Serious Monkey Business: A Short Take on Cynomolgus Monkeys in Research
What are cynomolgus monkeys? Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), also known as the long-tailed or crab-eating macaque, are non-human primates (NHP) commonly used in biomedical research. There are 10 subspecies of these macaques and they are found predominantly in southeast Asia. The cynomolgus monkeys are typically 15-22 inches long, and the [...]
It’s All About the Mice: How the Mouse is Used in Research
What are inbred mice, why use them, and how are they generated? Inbred mice? Knockout mice? Transgenic mice? Congenic mice? Why so many?! Inbred mice are mice that are genetically identical within a generation and across generations. The use of these animals permits reproducibility and consistency across experiments in order [...]
Hurry up and Wait? The recent fuss about CAR-Ts
What are CAR-T cells? CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells (CAR-T) are genetically engineered T cells that express receptors which recognize cancer antigens and attack the cells that express them. Therefore, they are a new cell-based immunotherapy for oncology indications. The results for leukemia and lymphoma patients receiving CD19-specific CAR-T [...]
Immuno-Oncology: I-O, I-O, Off to Fighting Cancer We Go… (Part 3)
What assays are used to identify good therapeutic candidates that modulate the immune response? This is Part 3 of our series, “Immuno-Oncology: I-O, I-O, Off to Fighting Cancer We Go…”. Miss Part 1 or Part 2? Catch up! What assays are used to identify good therapeutic candidates that modulate the [...]
Immuno-Oncology: I-O, I-O, Off to Fighting Cancer We Go… (Part 2)
What molecules can modulate the immune response? What are examples of those being developed as therapeutics? This is Part 2 of our series, “Immuno-Oncology: I-O, I-O, Off to Fighting Cancer We Go…”. Miss Part 1? Catch up here. What are some of the molecules that inhibit immune response currently being [...]
Immuno-Oncology: I-O, I-O, Off to Fighting Cancer We Go… (Part 1)
What is I-O? What are checkpoint inhibitors? What is immuno-oncology? The field of immuno-oncology, also known as cancer immunotherapy, is centered on mobilizing the immune system to attack cancer cells and eradicate tumors. With this approach, therapeutics target molecules on lymphocytes that will either activate them or keep them from [...]
