Unique protein found in MM patients

But the most immediate use of protein M, according to the researchers, is likely to be as a tool for grabbing antibodies in test tubes and cell cultures. This would allow the preparation of highly pure antibodies for research and drug manufacturing. Other generic antibody-binding proteins have been put to use in this way, but, so far, it appears that none does the job quite as well as protein M.

“It may be the most useful antibody purification device ever found,” said Dr Lerner, who is now working to commercialize the protein.