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 hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Monoclonal Antibody Blocks B-Cell Receptor and Eases Leukemia Burden in Mouse Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 May 2014
Print article
Blocking the B-cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) on leukemia cells has been suggested as a new approach for treating an acute, chemotherapy-resistant form of childhood leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by an excessive amount of white blood cell precursors (B-cell lymphoblasts) in the blood and bone marrow. B-cell lineage ALL (pre-B ALL) accounts for 80% to 85% of childhood ALL.

BAFF-R is encoded in humans by the TNFRSF13C (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13C) gene. BAFF enhances B-cell survival in vitro and is a regulator of the peripheral B-cell population. Overexpression of BAFF in mice results in mature B-cell hyperplasia and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Also, some SLE patients have increased levels of BAFF in their serum. Therefore, it has been proposed that abnormally high levels of BAFF may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by enhancing the survival of autoreactive B cells. The protein encoded by the TNFRSF13C gene is a receptor for BAFF and is a type III transmembrane protein containing a single extracellular cysteine-rich domain.

It is thought that BAFF-R is the principal receptor required for BAFF-mediated mature B-cell survival. Since BAFF-R is expressed on precursor pre-B ALL cells but not on their pre-B normal counterparts, selective killing of ALL cells is possible by targeting this receptor.

Investigators at the University of Southern California (USA) tested a novel humanized anti–BAFF-R monoclonal antibody in a study carried out on leukemia cell cultures and in an immunodeficient mouse transplant model.

They reported in the May 13, 2014, online edition of the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics that the antibodies significantly stimulated natural killer cell-mediated killing of different human patient-derived ALL cells. Moreover, incubation of such ALL cells with these antibodies stimulated phagocytosis by macrophages. When this was tested in the immunodeficient transplant model, mice that were treated with the antibody had a significantly decreased leukemia burden in bone marrow and spleen.

"We have now demonstrated that BAFF-R is a strong potential therapeutic target for treating chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cells, without damaging healthy cells," said senior author Dr. Nora Heisterkamp, professor of research, pediatrics, and pathology at the University of Southern California. "We found that human pre-B ALL cells could be even further reduced when the anti-BAFF-R antibody was combined with chemotherapy or another therapeutic agent. We are looking at a potential one, two punch."

Related Links:

University of Southern California


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Cortisol Rapid Test
Finecare Cortisol Rapid Quantitative Test
New
Urine Collection Container
Urine Monovette

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Genome sequencing technology has the potential to detect thousands of genetic disease (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Gene Technology Outperforms Standard Newborn Screening Tests in Pioneering Study

Since its introduction in the 1960s, newborn screening has grown to encompass dozens of primarily genetic disorders. The standard approach to newborn screening involves detecting specific biomarkers in... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: LMU’s Professor Frederick Klauschen developed the novel approach that can improve diagnostic accuracy (Photo courtesy of LMU Munich)

AI Tool Uses Imaging Data to Detect Less Frequent GI Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being utilized in various medical fields, demonstrating significant potential in aiding doctors in diagnosing diseases through imaging data. However, training AI... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.