Category Archives: Immunology

The FDA told the maker of Purell it could not claim that the product prevents viral illnesses, raising new questions about hand sanitizer use.

The Food and Drug Administration told the maker of Purell last month that it could not claim its product prevents the flu and other viral illnesses, raising new questions about hand sanitizer use.

In a letter to GOJO Industries, the FDA said it is currently not aware of any adequate and well-controlled studies demonstrating that killing or decreasing the number of bacteria or viruses on the skin by a certain magnitude produces a corresponding clinical reduction in infection or disease caused by such bacteria or virus.

Though the company may be limited in the claims it can make, hand sanitizers that have at least 60% alcohol content are still believed to be an important line of defense against getting sick, according to Dr. Julie Fischer, an associate research professor of microbiology and immunology at Georgetown University.

The correct use of hand sanitizer involves applying enough of it and rubbing your hands for 15 seconds, because the rubbing together actually helps destroy and remove those organisms as well, Fischer said.

Still, its preferred that you use soap and water and wash your hands correctly if you have time, she said, which means rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds while washing.

Meanwhile, in an apparent vote of confidence for hand sanitizers, the FBI has ordered $40,000 of hand sanitizer and face masks in case the coronavirus becomes a pandemic in the United States, according to the acquisition document obtained by CNBC.

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Immunology

COVID-19: Why you should call the coronavirus by its official name – ABC10.com KXTV

February 21, 2020 medical

SACRAMENTO, Calif. The outbreak of a new coronavirus, first detected in Wuhan City, China, now has an official name.

In comments to the media on Tuesday, Feb. 11, World Health Organization (WHO) General Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a name for coronavirus: COVID-19.

"Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing," he said during his remarks. "It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks."

COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The center says it's rare for animal coronavirus to infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus named SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations developed the name based on best practices, according to health officials. The disease was previously referred to as 2019-nCoV, shorthand for novel (new) coronavirus found in 2019.

"We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease," the director general said.

Tracey Goldstein, professor in the UC Davis Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, said it's important to have an official name for the virus to curb misinformation.

"People may call a virus or disease by an incorrect name based on species or locations," Goldstein said. "If people think a virus comes from a particular location they may treat people from that area inappropriately."

As of Wednesday, Feb. 19, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, according to the CDC. Health officials confirmed thefirst case of coronavirus in Napa Countyon Tuesday after a local hospital took in a patient from Travis Air Force Base after they were flown in from Japan.

Globally, there are 75,204 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to WHO.

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COVID-19: Why you should call the coronavirus by its official name - ABC10.com KXTV

Immunology

Neurology Professor from Harvard Medical School Wins Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research for Work Resulting in New Tools and Treatments to…

February 21, 2020 medical

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Newswise Dr. Francisco J. Quintana, PhD, Professor of Neurology at Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, is the winner of the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research.

While the genetic origins of MS are becoming better understood, its less known how environmental factorssuch as pollutants, diet and intestinal bacteriamight contribute to MS and its progression. It is also not yet known how risk factors influence the immune system to attack the central nervous system. To address these questions, Dr. Quintana uses cutting-edge technologies to study the regulation of immune responses and inflammation in MS, molecular changes that trigger MS and environmental factors that influence disease activity.

Through a series of high-impact publications, Dr. Quintanas work has contributed new tools to further the work of the MS research community. His research has led to potential drugs for treating progressive MS, and has contributed to the development of a designer treatment called nanoparticles to control autoimmune activity. He recently developed anti-inflammatory synthetic engineered probiotics as a novel approach to MS therapy, and his team is currently licensing these probiotics to a new biotech for their clinical testing.

I recently completed what is so far the largest single-cell analysis of central nervous system cells in MS and EAE models Since this work generated one of the largest datasets currently available, it provides a unique resource for the study of the CNS in health and disease, Dr. Quintana said. Thus, we expect these datasets and novel methods to have a deep impact on MS research.

As for future research plans, Dr. Quintana will serve as the lead researcher on an international collaboration to develop a pipeline to identify the origins of progressive MS and new or repurposed drugs to treat it. His long-term goal is to identify mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and develop therapies for progressive MS.

Dr. Quintana will receive the Barancik Prize and deliver the Prize lecture at the ACTRIMS Forum. ACTRIMS Forum brings together more than 1,200 researchers and clinicians annually to share developments in the rapidly changing field of MS. The 2020 Forum will be held Feb. 27-29, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Themed Networks in MS, this CME-accredited meeting stands apart from many traditional medical meetings by offering a single track of scientific and clinical presentations in an interactive environment.More information about ACTRIMS Forum appears on the events website. Follow the event at #ACTRIMS.

