Articles tagged with Immunoglobulin Light Chains
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a mechanism for immune cells to recycle defective or autoreactive antibodies by editing their genes. The new process uses an enzyme called RAG to swap out light chains with nearby new ones, often making them non-defective and functional.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht discovered that converting monoclonal antibodies from IgG to IgM isotype can significantly broaden their ability to recognize and bind multiple human-relevant bacterial pathogens. This finding could guide the future design of antibody therapies against bacterial infections.
This study investigated the performance of plasma neurodegenerative biomarkers (NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1) in diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in Chinese patients with hepatic cirrhosis. The results showed that a combination of NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 was effective in d...
Researchers developed a gene therapy approach to treat chronic hypereosinophilia by delivering an anti-human eosinophil antibody via AAV-based gene therapy. The therapy successfully suppressed blood eosinophil levels in mice, showing promise as a potential treatment for the condition.
Researchers have discovered an antibody fragment that can bind to abnormal light chains, stabilizing them and preventing their aggregation. This finding has the potential to provide a much-needed treatment for individuals with light chain amyloidosis, which currently has a poor prognosis.
Researchers have provided new details on structures resulting from 3D domain swapping in antibody light chains, shedding light on mechanisms of protein aggregation. The study suggests that the formation of tetramers may prevent protein aggregation by decreasing flexibility.
CHOP researchers have developed stable, universal MHC-I molecules that can be produced rapidly at scale, allowing for the development of effective and universal immunotherapies. These engineered MHC-I molecules promote peptide exchange across multiple HLA allotypes, covering various forms.
Researchers review current treatment updates for systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and effective maintenance therapy. The article discusses the relationship between AL amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring.
A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new antibody test to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. The validated test measures kappa immunoglobulin free light chains in cerebrospinal fluid, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to existing tests.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered a potential contributing mechanism to kidney dysfunction in acute hantavirus infection by investigating the body's response to the virus. Elevated levels of free light chains were found to be associated with kidney problems and may play a role in other infectious diseases.
A study from the NIH confirms that neurofilament light chain in blood can detect brain injury and predict recovery across all stages of traumatic brain injury. The biomarker also showed strong diagnostic ability for sports-related concussions.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can accurately diagnose frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and predict disease severity. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels in the blood, which are associated with FTLD progression, clinical phenotype, and prognosis.
Researchers identified a mutation responsible for destabilizing light chains, leading to the formation of deadly amyloid fibrils. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential diagnostic methods.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified small molecules that prevent structural changes to proteins causing the disease. These molecules bind to and stabilize immunoglobulin light chain proteins, preventing misfolding and forming toxic plaques.
Current diagnostic criteria do not account for differences in kappa and lambda light chains, leading to missed diagnoses and false positives. The researchers propose new criteria that take into account the varying levels of these light chains to improve accuracy and detect cases of lambda-associated lesions.
Researchers suggest looking at both urine and blood for answers in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma. A study found that serum free light chain assays can miss abnormal lambda light chains in the urine, leading to false negatives.
Researchers found elevated levels of two brain injury markers, neurofilament light chain and tau, in active professional fighters compared to retired fighters or non-fighters. These markers may signify permanent traumatic brain injury with long-term consequences.
Researchers found that a green tea compound may prevent light chain amyloidosis, a condition where parts of the body's own antibodies become misshapen and accumulate in organs, by transforming the protein into a non-toxic form. The study suggests potential lifesaving benefits for patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis.
Scientists have identified a new biomarker for nerve cell damage that can be measured in the blood, providing valuable information on disease progression and treatment response. The discovery offers a potential breakthrough for developing therapies and could simplify clinical trials by using a simple blood sample.
Patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation have the greatest success for long-term survival. Nearly one-third of patients achieved up to 20-year survival after treatment.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered a process that can catch unstable proteins before they form toxic clusters, reducing their secretion and aggregation. The approach targets the Unfolded Protein Response pathway and involves activating transcription factor ATF6 to increase protein folding and trafficking.
Researchers identified an immune system deficiency that shows a fourfold higher likelihood of death. High levels of free light chains are associated with increased rates of death from cancer, diabetes, and cardiac respiratory disease.