Abstract: Nearly all cancer drugs were designed to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately they do the same to many normal cells. Can cancer cells be reverted to normal? Certain compounds are being investigated for their functionalities of turning cancer cells from malignant to benign. ... Read more
Abstract: A poor vitamin D profile as a result of insufficient sunlight exposure and/or dietary shortage is associated with a non-optimal immune system and an elevated risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Genetic factors may also be involved in the link. ... Read more
Abstract: Mammals have not only allowed a large community of non-pathogenic bacteria to take up residence in their intestinal system, but they also rely on them for their own benefits and development. Intestinal commensal bacteria stimulated the polyclonal expansion of B lymphocytes that produce a diverse and effective antibody repertoire. ... Read more
Abstract: Widely used TB vaccine BCG protects children from TB much more effectively than adults. The reason: prior to BCG vaccination, many adults were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or atypical mycobacterium species such as M. avium and subsequently developed variable levels of cross-immunity against the BCG. For protecting the adult population, a genetically modified BCG vaccine should be explored. ... Read more
Abstract: HMGB1, the high mobility group box 1 protein, is a busy molecule. In the nucleus, it bends DNA and regulates various biochemical transactions. Outside cells, it is a potent signal of inflammation that sets the innate immune system on a fast-track response to injury and inflammation. ... Read more
Abstract: Self antigens can have dominant and cryptic (hidden) antigenic determinants. T cells that can see the dominant antigenic determinants are tolerized and "disarmed." T cells that may still see the cryptic determinants are active and become a part of the T cell repertoire. Under certain circumstances when these T cells are more capable of "seeing" the cryptic antigenic determinants or the cryptic determinants unveil themselves, autoimmunity ensues. ... Read more
Abstract: A lot has been learned since the 2001 mail anthrax attack. Authors analyzed the readiness of science and US government agencies in handling future bioterror attacks and proposed measures that would drastically improve the response efficiency and reduce the damage. ... Read more
Abstract: Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are currently produced in bioreactors and they require repeated injections during the course of treatment. Patients develop variable levels of antibodies against the monoclonal drugs and reduce or even abolish their effectiveness. In order to avoid this and other side effects, authors produced monoclonal antibodies in vivo by gene transfer technology. The technology could potentially allow patients to make their needed antibody drugs in their own body for handy applications. ... Read more
Abstract: On average, only 1 out of 10,000-100,000 injected biomolecules reaches its therapeutic target. Biobarriers throughout the body present many obstacles for drugs to realize their therapeutic potentials. Nanovectors make it possible to achieve lesion site recognition and biobarrier avoidance. ... Read more
Abstract: A higher metabolic rate and elevated oxidative stress levels have been thought of as the primary factors in the aging process. Authors described a new hypothesis for determining longevity - the metabolic stability theory, which states that the extent of the fluctuation in the metabolic rate and how quickly a species returns to the "normal" metabolic rate after extraordinary events affects the organism's longevity the most. ... Read more
