In this study, we applied site-directed mutagenesis to the Fab fragment of a mouse IgM (IE12) that was previously shown to inhibit the binding of IgG to autoantigens by interacting with their variable regions. Its native structure was very similar to that of a polyreactive natural IgM (ppc15-30). Indeed, they both use the same light chain and the same VH, D and JH segments. However, the N regio...

Llamas (Lama glama) naturally produce heavy chain-only antibodies (Abs) in addition to conventional Abs. The variable regions (VHH) in these heavy chain-only Abs demonstrate comparable affinity and specificity for antigens to conventional immunoglobulins despite their much smaller size. To date, immunizations in humans and animal models have yielded only Abs with limited ability to neutralize H...

Essential amino acids (EAA) stimulate skeletal muscle mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and protein synthesis. It has recently been reported that an increase in amino acid (AA) transporter expression during anabolic conditions is rapamycin-sensitive. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an increase in EAA availability increases AA transporter expression in...