'Universal antibodies' disarm various pathogens

(German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)) Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have been studying how the immune system succeeds in keeping pathogens in check. For the first time, the researchers have now discovered antibodies that are capable of disarming not only one specific bacterium but a whole variety of microorganisms at once. The newly discovered antibodies recognize a tiny sugar structure found on the surface of various germs. Thus, a limited number of antibodies is sufficient to control a wide variety of microorganisms.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news