Novel Antigen for Use as Vaccine Against Nematode Infection

This invention describes a new vaccine against Strongyoides stercoralis, which establishes a parasitic infection that affects an estimated 100-200 million people worldwide. The potential for fatal disease associated with S. stercoralis infection and the difficulty in treating hyperinfection underscores the need for prophylactic vaccines against the disease. This vaccine uses S. stercoralis immunoreactive antigen (SsIR); a novel antigen capable of providing 70-90 % protection for mice immunized with the antigen.

Diagnostic Assays and Methods of Use for Detection of Filarial Infection

The effort targeting the mosquito borne neglected tropical disease lymphatic filariasis for elimination through mass drug administration by 2020 will require accurate, cost effective methods for detecting early infections. The World Health Organization-recommended immunochromatographic test detects adult Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) antigen in blood, but shows variable efficacy due to the complex life cycle of the parasites and cross reactivity with other organisms. This variability may hinder effective lymphatic filariasis elimination efforts.

Antibodies and Methods for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

According to the World Health Organization, over 90% of the worldwide population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus by adulthood. In most cases, the disease accompanying initial infection is subclinical though some individuals who are infected as adolescents or adults do experience infectious mononucleosis. However, once infected, individuals carry latent EBV for their remaining lifespan. In such individuals, immune suppression can result in reactivation of the EBV and consequently, EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease.

Compositions and Methods for Detecting Loa loa

Loa loa is a filarial nematode estimated to infect 3-13 million people in Central and Western Africa. In parts of Africa, mass administration of ivermectin is common for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis control. However, some individuals infected with Loa loa microfilariae in high densities are known to experience post-ivermectin severe adverse events, such as encephalopathy, coma, or even death. Therefore, diagnostic tools that can accurately identify and differentiate Loa loa microfilariae from other filarial infections are needed.

Nanobodies Neutralizing Lassa Virus

Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF) is a serious disease caused by infection with Lassa virus (LASV) – highly prevalent in West Africa and spreading globally. LASV is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, annually infecting 100,000 to 300,000 individuals and causing 5,000 deaths. Developing prophylactics and treatment for LASV is difficult due to challenges in inducing neutralizing antibodies and producing their target, the LASV glycoprotein trimer (GPC).

A Key Advancement for Human Norovirus Research and Reverse Genetics

The HEK293T/T7 cell line is a novel development in virology research, particularly for studying human noroviruses. This cell line expresses the T7 RNA polymerase, a key enzyme used in reverse genetics systems. Unlike existing technologies, the HEK293T/T7 cell line offers the unique advantage of being able to produce functional T7 RNA polymerase, which is essential for driving transcription from T7 promoters.

Targeted Gene Mutation Technology for Studying Specific Cell Functions in Mice

This technology includes the development of transgenic mice with a targeted gene mutation that flanks exon 8 of the Ikzf2 (Helios) gene using loxP sites. These Ikzf2 fl/fl (floxed) mice allow researchers to selectively delete the Ikzf2 gene in specific tissues or cells by crossing them with mice that express Cre recombinase under tissue-specific promoters.

Immunotherapy for Treating HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

This technology includes a novel immunotherapy approach designed to target HER2-positive breast cancer cells. It leverages a specific mechanism to enhance the immune system's ability to identify and destroy these cancer cells. The technology demonstrated significant potential in pre-clinical in vivo studies, suggesting it could improve treatment outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Enhanced S10-3 Cell Line for Advanced Hepatitis E Virus Research and Therapeutic Development

The Huh-7 cell line underwent a detailed sub-cloning process to enhance its effectiveness for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection studies. This involved diluting and culturing cells in 96-well plates until confluent monolayers formed, followed by selection and expansion of the most suitable cells. The sub-clone S10-3, derived from this process, was identified as the most efficient for transfection and infection by HEV.

Recombinant IgG Monoclonal Antibody-Based Detection of Taenia Antigen In Humans And Pigs

The pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, is endemic in most of Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The risk of infection is increased in regions where pigs are raised in closed proximity to humans, with migration from endemic regions being directly proportional to the prevalence of infection in high-income countries. Human infection by T. solium occurs following oral ingestion of eggs passed in human feces from an infected carrier. The larvae can travel anywhere in the human body.

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