Dr. Quintana earned a diploma in biology from the University of Buenos Aires and a Ph.D. in immunology from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. He completed his postdoctoral training with a focus on neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute and at BWH. Among his many awards are Young Investigator Awards in Ireland and Italy, a Pathway to Independence Award from NIAID/NIH, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys 2014 Harry Weaver Research Scholar Award and 2017 Milestones in MS Research Award. The recipient of the 2016 Young Mentor Award from Harvard Medical School, he has trained more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and participates in several programs focused on training scientists from underrepresented minorities. He directs the Autoimmunity post-graduate course at Harvard Medical School, and the Seminars in Immunology post-graduate course at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Barancik Prize seeks to recognize and encourage exceptional innovation and originality in scientific research relevant to multiple sclerosis, with emphasis on impact and potential of the research to lead to pathways for the treatment and cure for MS, and scientific accomplishments that merit recognition as a future leader in MS research. The international prize is made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, and is administered through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Read about the Barancik Prize and previous recipients

About ACTRIMS Founded in 1995, Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) is a community of leaders from the United States and Canada who are dedicated to the treatment and research in MS and other demyelinating diseases. ACTRIMS focuses on knowledge dissemination, education and collaboration among disciplines. ACTRIMS also provides a Forum for experienced and newer clinicians and researchers to exchange information, debate current issues and discuss advances related to basic research and clinical issues.

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Neurology Professor from Harvard Medical School Wins Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research for Work Resulting in New Tools and Treatments to...

Immunology

The Effect of CoQ10 Supplementation on Quality of Life in Women with B | PRBM – Dove Medical Press

February 20, 2020 medical

Seyed Ahmad Hosseini,1 Nazanin Zahrooni,2 Ahmad Ahmadzadeh,3 Kambiz Ahmadiangali,4 Mohammad-Ali Assarehzadegan5

1Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; 2Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; 3Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; 4Biostatistics Division, Health School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; 5Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence: Nazanin ZahrooniDepartment of Nutrition, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Tel +98 61 3336 7543Fax +98-6133720299Email nzahroonii@gmail.com

Background: Survival rates among breast cancer patients and the number of patients living with treatment side effects have improved, leading to increased focus on quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of CoQ10 on QOL scores among breast cancer patients in Iranian undergoing tamoxifen therapy.Methods: Thirty breast cancer patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received 100 mg CoQ10, and the second group took fplacebo once a day for 8 weeks. QOL was evaluated by a standard QOL questionnaire and a specific questionnaire on QOL of breast cancer patients at baseline and the end of the study. Also, physical activity of patients was assessed with the IPAQ questionnaire and dietary intake determined by a 3-day dietary record.Results: The data of 30 subjects were analyzed. According to QOL C30 data, CoQ10 led to a significant increase in physical functioning (P=0.029), emotional functioning (P=0.031), and cognitive functioning (P=0.023) compared to placebo. Symptom scales revealed a notable reduction in appetite loss in the first group (P=0.01). Global health status showed no significant changes in either study arm. On the QOL BR23, progress in functions and decline in symptoms were not statistically significant. Arm symptoms showed significant reduction (P=0.022) in patients that received placebo.Conclusion: This trial indicates that CoQ10 supplementation has effects in ameliorating some dimensions of QOL in breast cancer patients. To generalize the results, larger and longer intervention studies are needed.Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT2015042021874N1.

Keywords: breast cancer, CoQ10, quality of life, tamoxifen

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License.By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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The Effect of CoQ10 Supplementation on Quality of Life in Women with B | PRBM - Dove Medical Press

Immunology

RAPT Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Investor Conference Presentations – Yahoo Finance

February 20, 2020 medical

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (RAPT), a clinical-stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical companyfocused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases, today announced that Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., its President and CEO, will be presenting at two upcoming conferences:

A live webcast and audio archive of both presentations may be accessed on the RAPT Therapeutics website athttps://investors.rapt.com/events-and-presentations. Please connect to the website 10 minutes prior to the presentation to ensure adequate time for any software downloads that may be necessary to listen to the webcast.

AboutRAPT Therapeutics, Inc.RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Utilizing its proprietary discovery and development engine, the Company is developing highly selective small molecules designed to modulate the critical immune drivers underlying these diseases. RAPT has discovered and advanced two unique drug candidates, FLX475 and RPT193, each targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), for the treatment of cancer and inflammation, respectively. The Company is also pursuing a range of targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1), that are in the discovery stage of development.

