NPC1-deficient neurons are selectively vulnerable for statin treatment.

Niemann Pick C (NPC) is a fatal hereditary neurovisceral disorder associated with a progressive loss of neurons of unknown mechanism. The disease is caused by mutation in either of two genes, termed npc1 and npc2, accounting for ∼95% and ∼5% of patients, respectively. Recent data suggest a cell-autonomous cause for neuronal cell death.

Detection of antibodies against adenovirus protein IX, fiber, and hexon in human sera by immunoblot assay.

The 51 serotypes of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) of the genus Mastadenovirus are classified into the six species HAdV-A to HAdV-F. For the detection of genus- and species-specific antibodies in human sera an immunoblot assay was developed. The recombinant long fiber of HAdV-41[F] (Ad41Fi) and the native hexon of HAdV-5[C] were used as genus-specific antigens.