Biotechnology
Research from the University of Hohenheim in Germany has found that DNA vaccination can protect mice against lethal challenge with Bacillus anthracis STI spores. The study published in the International Journal of Medical Microbiology used three different plasmid vectors to encode the protective antigen (PA) of B. anthracis, which is
Biotechnology
Scientists in Sweden conducted a phase I trial to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and biological efficacy of a DNA vaccine expressing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The study's objective was to assess whether DNA vaccination could induce an immune response against PSA in patients
Biotechnology
A study conducted by P.Q. Ye and colleagues from the University of Washington's Department of Pediatrics has found that the transfer of factor VIII DNA in mice stimulates the production of anti-transgene antibodies, potentially limiting the success of human gene therapy approaches. The researchers inserted factor VIII
Biotechnology
DNA vaccination is a promising approach for generating immune responses, particularly cell-mediated immune response, in various species. However, its efficacy is often limited by relatively weak immune responses. Researchers in China have investigated the effects of several chemical adjuvants on DNA vaccination, including levamisole, Tween 80, and bupivacaine. Their findings
Biotechnology
According to a study published in Vaccine, researchers from Australia have found that ISCOMATRIX adjuvant is capable of inducing broad and potent humoral and cellular immune responses. The study, led by Martin J. Pearse and D. Drane at CSL Ltd, highlights the potential of ISCOMATRIX adjuvant in vaccine development, particularly
Biotechnology
Researchers from the United States have made a significant discovery in the field of vaccine development with the review of the immunobiology of the Tomatine adjuvant in a recent issue of the journal Vaccine. According to the study, soluble or sub-unit protein vaccines alone are incapable of generating antigen-specific cellular
Biotechnology
Researchers have successfully characterized the features of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV)-derived vectors, enabling efficient transduction of motor neurons in a relatively noninvasive manner. The study, conducted by M.C.P. Perez and colleagues from BioVex Ltd., utilized viral vectors with differing degrees of disablement to achieve prolonged gene expression
Biotechnology
Ceregene, a biotechnology company focused on treating neurodegenerative disorders using gene therapy, has announced the initial closing of a $32 million Series B preferred stock financing. The financing was co-led by venture capital firms Alta Partners and MPM Capital, with additional participation from Hamilton-Apex Technology Ventures and California Technology Ventures.
Immunology
Researchers at Antigen Express, a subsidiary of Generex Biotechnology Corp., have made significant advancements in cancer immunotherapy with the development of novel peptide vaccines. At the 12th International Congress of Immunology and the 4th annual conference of FOCIS in Montreal, Quebec, Cathy Blackwell presented a research abstract titled "Enhanced
Immunology
Researchers have identified differences in the immune response elicited by liposome adjuvants prepared from various bacteria, including Haloferax volcanii, Planococcus species, and Bacillus firmus. The study, published in the journal Vaccine, found that liposomes from Haloferax volcanii were more effective in sustaining antigen-specific T cell immunity compared to those from
Biotechnology
Scientists have developed a method to transfer bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) as a single copy into the partially deleted Hprt locus of embryonic stem cells, allowing for tissue-specific expression of the BAC transgene. This technology enables studies that require correct interpretation of data depending on developmentally appropriate transgene expression. The
Biotechnology
Researchers from the University States have discovered that circulating antibodies to wild-type adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) can significantly inhibit recombinant AAV2 (rAAV2)-mediated gene transfer in the brain. According to a study published in the Journal of Virology, approximately 80% of the population maintains antibodies to wild-type AAV2, with