Media Contact:Angela Bittingmedia@rapt.com(925) 202-6211

Investor Contact:Sylvia Wheelerswheeler@wheelhouselsa.com

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RAPT Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Investor Conference Presentations - Yahoo Finance

Immunology

Caribou Biosciences and ProMab Biotechnologies Announce Sale and Assignment Agreement for Humanized scFv Targeting BCMA | More News | News Channels -…

February 20, 2020 medical

DetailsCategory: More NewsPublished on Thursday, 20 February 2020 13:06Hits: 227

BERKELEY, CA & RICHMOND, CA, USA I February 19, 2020 I Caribou Biosciences, Inc., a leading CRISPR genome editing company, and ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc., a biotechnology CRO/CDMO specializing in antibody engineering and CAR-T development, today announced a sale and assignment agreement under which Caribou gains access to a ProMab humanized single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting the B Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) for use in allogeneic engineered cell therapies. Caribou intends to utilize this scFv in the development of its CB-011 program, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting BCMA-positive tumors including multiple myeloma.

We are excited for the opportunity to have access to this highly advanced, humanized molecule and believe it will significantly advance our promising CB-011 CAR-T program, said Steven Kanner, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Caribou.

We anticipate that our humanized BCMA scFv will aid greatly in Caribous efforts to further its allogeneic CAR-T program, and hope our technology continues to improve the field of preclinical and clinical stage immunotherapy research by providing broad choices of validated antibodies, said John Wu, MD, Chief Executive Officer of ProMab.

Under the terms of the agreement, ProMab received an upfront payment and is eligible for royalties on net sales of licensed products containing the BCMA scFv.

About Caribou Biosciences, Inc. Caribou is a leading company in CRISPR genome editing founded by pioneers of CRISPR-Cas9 biology. The company is developing an internal pipeline of off-the-shelf CAR-T cell therapies, other gene-edited cell therapies, and engineered gut microbes. Additionally, Caribou offers licenses to its CRISPR-Cas9 foundational IP in multiple fields including research tools, internal research use, diagnostics, and industrial biotechnology. Interested companies may contact Caribou at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information about Caribou, visit http://www.cariboubio.com and follow the Company @CaribouBio. Caribou Biosciences and the Caribou logo are registered trademarks of Caribou Biosciences, Inc.

About ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc. ProMab Biotechnologies focuses on developing and commercializing mouse, rabbit, and human monoclonal antibodies as well as chimeric antigen receptor-T Cell (CAR-T) products. ProMabs CAR-T platform covers both hematological and solid cancers with intensive in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical validation designed for safer and better treatment. As a CRO in the immunology field for 19 years, ProMab offers standard laboratory procedures and animal studies for antibody discovery through the integration of the newest techniques in antibody library construction, next generation sequencing, unique humanization modeling, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence analysis systems. ProMab aims to out-license antibodies validated in CAR-T therapy in the preclinical stage or to bring CAR-T technologies to the early stage market of clinical study. ProMab has partnered with top biotechnology startups, medical institutions, and pharmaceutical companies to advance the development of cell therapies as well as bispecific antibodies targeting multiple cancers. For more information, visit http://www.promab.com.

SOURCE: Caribou Biosciences

Immunology

Cue Biopharma’s Therapeutic Immuno-STAT Platform to be Featured in Merck Presentation at Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance Drug Development Summit -…

February 20, 2020 medical

Presentation Provides Update on Immuno-STAT Platform Demonstrating Selective Modulation of Targeted T cells in Preclinical Models

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cue Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: CUE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engineering a novel class of injectable biologics to selectively engage and modulate targeted T cells within the body, announced today that the companys therapeutic Immuno-STAT (Selective Targeting and Alteration of T cells) platform is scheduled to be featured in a Merck presentation at the Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance Drug Development Summit taking place on Feb. 25-27, 2020 at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Cue entered into a strategic research collaboration and license agreement with Merck in November 2017 to develop biologics for the treatment of selected autoimmune diseases.

Presentation DetailsTitle: Antigen Specific Immunotherapy Approaches for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases Presenter: Emilio Flano, Executive Director and Head of Immunology Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc.Date & Time:Feb. 26 at 8:00 a.m. ET

This presentation demonstrates the modularity of the Immuno-STAT platform and its potential for addressing the pressing unmet need for treating autoimmune disease through the selective down modulation of self-reactive T cells associated with autoimmune disorders, said Anish Suri, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer ofCue Biopharma.An Immuno-STAT has been made to selectively deliver a PD-L1 inhibitory signal to CD4 T cells reactive to the proinsulin protein, which is associated with type 1 diabetes.This Immuno-STAT selectively inhibited the expansion of proinsulin reactive T cells isolated from the blood of type 1 diabetes patients, and also selectively inhibited the functional response of proinsulin-specific CD4 T cells when the Immuno-STAT was administered to transgenic mice.

About Immuno-STATImmuno-STAT biologics are designed for targeted modulation of disease-associated T cells in the areas of immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease. Each of our biologic drugs is designed using our proprietary scaffold comprising: 1) a peptide-MHC complex (pMHC) to provide selectivity through interaction with the T cell receptor (TCR), and 2) a unique co-regulatory signaling molecule to modulate the activity of the target T cells.

