Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and University of Colorado researchers have developed a dynamic “smart” drug that targets inflammation in a site-specific manner and could enhance the body’s natural ability to fight infection and reduce side effects.
The uniqueness of this novel anti-inflammatory molecule, reported in the current issue of Journal of Immunology, can be found in a singular property. When injected, it is as a non-active drug. However, a localized site with excessive inflammation will activate it. Most other anti-inflammatory agents effectively inhibit inflammatory processes, though in a non-specific manner and in areas that include sites of necessary normal inflammatory homeostasis.
“This development is important because inhibition of inflammation in a non-specific manner reduces the natural ability to fight infections and is a common side effect of anti-inflammatory biologic therapeutics,” says Dr. Peleg Rider of BGU’s Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology.
When a non-specific agent is used, any patient who suffers from local inflammation might then be exposed to opportunistic infections at distant sites, such as lungs, risking, for example, tuberculosis. This risk is mainly of concern to immunosuppressed patients, as well as older patients and patients undergoing chemotherapy as part of an anti-cancer treatment course.
“The beauty of this invention lies in the use of a known natural biological code,” Dr. Rider explains. “We mimicked a natural process that occurs during inflammation.”
The protein molecule is actually a chimera comprised of two domains, both originating from the potent inflammatory cytokine family of IL-1. The first part of the protein holds the functional part of the molecule inactive, as occurs in normal living cells, and is connected to a potent natural inhibitor of IL-1. When it encounters inflammatory enzymes, the molecule is cleaved and the functional part becomes active.
Read more: BGU Develops “Smart” Drug to Reduce Inflammation
The Latest on: Inflammation Research
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Inflammation Research” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Inflammation Research
- PET brain scans could reveal hidden inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosison April 27, 2024 at 4:47 am
A Brigham and Women’s Hospital study of 30 people found that, in patients with MS, advanced brain imaging could identify hidden inflammation not picked up on traditional MRIs ...
- Better Scans Spot Hidden Inflammation in MS Patientson April 26, 2024 at 4:48 am
The PET scans revealed smoldering inflammation that lingers in the brains of MS patients, driving disease progression even though it can’t be detected on an MRI. Further, the damage to patients’ ...
- Cinnamon, curcumin, and resveratrol show promise in diabetes inflammation fighton April 25, 2024 at 11:18 pm
Researchers reviewed the impact of cinnamon, curcumin, and resveratrol on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes patients, highlighting their potential to improve metabolic regulation ...
- Research Explores the Role of Inflammation in Heart Diseaseon April 24, 2024 at 4:34 am
Northwestern Medicine scientists have been selected to lead one of only three research centers nationally as part of a $15 million American Heart Association (AHA) research initiative studying the ...
- Enjoying nature helps to lower inflammation levels: Researchon April 24, 2024 at 12:00 am
"By focusing on these inflammation markers, the study provides a biological explanation for why nature might improve health," said Anthony Ong, professor of psychology, "particularly showing how it ...
- Bacteria in the intestine that change in response to inflammation could have an impact on our immune systemon April 22, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Gut bacteria have emerged as a focal point of scientific exploration, with their intricate roles in our metabolism, nutrition, and overall health coming into sharp focus. New research from the ...
- Research prizes galore and sex differences in inflammation: News from Imperialon April 22, 2024 at 1:04 am
The rates of inflammatory diseases are different in men and women, and scientists don’t yet know why. Inflammation is a normal process for the body to protect from injury or fight infection, however ...
- Can Your Immune System Be Rejuvenated? Yes, Says New Researchon April 19, 2024 at 11:01 am
As we age, the immune system begins to weaken. This leaves us exposed to dangerous infections. But a new study offers hope: we may soon be able to reverse the trend.
- Study of cancer-induced liver inflammation finds a promising therapeutic targeton April 19, 2024 at 2:00 am
Liver inflammation, a common side-effect of cancers elsewhere in the body, has long been associated with worse cancer outcomes and more recently associated with poor response to immunotherapy. Now, a ...
- Northwestern joins study of inflammation's effect on heart, brainon April 17, 2024 at 3:16 am
The $15 million American Heart Association-funded study aims to better understand the "crosstalk between the heart and brain." ...
via Bing News