Human influenza A and B viruses cause annual epidemics of the flu worldwide. Neuraminidase inhibitors such as Tamiflu are less effective in treating IBV than IAV. Monoclonal antibodies against IBV have been developed, but they have limited effectiveness. Given these limitations, researchers conducted studies using an in vivo plasmablast enrichment technique to isolate a human monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing IBVs in vitro and that also protects against lethal IBV challenges in vivo.
Regrowth and healing of skin after severe traumas such as burns and other extensive skin damage are significant medical challenges and depend on complex skin regeneration mechanisms. Skin and other tissue regeneration processes start with platelet degranulation and clotting that are associated with the release of a number of factors including clotting factors and cytokines. Skin tissue regeneration also relies on the action of growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is beneficial for tissue regeneration processes because platelets promote the secretion of growth factors that are essential in wound healing.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma is a common, but aggressive liver cancer with a low survival rate. Given the immunogenicity of HBV and tumor cells, immunotherapies based on T-cell cytotoxicity may be viable treatment approaches to hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies were conducted to characterize the cytotoxic T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) responses involved in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
Many people have at some point thought of, or actually donated their blood for medical use by those most in need. Most people are familiar with the use of donated blood in emergency situations to replace trauma-related blood loss. However, donated blood has many uses including for medical research and planned therapies. Research using donated blood supports crucial development of immunotherapies for different types of cancer, auto-immune diseases, rare diseases and conditions, and more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common type of cancer in the U.S. , but screening and early diagnosis have helped to reduce the death rate from CRC in the U.S. However, developing and transitional countries experience increases in the incidence of CRC. The primary treatment approaches used (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) are associated with adverse events and poor survival rates.
