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IMAGE: New SaferSeqS technology detects rare mutations in blood in a highly efficient manner and reduces the error rate. view more
Credit: Elizabeth Cooke
Next-generation gene sequencing (NGS) technologies in which millions of DNA molecules are simultaneously but individually analyzed theoretically provides researchers and clinicians the ability to noninvasively identify mutations in the blood stream. Identifying such mutations enables earlier diagnosis of cancer and can inform treatment decisions. Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers developed a new technology to overcome the inefficiencies and high error rates common among next-generation sequencing techniques that have previously limited their clinical application.
To correct for these sequencing errors, the research team from the Ludwig Center and Lustgarten Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed SaferSeqS (Safer Sequencing System), a major improvement to widely used tec
Lauren Roberts (ABC)
1 May, 2021, 3:20 pm
Studies have shown vaccines
prompt a T-cell response,
these responses have varied
from person to person and it
hasn’t been clear why.
Picture: AP/RAJANISH KAKADE
Right now, white blood cells known as T-cells are cruising through your body looking for any signs of an infection.
New research has shown your genetics influence how well these immune system cells respond to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
But can your genetic make-up also influence how your T-cells react to the COVID-19 vaccine?
That’s the question Australian scientists like Corey Smith are keen to answer.
A team of Australian researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), the Doherty Institute, and the Kirby Institute have identified neutralizing nanobody cocktails that block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering cells in pre-clinical models.
The establishment of a WEHI nanobody platform eased the development of antibody-based treatments against COVID-19.
(Photo: Dr. Drew Berry in collaboration with Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham, WEHI)
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 virus with nanobodies (purple) attaching to the virus ‘spike’ protein.
While the artificial spike protein was not infectious and did not cause the alpacas to contract the disease, it allowed them to create nanobodies, the researchers emphasized. They would then extract the gene sequence encoding the nanobodies, then choose one that attaches best to the spike protein.
The leading nanobodies that stopped the virus entry were then combined into what the researchers call a nanobody cocktail. Combining the leading nanobodies into the nanobody cocktail, the researchers were able to test its efficiency in obstructing SARS-CoV-2 from intruding into cells and lowering viral loads in preclinical models.
Nanobody cocktail shown to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in mouse models drugtargetreview.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from drugtargetreview.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.