Discovery and Development of Novel Plasmodial Surface Anion Channel (PSAC) Inhibitors as Potent Antimalarial Drug Leads

The technology involves the discovery and development of novel compounds that inhibit the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), a promising drug target for malaria treatment. These compounds have been identified through high-throughput screening as specific and potent inhibitors of PSAC, effectively killing malaria parasite cultures by blocking nutrient acquisition from human plasma. Importantly, the compounds exhibit drug-like properties and show no cytotoxicity to other cells.

Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting the V1V2 Epitope of HIV-1 Env from CAPRISA Donor CAP 256: Therapeutic Potential and Preferential Clade A and Clade C Neutralization

This technology encompasses the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1, derived from the CAPRISA Donor CAP 256. These antibodies target the V1V2 epitope of the virus envelope and exhibit a high level of neutralization, particularly against Clade A and Clade C subtypes.

Development of a Probiotic-Based Inhalational Therapeutic for Protection Against Acute Respiratory Virus Infections

The technology involves the development of a probiotic-based inhalational therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections. This innovative approach utilizes live or heat-inactivated cells of Lactobacillus plantarum, administered directly to the respiratory mucosa. This method has shown significant protection against lethal outcomes of respiratory virus infections by suppressing virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines.

Enhanced Stability and Manufacturing of Ebola Virus Antibodies: Discovery of S1-4-A09 and its A80P Derivative from Survivor B-cells

The discovery of the S1-4-A09 antibody and its A80P derivative from a survivor of Ebola virus disease represents a significant advancement in the development of therapeutics against Ebola virus. These antibodies, isolated using innovative techniques, demonstrate potent antiviral activities in vitro and have shown improved stability and manufacturing feasibility compared to existing antibodies.

Anti-Puromycin Antibodies Illuminate the World of Cellular Protein Translation

The Ribopuromycylation (RPM) technology, developed by Dr. Jon Yewdell and Dr. Alexandre David, offers a powerful and universal method for visualizing and studying protein translation within cells. RPM involves the use of puromycin, a molecule that mimics a tyrosyl-tRNA and terminates translation by becoming covalently incorporated into the nascent protein chain's C-terminus within the ribosome's A site. This technique enables the immobilization of puromycylated nascent protein chains on ribosomes when chain elongation inhibitors like cycloheximide or emetine are utilized.

A Novel Approach to Enhancing Viral Envelope Protein Maturation Inhibition

The technology pertains to the development of furin-deficient Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, specifically the CHO FD11 cell line, which plays a pivotal role in proteolytic maturation of various proteins critical for physiological processes and pathogen virulence. By inhibiting furin, a protease involved in the activation of many important proteins and pathogens, these modified cells provide a unique platform for research into viral infections and potential therapeutic interventions.

Development of Multivalent Peptide Tolerogen for Therapeutic Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

The technology pertains to a novel multivalent peptide tolerogen designed for the therapeutic treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition where the immune system erroneously attacks the central nervous system. This advanced therapeutic strategy involves a fusion-peptide composed of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin-basic protein (MBP), and myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), along with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG).