Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have discovered that shark DNA contains unique single-chain antibodies that may hold the key to curing cancer.
In a hidden laboratory, cancer expert Aaron LeBeau studies nurse sharks swimming inside a massive 7,000-gallon tank. His method: inject sharks with cancer-related proteins, wait for their powerful immune systems to react, then collect blood samples to isolate the cells that produce these rare antibodies.
Sharks were among the first creatures on Earth to evolve immune systems, and their tiny, flexible single-chain antibodies act like “molecular contortionists,” gripping tightly onto foreign proteins.
LeBeau’s team attached radioactive markers to these shark antibodies and injected them into mice with breast and prostate tumors. PET scans revealed that the antibodies traveled directly to the tumors—destroying them with remarkable precision.
If progress continues, human trials using pharmaceutical-grade shark antibodies could begin within the next two years.
Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison
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In a hidden laboratory, cancer expert Aaron LeBeau studies nurse sharks swimming inside a massive 7,000-gallon tank. His method: inject sharks with cancer-related proteins, wait for their powerful immune systems to react, then collect blood samples to isolate the cells that produce these rare antibodies.
Sharks were among the first creatures on Earth to evolve immune systems, and their tiny, flexible single-chain antibodies act like “molecular contortionists,” gripping tightly onto foreign proteins.
LeBeau’s team attached radioactive markers to these shark antibodies and injected them into mice with breast and prostate tumors. PET scans revealed that the antibodies traveled directly to the tumors—destroying them with remarkable precision.
If progress continues, human trials using pharmaceutical-grade shark antibodies could begin within the next two years.
Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Follow us @FutureTech for more!
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have discovered that shark DNA contains unique single-chain antibodies that may hold the key to curing cancer.
In a hidden laboratory, cancer expert Aaron LeBeau studies nurse sharks swimming inside a massive 7,000-gallon tank. His method: inject sharks with cancer-related proteins, wait for their powerful immune systems to react, then collect blood samples to isolate the cells that produce these rare antibodies.
Sharks were among the first creatures on Earth to evolve immune systems, and their tiny, flexible single-chain antibodies act like “molecular contortionists,” gripping tightly onto foreign proteins.
LeBeau’s team attached radioactive markers to these shark antibodies and injected them into mice with breast and prostate tumors. PET scans revealed that the antibodies traveled directly to the tumors—destroying them with remarkable precision.
If progress continues, human trials using pharmaceutical-grade shark antibodies could begin within the next two years.
Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison
👉 Follow us @FutureTech for more! 🔌
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