Could Your Blood Be Hiding a Lethal Secret? Uncovering Autoantibodies and Viral Risks
A new study shows that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, mostly later in life. This makes individuals more…
Antibodies News
Antibodies are specialized Y-shaped proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. These proteins are part of the adaptive immune response and are generated by B cells. Each antibody has a unique region at the tips of its “Y” that specifically binds to a unique molecular structure on the pathogen, known as an antigen. This binding helps to immobilize the antigen and mark it for destruction by other immune cells. Antibodies also facilitate a variety of immune responses, including the activation of complement proteins that lead to the destruction of pathogens. Their ability to precisely target specific pathogens makes antibodies essential tools in medical research, diagnostics, and treatments, particularly in the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
New Hope for AFM: NIH Tests Experimental Monoclonal Antibody
A monoclonal antibody was developed from the blood of patients who were recovering. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding a clinical trial to…
Feeling Sick After Your COVID Vaccine? According to Scientists, It’s Actually a Good Sign
A UCSF study suggests that side effects like headaches and chills from COVID-19 vaccines indicate a robust immune response; however, uptake of the vaccine remains…
Flu Breakthrough: Vanderbilt Scientists Discover Powerful New Weapon
Vanderbilt University researchers have identified potent monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, showcasing a promising avenue for treatment and preventative strategies in combating the virus. Researchers…
Decoding HIV’s Defenses: Innovative Vaccine Strategy Shows Promise
Results from NIH-funded animal models will inform the development of vaccines for humans. Using advanced immunological techniques, researchers have effectively activated the immune systems of…
Scientists Decode Deadly Blood Clot Disorder Triggered by COVID Vaccines
New research has shown that the dangerous PF4 antibodies involved in vaccine-induced thrombosis (VITT) and similar disorders from common cold infections share identical molecular structures,…
Evolving With the Virus: Repeat COVID-19 Shots Neutralizing Beyond the Expected
The response to an updated vaccine is influenced by previous vaccinations but also produces broadly neutralizing antibodies. The COVID-19 pandemic has ended, yet the virus…
Mystery Finally Solved? New Discovery Could Explain Long COVID
Researchers at University of Virginia Health have uncovered a potential explanation for some of the most puzzling aspects of COVID-19 and long COVID. These surprising…
Previously Unknown Rogue Immune Key to Chronic Viral Infections Discovered
Scientists discovered a previously unidentified rogue immune cell linked to poor antibody responses in chronic viral infections. Australian researchers have discovered a previously unknown rogue…
Stopping HIV in Its Tracks: New Anti-Viral Treatment Hacks the Virus’ Protective Shield
Just over a year ago, the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new anti-retroviral medication aimed at combating human immunodeficiency…
Side Does Matter: Unlocking the Secret Power of Vaccine Placement
Research conducted during Germany’s COVID-19 vaccination effort shows that getting both vaccine doses in the same arm could enhance the immune response, offering insights into…
The Flu’s Hidden Weakness: New Antibodies Target “Dark Side” of Virus Protein
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have discovered antibodies that attack a difficult-to-detect area of the influenza virus, shedding light on the relatively unexplored…
Scientists Have Discovered a Potential Universal Antivenom
Scientists at Scripps Research identified antibodies that protect against a host of lethal snake venoms. Scripps Research scientists have developed an antibody that can block…
Scientists Discover Simple Trick To Enhance Vaccine Efficacy
COVID-19 vaccine discovery could shape clinical practices globally. New research reveals as much as a four-fold increase in immune response when people alternate from one…
Scientists Discover New Class of Antibodies That Could Neutralize the Flu Virus
The findings may assist in creating vaccines that offer wider protection against various flu strains. Researchers led by Holly Simmons from the University of Pittsburgh…
Breakthrough in Food Allergy Treatment: Omalizumab Trial Shows Promising Results
A treatment using monoclonal antibodies substantially improved the tolerance of various everyday foods in children and adolescents with food allergies, according to a planned interim…
HIV Vaccine Breakthrough: Antibodies Protect Animals in Innovative Study
Researchers have found that three different HIV antibodies targeting the fusion peptide can protect monkeys from simian-HIV, offering promising insights for the development of an…
When the Cure Becomes the Killer: The Surprising Turn of Antibodies in Snake Venom Research
A promising antibody failed testing. This is good news for developing a broad-spectrum antidote against the world’s most dangerous snake venoms. What makes a soldier…