Optimized Variants of the Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 gp41 Antibody, 10E8

Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) recently discovered a human neutralizing antibody, 10E8, that binds to the GP41 protein of HIV-1 and prevents infection by HIV-1. 10E8 potently neutralizes up to 98% of genetically diverse HIV-1 strains.

By engineering the 10E8 antibody, NIAID scientists have improved the properties of 10E8 that affect manufacturability, such as solubility, while preserving its neutralizing breadth and potency.

Vaccine for Cats to Block Toxoplasma Gondii Oocyst Shedding and Transmission

Toxoplasma gondii is the zoonotic causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease of significant concern for pregnant persons and livestock. A member of the phylum Apicomplexa, Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost any cell type found in mammals and birds. There are multiple transmission pathways, including consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals, consumption of unwashed plants, contaminated water supplies, blood transfers, and congenital transfer. Felines are considered the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii.

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.

Novel VAR2CSA Immunogens and Methods of Use Thereof

The invention provides immunogen polypeptides comprising fragments of VAR2CSA protein expressed by P. falciparum as potential second-generation placental malaria vaccine candidates. VAR2CSA is the leading antigen target for a placental malaria vaccine, where associated antibody titers are correlated with protection. Aspects of the inventive immunogen polypeptides comprise all or portions of the chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) binding regions of VAR2CSA, as identified by a structural study of VAR2CSA conducted by the inventors, that possess great sequence conservation among P.

Novel Compositions of Matter Comprising Stabilized Coronavirus Antigens and Their Use

Using a computational design methodology, SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins containing engineered amino acid changes to the receptor binding domain (RBD) were designed. These engineered spike proteins improved the immune response upon immunization of animals. An engineered RBD was also expressed at greater yield, had increased temperature stability, and improved the immune response upon immunization of animals. Specifically, the disclosed RBD designs can be produced approximately 7 times more efficiently than the native sequence, facilitating vaccine manufacturing on a global scale.

Enhanced Immune Response With Stabilized Norovirus VLPs: A Next-Generation Vaccine Approach

This technology includes a novel advancement in developing vaccines targeting norovirus, tailored specifically for a more robust and effective response. It centers around an improved version of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) uniquely engineered for greater stability and efficacy. These enhanced VLPs are designed to remain intact even when faced with the body's immune responses, overcoming a key limitation of previous vaccine designs.

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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