A ‘guilt by association’ study linking disease-associated proteins to proteins for which there was no evidence of any role in pathology, has identified groups of proteins interacting with genes that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have previously implicated in 21 disease areas. Revealing these interactions has thrown up new drug targets. Read More
The intestinal microbiota could protect against HIV infection. At the 30th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) last week, a group of scientists from Duke University presented data showing a preventive effect of two bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family, the species Clostridium immunis and Ruminococcus gnavus against HIV. These microorganisms strongly inhibited HIV replication in vitro through the metabolic pathway of tryptophan and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Read More
Researchers from Revolo Biotherapeutics Ltd. have presented preclinical data for IRL-201104, a clinical-stage immunomodulatory peptide that has previously demonstrated a long-lasting effect in different preclinical models of allergic inflammation. In the new studies, the candidate was assessed in models of food allergy. Read More
Beijing Tide Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising a ubiquitin ligase-binding moiety bonded to a protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11)-targeting moiety through a linker. Read More
Previous research has suggested that neurons in multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit metabolic exhaustion, believed to be caused by chronic hyperexcitability, which can lead to neurodegeneration. Researchers from Heidelberg University and affiliated organizations aimed to investigate the role of nodal Kv7 (outward rectifying) and perinodal oligodendroglial Kir4.1 (inward rectifying) channels as potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection through balancing of neuronal excitability caused by inflammatory demyelination. Read More
Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Shujing Biopharma Co. Ltd. have synthesized oxaspiro derivatives acting as μ-opioid receptor agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of pain. Read More
It is known that Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an essential enzyme for the FcεRI signaling pathway and is thought to be a target to prevent IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Researchers have hypothesized that the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib may prevent reactivity to peanuts in patients with peanut allergy. Read More
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) consists of heterogeneous tumors that originate from surface epithelial cells, with a dynamic keratinocyte (KC)-specific network of epigenetic modifications and transcription factors (TFs) being involved in squamous cell fate determination and oncogenesis. In recently published work, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and affiliated organizations aimed to identify kinases that control these processes and could therefore have therapeutic applications. Read More
Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have discovered fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
