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B and T cells in celiac disease

Researchers discovered that B cells specifically binding N-terminal epitopes of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) more efficiently take up and present TG2-gluten complexes to gluten-specific T cells. This suggests that B cells with this specificity are the main antigen-presenting cells for pathogenic T cells in celiac disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Mouse antibodies pinpoint Zika's weak spots

Researchers have identified specific antibodies that protect against Zika infection in mice, targeting a region of the virus similar to other flaviviruses like Dengue and West Nile. These findings aim to optimize current vaccine strategies and develop new antibody-based therapeutics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2016

Researchers develop personalized ovarian cancer vaccines

The study identifies tiny differences in protein sequences between cancer cells and healthy tissue, enabling the creation of personalized vaccines. The research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer, which often responds well to surgery and chemotherapy but returns lethally within a year or two.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 16, 2014

Building a better malaria vaccine: Mixing the right cocktail

A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 26, 2013

Rice researchers seek better vaccine procedure

Rice University bioengineer Michael Deem has developed a technique to predict the efficacy of H1N1 vaccines by estimating antigenic distance between flu strains. This method assigns a numerical value to the similarity between epitope regions, allowing researchers to refine cell-based approaches and shorten vaccine production time.

Harnessing the autoimmune response

Researchers develop a technique to conjugate peptides to virus-like particles, generating high-titer antibodies that inhibit disease-causing cytokines. This approach shows promise in blocking or delaying onset of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2001