Immunology
Blocking some T cells may unleash full power of immune system against cancer
Researchers have identified a way to restrict regulatory T-cell activity in tumor cells, which in turn can unleash other immune cells to attack tumors in cancer patients. The research is being published in the August 3 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Cellular programming spurs next-generation cell therapies
Cellular reprogramming of ex vivo cells may offer improvements on first-generation adoptive cell therapies, which have experienced limited clinical success due to complex manufacturing, potential patient rejection, and availability of clinical cell types. Further, in vivo reprogramming may expand on this concept by eliminating the need for manufacture and the risk of immune rejection. Read More
Thermo Fisher opens cGMP plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in Calif.
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it has officially opened its new current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, CA, a step the company hopes will help it meet the rapidly growing demand for plasmid DNA-based therapies and vital mRNA-based vaccines. Read More
Strateos launches hybrid SmartLab software platform
Strateos has launched SmartLab, a modular cloud-based software platform designed to assist life science research organizations in connecting onsite research and development labs with remote-controlled facilities. Read More
Machine learning helps scientists map the mammalian immune system
The use of advanced machine-learning software has led to the identification of hundreds of new genes that likely affect the working immune system, according to findings from a study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Read More
Oncolytic viruses move closer to becoming effective cancer therapies
Scientists are identifying key factors that aid in the effectiveness of oncolytic viruses during the treatment of cancers, which could lead to better immunotherapies and inform clinicians which patients might benefit from the treatment. Findings from a June 22 Nature Communications article point to the clinical relevance and underlying mechanisms of a novel anticancer treatment. Read More
What makes immunotherapies successful in one tumor but not in others?
Researchers have developed a new framework to uncover pathophysiological and molecular features that determine the effectiveness of immunotherapies. The research, published in Nature Communications on June 29, provides an opportunity for improving patient care and gaining a deeper understanding of cancer immunotherapy mechanisms. Read More
CAR-NK cells hold promise for solid tumors
A new cancer immunotherapy that leverages the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to discriminate between cancer and normal cells has shown promise in solid tumors. The technology incorporates the cancer-targeting ability of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), according to data published in iScience on June 25. Read More
How being an effective mentor can advance science
Mentorship in the sciences is about making sure the next generation has the skills needed to be successful and to take science to the next level, explained Michael Howell, PhD, chief scientific officer at DermTech, during a recent conversation with ScienceBoard.net. Read More
FDA issues EUA for monoclonal antibody for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for tocilizumab (Actemra) for the treatment of hospitalized adults and pediatric patients. Read More
Conferences
CPhI North America
August 10-12
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States
Bioprocessing Summit
August 16-19
Boston, Massachusetts United States
6th Annual CAR-TCR Summit
August 30 - September 2
Online
European Congress of Immunology (ECI) 2021
September 1-4
Belgrade Serbia
Medical Affairs Strategic Summit (MASS)
September 13-15
New Brunswick, New Jersey United States
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