An engineered antibody fragment has been developed as a highly potent neutralizer of SARS-CoV-2. For the first time, one of these tiny molecules has been tested for efficacy in in vitro and in vivo infection models. The results of the collaborative study were published in Cell on September 14. Discuss
A new approach to increasing the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies combines existing therapies with new monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that block inhibitory cytokines in tumor microenvironments, allowing the body to effectively eliminate tumors. The results of the study were published in Nature Communications on September 11. Discuss
Adjuvants are often added to vaccines as a method for promoting an immune response in recipients. But what happens when that immune response goes haywire, causing too much inflammation? Researchers believe that adding an "immune potentiator" to adjuvants that strengthens the immune reaction and modulates excess inflammation could lead to vaccines that are better tolerated in humans, according to a September 9 article in Science Advances. Discuss
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based system that can simultaneously provide transcriptional control and gene editing on demand to improve the efficacy of gene therapies. The details were published in Nature Cell Biology on September 3. Discuss
Human genetic variation may alter the interactions of drugs being used to treat patients with COVID-19 symptoms, resulting in a range of clinical responses -- from no effect to high toxicity in some patients, according to a study published in Nature Genomic Medicine on August 18. Discuss
Rare stem cells that give rise to neutrophils in human bone marrow could offer a path to developing treatments for diseases that involve the white blood cells, according to a new article published in Immunity on August 18. Discuss
A microbe-based therapeutics platform that has been in development for nearly 30 years is gaining traction for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The company that is developing the platform, Precigen ActoBio, is advancing a lead candidate through clinical trials with the long-term goal of finding a sweet spot between biologics and gene therapies. Discuss
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in virtual format featured a broad array of sessions, discussing many aspects of cancer research from drug development to treatment and patient advocacy. Discuss
A SARS-CoV-2 variant carrying an amino acid change, D614G, in the spike protein has become the predominant form of the virus in the current global pandemic. A recent publication in Cell advocated for viral surveillance to aid in the development of immunological interventions. Discuss
Highly targeted and adaptable platforms allow researchers to develop cancer vaccines for a multitude of different cancer types and even create personalized vaccines for individual cancer patients. Researchers from BioNTech and the Wistar Institute shared exciting developments in cancer vaccines in a methods workshop during the American Association for Cancer Research 2020 virtual annual meeting II. Discuss
Conferences
ESMO Virtual Congress 2020
September 14-29
Online
September 14-29
Online
BioProcess International West
September 21-25
Online
September 21-25
Online
BioProcess International
September 21-25
Online
September 21-25
Online
National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 21-25
Online
September 21-25
Online
ASGCT 2020 Policy Summit
September 23-25
Online
September 23-25
Online
Science Briefs
Insights
Exclusive content for Science Advisory Board members on trends and outcomes that are influencing the future of scientific research.
Communities
Interact with an engaged, global community of your peers who come together to discuss their work and opportunities.
Rewards
Earn points for contributing to research. Redeem your points for merchandise, travel, or even to help your favorite charity.
Connect
