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Understanding and improving the body's fight against pathogens

Scientists from A*STAR's Bioprocessing Technology Institute uncover crucial role of DOK3 and SHP1 in plasma cell development and production. This discovery advances understanding of plasma cells and antibody response, potentially leading to improved treatment for patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple myeloma.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2014

MDC and FMP researchers identify edema inhibitor

Researchers have identified a substance that prevents fluid accumulation and edema formation in the body, offering new hope for treating excessive fluid retention in patients with chronic heart failure. The discovery also reveals a new molecular mechanism controlling water homeostasis in the kidneys.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 5, 2013

Scientists discover 'Achilles' heel' of clot-buster

Researchers have solved the atomic structure of closed plasminogen, a key player in the clot-busting process, revealing an 'Achilles' heel' that proteins bind to when it opens up. This discovery may lead to more effective clot-busting drugs for treating heart attacks and strokes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 8, 2012

The most natural drug

Researchers develop new process to identify and clone human antibodies tailored to fight specific infections, offering rapid and effective treatments for influenza and other diseases. The technology has the potential to provide therapy for existing infections or passive immunity against future infection.

A new step towards an AIDS vaccine

Researchers identify a key pathway for targeting pDC function in HIV vaccine development. A decrease in blood pDC frequency is observed in chronic HIV infections, correlating with high viral load and reduced CD4 counts.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 13, 2005

JCI table of contents, 15 June 2004

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a strategy using small interfering RNA to enhance cancer treatment in cases of drug resistance. They tested their theory in a form of leukemia that is resistant to commonly used anti-cancer drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

Origin of multiple myeloma found in rare stem cell

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a rare stem cell in multiple myeloma that gives rise to malignant bone marrow plasma cells. Current treatments may not be effective against this errant stem cell, leading scientists to explore dual-therapy approaches to target both the visible and root causes of the disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood·DateDec 3, 2003

Censoring self-specific B cells

Researchers have developed a method to 'censor' self-specific B cells, which can help treat autoimmune diseases. This approach may lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2001