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Antibody-based therapy eliminates circulating tumor cells in mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed an antibody-based treatment that targets cadherins on circulating tumor cells, eliminating them in mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer. The therapy shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2022

Old drug, new trick: Researchers find combining antiviral drugs and antibody therapy could treat seasonal flu and help prevent next flu pandemic

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a combination of antiviral drugs and antibody therapies that is more effective than either approach alone. The combination boosts the virus-fighting properties of antibodies, which work by binding to infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateAug 16, 2022

The AABB releases clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 2022

Demonstration of a potent, universal coronavirus monoclonal antibody therapy for all COVID-19 variants

Researchers discovered a potent universal coronavirus therapy that targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein, highly conserved among beta-coronaviruses. The monoclonal antibody protected against infections when given as an intraperitoneal injection or nasal dose in animal experiments.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

Emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by antibodies

Researchers at the German Primate Center found that emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by existing therapeutic antibodies, which may reduce protection against future infections. The study suggests these variants have acquired biological traits allowing for more efficient transmission.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Good news on blocking a virus considered a global threat

Researchers developed an antibody cocktail effective against a Hendra virus variant, neutralizing its ability to mutate and evade recognition. The combination of four antibodies leaves the virus with minimal ability to further evolve, providing significant protection against this global biosecurity threat.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022

Researchers discover effective combination immunotherapy for liver cancer

A new combination therapy using a tumor-suppressing lipid molecule and an antibody for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the strength of tumor-attacking T cells in liver cancer. This promising approach offers hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

New tests and treatments developed in mice for pulmonary fibrosis

Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.

Promising antibody cocktail takes on Ebola virus—and its deadly cousin

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

How to make the TB vaccine more effective

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

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

Study reveals Ebola virus can hide in brain, persist even after treatment

A groundbreaking study reveals that Ebola virus can hide in the brain ventricular system and cause fatal disease even after treatment. Persistent infection was found in about 20% of monkeys treated with antibody therapeutics, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up of survivors.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

mRNA vaccines highly effective at preventing death from COVID-19, less effective at preventing infection

Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Mother-to-child HIV transmission lower in infants with high antibody function levels

A new study found that infants with high levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against their mother's strain of HIV are less likely to get infected through breastfeeding. The study also showed that ADCC is more effective than neutralizing antibodies in protecting infants against HIV transmission and improving outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 19, 2021

World-first clinical trial demonstrates focused ultrasound can deliver antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain

Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have successfully delivered antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain using focused ultrasound. The treatment, which temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results with tumor size reductions of up to 21% in patients.

SourceFocused Ultrasound Foundation·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2021

New radionuclide therapy identified for HER2-positive breast cancer patients

A promising radionuclide treatment has been identified for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, combining radioactive iodine therapy with single-domain antibodies targeting the HER2 antigen. The treatment demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase I study, paving the way for further clinical development.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

From Alpha to Epsilon: Consortium study illuminates surfaces of Spike most resistant to antibody escape

A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Twist Bioscience internally-discovered single domain antibody TB202-3 shows potent binding to multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2, including alpha, beta, and gamma strains, in preclinical studies

TB202-3 binds to a specific area of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that has not been impacted by most viral mutations, making it an important candidate for clinical testing. The antibody demonstrates potency against multiple strains of COVID-19, including those with various mutations.

SourceBitting Communications·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021