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Llama power: Tiny llama nanobodies neutralize different noroviruses. Can they improve human anti-viral therapies?

Human noroviruses cause over 684 million illnesses and 212,000 deaths annually. Researchers discovered that llama nanobodies can effectively neutralize different norovirus strains by recognizing a hidden pocket in the virus particles. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach against human norovirus.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Fish IgM structure sheds light on antibody evolution, study finds

Researchers analyzed fish IgM to understand its structure and how it differs from human antibodies. They discovered a unique folding mechanism that allows the antibody to assemble without a joining chain, enabling it to bind antigens and interact with its environment.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

New antibodies neutralize resistant bacteria

Researchers have discovered highly effective antibodies against P. aeruginosa that can block its type III secretion system and are effective against highly resistant bacteria. These 'pathoblockers' offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic infections with multi-resistant pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Antibody-drug conjugate helps patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer live longer, delaying disease progression

A UCLA-led study shows datopotamab deruxtecan, a Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate, significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment primarily benefits patients with non-squamous tumors, reducing disease progression and improving overall survival.

Antibody therapy inspired by patient case reduced tau tangles in a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s disease

A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham has developed a monoclonal antibody that reduces abnormal tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease in a preclinical model. The therapy, inspired by a genetic variant that provides resistance against the disease, offers an alternative approach to existing treatments.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Intravenous immunoglobulin may prevent severe infections associated with anti-BCMA therapy for multiple myeloma

A retrospective analysis of 37 heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) reduced the risk of severe infections by 90%. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia experienced a higher rate of severe infections, and IVIg supplementation significantly mitigated this risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 28, 2023

"Radar" detects active cellular destroyers

A team of scientists has developed a method to detect active Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), which are responsible for destroying unwanted proteins in cells. The new technology, called a molecular radar, reveals which CRLs are deployed to address cellular stresses and perform the actions of some anti-cancer drugs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Remission from HIV-1 infection: discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that contribute to virus control

Researchers have identified a family of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope protein, which may contribute to long-term remission from infection. These antibodies were found to induce the elimination of infected cells and impose a selective pressure on the virus, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 2023

A promising investigational therapeutic monoclonal antibody to treat chronic hepatitis B and D infections

A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of VIR-3434 in preventing viral dissemination and reducing viral particles in a mouse model for HBV/HDV coinfection. The monoclonal antibody neutralises all known genotypes of HBV and HDV, providing a potential new option for treating chronic hepatitis B and D.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl and related opioids reverses overdose effects in preclinical study

A human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids has shown promising results in reversing overdose effects in a preclinical study. The antibody, developed by Scripps Research, binds tightly to the potent opioid variants and reverses respiratory depression caused by carfentanil.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateAug 7, 2023

Monkeypox: Characterization of post-infectious immune response

Scientists studied 470 sera from vaccinated or MPXV-infected individuals to elucidate mechanisms involved in post-infectious immune response. The study revealed the role of complement and analyzed immune responses in vaccinated or infected individuals, with robust levels of anti-MVA antibodies detected after infection or vaccination.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Fighting brain cancer

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for glioblastoma brain cancer by finding that the 'don't eat me!' signal sent by cancer cells can be blocked using antibodies. This breakthrough suggests that existing immunotherapies may be effective against glioblastomas if the receivers on macrophages are switched off.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

In historic procedure, donor liver protects heart transplant

In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·TypeCase study·DateJul 13, 2023

Combination therapy effective against canine melanoma

A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

New Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles showcase innovative approaches for diagnostics and drug screening and evaluation

Recent studies in the New Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis feature novel diagnostic tools, RNA sequencing-based workflows, and mechanical property evaluations to enhance cancer and cardiovascular disease treatment outcomes. These innovations aim to improve the therapeutic effect of drugs and promote personalized medicine.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Engineered white blood cells eliminate cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new therapy that uses engineered macrophages to eliminate solid tumors. The treatment works by silencing a molecular pathway that prevents white blood cells from attacking cancer cells, allowing them to recognize and destroy tumoroids.

Blocking immune system 'messenger' may treat severe asthma

Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Pumping the brakes on autoimmune disease

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new treatment for autoimmune diseases using LY3361237, an antibody that activates BTLA to inhibit the immune system. The study provides insight into the molecular biology of the immune system and could lead to the development of more effective therapies.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStructure·DateJun 5, 2023

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reveals that lecanemab can lead to therapy-induced Aβ phagocytosis and multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting a potential risk of brain damage and death. The study suggests that better biomarkers are needed to assess the extent of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal article explores how bispecific antibodies could bring new hope to patients with lung cancer

Researchers from China explore the mechanisms of action and clinical data of bispecific antibodies, which have shown promise in increasing cytotoxicity against cancerous cells and enhancing immune response towards tumor clearance. Several bsAbs are being evaluated in phase I-III clinical trials for lung cancer treatment.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateMay 16, 2023