Dendritic cell depletion for acute GvHD FREE

by Kai-Jye Lou, Staff Writer

doi:10.1038/scibx.2009.256

Australian researchers have generated an antibody that hits CD83, a molecule upstream of the T cells targeted by many compounds in development to treat GvHD. The compound depletes activated dendritic cells while sparing pre-existing donor T cells that target leukemic cells and viruses.

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-blocking wounds

by Tim Fulmer, Senior Writer

doi:10.1038/scibx.2009.257

Researchers at UC Davis have found that -blockers can influence the rate of new tissue formation in wound healing. Although the small molecules could circumvent delivery issues faced by topical therapies, it is unclear how many wound types could be addressed by this approach.

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Resistin becomes less futile

by Steve Edelson, Executive Editor

doi:10.1038/scibx.2009.258

UPenn researchers have removed a roadblock to studying the role of resistin in the pathology of type 2 diabetes by developing a mouse model that expresses the target like humans. However, the model may not rekindle enthusiasm for the adipokine itself as a drug target.

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Apt screening with microfluidics

by Michael J. Haas, Senior Writer

doi:10.1038/scibx.2009.259

California researchers have developed a magnetic microfluidic-based platform for isolating high-affinity DNA aptamers in a single round of screening. Beyond its use for aptamer screening, the approach may also provide a tool for screening libraries of small molecules and peptides.

Full text - Apt screening with microfluidics | PDF (166 KB) - Apt screening with microfluidics

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