Kanpur, July 21 -- Scientists at IIT Kanpur have revealed how an experimental molecule called EP67 switches on an important receptor found on human immune cells.
EP67 is a candidate "adjuvant", an ingredient added to vaccines to make them work better.
The finding, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), gives researchers the first clear, close-up view of EP67 gripping its target and hands them a blueprint for designing safer vaccines and new immune-based treatments.
When we catch a bacterial or viral infection, our immune cells release a small protein called C5a, which primes the immune system to fight back. But too much of C5a for too long leads to inflammation that is harmful and can damage heal...