Engineer The World

Can our own immune system help in the war on cancer? Recently, genetic engineering has produced several methods which may be successful in defeating cancer. New vaccines and the B7 gene are two of the exciting new methods. These methods simply help the immune system identify cancer so that it may respond to the cancer. Many vaccines have been produced that have displayed promising results. One vaccine used against kidney cancer is mixed with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This gene assists in activating the immune system. Tumors disappeared in some patients who received the genetically engineered vaccine. In those patients who did not experience tumor remission, did show to have a stronger immune response than patients who did not receive the vaccine.(6) SuperVax is a new adjuvant used with vaccines that has displayed hopeful results. While trials have just begun, experiments with mice show a "marked enhancement of cell mediated immunity."(7) ...

Peptide Vaccines -- An alternative to whole cell vaccines? The creation of a whole-cell vaccine has prompted research on vaccines that are "easier" to create. Whole cell vaccines consist of tumor cells that are taken from the patients body and grown in culture. The tumor cells are then irradiated, engineered to secrete cytokines such as IL-2 or GM-CSF, and injected back into the body. The cytokines signal macrophages, which subsequently ingest the cells and present the processed antigens on their MHC class I receptors. The drawback of the whole cell vaccines are that many tumor types can not be grown in culture and the time involved to culture, which is at least three weeks. (1) In response to the need for a cell-free alternative, the peptide vaccine was engineered. The peptide vaccine consists of tumor-derived antigens that are normally presented on MHC-class I receptors. Malignant melanomas present small peptides in the MHC I on their surface. These peptides, however, a...

COCKROACH ALLERGEN AND ASTHMA (John Tsongalis) A recent study done by researchers affiliated with the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study found higher incidence of asthma among inner-city children upon exposure to cockroach allergen. The study involved data from eight different inner-city areas from across the country taken from families that were deemed socioeconomic minorities. Factors taken into consideration for the study were family history of asthma, number of asthma related hospitalizations and doctor visits over the course of one year, and the effect of cat and dust mite allergen in the environment of the patients in comparison to cockroach allergen. Results from the study showed that 50% of the living areas researched(i.e. bedrooms) contained high levels of cockroach allergen. According to the study, a high level of cockroach allergen was that accounting for 85% of the total allergen level measured in the room. In these cases the levels of cat allergen and dust m...

THE LATEX ALLERGEN (Jacki Nasuti) HOW DANGEROUS IS THIS LATEX ALLERGEN? It was not until the late 1970's, that Latex was recognized as an allergen. Latex allergy can be extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal. Between 1988-1992, the U.S. (CDC) reported approximately one thousand cases of anaphylactic shock and twelve deaths due to latex exposure in hospitals. Nine deaths occurred in patients that were getting a barium enema using a latex stomach tube. (1) WHO IS MOST PRONE TO DEVELOPING A LATEX ALLERGY? The majority of the latex exposure comes from use of latex gloves in medical and dental establishments. According to the FDA, persons in the dental profession are said to have the highest risk factors for developing latex allergy. (2) WHAT IS THIS ALLERGY ALL ABOUT? Latex comes from the Hevia brazilienzis rubber tree. Latex causes an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Actually, the allergic reaction is in response to "the proteins which are bound to the isopren...

VACCINES (Melissa Carlson) ARE VACCINES THE KEY TO WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA? Allergies and asthma afflict numerous people throughout the world. The incidence of allergy and asthma cases has been steadily increasing over the past few years. For this reason many researchers and patients sense the vital necessity to bring relief to the millions who suffer. As a result, scientists are progressing towards the development of vaccines against allergies and asthma. One study at the University of Uppsala is focused on vaccinating against IgE, the immunoglobulin responsible for allergies and asthma. Researchers hope to reduce the levels of IgE production. A fusion protein was made that contained the constant domains two and three of rat IgE fused to an E. coli protein. When this fusion protein was injected into rats along with an adjuvant, a strong autoimmune anti-IgE response formed. Furthermore, when injected into rats sensitized to ovalbumin, serum IgE levels d...

