Application of B Cell Depletion Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases
December 27, 2024 /B cells, a pivotal component of the adaptive immune system, are crucial for antibody production and immune memory. However, when dysregulated, these cells can contribute to the development and progression of various autoimmune diseases. This article delves into the key B cell-mediated autoimmune disorders and explores the therapeutic potential of B cell depletion therapy in managing these conditions. Common B Cell-Driven Autoimmune Diseases B cells, pivotal components of humoral immunity, can become dysregulated, triggering a cascade of autoimmune diseases. In these conditions, B cells undergo aberrant proliferation and activation, leading to the production of autoantibodies and excessive cytokine release. [...]
Acute And Chronic Myopia Models
December 21, 2024 /Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near vision impairment, is a common vision problem that typically begins in childhood and occurs when the eyes can focus clearly on nearby objects but are unable to focus on distant objects. This condition is usually caused by elongated eyeball or excessive corneal curvature, which causes incoming light to focus in front of the retina. The main causes of myopia include genetics, environmental factors such as prolonged near-point work and insufficient outdoor activity, and poor eye habits. (DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-00231-4) Myopia is a global public health threat, especially in urban areas of East and Southeast [...]
All You Need To Know About Animal Models of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
November 21, 2024 /Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, casts a long shadow over millions of lives worldwide. Wet AMD, a subtype characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, presents a particularly treacherous threat, stealing central vision with chilling swiftness. While treatments exist, they require frequent injections and don't address the root cause of the disease. Apart from antibody drugs with intravitreal injection already in the market, other modalities and dosing routes are increasingly being tested in preclinical and clinical stage to replace or supplement current treatment. This new trend requires careful selection and [...]
NHP Models vs. Murine Models
December 15, 2023 /In pharmacological investigation, model selection serves as a critical determinant, which can steer the course of scientific inquiry. This blog post serves as a comparative examination between Non-Human Primate (NHP) and Murine models. Table of Contents Non-Human Primate Models Murine Models Comparative Analysis Considerations for Model Selection Recent Advancements and Alternatives Future Prospects Conclusion Additional Resources I. Non-Human Primate Models Genetic and Physiological Proximity NHP models, such as rhesus macaques and cynomolgus monkeys, share approximately 95-98% of their genetic makeup with humans[1]. This genetic similarity is particularly advantageous in pharmacological research because NHPs metabolize drugs similarly to humans. [...]
Humanized Mouse Models: An Overview
August 29, 2023 /What are humanized mouse models? Humanized mouse models are created by implanting human genes, cells, tissues, or organs into a mouse (Allen et al., 2019; Chen et al., 2022). They aim to recreate parts or the whole of the human immune system in a murine host, thereby providing an in vivo preclinical model to investigate human immune conditions and diseases (e.g. HIV) or to test the safety of drugs that target human-specific immunoreceptors. In addition, humanized models are widely used to study the mechanisms of and potential treatments for different types of cancer, including novel immune-modulating anticancer drugs (Chuprin et [...]
DSS Colitis and TNBS Colitis Models: An Overview
August 14, 2023 /Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) is a multifaceted and polygenic disorder that is characterized by persistent inflammation in the GI tract. It encompasses two primary phenotypes (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease). Attaining a comprehensive insight into the intricate mechanisms and the pathogenesis of IBD is of paramount importance for the development of efficacious therapeutic interventions. In this context, animal models have emerged as indispensable tools, playing a major role in both the advancement of and the understanding of IBD. The establishment of both robust and reliable animal models has made significant contributions to giving us a better insight into the complexities [...]