Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Department/Major

Basic Biomedical Science

First Advisor

Dr. Victor Huber

Second Advisor

Dr. Daniel Bird

Third Advisor

Professor Beate Wone

Keywords

systemic sclerosis, CD19, MEDI-551

Subject Categories

Medical Cell Biology | Medical Immunology | Medical Microbiology

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis, a subcategory of scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and, in some cases, the internal organs of those diagnosed with the disease. There is currently no cure for this disease, only treatments to slow its progression. It is important to note that each individual diagnosed with scleroderma experience differences in severity and symptoms of the disease and are treated based on their symptoms, not as a whole. Many factors of this disease still remain unknown, such as what causes the disease or stimulates the onset of it. Recent studies have helped determine different treatment options for those diagnosed with the disease. For example, studies have been conducted using MEDI-551 , a monoclonal antibody that targets CD19 transmembrane proteins, as form of treatment that could further improve systemic sclerosis. Here we present an initial evaluation of antibody therapies on whole cells as a way to start testing a therapeutic like MEDI-551 for its efficacy in kilting B cells through either direct or indirect interactions with the immune system. Our findings discussed in the context of the disease state and the future of treatment using monoclonal antibody therapies.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.