The simultaneous engagement of co-regulatory molecules and pMHC binding mimics the signals delivered by antigen presenting cells (APCs) to T cells during a natural immune response. This design enables Immuno-STAT biologics to engage with the T cell population of interest, resulting in highly targeted T cell modulation. Because our drugs are delivered directly in the patients body (in vivo), they are fundamentally different from other T cell therapeutic approaches that require the patients T cells to be extracted, modified outside the body (ex vivo), and reinfused.

AboutCue BiopharmaCue Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is engineering a novel class of injectable biologics to selectively engage and modulate targeted T cells within the body to transform the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The companys proprietary Immuno-STAT(Selective Targeting and Alteration of T cells) platformis designed to harness the bodys intrinsic immune system without the need for ex vivo manipulation.

Headquartered inCambridge, Massachusetts, we are led by an experienced management team and independent Board of Directors with deep expertise in the design and clinical development of protein biologics, immunology and immuno-oncology treatments.

For more information, visitwww.cuebio.com and follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/CueBiopharma.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as believe,

expect, may, will, should, would, could, seek, intend, plan, goal, project, estimate, anticipate, strategy, future, likely or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding anticipated results of our drug development efforts, including study results, our expectations regarding regulatory developments and expected future operating results. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, our limited operating history, limited cash and a history of losses; our ability to achieve profitability; our ability to secure requiredU.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) or other governmental approvals for our product candidates and the breadth of any approved indication; negative or inconclusive results from our clinical studies or serious and unexpected drug-related side effects or other safety issues experienced by participants in our clinical trials; delays and changes in regulatory requirements, policy and guidelines including potential delays in submitting required regulatory applications to theFDA; our reliance on licensors, collaborations and strategic alliances; our ability to obtain adequate financing to fund our business operations in the future; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors and in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Report(s) on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Contact

Ashley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisorsarr@lifesciadvisors.com

Media ContactAlison ChenLifeSci Communicationsachen@lifescicomms.com

Immunology

Immunology and Serology | Johns Hopkins Medicine

February 18, 2020 medical

Immunoglobulins

These are proteins in the body that have antibody activity.Excessive amounts of these proteinsmay be caused by a variety of conditions including infection, autoimmune disorders, cancers, and chronic diseases. A lack of these proteins may be caused by many conditions including cancers, medicines, and chronic diseases

HLA (human leukocyte antigens) typing

Tested todetermine compatibility in organ, tissue, and bone marrowtransplantation. Also tested to determine paternity, and to diagnose HLA-related disorders such as certain autoimmune conditions.

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Immunology and Serology | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Immunology

Molecular Immunology – Journal – Elsevier

February 18, 2020 medical

Molecular Immunology publishes original articles, reviews and commentaries on all areas of immunology, with a particular focus on description of cellular, biochemical or genetic mechanisms underlying immunological phenomena. Studies on all model organisms, from invertebrates to humans, are suitable....

To be acceptable for publication, studies that describe correlations between disease and genetic polymorphisms would normally be required to include novel mechanistic findings underlying the associations.

Clinical studies correlating disease and measurements of a molecule or cell type would likewise not be suitable for publication without novel mechanistic insights.

Studies describing pharmacological agents are welcome if they provide significant novelty on the mechanisms of action.

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Molecular Immunology - Journal - Elsevier

Immunology

Immunology Program | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

February 18, 2020 medical

The Immunology Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides sensitive, patient-centered care to children and young adults with immune deficiencies. Our team works closely with your whole family to provide education about immune deficiencies, as well as comprehensive immunology therapies.

We also help connect you with other families facing similar medical challenges, so you can learn from others who understand your experiences.

The Immunology Program is part of CHOP's Division of Allergy and Immunology.

Primary immune deficiency disease can present in many ways including recurrent infections, unusual infections and autoimmune diseases. Our expert staff is world renowned in the diagnosis of these diseases. Our Clinical Immunology Laboratory provides advanced diagnostic tools, which are critical to finding an accurate diagnosis for your child and beginning a treatment plan that will improve her quality of life.

Particular areas of clinical emphasis include:

Each of the nearly 150 primary immune deficiency diseases has a specific therapy. We offer the most up-to-date therapies for our patients.

Our Transition Clinic supports young adults as they become more independent and their medical needs change. We emphasize management of immune deficiencies as a way of life rather than an illness that restricts opportunities.

The Immunology Service participates in longitudinal registries of patients with immune deficiencies that aim to define optimal treatments of these diseases. These studies include USIDNET, CIBMTR and PIDTC. Ongoing research efforts are focused on:

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Immunology Program | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia