Structural basis for surface activation of the classical complement cascade by the short pentraxin C-reactive protein.

Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric complex involved in immune defense and regulation of autoimmunity. CRP is also a therapeutic target, with both administration and depletion of serum CRP being pursued as a possible treatment for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, among others. CRP binds to phosphocholine (PC) moieties on membranes to activate the complement system via the C1 complex, but it is unknown how CRP, or any pentraxin, binds to C1.

Selection and characterization of a peptide-based complement modulator targeting C1 of the innate immune system.

The human complement pathway plays a pivotal role in immune defence, homeostasis, and autoimmunity regulation, and complement-based therapeutics have emerged as promising interventions, with both antagonistic and agonistic approaches being explored. The classical pathway of complement is initiated when the C1 complex binds to hexameric antibody platforms. Recent structural data revealed that C1 binds to small, homogeneous interfaces at the periphery of the antibody platforms.

Engineering Agonistic Bispecifics to Investigate the Influence of Distance on Surface-Mediated Complement Activation.

The development of agonists capable of activating the human complement system by binding to the C1 complex presents a novel approach for targeted cell killing. Bispecific nanobodies and Abs can successfully use C1 for this purpose; however, efficacy varies significantly between epitopes, Ab type, and bispecific design. To address this variability, we investigated monomeric agonists of C1 in the form of bispecific nanobodies, which lack Fc domains that lead to oligomerization in Abs.

Effects of a pre-visit online information tool about genetic counselling for ovarian cancer patients, a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: In the Netherlands, patients with ovarian cancer are offered genetic testing. Pre-test preparation may help counseling patients. The aim of this study was to determine if use of a web-based intervention, leads to more effective genetic counseling of ovarian cancer patients.

Bowel habits in the first 24 months of life: preterm- versus term-born infants.

Background And Aim: New prospective studies concerning feeding and bowel habits of term and preterm infants from birth to 24 months of life are needed. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare feeding and bowel habits between term- and preterm-born infants starting from birth up to the age of 24 months.

Patients And Methods: Between August and November 2006 all of the infants admitted to an academic and nonacademic neonatal care unit with gestational age 25 to 42 weeks participated in the study.