Multimeric Protein Toxins to Target Cells Having Multiple Identifying Characteristics

This technology relates to multimeric bacterial protein toxins which can be used to specifically target cells. Specifically, this is a modified recombinant anthrax toxin protective antigen (PrAg) that has been modified in several ways. First, the PrAg can be activated both by a metalloproteinase (MMP) and by urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Second, the native PrAg lethal factor (LF) binding site has been modified so that only a modified PrAg comprising two different monomers can bind anthrax LF.

Transgenic Mouse Models for Studying HLA-B57:01 and HLA-B15:02 Linked Immune Responses and Hypersensitivity Reactions

Transgenic mouse models expressing human HLA-B57:01 and HLA-B15:02 molecules have emerged as invaluable tools for unraveling the intricacies of immune responses and hypersensitivity reactions. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded proteins play a pivotal role in the immune system by presenting peptide fragments to T lymphocytes, and HLA-B57:01 has been associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions triggered by abacavir, a widely used anti-retroviral drug.

Replicative-Defective Mutant Human Cytomegalovirus: Potential Applications in Vaccinology and Cancer Immunotherapy

The potential applications of a replicative-defective mutant form of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are significant in the fields of vaccinology and cancer immunotherapy. This innovative approach involves engineering a mutant HCMV that can selectively target specific cells. Firstly, it holds promise as a vaccine candidate for protecting against HCMV infection, given the success of a similar strategy against herpes simplex virus in animal models.

Stable Cell Line Technology for Enhanced Production of Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines

This technology includes a stable cell line engineered to have reduced expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim when exposed to doxycycline. This reduction in Bim expression allows for significantly higher yields of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which is used in the production of live, attenuated VZV vaccines. The enhanced viral production makes this cell line particularly useful for vaccine manufacturing.

Monoclonal Antibodies to HIV-1 Vpr

Available for licensing are monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) and the respective hybridoma cell lines expressing the same. The antibodies provide a means for detecting HIV-1 Vpr. Currently, the mechanism of HIV pathogenesis believed to involve viral replication inside immune cells and other cells. At present, there are no clinical assays for detecting HIV-1 Vpr. Vpr circulates at detectable levels in the blood and is likely derived from degraded virions or released from infected cells. Vpr facilitates viral replication and disrupt normal cell function.

Human Monoclonal and Bispecific Antibodies Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus of the Coronavirus family that has emerged as a major public health concern. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were reported in China and rapidly spread worldwide leading to a global pandemic. The highest morbidity and mortality have been reported in the elderly and immunocompromised. Antibody therapeutics have great importance for advanced cases of SARS-CoV-2 where a vaccine would not be effective and may be more effective than a vaccine in certain high-risk populations.

Pre-Biotic Formulation of Topical Chemicals for Use on Human Skin

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, recurrent, chronic inflammatory skin disease that is a cause of considerable economic and social burden. It is one of the most prevalent skin disorders, affecting ~25% of children in developed and developing countries and is expected to continue to escalate. This increased rate of incidence has changed the focus of research on AD toward epidemiology, prevention, and treatment.

Methods for Producing Stem Cell-Like Memory T Cells for Use in T Cell-Based Immunotherapies

T cells currently employed for T cell-based immunotherapies are often senescent, terminally differentiated cells with poor proliferative and survival capacity. Recently, however, scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) identified and characterized a new human memory T cell population with stem cell-like properties. Since these T cells have limited quantities in vivo, the scientists have developed methods by which high numbers of these cells can be generated ex vivo for use in T cell-based immunotherapies.

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