Researchers first draw the map of human body generating different antibodies

Researchers at Stanford University draw the map of human body generating different antibodies for the first time, revealing that different cells which generate antibodies all are derived from a single progenitor cell. This 8-person research team was led by Horns' mentor (bioengineering professor Stephen Quake at Stanford University). He believes that the comprehensive understanding of body's natural defense mechanisms can allow researchers to find new treatments in many different immunological disorders using recombinant human proteins.

The researchers extracted B cells from the blood samples of 22 healthy young adults and made use of high-throughput gene sequencing to obtain the gene sequence of B cells producing antibodies and established a large antibody gene library. By a variety of analytical techniques, researchers identified different types of antibodies. In the cells analyzed by the study group, about three quarters of the cells generated IgM antibody ((Immunoglobulin M).

IgM is "the default type of all antibodies when they are born". When they are activated by immune stress, class switching would happen. A majority of IgM cells would generate to IgG antibody (Immunoglobulin G), and IgG antibodies are the most important fighters against viruses. These cells would further form four kinds of IgG subtypes which all have specific anti-viral properties. A small number of IgM cells would generate into IgA (Immunoglobulin A) antibodies, and IgA can resist the invasion of cells and also help to maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Very few IgM cells would generate into IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies which can cause the body's inflammatory response; if overactive, it can also cause allergic reactions.

Horns' thought of cell type switching process will provide a series of new therapies for immune disorders diseases. Next, Horns plans to conduct sequence for patients with immune system disorders to identify differences in antibody generation and Horns reference chart, thus stepping an important step in developing drug therapy of restoring balance of antibodies. Flarebio provides you with recombinant proteins of good quality, such as recombinant ITGB2.