Duke receives new grant for AIDS vaccine research
Researchers will explore ways to induce protective IgA human antibodies by vaccines to prevent HIV-1 infection, and produce recombinant IgAs to be tested as therapies.
Antibodies
Research on antibodies and their uses. Covers engineered antitoxin antibodies, long-lasting immunity, monoclonal therapies, and antiviral T cells.
Antibodies for new rotavirus vaccines
CSIRO will produce a large quantity of antibodies specific to rotavirus strains used in developing vaccines, aiding the project's goal of increasing access and effectiveness of existing commercial vaccines worldwide. The production facility will supply antibodies for five years, supporting the development of new, affordable rotavirus v...
Antibodies reverse type 1 diabetes in new immunotherapy study
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used injections of non-depleting antibodies to rapidly reverse the onset of Type I diabetes in mice. The treatment maintained disease remission indefinitely without harming the immune system, with some animals remaining free of diabetes after over 400 days.
Study sheds light on pregnancy complications and overturns common belief
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery researchers has demonstrated that women with a specific type of antibody are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study found that antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), particularly lupus anticoagulant, increase the risk of complications such as fetal death, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia.
Study: Women infected with common parasite have increased risk of attempting suicide
A large-scale study of over 45,000 Danish women found a predictive association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and later attempted suicides. The risk was highest for violent attempts, with infected women being one and a half times more likely to attempt suicide.
Lymph node roundabout
An international team of scientists found that asymmetric division of antibody-producing B cells speeds up the body's immune defenses by creating optimized antibodies. This process, called the 'recycling hypothesis,' allows the immune system to produce highly effective antibodies against specific pathogens.
A better delivery system for chemotherapy drugs
Researchers develop new antibodies that bind to MUC1 protein on cancer cells, depositing toxins directly into diseased cells. This method has shown higher efficacy than existing treatments and may be available for more cancer varieties in the future.
Brightly colored bird bills indicate good health
A study by Queen's University researcher Troy Murphy found female birds with more colourful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and ability to fight off invaders. The colour of a female bird's bill is strongly correlated with immunoglobulin antibodies, a component of the immune system in birds.
CNIO researchers describe a new target for developing anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral therapies
Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new target for developing anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral therapies. The protein ephrinB2 was found to play a crucial role in angiogenesis and lymphoangiogenesis, processes that promote tumour growth and metastasis.
Scripps Research scientists show how memory B cells stay 'in class' to fight different infections
Researchers found that T-bet and RORα proteins enforce specific classes of memory B cells, which can produce antibodies against various infections. This discovery opens the way for developing vaccines that induce long-term immunity towards desired antibody classes.
GW researchers receive supplemental grant to measure enhanced immune response of novel adjuvants
GW researchers are evaluating innovative methods to assess the immune response to vaccines with a novel Toll-like Receptor (TLR)-4 agonist adjuvant. They will use new antibody profiling techniques to determine the quality of the humoral immune response in humans.
Immunosignaturing: An accurate, affordable and stable diagnostic
Immunosignaturing uses random sequence arrays of peptides to trawl for antibodies to disease, producing a machine-readable image of immune activity that can be used to diagnose a broad range of ailments. The technique has been tested as a diagnostic for over 20 diseases and shows good correlation between serum and plasma samples.
Scripps Research Institute scientists develop antidote for cocaine overdose
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed an injectable solution that protects mice from cocaine overdose, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of a human antibody against cocaine. The treatment shows promise in reducing mortality rates and signs of overdose in both preliminary tests.
Studies on resistance against influenza
Researcher Timpka investigates how different age groups are affected by the flu, with seasonal epidemics striking hardest in children and elderly. The study also explores theories on why this is the case, including the impact of early-life infections on immunity.
Improving equine health: Research studies vaccinations to protect newborn foals
Researchers are investigating ways to improve horse vaccinations to defend foals against pathogens at an early age. Preliminary data suggests that vaccinating foals as young as 3 months old may increase protection against environmental pathogens.
