Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies

About: Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies is a nonprofit organization based out in San Diego, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Antigen & T cell. The organization has 2323 authors who have published 2217 publications receiving 112618 citations.

Towards a consensus on datasets and evaluation metrics for developing B-cell epitope prediction tools

Abstract: A B-cell epitope is the three-dimensional structure within an antigen that can be bound to the variable region of an antibody. The prediction of B-cell epitopes is highly desirable for various immunological applications, but has presented a set of unique challenges to the bioinformatics and immunology communities. Improving the accuracy of B-cell epitope prediction methods depends on a community consensus on the data and metrics utilized to develop and evaluate such tools. A workshop, sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), was recently held in Washington, DC to discuss the current state of the B-cell epitope prediction field. Many of the currently available tools were surveyed and a set of recommendations was devised to facilitate improvements in the currently existing tools and to expedite future tool development. An underlying theme of the recommendations put forth by the panel is increased collaboration among research groups. By developing common datasets, standardized data formats, and the means with which to consolidate information, we hope to greatly enhance the development of B-cell epitope prediction tools.

Diflunisal analogues stabilize the native state of transthyretin. Potent inhibition of amyloidogenesis.

Abstract: Analogues of diflunisal, an FDA-approved nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of transthyretin (TTR) aggregation, including amyloid fibril formation. High inhibitory activity was observed for 26 of the compounds. Of those, eight exhibited excellent binding selectivity for TTR in human plasma (binding stoichiometry >0.50, with a theoretical maximum of 2.0 inhibitors bound per TTR tetramer). Biophysical studies reveal that these eight inhibitors dramatically slow tetramer dissociation (the rate-determining step of amyloidogenesis) over a duration of 168 h. This appears to be achieved through ground-state stabilization, which raises the kinetic barrier for tetramer dissociation. Kinetic stabilization of WT TTR by these eight inhibitors is further substantiated by the decreasing rate of amyloid fibril formation as a function of increasing inhibitor concentration (pH 4.4). X-ray cocrystal structures of the TTR·182 and TTR·202 complexes reveal that 18 and 20 b...