier individuals also produced more proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which can contribute to various health conditions.
Researchers at NIH and OHSU found that an experimental Ebola vaccine elicits antibodies that protect nonhuman primates from Ebola virus infection. The study's results showed that antibodies induced by the vaccine appeared to be critical to protecting the animals, while immune cells had a minimal role.
A study has provided new clues for designing a more effective HIV vaccine by analyzing the structure of antibody-virus complexes produced in vaccine recipients. The researchers found that antibodies targeting specific regions of the virus are associated with decreased transmission of HIV.
Researchers develop small peptide that blocks antibody recognition of desmogleins, improving cell-cell adhesion and preventing skin blistering in mice. The peptide could serve as a potential treatment option for pemphigus vulgaris, a life-threatening autoimmune skin disease.
Researchers found that infant gerbils nursed by females given separate vaccines developed antibodies for both illnesses, demonstrating the potential purpose of allosuckling. The study provides a framework for further studying allosuckling in the wild using traceable antibodies.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have devised an inexpensive and sensitive method to mark and select cells. The technique utilizes the tight binding of two proteins that are cheaply obtainable but not found in human or other mammalian cells, enabling efficient cell sorting with minimal unwanted side effects.
The study found a significant increase in the risk of developing eBL in young children with a distinct pattern of antibody responses to several different recombinant Pf malaria antigens. Antibodies to SE36, a vaccine candidate protein, were associated with a decreased risk of eBL.
Researchers developed a plaque-specific antibody that clears existing β-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease mice, promoting potential treatment development. The study suggests that targeting insoluble amyloid beta is critical for plaque removal without microhemorrhage side effects.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created novel antibodies that can prevent the formation of toxic protein particles linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These antibodies bind to 10 proteins per molecule, making them more potent inhibitors than conventional antibodies.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found that IGF-1 blockers are only partially effective because they stimulate the MEK channel, allowing cancer cells to survive. Researchers propose a combination therapy using MEK inhibitors and IGF-1 blockers to overcome this issue
Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy provides anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits through its diverse antibody content, benefiting patients with autoimmune diseases and potentially expanding to Alzheimer's treatment options.
A new study reveals that even low levels of preformed donor-specific antibodies can nearly double the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and increase kidney failure by 76%. This finding could help clinicians provide better donor-recipient matches and tailor immunosuppressive therapy.
A new approach to HIV vaccine development is underway, aiming to induce protective antibodies without increasing HIV-specific T helper cells. The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to build on earlier studies showing that certain antibodies can protect against HIV infection.
A team of scientists at Stanford University and the University of Bern have discovered a mechanism for destroying key allergy-inducing complexes using a new inhibitor called DARPin E2-79. This discovery could lead to rapid and potent interventions for acute allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.
A team of researchers confirms ancient protein preservation in dinosaur bone cells using antibodies that target specific proteins found in vertebrate bone cells. This finding further solidifies the case for preservation of cells and possibly DNA in ancient remains.
Mosquitoes use alternative splicing to combine immunoglobulin domains into pathogen-binding proteins, increasing diversity and specificity. This mechanism could lead to new ways to prevent spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria.
Research published in The FASEB Journal found that changes in gravity during animal development affect antibody production and white blood cell regeneration. This could have significant implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Duke researchers add anti-cancer agent bortezomib to treatment regimen for Pompe disease, improving outcomes for three infants with severe form of the disorder. The addition reverses established immune response and reduces antibodies, leading to dramatic clinical improvements.
Researchers have identified a new therapy that appears to stop inflammation in the eye nerves and spinal cord for patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a debilitating central nervous system disorder. The treatment, eculizumab, was given to patients with severe symptoms, resulting in 12 symptom-free periods and two mild attacks.
Researchers found a new class of antibody in camelids that can cross the blood-brain barrier, diffusing into brain tissue to reach specific targets. This breakthrough may lead to enhanced imaging and improved drug delivery for people with brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new viral outbreak in Africa has been linked to the Bas-Congo virus, a previously unknown microbe that causes deadly acute hemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis reveals the virus is distinct from other rhabdoviruses, including those causing rabies.
Scripps Research scientists have devised a powerful new technique to discover and expand the power of large numbers of antibodies, immune system proteins that detect and destroy invaders. The method rapidly identifies antibodies with useful biological activity, enabling the creation of unusual antibodies with desired effects.
Researchers developed a mass spectrometry protein assay called PRISM that matches the sensitivity and accuracy of clinical antibody-based tests. The technique can identify proteins from blood with high accuracy and speed up development of diagnostic tests and treatments.
Researchers developed transgenic P. falciparum to study human antibody response to surface proteins. They found that antibodies targeting PfEMP1 mediate human immunity to malaria, with reduced risk of symptoms.