The deadly anthrax disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis now has an effective treatment method. Scientists from
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| Liposome, a familiar shell structure in new generation vaccines (Image: bioteach) |
the University of Toronto in Canada has successfully developed biological molecules capable of neutralizing various toxins, especially those from anthrax bacteria.
These biological molecules consist of multiple short peptide chains attached to a larger lipid membrane structure (called Liposome, a common shell structure in new generation vaccines). This entire structure binds to the toxin molecules like Lego blocks, rendering the bacteria incapable of causing toxicity. In this way, the new biological molecule exhibits activity 10,000 times stronger than that of free peptide drug molecules.
According to author Jeremy Mogridge, anthrax patients are usually treated with antibodies. However, antibodies can only save patients who have been infected through the skin; for those who inhaled bacterial spores (which infect the lungs), antibodies sometimes offer no help… Mogridge believes that the “Lego method” is a significant breakthrough because it not only addresses anthrax but also has the potential to neutralize cholera toxins and could lead to specific HIV treatments…
Mogridge’s research began in 1998, three years before the terrorist incident involving mail containing white powder with anthrax spores occurred, which claimed many lives in the United States.
Although the experiments have only succeeded in mice so far, the research results have been highly regarded by scientists worldwide due to their potential applications in modern medicine.
All pathways of anthrax infection lead to rapid death
if not treated promptly
Nguyen Huu Hoang
