University of Wisconsin Madison researchers discovered shark DNA contains single-chain antibodies that could cure cancer
University of Wisconsin Madison researchers discovered shark DNA contains single-chain antibodies that could cure cancer.
Cancer researcher Aaron LeBeau runs a secret lab testing nurse sharks swimming in a 7,000-gallon tank.
He injects sharks with cancer proteins, waits for immune responses, then extracts blood isolating antibody-making cells.
Sharks were Earth’s first creatures developing immune systems with tiny, sticky single-chain antibodies acting as “molecular contortionists” clinging to foreign proteins.
LeBeau attached radioisotopes to shark antibodies, injecting them into nude mice with breast and prostate tumors.
PET scans showed antibodies went straight to tumors, “annihilating” them. Human pharmaceutical-grade antibody tests could begin within two years.
