Scientists find a quicker way to make antibodies

Researchers a the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have found a new way to efficiently produce antibodies. Previously accepted methods include searching through white blood cells looking for the desired antibody or modifying mice antibodies to mimic those of humans. While these methods take many months to years, the newly developed process can take as little as a month to complete. This process involves focusing on antibody secreting plasma cells which upon initial infection release an outburst of antibodies and collecting the antibodies that have been produced. Trials in humans have proven to be particularly easy and productive in that 80 percent of the collected antibodies were the desired ones. Trials have only been done with the seasonal flu and could be particularly uselful in fighting outbreaks of influenza strains while a vaccine is being developed. Additionally, this process is potentially applicable to an array of diseases and infections including HIV, pneumomia, and anthrax. The article was particularly interesting to me because of the vast application it could have to all the infections and diseases society faces everyday. Its application is endless.

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/n30538248-flu-antibodies/