Background: Some antibodies express serine protease activity. Transthyretin misfolding causes accumulation of pathogenic amyloid. Results: Constitutively produced IgM but not IgG class antibodies selectively hydrolyzed and dissolved misfolded transthyretin without hydrolyzing physiologically folded transthyretin. Some IgMs were oligoreactive with amyloids and superantigens. Conclusion: Catalytic IgMs may clear misfolded TTR and delay amyloidosis. Significance: The innate antibody repertoire is a source of selective catabodies to toxic proteins.

BackgroundChagas disease is a parasitic infection transmitted to humans and mammals by the Triatominae insect. If untreated, Chagas disease can lead to heart failure and death. Previous publications highlighted the potential public health risk of disease transmission among hunters in the United States.FindingsWe further investigated this population’s risk by administering a knowledge, attitudes, and practices questionnaire. Responses from hunters detailed the vector exposure and hunting practices unique to this population that might lead to their increased risk of disease transmission.ConclusionsHunters should be aware of their potential risk for exposure to the insect that could be infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease.