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Immunity for the long haul: Why some antibodies are built to last

A team of researchers from the University of Osaka found that cells producing IgG1 antibodies have advantages over those producing IgM antibodies, including better antigen presentation, survival, and bone marrow migration. These advantages may lead to long-term immune protection and inform the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - The University of Osaka·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines

Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

No place like home—how proteins that plasma cells express at their origin affect migration

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that plasma cells are programmed from birth to migrate to protected sites in the body, where they produce large amounts of antibodies. High expression of integrin β7 is an excellent marker for these cells' ability to home to the bone marrow.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Systemic AL amyloidosis: Current approach and future direction

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 5, 2023

How can we fight blood cancer more effectively?

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method called pharmacoscopy to test treatment options for multiple myeloma patients. This high-throughput screening platform analyzes the reactions of cancer cells to various treatments, offering personalized therapeutic strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023

Cancer-selective supramolecular chemotherapy by disassembly-assembly approach

Researchers developed a cancer-selective therapeutic agent that targets cancer cells' unique acidic pH microenvironment, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and killing only cancer cells. The agent, Mito-SA, forms charge-shielded nano-assemblies that selectively disassemble in the tumoral environment.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 26, 2023

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Oncotarget | The serine protease matriptase inhibits migration and proliferation in multiple myeloma cells

Researchers found that overexpressing matriptase reduced myeloma cell proliferation and inhibited migration. Matriptase also blocked Src kinase activation, supporting its potential as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma. The study provides new insights into the role of matriptase in hematological malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Scientists define independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease

Idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL) has been confirmed as a distinct clinicopathologically uniform disease, which can be reclassified into an independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD). IPL showed greater plasmacytosis and hyperplastic germinal centers compared to non-IPL groups.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

ProDERM study results of Octagam® 10% treatment in patients with dermatomyositis published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Tumor-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells influence early-stage lung cancer biology, immunotherapy responses

A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.

Study shows immune cells against COVID-19 stay high in number six months after vaccination

Researchers found that CD4+ T lymphocytes — immune system cells — produced by people who received COVID-19 vaccines persisted at high levels six months after vaccination, with a significant response against the delta variant. The study also showed that vaccine-elicited fighters recognize and help attack coronavirus delta variant.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2021

Profiling a killer in warm blood

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a new method to sequence individual cells from patient blood or bone marrow, capturing specific gene programs active in each cell. This allows for more precise diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma by identifying unique genetic blueprints for each patient.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Researchers uncover origin of virus-fighting plasma B cells

A study published in Immunity reveals that T follicular helper cells play a crucial role in determining the fate of B cells, with stronger interactions leading to plasma B cell formation. The researchers identified a subset of B cells expressing IRF4 and CD69 as precursors to plasma B cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalImmunity·DateApr 17, 2018

Long-term prevention of organ rejection

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have successfully prevented chronic antibody-mediated organ rejection in a rat model using immunoproteasome inhibition with the selective inhibitor ONX 0914. This approach reduces activated plasma cells producing allo-antibodies and leads to improved renal function.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalKidney International·DateDec 8, 2017

Researchers explore a new method to study cholesterol distribution on cells

Researchers developed a new way to visualize cholesterol distribution on cells and tissues using NanoSIMS imaging. The study found that accessible cholesterol is highly enriched on microvilli, supporting the idea that they play a role in regulating cholesterol production and unload surplus cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017