Tag: Adaptive Immunity

Immunocompromised individuals need regular boosters for Covid-19 protection

Vaccinations alone may not be enough to protect people with compromised immune systems from infection, even if the vaccine has generated the production of antibodies, new research from the University of Cambridge has shown. The findings, published today in Science Advances, suggest that such individuals will need regular vaccine boosters to protect them and reduce… Continue reading Immunocompromised individuals need regular boosters for Covid-19 protection

NK cell depletion in bispecific antibody therapy is associated with lack of HIV control after ART interruption

Abstract HIV infection remains incurable as the virus persists within a latent reservoir of CD4+T cells. Novel approaches to enhance immune responses against HIV are essential for effective control and potential cure of the infection. In this study, we designed a novel tetravalent bispecific antibody (Bi-Ab32/16) to simultaneously target the gp120 viral protein on infected… Continue reading NK cell depletion in bispecific antibody therapy is associated with lack of HIV control after ART interruption

Population shift in antibody immunity following the emergence of a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern

Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) exhibit escape from pre-existing immunity and elicit variant-specific immune responses. In South Africa, the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections was driven by the Beta VOC, which coincided with the country-wide National COVID-19 Antibody Survey (NCAS). The NCAS was conducted between November 2020 and… Continue reading Population shift in antibody immunity following the emergence of a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern

Making Biliary Tract Cancer Treatment More Precise

Tumors arising in the gallbladder, bile ducts, and the small intestine are collectively referred to as biliary tract cancers. These cancers are rare—affecting approximately 12,350 individuals in 2024—but they are typically diagnosed at advanced stages when surgery, which can improve prognosis, is no longer an option.  Angela Lamarca, MD, PhD Systemic therapies, therefore, are the… Continue reading Making Biliary Tract Cancer Treatment More Precise

Blinatumomab Boosts Chemotherapy as Initial Treatment for Some Kids with ALL

Following positive results from a clinical trial, the immunotherapy drug blinatumomab (Blincyto) is expected to become part of the standard initial treatment for many kids with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer.

Vaccinations alone may not protect immunocompromised patients, Cambridge research shows

Vaccinations alone may not be enough to protect people with compromised immune systems from infection, even if the vaccine has generated the production of antibodies, new research from the University of Cambridge has shown. The findings, published today in Science Advances, suggest that such individuals will need regular vaccine boosters to protect them and reduce… Continue reading Vaccinations alone may not protect immunocompromised patients, Cambridge research shows

Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) inhibitors screened from an Fv-antibody library for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection

Fv-antibodies targeting the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) were screened from an Fv-antibody library for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fv-antibodies were derived from the variable region of heavy-chain immunoglobulin G (IgG), which consisted of three complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and frame regions (FRs). The Fv-antibody library was prepared through site-directed mutagenesis of CDR3. The proteolytic cleavage site… Continue reading Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) inhibitors screened from an Fv-antibody library for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection