Production of non-fucosylated antibodies by co-expression of heterologous GDP-6-deoxy-D-lyxo-4-hexulose reductase.

All IgG-type antibodies are N-glycosylated in their Fc part at Asn-297. Typically, a fucose residue is attached to the first N-acetylglucosamine of these complex-type N-glycans. Antibodies lacking core fucosylation show a significantly enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and an increased efficacy of anti-tumor activity.

Immunological substance testing on human lymphatic micro-organoids in vitro.

Pharmaceutical drugs and compounds used for consumer products may bear the risk of unexpected immuno-toxicological side effects, such as sensitization, allergy, anaphylaxis or immunogenicity. Modern biopharmaceuticals with high potency and target specificity, like antibodies and cytokines need to be tested for their therapeutical doses, their exposition regimens and their immune functionality prior to first-in-man applications. For the latter, existing in vitro tests and animal models do not sufficiently reflect the complexity and specificity of the human immune system.

A human lymph node in vitro--challenges and progress.

Extracorporeal human lymphatic organs are expected to be excellent tools in the study of human molecular and cellular bases of the immunologic balance and tissue harmony. A rational approach and process to design a device and a procedure to recreate the human lymph node environment in vitro is described with emphasis on T-cell activation. Based on this approach, a bioreactor and a process supporting self-assembly of human lymphatic tissues due to proper emulation of human architecture and homeostasis could be developed.