Antibody Identified that Can Prevent Heart Blockages

The antibody may also inhibit the migration of breast cancer cells.

The cell aggregation properties of the glycoprotein gp38k were first identified in 1995 by Albert Millis, Ph.D., chairman of the biologic sciences department of New York University at Albany (NY, USA), and some of his pre-doctoral students. Subsequent experiments resulted in an understanding of its role in vascular cell migration and the development of Anti-gp38k, patented in 2002 as a therapy for occlusive blood vessel disease.

"The protein is a potent inhibitor of vascular cell migration, suggesting that its use might prevent occlusive vascular disease before it begins,” said Dr. Mills. Although the antibody has not yet been tested clinically, its properties of inhibiting the movement of certain cells also have shown preliminary promise for the treatment of cancer. In particular, it appears to inhibit the migration of breast cancer cells.




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