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Ayurveda and COVID-19
Published in Srijan Goswami, Chiranjeeb Dey, COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, 2022
The adaptive immune system performs the following functions:Generates specific antigens against the pathogenRetains memory of the organism and is in readiness in case of further exposure to itLearns from new experiences and makes the defence system wiserPlays a major role in making the immune system of the individual strong and efficient
Innate and Adaptive Immune Dysfunction and Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published in David J. Hackam, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, 2021
Paula Osterhout, Christina S. Kim, Erika C. Claud
Innate immunity is present at birth prior to microbial exposure while the adaptive immune system is the more specific branch of immunity, with responses tailored to specific microbial/antigen stimuli. Innate immunity for an infant begins with maternal immunoglobulins passively acquired in utero (2–4). Other physical intestinal characteristics limit microbial/host interactions. Peristalsis moves intestinal contents through the intestinal tract to limit bacterial adherence, while secretion of gastric acid decreases intestinal pH to limit bacterial growth. For organisms that persist in the intestine, the intestinal mucosal barrier limits contact with the epithelium, while enterocyte inflammatory responses and phagocytic cell responses limit microbial proliferation.
AI and Autoimmunity
Published in Louis J. Catania, AI for Immunology, 2021
For the first time, scientists at the Human Vaccines Project are combining systems biology with artificial intelligence to understand one of the most significant remaining frontiers of human health, the human immune system.45 Perhaps the most exciting application of AI in immunology is found in the Human Vaccines Project. Researchers are comprehensively sequencing the human immune system, a system billions of times larger than the human genome. The goal is to encode the genes responsible for circulating B-cell receptors. This can provide potential new antibody targets for vaccines and therapeutics that work across populations. The Project seeks to define the genetic underpinnings of people’s ability to respond and adapt to an immense range of diseases.46 The SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic will certainly expedite further progress on this critical area of clinical research. The study specifically looked at one part of the adaptive immune system, the circulating B-cell receptors that are responsible for the production of antibodies, considered the primary determinant of immunity in people. The receptors form unique sequences of nucleotides known as receptor “clonotypes.” This creates a small number of genes that can lead to an incredible diversity of receptors, allowing the immune system to recognize almost any new pathogen.
Recent trends in next generation immunoinformatics harnessed for universal coronavirus vaccine design
Published in Pathogens and Global Health, 2023
Chin Peng Lim, Boon Hui Kok, Hui Ting Lim, Candy Chuah, Badarulhisam Abdul Rahman, Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed, Michelle Wykes, Chiuan Herng Leow, Chiuan Yee Leow
An epitope is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the adaptive immune system. It binds to specific receptors including antibodies, MHC molecules and T-cell receptors [28]. The binding portion of an antibody is termed a paratope. Epitopes can be either continuous or discontinuous. A continuous or linear epitope is a relatively short (usually 5–6) amino acid sequences recognized by the paratope of a corresponding antibody. In contrast, a discontinuous epitope consists of non-adjacent segments of amino acids, not necessarily from one chain, which form a specific 3D structure, which can also be recognized by antibodies. Since discontinuous epitope arises from a specific 3D fold, it is also known as conformational epitope. Notably, epitopes recognized by B-cell epitopes may contain lipids, nucleic acids or carbohydrates, giving resultant antibodies a vast repertoire while T-cell epitopes are usually peptide fragments. The investigation, identification and development of epitopes are crucial in promoting the advancement of diagnostics and therapeutics [110].
Beyond bispecificity: Controlled Fab arm exchange for the generation of antibodies with multiple specificities
Published in mAbs, 2022
Desislava Yanakieva, Lukas Pekar, Andreas Evers, Markus Fleischer, Stephan Keller, Dirk Mueller-Pompalla, Lars Toleikis, Harald Kolmar, Stefan Zielonka, Simon Krah
The immune system continuously combats adversaries such as malignant cells and pathogens that are potentially harmful to the human body. While innate immunity mainly interacts with highly conserved structures via more promiscuous and less specific receptors, the receptors of adaptive immunity are of high specificity and affinity.1 Key players of the adaptive immune system are antibodies, produced by activated B cells. Antibodies can recognize a variety of foreign substances (antigens) and lead to pathogen degradation, e.g., via immune cell activation.2 Technologies to generate tailored monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), initially via mouse immunization and hybridoma-technology,3,4 have been used for decades to develop antibody therapeutics. In 2021, the 100th mAb product was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manifesting antibodies as one of the major modalities in drug discovery.5
IL-23 inhibition for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis
Published in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2022
Raagav Mohanakrishnan, Secia Beier, Atul Deodhar
PsA is an immune mediated disease leading to synovial membrane and entheseal inflammation, characterized by increased vascularization and innate and adaptive immune cell infiltration [14]. The innate immune system consists of physical surfaces (skin, mucous membranes) on the human body that serve as barriers to organisms such as bacteria and viruses. It also consists of immune system cells such as neutrophils and natural killer cells that provide nonspecific defense to foreign organisms [15]. In contrast, the adaptive immune system consists of T and B lymphocytes that provide more targeted defense against organisms [15]. T cells have the ability to activate various other mechanisms within the immune system, including B cells which are able to become plasma cells and form antibodies. More specifically, T cells are divided into T helper cells, and cytotoxic T cells; and T helper cells further specialize into Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-Reg cells. T helper cells release multiple cytokines (gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor alfa, IL-17 etc.), that are then able to activate various parts of the immune system [15]. These cytokines are major players in the human immune system and have also been implicated in immune-mediated processes such as PsA.