Rare immune cells could hold key to treating immune disorders
Researchers identified a rare immune cell's role in antibody production and 'memory' of infectious agents, crucial for vaccine development and potential treatment of immune disorders. T follicular helper cells can remember past infections, enabling rapid responses to future attacks.
BIDMC researchers develop novel antibodies to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease
BIDMC researchers create novel antibodies that distinguish between healthy and disease-causing tau isoforms, raising the possibility of an immunization strategy for early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The findings also suggest that targeting only the disease-causing isoform could prevent or slow disease progression.
Single antibody shrinks variety of human tumors transplanted into mice, Stanford study shows
A Stanford study shows a single antibody can shrink human tumors in mice by blocking a protein flag on cancer cells. The treatment achieved dramatic responses in various types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, colon, bladder, and prostate cancers.
Vaccinating chickens could prevent food-borne illness
A vaccine targeting Campylobacter in chickens could drastically reduce food-borne illness cases, saving the UK economy millions annually. The leading cause of food-borne illness, responsible for 30% of cases in the UK, is found in the gut of many animals, including chickens.
Possible causes of sudden onset OCD in kids broadened
A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...
Scientists discover that specific antibodies halt Alzheimer's disease in mice
Researchers at University College London have discovered specific antibodies that block the toxic effect of Amyloid-ß on synapses, raising hopes for a treatment to combat early cognitive decline. The findings suggest targeting the secreted protein Dkk1 could offer an effective treatment to protect synapses.
Antibodies are not required for immunity against some viruses
A new study challenges the long-held theory that antibodies are essential for antiviral immunity. Researchers found that mice infected with the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) could survive even without producing antibodies, as their B cells produced a chemical that maintained innate immune cells called macrophages.
A faster way to catch cells
A new microfluidic device can isolate target cells much faster than existing devices, using a soft membrane with nanoscale pores to guide fluid and bring cells in contact with antibodies. This technology could be used for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine applications, such as cancer diagnosis.
Immunization for MRSA on the horizon
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center has developed a vaccine that can prevent MRSA infection of orthopaedic implants. The antibody targets a component of the cell wall, preventing normal bacterial cell division and formation of sequestrum, a hallmark of osteomyelitis.
Trojan horse bacteria use nanobodies to conquer sleeping sickness
Researchers have developed a new technology using bacteria naturally found in tsetse flies to release nanobodies against trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. The nanobodies can bind to the parasite's surface and potentially block or destroy its development.
Antibodies to intracellular cancer antigens combined with chemotherapy enhance anti-cancer immunity
Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with antibody treatment against intracellular antigens delays tumor growth and prolongs survival. The approach uses chemotherapy to release antigens from cancer cells, allowing antibodies to effectively target them.
Unusual alliances enable movement
Researchers found that agrin and LRP4 form two diverse work teams to activate MuSK, enabling communication between neurons and muscles. This discovery may lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other muscle diseases, as well as insights into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Livestock, not Mongolian gazelles, drive foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
A recent study published by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that livestock, not Mongolian gazelles, are the primary drivers of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Mongolia. The research found that FMDV antibody prevalence in gazelle populations mirrored the dynamics of FMD in livestock across the Eastern Steppe.
Study examines link between vaccinations and exposure to compound widely used in food packaging
A study found that children exposed to perfluorinated compounds, commonly used in food packaging, had lower antibody responses to routine childhood immunizations. The most common PFCs, such as PFOS and PFOA, were associated with decreased antibody concentrations, indicating potential immune system deficits.
PFCs, chemicals in environment, linked to lowered immune response to childhood vaccinations
A study published in JAMA found that exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) was associated with lowered immune responses to childhood vaccinations. The research, which analyzed data from Faroe Island children, suggested a link between PFCs and reduced antibody levels, posing a potential threat to public health.
