Plexin domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) is expressed on the surface of several cell types, such as macrophages, dendritic or epithelial cells. Its activation reduces oxidative stress and rebalances the immune response and decreases inflammation. Its activation has been seen to improve disease severity in models of rheumatoid arthritis, while its blockade or loss exacerbates the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Researchers hence tested the PLXDC2 agonist PX-04 (Landos Biopharma Inc.) in a DSS-induced murine model of colitis.
At the ongoing European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) meeting, researchers from Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. presented efficacy data on KPG-818, a lenalidomide analogue, in a mouse model that recapitulates Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Proto-oncogene Vav (VAV1) is a guanine exchange factor that is crucial for T- and B-cell receptor signaling. Assays in Vav1-knockout murine models had previously demonstrated diminished effector functions and resistance to autoimmune disease. Monte Rosa Therapeutics AG has presented data on the VAV1 inhibitor MRT-6160, a first-in-class molecule that targets VAV1 for proteasomal degradation, thought to potentially treat autoimmune diseases through the degradation of VAV1.
Researchers from the Peking University Health Science Center have developed a murine model of RSV infection based on the knockout of the Rag2 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 (Rag2-/- mice).
Researchers from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a new murine model of Eastern equine encephalitis virus infection that resembles human disease with its associated neurologic sequelae.
Previous research has shown that upon activation, platelets release CXCL4, influencing replication and propagation of dengue virus (DENV) by increasing the capacity of DENV-2 subtype to bind the CXCR3 receptor on monocytes. At the recent Viruses conference held in Barcelona, researchers from the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute reported the preclinical profile of a CXCR3 antagonist under investigation for the treatment of DENV.
At the recent Macula Society Meeting, researchers from the Molecular Insight Research Foundation reported on the creation of a novel murine model of North Carolina macular dystrophy.
Immunesensor Therapeutics Inc. has presented preclinical data on the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist IMSA-101 which is designed to modify the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors and thus improve the trafficking and infiltration of CAR T-cell therapy into the tumor.
Pompe disease is a disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, which leads to the accumulation of glycogen within the lysosomes, overall in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
RSS
