Jaguar Mascot Disguise A mascot is a symbol or representative often used by sports teams, schools, or organizations to promote their brand or team spirit. One of the most popular mascots used in American sports is the Jaguar. Known for its strength, speed, and agility, the jaguar embodies the qualities desired in a sports team. To enhance the experience and create a sense of excitement during games or events, many sports organizations have individuals dress up as the team's mascot. These individuals, known as mascots, wear elaborate costumes that resemble the animal or character they are representing. The jaguar mascot costume typically consists of a headpiece with oversized jaguar features, a bodysuit resembling a jaguar's fur pattern, and gloves and shoes to match.
\$\begingroup\$ Also, fire bolt is not an "object" by the game definition (though you do "hurl" it, per the spell description). The same is true of fireball (though the only thing "launched" is a "bright streak [that] blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame" at the targeted point). . Also, given your definition, I don't see how fire bolt would qualify but "beams" wouldn't. \$\endgroup\$
Unlike the conventional antibody Matuzumab, EgA1 and 9G8 are able to bind EGFR in a small concave pocket owing to their smaller antigen-contacting surface, and it will be interesting to see whether this lock-down of the inactive EGFR conformation will translate to better inhibition of EGFR activity. These problems were largely overcome by the development of monoclonal antibody technology in the mid-1970 s Kohler and Milstein, 1975 and the engineering of humanized antibodies in the late-1980 s Jones et al.
The jaguar mascot costume typically consists of a headpiece with oversized jaguar features, a bodysuit resembling a jaguar's fur pattern, and gloves and shoes to match. One unique aspect of the jaguar mascot is its ability to blend in with the surroundings. While the traditional jaguar mascot costume stands out with its vibrant colors and striking design, there are instances where teams have utilized camouflage or disguise to surprise the audience.
Magic Bullets from Llamas
Monoclonal antibodies are effective therapies for many disorders, but their nature and use continues to evolve as technologies emerge to improve their drug-like qualities. In this issue Schmitz et al. report on structural and biophysical characterizations of single-domain “nanobodies” from llamas that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by both old and new mechanisms.
Over 100 years ago Paul Ehrlich coined the terms “magic bullet” to describe compounds that specifically bind and deliver a toxin to diseased cells and “antibody” to describe the magic bullets in immune sera. After notable successes treating infectious diseases like diphtheria, antibodies failed to live up to much of their initial therapeutic promise owing to difficulties preparing antibodies of appropriate specificity as well as human immune responses to antisera raised in animals. These problems were largely overcome by the development of monoclonal antibody technology in the mid-1970’s (Kohler and Milstein, 1975) and the engineering of humanized antibodies in the late-1980’s (Jones et al., 1986), which enabled large-scale production of antibodies with defined specificities and minimal immunogenicity. These advances opened the gates to modern antibody therapy, and nearly three-dozen monoclonal antibody therapies have received FDA approval since 1994, mostly to treat cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Abnormal activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with many cancers, and among the FDA-approved antibody therapies are Cetuximab (Erbitux ® ) and Panitumumab (Vectibix ® ), which target EGFR and are used to treat colorectal and head-and-neck cancers (Noguchi et al., 2013). EGFR is the archetypal receptor tyrosine kinase and consists of an extracellular ligand-binding region composed of four subdomains, a single membrane-spanning region, a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain, and a C-terminal tail that is phosphorylated during activation and recruits downstream signaling effectors (Burgess et al., 2003). Crystallographic studies have shown that in the absence of ligand the extracellular region adopts a folded-over or “tethered” conformation in which an extended loop from the second domain contacts a membrane-proximal pocket in the fourth domain ( Figure 1 ) (Burgess et al., 2003). Ligand-contacting regions on the first and third domains are held too far apart to bind ligand simultaneously in the tethered conformation, and high-affinity ligand binding requires a large domain rearrangement to an “extended” conformation in which the ligand-binding regions are brought close together. In this extended conformation the previously buried loop on the second domain becomes exposed and mediates reciprocal contacts with the homologous loop on another receptor to form active receptor dimers ( Figure 1 ) (Burgess et al., 2003).
Activation and inhibition of EGFR extracellular regions. A) The EGFR extracellular region is composed of 4 subdomains: I (blue), II (green), III (yellow), and IV (red). In the absence of ligand a loop from domain II contacts a pocket in domain IV and maintains EGFR in a tethered conformation in which ligand binding surfaces on domains I and III are too far apart to contact ligand simultaneously. Ligand binding stabilizes a domain rearrangement that exposes the domain II loop, which mediates receptor dimerization and conversion to a signaling-competent state. B) Cetuximab and the nanobody 7D12 bind to the EGFR ligand binding site, competing for ligand binding and sterically blocking the extended conformation of the active dimer. The nanobodies EgA1 and 9G8 bind at the hinge region between domains II and III and preclude conversion to the extended conformation without competing for ligand binding.
In previously published work, Ferguson and colleagues showed that Cetuximab binds to the ligand-binding region on the EGFR third domain and blocks both ligand binding and rearrangement of the receptor to the extended conformation (Li et al., 2005). They also showed that another anti-EGFR antibody, Matuzumab, binds to the third domain of EGFR but does not clash with ligand binding and appears to act by sterically preventing EGFR from adopting the extended conformation of active dimers (Schmiedel et al., 2008). In work reported in this issue (Schmitz et al., 2013), these observations are now extended to structural and biophysical characterizations of three EGFR-binding nanobodies, 7D12, EgA1, and 9G8, which are being developed as potential anti-EGFR therapeutics or diagnostics. Nanobodies are antibodies derived from camelids—llamas in this case—that consist of a heavy chain and no light chain (Vincke and Muyldermans, 2012). Nanobodies have generated much interest because of several potential advantages over normal antibodies as therapeutics and diagnostics. Their smaller size may allow greater tumor penetration, they are easier and less costly to produce, and simple modifications have been shown to extend their serum half-life and functionality.
