We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Chimeric Drug Reduces Local Inflammation Without Causing General Immune Suppression

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Aug 2015
Print article
Image: The non-active drug is activated when it becomes localized at a site with excessive inflammation (Photo courtesy of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev).
Image: The non-active drug is activated when it becomes localized at a site with excessive inflammation (Photo courtesy of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev).
A novel anti-inflammatory drug is based on a chimeric molecule that avoids general immune suppression by being non-active when injected but is converted into an activate agent by leukocytes concentrated at the site of local inflammation.

Investigators at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beer Sheba, Israel) and the University of Colorado (Boulder, USA) created the chimeric drug by fusing the N-terminal peptide of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) to IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra), resulting in inactive IL-1Ra.

Since the IL-1beta N-terminal peptide contained several protease sites clustered around the caspase-1 site, local proteases at sites of inflammation were able to cleave the chimeric IL-1Ra and turn it into active IL-1Ra.

Results published in the July 8, 2015, online edition of Journal of Immunology revealed that chimeric IL-1Ra reduced IL-1–mediated inflammation in a mouse model of local inflammation. This unique approach limited IL-1 receptor blockade to sites of inflammation, while sparing a multitude of desired IL-1–related activities, including host defense against infections and IL-1–mediated repair.

“This development is important because inhibition of inflammation in a nonspecific manner reduces the natural ability to fight infections and is a common side effect of anti-inflammatory biologic therapeutics,” said Dr. Peleg Rider, professor of clinical biochemistry and pharmacology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “The beauty of this invention lies in the use of a known natural biological code. We mimicked a natural process that occurs during inflammation.”

Related Links:

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
University of Colorado


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.