(NewScientist, March 11, 2009)
When we go to the doctor to get a vaccine, most people don’t realise that they are really receiving a deactivated form of the pathogen they want to guard against. This prompts the body’s immune system to develop antibodies against the virus or bacterium usually taking weeks or months until full immunity is achieved. Even then, this process won’t work for some diseases such as HIV. Some say prevention is better that a cure. But if a cure is all there is, well, enough said.
A study done using human colon tumour cells implanted into mice by the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, has developed ‘adaptor’ molecules that are able to attract mouse antibodies and bind them onto specific proteins found on the surface of the tumour cells. Instead of first acquiring a deactivated form of the pathogen, researchers have been able to directly alter the focus of the antibodies to target tumour cells.
Four weeks later, the colon tumour cells had shrunk by 90%, while a second study found melanomas decreased in size by 78%.
The next step for these scientists is to create adaptor molecules capable of binding to HIV and cancer cells. The process will also provide a large avenue for the tackling of any future bio-weapons.
Powell, D 2009, March 11, “Instant 'vaccine' zaps human cancers in mice”, NewScientist. Retrieved March 25, 2009, from http://www.newscientist.com.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/article/mg20126984.600-instant-vaccine-zaps-human-cancers-in-mice.html
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