Shark’s Immune System Inspires Cancer Research
Variable novel antigen receptors (VNARs) are unique structures found in the immune systems of sharks. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen have now received funding to pursue research of these molecules and hope to develop anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs using these receptors.
The team of scientists has produced 10bn of the molecules in the lab without the use of any animals and state that it is the “equivalent to having access to 10,000 sharks.”
Researchers are excited at the potential drug possibilities of VNARs, and the University of Aberdeen’s vice principal, Stephen Logan, stated, “"This is ambitious and exciting research which will help build on Aberdeen's reputation as Scotland's commercial capital for drug discovery."
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