ASTHMA/ALLERGY SIG REPORT IMMUNOTHERAPY (Isaac Bromberg) WHAT IS IMMUNOTHERAPY? Immunotherapy is a preventative treatment for sufferers of both localized and systemic anaphylaxis. Usually, allergen is administered via injection in gradually increasing doses, up to a set level, after which a fixed maintenance dose is continued. In some trials and treatments, the initial doses increase rapidly over a number of hours or days. This is known as 'rush' immunotherapy. Individuals treated with immunotherapy show decreased sensitivity to allergens with long term effectiveness (up to 18 months after treatment). (1) HOW DOES IMMUNOTHERAPY WORK? Studies using various allergens show definite changes in immune system response after immunotherapy treatment. After a rush insect venom immunotherapy trial, in addition to a decrease in response to venom challenge, treated individuals responded with a decrease in IL-4 production and an increase in IFN-gamma production (among other...

BABOON-TO HUMAN BONE MARROW TRANPLANTATION Egal Gudal, Les Pullen, Christa Skow Background to Bone Marrow Tranplantation (1). A number of factors has recently inspired the research to improve baboon to human bone marrow tranplantation(BMT). Among these is the dramatic shortage of human donor organs available for human to human transplantation and the apperent baboon resistance to certain viruses, such as hepatitis B and HIV-1. This project focuses on several key areas of research and devolopment including the differences in the major histocompatability complex (MHC) in baboons and humans. Such differences can effect the success of xenotransplantation since they can induce an auto immune response eventually leading to graft versus host disease (GVHD). In addition, BMT is explored as a cure for sickle-cell anemia, and its role in gene therapy in stem cells. Making Baboon to Human Bone Marrow Transplantation a reality. The hypothesis supporting baboon to human BMT in HI...

What is the clinical implication of these leukocyte changes? Can exercise benefit those afflicted with HIV/AIDS or cancer? Since studies led to some clarification of how immune cells are affected by exercise, it is important to apply this information to clinical situations. Evidence suggests that 45 minutes to an hour of aerobic exercise at 70-85 % of their maximum heart rate causes an increase in the number of CD4 cells in individuals with HIV/AIDS (1,6). This increase only results in normalization of CD4 levels not to supra-normal levels. These increases in CD4 cells are most significant in less immuno-compromised individuals. Additionally, endurance training increases size and number of mitochondria which may counteract the affects of zidovudine (AZT) which has been shown to cause mitochondrial myopathy (3). Finally the increase in levels of endorphins, enkephalins, and natural opiods as a result of exercise can help to reduce psychological stress which has been shown to comprom...

How does exercise affect leukocyte populations and/or activity? When dealing with endurance exercise there are generally three levels of exercise intensity: low, moderate, and high. These levels correspond to an oxygen consumption rate (VO2) and/or level of sustained heart rate during exercise. Most health benefits from exercise comes from moderate (<1 hr, 3-5 days/wk ( <65% VO2max) to high intensity (>1 hr, 5-7 days/wk >65% VO2max) exercise. How does moderate and high intensity bouts effects neutrophils (PMN)? Neutrophil counts are higher in athletes but the activity of the neutrophils are diminished (10). Acute bouts of exercise induces an increase in PMN numbers. This has been directly correlated with the intensity and duration of the exercise bout. Cycling at 60% VO2max for one hour results in PMN's being primed for their respiratory burst for up to 6 hours post-exercise (10). Moderate exercise also causes a increase in high activity cells which possibly increas...

The effects of exercise on immune function and its applications Introduction The medical world has made great advances in treatments relating from high blood pressure to HIV and cancer. One of the most common recom mendations in most types of follow up treatments is to maintain a high quality diet and participate in an excise program on a regular basis. These suggestions are made because exercise has been proven to decrease LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. In addition, exercise is known to decrease blood pressure and provoke a general overall feeling of contentment and well being. As we well know there is much to be said about the perception we have of our selves as it relates to our interaction with others. Unfortunately, some individuals insist on taking things to extremes and in these situations too much of a good thing can be detrimental to a person's health. Highly trained endurance athletes are frequently ill either from colds or flu or more serious ...