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How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017

Genome: It's all about architecture

Scientists are exploring the relationship between genome architecture and antigen variation in pathogens like Trypanosoma brucei. By analyzing the parasite's genomic structure, researchers aim to better understand how these pathogens evade the immune system and develop more effective vaccines.

CHORI study reveals potential improvements for effectiveness of meningococcal vaccines

A study by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute has found a new mutant vaccine antigen that significantly improves protective antibody responses against meningococcus. The results show up to 15-fold greater protection, with potential implications for improved vaccines for infants and young children.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2016

Anthrax capsule vaccine completely protects monkeys from lethal inhalational anthrax

A new anthrax capsule vaccine has been found to completely protect monkeys from lethal inhalational anthrax infection. The study suggests that the capsule is a highly effective vaccine component that could be incorporated into future generation anthrax vaccines, offering a safer alternative to existing protective antigen-based vaccines.

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

NIST develops NMR 'fingerprinting' for monoclonal antibodies

Researchers at NIST have developed a precise method to measure the structural configuration of monoclonal antibodies using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy. This technique allows for high-resolution spectral analysis, enabling the determination of whether protein folding is occurring as desired, and pote...

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

Prognostic factors identified for peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung

Low preoperative serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and absence of tumor invasion into the pleura or blood vessels are independent prognostic factors for patients with peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. These factors are associated with longer overall survival and reduced disease recurrence.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 24, 2014

Newly identified B-cell selection process adds to understanding of antibody diversity

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new B-cell selection process that influences antibody survival independent of antigen-binding regions. This discovery adds a surprising dimension to the understanding of antibody repertoires and may help shape them to better fight disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identify specific fetal antigens attacked by maternal antibodies

Researchers have identified a specific risk factor for autism, known as MAR autism, linked to maternal antibodies attacking fetal brain proteins. The study found that mothers of children with autism were more than 21 times likely to have these antibodies, offering a potential biomarker for drug development and early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2013

How do immune cells detect infections?

McGill researchers used computational tools to examine the solutions immune systems may use to detect small concentrations of foreign antigens in a sea of self-antigens. The study found that almost all solutions shared a common core structure or motif, revealing a surprisingly simple solution related to biochemical adaptation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 7, 2013

Scientists develop new technique to selectively dampen harmful immune responses

A team from The Scripps Research Institute has developed a new technique to selectively repress unwanted immune reactions without disabling the immune system as a whole. This method exploits a natural mechanism to target B-cells responsible for Factor VIII rejection, preventing an unwanted immune response in mice for several months.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2013