Chemists at the University of Alberta (Canada) have developed new tools to study the immune system
“Our laboratory studies sugar receptors underthe name Siglecs, which control the cells of our immune system, - said scientist Matthew McAuley. "Studying the sugar properties of Siglecs is challenging because these biochemical interactions are weaker than typical interactions in the body."
To solve this problem, researchthe group used an effect that amplifies interactions, making them easier to learn. The researchers note that these advances facilitate our understanding of the role that Siglecs play in neurodegeneration and cancer.
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Research team applied new toolsto study CD33 proteins. The researchers speculate that they may play a role in preventing immune cells from removing toxic molecules in the brain. “Using new tools, we were able to clarify the biochemical nature of CD33, which turned out to be broader than previously thought,” the researchers noted.
"Some people in the population have a version of CD33 that can'trecognize sugar, and these people are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.The implication of this is that the interaction between CD33 and sugars causesUltimately, a better understanding of sugars and CD33 maylead to the development of a strategy that targets the interaction of CD33 with sugar as a way to treat the disease."
“The tools were designed in such a wayto be compatible with many different testing methods, including mass spectrometry. This work opens up many new possibilities for studying these receptors, ”the scientists noted.
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