A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

摘要

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network (SlgN) have discovered the exact mode of action by plerixafor, a drug commonly prescribed to stimulate immune responses in patients suffering from neutropenia, which causes them to become prone to oral, skin, genital infections and in worst cases, a fatal whole-body infection. A better understanding of the drug's mechanism can improve its usage to more effectively reduce risk of infections in these patients. Scientists at SlgN employed cutting-edgeimaging techniques to analyze the effects of plerixafor on the white blood cell activity.