Who's the boss? Research shows cells influence their own destiny
A recent study by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute found that B cells can have multiple fates, including death, division, antibody production, or changes in antibody type. The researchers proposed that cell fates are determined by internal processes rather than external cues.
Memo to pediatricians: Allergy tests are no magic bullets for diagnosis
Allergy tests are not magic bullets for diagnosis, according to new guidelines from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Blood and skin tests should be used to confirm suspicion and monitor established allergies, but not as standalone diagnostic strategies. This approach aims to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary restrictions on patients.
New synthetic molecules treat autoimmune disease in mice
Scientists have developed a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases by creating artificial antibodies that target the MMP9 enzyme. These 'metallobodies' mimic natural inhibitors and selectively block two members of the MMP family, preventing symptoms in mice with inflammatory conditions.
Study details how dengue infection hits harder the second time around
Researchers found that prior immune response to one serotype can influence interaction with virus subtypes in a subsequent infection, increasing risk of severe disease. The study provides new insights into the complex interplay between viral genetics and immune system response.
Researchers design Alzheimer's antibodies
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have designed a new method to create antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles leading to Alzheimer's disease. The process targets specific portions of the toxic protein, allowing for better understanding and potential treatment of similar diseases like Parkinson's.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2011
Mayo Clinic research improves diagnosis and potential treatment of neuromyelitis optica
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that damages optic nerves and spinal cord. Mayo Clinic researchers have identified critical steps leading to myelin destruction, which could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Antibody library project could unlock mysteries of human gene function
Researchers aim to generate antibodies against human proteins without animal testing, using bacterial and yeast libraries to identify active genes. This could lead to a better understanding of human disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Building better HIV antibodies
A team of Caltech biologists has developed a new, more potent HIV antibody that targets the virus's entry site. The antibody shows increased effectiveness against multiple subtypes of HIV, paving the way for potential clinical testing and improved vaccine development.
Multiple malaria vaccine offers protection to people most at risk
A new malaria vaccine combines multiple proteins from various parasite types, inducing antibodies against a wide range of parasites. The vaccine has shown improved protection in children in endemic areas and could be especially useful for vulnerable groups.
New therapy protects monkeys from Hendra virus
A new treatment for the deadly Hendra virus has proven successful in primate tests, with all 12 treated animals surviving after infection. The antibody m102.4 has shown strong activity against both Hendra and Nipah viruses.
SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 19, 2011
Sexual selection by sugar molecule helped determine human origins
Early humans' immune system responded strongly to Neu5Gc, a sugar molecule found on most animal cells. This response likely reduced reproductive success in males with high levels of Neu5Gc, driving the evolution of human ancestors.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2011
Powerful antibody-based strategy suggests a new therapeutic approach to diabetes and obesity
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new approach to treating diabetes and obesity by targeting the PTP1B enzyme, which is crucial in regulating insulin signaling. By oxidizing a specific cysteine residue, the enzyme's activity is temporarily halted, allowing for improved insulin sensitivity.
Newly identified antibodies may improve pneumonia vaccine design
Scientists have identified a novel type of antibody that works against pneumococcal bacteria by causing them to clump together, leading to the expression of genes that could kill some of their siblings. This finding could improve vaccines against pneumonia and reduce hospitalizations and deaths from pneumococcal disease.
A*STAR scientists make headway for cancer treatment and cancer prevention with landmark discovery
Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB discover that antibodies can directly target intracellular oncoproteins like PRL-3 to suppress cancer growth. This breakthrough finding offers hope for cancer prevention and has the potential to expand the scope of tailor-made antibody therapy and cancer vaccines.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 8, 2011
Vaccine linked to 'bleeding calf syndrome'
Bleeding calf syndrome affects new-born calves, caused by low blood cell counts and bone marrow depletion. A vaccine against BVDV has been linked to the condition through anti-MHC class I antibodies produced by mothers.
Rush researchers discover antibody that may help detect ovarian cancer in earliest stages
Rush researchers identified a molecule, an antibody, in the bloodstream of infertile women that could be used to screen for high-risk individuals or those with early-stage ovarian cancer. Significant levels of mesothelin antibodies were found in women with premature ovarian failure and ovulatory dysfunction.
Fine-tuning the flu vaccine for broader protection
Researchers have discovered an antibody that can neutralize a broad range of flu strains, potentially reducing the need for annual vaccinations. The antibody, called CH65, mimics key aspects of the influenza virus's entry point and could guide the development of vaccines targeting multiple strains.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011
Newly discovered antibody recognizes many strains of flu virus
A newly discovered human antibody recognized multiple strains of the flu virus, providing a promising lead for developing a longer-lasting vaccine. The antibody, dubbed CH65, binds tightly to the receptor pocket on the influenza virus, making it less affected by mutations.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011
Specialized regulatory T cell stifles antibody production centers
A specialized regulatory T cell that expresses three specific genes has been discovered to shut down the mass production of antibodies in the immune system. This finding has potential implications for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.
UCSF confirms first adenovirus to jump between monkeys and humans
A novel virus spread through a California monkey colony in late 2009, infecting over a third of the monkeys and causing devastating respiratory illness. The virus also infected two human researchers and family members, demonstrating its ability to jump between species.
Quick test can predict immune responses to flu shots
Researchers have developed a method to predict whether someone will produce high levels of antibodies against a flu shot, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines and monitoring of suboptimal immune responses in vulnerable populations. The test uses gene activity data to identify predictive signatures with up to 90% accuracy.
Final space shuttle to carry 5 CU-Boulder-built payloads
The University of Colorado Boulder's BioServe Space Technologies will carry five CU-Boulder-built payloads aboard the final space shuttle mission. The payloads include an antibody experiment to treat bone loss in astronauts and a salmonella vaccine development project.
Trudeau Institute announces new discovery in battle against plague and bacterial pneumonias
A new discovery has been made in the fight against plague and bacterial pneumonias by researchers at the Trudeau Institute. They have identified a single component of the plague causing bacterium that can be used as a vaccine, offering a potential safer alternative to existing vaccines.
Disorderly enzyme is key for antibody diversity
A study by USC researchers reveals that the inefficiency of activation-induced deoxycytidine deaminase is key to generating antibody diversity, a crucial component of the immune system. The enzyme's random process creates mutations in immunoglobulin genes, producing a diverse array of antibodies.
XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome: The sad end of a story
A new comment published in The Lancet states that numerous studies failed to replicate the findings of a 2009 XMRV detection in CFS patients. Contamination of laboratory reagents is blamed for the association between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving the field without a confirmed cause.
Lyme disease bacteria take cover in lymph nodes
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that Lyme disease bacteria accumulate in lymph nodes, triggering a strong immune response but one that is not effective against the infection. The study suggests that B. burgdorferi has developed a novel strategy to subvert the immune system, allowing it to both provoke and evade an effective response.
Swine flu spread was much wider than first thought, scientists say
Research suggests that the swine flu outbreak of winter 2009-2010 was more widespread than previously realized, with almost half of Scottish adults carrying antibodies to the virus. The study found that people from deprived areas were twice as likely to contract the virus.
New pretargeted radioimmunotherapy for colorectal cancer
Researchers develop a new therapy to prime tumors before radiotherapy, reducing damage to healthy tissue. The treatment shows effective targeting of tumors with minimal side effects.
Antibody production gets confused during long-term spaceflight
New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that flawed antibody production could compromise resistance to infections during long-term missions. Scientists found that antibodies produced in space are less effective than those produced on Earth, posing a serious risk for astronauts.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 19, 2011
New prostate cancer test more specific, sensitive than PSA test
A new test measuring multiple parameters including PSA and six antibodies found in the blood of men with prostate cancer is more sensitive and specific than the conventional PSA test. The A+PSA assay reduces false-positives and shows great potential to improve prostate cancer diagnosis.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateMay 16, 2011