Voice-over:
The human immune system is constantly at work, on guard to tackle new ills while
remembering past offenders. And although this system is well-honed, new research finds that the hearty immunity of a primitive bottom-feeder may hold a key to even greater protection for people.
Voice-over:
University of Florida scientists say the amphioxus
(am-fee-ox-iss), a tiny primitive fish that thrives in Tampa Bay, produces a key immune system protein like those found in people, only much more stable. Infusions of antibodies, proteins doctors sometimes use to bolster immune systems weakened by cancer or immune deficiencies, are susceptible to enzymes that attack and break them down. But proteins in the amphioxus are much more adept at standing up to the same chemical and environmental onslaught.
Dr. David Ostrov / UF immunity researcher
"What we've found is that these immune response proteins, that are very similar to the ones humans have, are much hardier, much more stable than the type of antibodies that we have in our bodies."
Voice-over:
Scientists blasted a highly concentrated, crystallized form of the fish's protein with x-rays, yielding incredibly high-resolution images of its structure. Researchers hope to use these new data to develop human antibodies able to survive longer in the bloodstream. Currently most antibody therapies are given by I-V. Experts think this research could lead to a pill therapy that's easier to take, yet stands up to immune system attacks.
Dr. David Ostrov / UF immunity researcher
"We're seeing structural clues about the architecture of the immune response proteins than no one has ever seen before, and we're using that information to build better immune response proteins."
Voice-over:
At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison
