Nature
Immunology: Allergy's Achilles' heel?
November 14, 2013
Snippet from article: This diversity in the affinity of the IgE response is addressed in the study of Handlogten et al.1. Using a defined synthetic multivalent 'allergen' with both high- and low-affinity binding sites for IgE, they show that weak interactions are critical; importantly, they also demonstrate that blocking these interactions can inhibit an allergic reaction both in vitro and in vivo.
Nature SciBX (Science-Business eXchange) : IgE - Indication : Allergy
November 07, 2013
In vitro and mouse studies suggest inhibiting weak affinity allergen–IgE interactions could help prevent allergies. In a rat cell culture model, tetravalent allergens were shown to bind IgE and induce mast cell degranulation, an initial step in triggering allergic reactions.
Progress toward treatment for dangerous allergies
October 09, 2013
Through the new research, Bilgicer and his group designed a special molecule, called a heterobivalent inhibitor (HBI), which when introduced into a person's bloodstream can, in essence, out-compete allergens like egg or peanut proteins in their race to attach to mast cell receptors.
Scientists getting closer to new treatment for allergies
June 01, 2013
Bilgicer and his group have designed a molecule they're calling a heterobivalent inhibitor (HBI), which attempts to out-compete allergens like peanut proteins in the cell receptor attachment race. The idea is to stop progression of the allergic reaction rather than just endure it with ephinephrine and similar treatments.
New therapeutic could help prevent hypersensitive allergic reactions
May 01, 2013
It appears that partial inhibition of allergen–IgE interactions can prevent mast cell degranulation and severe allergic reaction. Basar Bilgicer, one of the study investigators, explained the importance of the work: “Our allergy inhibition project is innovative and significant because we brought a novel molecular design approach to selectively inhibit mast cell degranulation – the key event in triggering a food allergic response – which has the potential to improve the quality of life for affected patients.”
Nanoparticles offer ‘infinite’ possibilities for cancer treatment
May 01, 2013
One of the greatest challenges associated with that disease is that it develops drug resistance to doxorubicin, said Basar Bilgicer, PhD, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame.
Making progress toward a treatment for dangerous allergies
May 01, 2013
"Our allergy inhibition project is innovative and significant because we brought a novel molecular design approach to selectively inhibit mast cell degranulation - the key event in triggering a food allergic response - which has the potential to improve the quality of life for affected patients," said Basar Bilgicer, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Notre Dame and an investigator in the University's Advanced Diagnostics & Therapeutics initiative.
Design Principles for Clinical Efficacy of Cancer Nanomedicine: A Look into the Basics
April 23, 2013
Abstract
With recent advances in cancer nanomedicine, there is an increasing expectation for clinical translation. However, what are the parameters of a nanomedicine that will define clinical success, which will be measured by increased efficacy and not just ease of delivery or reduction in toxicity? In this Perspective, we build on a fundamental study by Stefanick et al. on the significance of the design principles in the engineering of a nanomedicine, such as peptide-PEG-linker length and ligand density in cellular uptake of liposomal nanoparticles. We address additional design parameters that can potentially facilitate clinical translation as well as how emerging insights into tumor biology will inspire next-generation cancer nanomedicines.