ANTAGONIZING ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Antagonizing Atherosclerosis
France - Atherosclerosis or fatty plaque build up on the arterial wall is the source of most cardiovascular diseases. While B cells of the immune system were previously considered as elements of protection against the formation of these plaques, researchers from Inserm now refute this hypothesis. These findings were published online in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arteries triggered by several factors, including increased cholesterol and characterized by an accumulation of lipids (fats) in the arterial wall in the form of plaques. The rupture of these plaques is responsible for the majority of cardiovascular diseases, like myocardial infarction or stroke. These diseases are the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. It is therefore essential to identify patients at risk and to understand the progression of the disease, to prevent and treat it.

The immune response (macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes) which varies among
individuals plays an important role in the progression of these plaques and thus in the development of complications of cardiovascular disease. To date, the role assigned to all B cells seemed protective of atherosclerosis.

However, the work led by Ziad Mallat now clearly refute this hypothesis. The researcher showed in fact that using an antibody against B cells and causing the disappearance of 96% of
them provides significant protection against development of atherosclerosis. This antibody is
used very effectively in humans, in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. The protective effect is due to decreased production of an immune system hormone, interferon gamma which promotes atherosclerosis and increased interleukin-17 a protective hormone.

These findings have important clinical implications. They suggest that treatments directed against B cells currently administered to patients suffering from inflammatory diseases such as
lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may reduce cardiovascular risk. Clinical trials have been undertaken in this direction by the team and aim to assess the extent of atherosclerosis before and after treatment.

Journal Reference:
Ait-Oufella, H., et al. B cell depletion reduces the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2010.
Link: http://jem.rupress.org/content/early/2010/06/30/jem.20100155

A PROTEIN TO THE REGENERATION OF THE KIDNEY

A Protein To The Regeneration Of The Kidney
Spain - A team from the Spanish Research Network failure (REDinREN) was able to establish why the kidney is able to grow significantly to offset the loss of another kidney, due to illness, accident or of organ donation.

The team of Dr. Ortiz de Jimenez Diaz Foundation in Madrid has seen, in mice, only 2 to 4 hours after removal of both kidneys, a receptor on the cell surface of the remaining kidney and Tweak protein coupled receptor that is growing.

Tests on mice genetically modified to lack the protein Tweak, indicate a virtual absence of the phenomenon of growth of the kidney remaining after removal of the other. If we inject these animals the missing protein, growth returns to normal kidney.

REDinREN was therefore associated with U.S. companies producing Tweak for tests on human patients. In the case of ablation, the remaining kidney would grow easier. In the case of damage to a kidney regeneration it would be easier.

If Tweak promotes the proliferation of kidney cells, it also accelerates the development of tumor cells. The development of antibodies will be necessary for the development of a treatment or even the creation of kidneys in vitro from stem cells.

TWO NEW ANTIBODIES MAY PAVE WAY FOR POWERFUL AIDS VACCINE

Two new antibodies may pave way for powerful AIDS vaccine
U.S. - Researchers associated with the Global Initiative for Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) have discovered two new antibodies with powerful capabilities of neutralizing HIV. This discovery is very promising in the context of a vaccine.

PG9 and PG16, both antibodies detected are the first to be identified from donors countries in development. More than 1,800 volunteers from ten countries, including seven in Africa, have provided blood samples under the Protocol G, program of IAVI.

With the collaboration of several laboratories and research institutes, researchers were able to isolate the antibodies by developing a new test called test micro-neutralization. Test that should enable the discovery of new antibodies in the future.

Researchers will now exploit this vulnerability the virus to develop new approaches to vaccines. Wayne Koff, head of research and development of the IAVI, said: "This discovery is in itself a promising breakthrough towards the goal of developing an effective vaccine against AIDS. Because we have identified this target, we are ready to find more, which should further accelerate global efforts in vaccine development against AIDS".

Antibodies are produced by a minority of infected people. Researchers estimate that to prevent infection, a vaccine against AIDS should teach the body how to produce these antibodies before exposure to the virus. Before this discovery, only four antibodies have been uncovered. A comprehensive study of antibodies PG9 and PG16 expected to reveal new vulnerabilities of the virus.

This study have been published in the journal Science.