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Usefulness of monitoring IgG against Antigen-85b for prediction of tuberculosis development from latency: From an elephant tuberculosis analysis

Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2022

An international consortium, led by IRB Barcelona and the biotechnology company Merus, reports the discovery of MCLA-158, the first clinical candidate screened in organoids targeting cancer stem cells of solid tumors

Researchers from IRB Barcelona and Merus have discovered MCLA-158, a bi-specific antibody targeting cancer stem cells. The treatment prevents metastasis and slows primary tumor growth in experimental models of cancer.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers detect coronavirus particles with “slow light”

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

New approach against chronic inflammation

Researchers have developed a new treatment for chronic inflammation by targeting the ASC protein with nanobodies, which can dissolve harmful molecular complexes and counteract inflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 19, 2022

Biodegradable gel boosts immune system's attack on several cancers in mice

A new biodegradable gel has been developed to improve the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The gel releases drugs and special antibodies that target tumor cells, slowing their growth and increasing the lifespan of mice. This breakthrough could lead to new clinical trials for human patients in the coming years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Alpaca nanobodies potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a novel strategy to identify potent miniature antibodies, so-called nanobodies, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach led to the discovery of multiple nanobodies that effectively blocked infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

IgA antibodies seem to protect unvaccinated against COVID-19

A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022

Booster for immune protection after Corona infection

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology discovered that vaccination after COVID-19 recovery increases neutralizing antibody levels by up to five times, providing better protection against current coronavirus variants. The study involved 140 volunteers and showed that antibody levels remained high even after 300 days.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

COVID infection rates in Hillsborough County may have been higher than reported at height of pandemic

A new Moffitt Cancer Center study estimates that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in Hillsborough County was twofold higher than reported positive tests. The study, conducted between October 2020 and March 2021, found nearly 100% of persons who had confirmed or suspected infection were antibody-positive.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2022

Moffitt study finds cancer patients do benefit from COVID-19 vaccination

A Moffitt study found that COVID-19 vaccination led to seroconversion in most cancer patients, but with differing antibody response rates among various cancer types and treatments. Patients with blood cancers had lower seroconversion rates compared to those with solid tumors, highlighting the need for personalized immune responses.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2022

Milk may exacerbate MS symptoms

A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2022

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies, new study finds

Researchers found that 90 minutes of mild-to-moderate intensity exercise after a flu or COVID-19 vaccination increased antibody production in the following four weeks. The study involved participants who exercised on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk, and similar results were seen in mice experiments.

SourceIowa State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Study finds previous COVID-19 infection, but not vaccination, improves performance of antibodies and potentially provides longer-term protection

A study found that previous COVID-19 infection improves the performance of antibodies and potentially provides longer-term protection, especially in obese individuals. In contrast, vaccination does not enhance antibody quality and may not provide sustained immunity in those who have been previously infected or overweight.

Study of U.S. employees defines the odds of COVID-19 reinfection

A new US-based study published in PLOS Biology found that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected against reinfection for at least six months. The research analyzed data from 4,441 SpaceX employees and estimated an odds ratio of 0.14 to 0.28 for reinfection depending on the time period considered.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Most people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination have T cell immune responses against Omicron variant despite low antibody responses

A recent study published in Cell found that T cell responses are still robust against the Omicron variant in most individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, offering protection against severe disease. Booster vaccines can enhance T cell responses, substantially increasing immunity against severe COVID-19.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Biologists isolated the coronavirus nucleoprotein in its pure form to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the antibody tests

Biologists isolated the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in its pure form to create more accurate antibody tests. The new approach significantly improves sensitivity, increasing the ability to detect antibodies to the nucleoprotein. This breakthrough helps determine if vaccinated individuals have been infected with COVID-19.

Single-use sensor strips detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Researchers developed a single-use sensor strip that can detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, providing a rapid diagnostic tool for patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. The test uses antibodies specific to proteins found in human CSF, detecting leaks even when other substances are present.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Nanotechnology and Microelectronics Materials Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 1, 2022

Antibody with engineered peptide targets bone metastasis

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

More than a third of care home residents in England caught Covid-19 in early waves of pandemic

A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022