As we age, our muscles atrophy. Earlier this year, researchers found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a protein critical in skeletal muscle development loses its functionality due to nitration as we age. Now, the same team has developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks the nitration sites of HGF, effectively preventing the protein's age induced loss of function. Their findings were validated utilizing rat muscles cell culture.
Read more …Developing an antibody to combat age-related muscle atrophy
In most people, the lung-infecting pathogens known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) trigger mild cold-like symptoms. But in infants and seniors, these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and even death. Vaccines against both viruses, however, have been difficult to design. Now, scientists have analyzed the structure and stability of a critical RSV and hMPV protein to better design vaccines that target it.
Read more …Researchers use biophysics to design new vaccines against RSV and related respiratory viruses