Another potential advantage of nanobodies, that their smaller antigen-binding surface enables them to recognize concave epitopes less accessible to conventional antibodies, is illustrated by the work reported in this issue (Schmitz et al., 2013). Two of the three anti-EGFR nanobodies studied, EgA1 and 9G8, bind to EGFR at a hinge region between the second and third extracellular domains. This hinge is the focal point of domain movement in EGFR when ligand binds, and by contacting the domains flanking this hinge these nanobodies appear to lock EGFR in the inactive, tethered conformation. Like Matuzumab, these nanobodies do not block ligand binding to EGFR and may have an advantage as therapeutics in that their effects cannot be overcome by high ligand concentrations. Unlike the conventional antibody Matuzumab, EgA1 and 9G8 are able to bind EGFR in a small concave pocket owing to their smaller antigen-contacting surface, and it will be interesting to see whether this “lock-down” of the inactive EGFR conformation will translate to better inhibition of EGFR activity.
The third anti-EGFR nanobody studied, 7D12, binds EGFR at a site that overlaps its ligand binding site and blocks ligand binding like Cetuximab showing, perhaps not surprisingly, that nanobodies can functionally mimic conventional antibodies. Moving forward, it will be interesting to parse the contributions of various mechanisms to anti-EGFR therapeutic activity—antibody-dependent cellular cytoxicity (ADCC) vs. blocking ligand vs. blocking an active conformation (Noguchi et al., 2013). These mechanisms may then be engineered into optimal therapeutics or perhaps targeted with combined therapies. The history of antiHER2 antibody therapy illustrates the value of this approach. The EGFR homolog HER2 ( H omolog of E GF R 2 ) is overexpressed and abnormally active in 20–25% of breast and gastric cancers (Slamon et al., 1987), and the anti-HER2 antibody Trastuzumab (Herceptin ® ) is used to treat these cancers. First approved in 1998, Trastuzumab does not block HER2 dimerization or signaling but rather appears to work through ADCC and other mechanisms (Arteaga et al., 2012). Another anti-HER2 antibody, Pertuzumab (Perjeta ® ), does block HER2 dimerization and signaling (Arteaga et al., 2012), and the increased the effectiveness of Trastuzumab when given with Pertuzumab led to FDA approval of this combination therapy last year. Not to stop there, and perhaps realizing Ehrlich’s original dream of magic bullets, a toxin-conjugated form of Trastuzumab, Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1 or Kadcyla ® ) (Arteaga et al., 2012), appears to have even greater anti-HER2 efficacy and was approved earlier this year for treatment of late stage breast cancer. Trials of T-DM1 in earlier stage cancer are ongoing.
The evolution of anti-HER2 therapies highlights the value of determining the mechanism of antibody therapeutics to enable continued optimization of therapies. By uncovering novel inhibitory mechanisms with novel agents, the molecular characterization of anti-EGFR nanobodies described in this issue charts an important new path towards improved cancer drugs and diagnostics.
This technique is often used during halftime performances or during promotional events, where the mascot appears out of nowhere, adding an element of surprise and intrigue. The use of a disguise allows the jaguar mascot to roam freely among the crowd without drawing immediate attention. The team can plan and execute pranks or surprise performances without the audience ever suspecting the identity of the person behind the costume. This adds an element of mystery and excitement for both the spectators and the person inside the costume. In addition to the element of surprise, the jaguar mascot disguise also serves to create a more immersive experience for the audience. By blending in with the surroundings, the mascot can interact with the crowd more intimately, providing high-fives, hugs, or even short performances without causing disruptions. This creates a memorable experience for the fans, allowing them to feel more connected to the team and its mascot. Overall, the use of a jaguar mascot disguise adds a layer of excitement, surprise, and immersion to sports events and promotional activities. It showcases the creativity and versatility of sports organizations in engaging with their fans and creating memorable experiences. Whether it's through surprise performances or interaction with the crowd, the jaguar mascot disguise effectively embodies the spirit and energy of the team it represents..
Reviews for "Embodying the Spirit: How the Jaguar Mascot Disguise Inspires Passion"
1. Karen - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Jaguar mascot disguise. The material was flimsy and cheap, and it didn't stay securely on my head. The design also looked nothing like a real jaguar. It was more like a cartoonish version of a jaguar, which was not what I was hoping for. Overall, I think this disguise was a waste of money and I would not recommend it.
2. John - 1 star
The Jaguar mascot disguise was a complete letdown. The quality was incredibly poor and it felt like it was going to fall apart any minute. The fit was terrible, too. It was way too big for my head and kept sliding down my face. It was uncomfortable to wear and looked nothing like a jaguar. I was extremely disappointed with this purchase and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Samantha - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the Jaguar mascot disguise. The material was scratchy and uncomfortable to wear. The mask was also not very well designed, as it didn't fully cover my face and left parts of my face exposed. The coloring was also off and it looked more like a poorly made Halloween costume than a realistic jaguar disguise. I would not purchase this product again.