Recombinant NIE Antigen from Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode endemic that affects an estimated 30 to 100 million people worldwide. Many of these individuals may be asymptomatic for decades. The present invention discloses a NIE recombinant antigen that can be used in improved assays and diagnostics for S. stercoralis infection. The NIE antigen is the only one that is non-cross-reactive with sera from humans with other related filaria infections. The NIE antigen can be utilized as a skin test antigen for immediate hypersensitivity as well as for use in ELISA or other assays.

Recombinant Stabilized Prefusion Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus for Use as a Subunit Vaccine

The invention, a stabilized recombinant prefusion F protein (pre F), is a candidate subunit vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Pre-F is stabilized in the prefusion conformation and displays epitopes not present in postfusion F protein. Several potent RSV neutralizing antibodies bind pre F, but not postfusion F. Therefore, immunization with pre F may elicit an immune response superior to the response generated by postfusion F.

AMA1-RON2 Complex-Based Vaccine Against Malaria

This technology relates to a malaria vaccine composed of a protein complex of Apical Membrane Antigen (AMA1) and rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2) with an adjuvant. AMA1 is a crucial component of the Plasmodium invasion machinery and is a leading candidate for antimalarial vaccine development. AMA1-based vaccines have shown ability to block red cell invasion in in vitro assays, but protection has so far not translated to in vivo human infections.

Novel Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccines

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and is associated with certain types of cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. There are currently no vaccines against EBV on the market and there is only supportive treatment available for EBV infection.

LRRK2 Inhibitors: Novel Treatment for Intestinal Bowel Disorders

Use of Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitors for the treatment of Intestinal Bowel Disorders (IBD) is disclosed. IBD is a broad term that describes conditions with chronic or recurring immune response and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two common forms of idiopathic IBD, are chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

CXCR4 Reduction Leads to Enhancement of Engraftment of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Methods of enhancing engraftment of donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by reducing expression or activity of CXCR4 in HSCs is described. HSC are the only cells in the bone marrow that are both pluripotent and long lived. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using HSC is an increasingly common medical therapy for severe hematologic cancers and primary hematologic immunodeficiencies. However, for significant HSC engraftment to occur there must usually be pre-transplant conditioning with either irradiation or chemotherapy or both.

Multi-Photon Microscopy System Configured for Multiview Non-Linear Optical Imaging

This invention is a microscopy device and system for multi-photon microscopy utilizing multi-view nonlinear optical imaging. Nonlinear optical imaging remains the premier technique for deep-tissue imaging in which typically a multi photon arrangement may be used to illuminate and excite a sample. However, the penetration depth, signal-to-noise ratio, and resolution of this technique is ultimately limited by scattering. The present system addresses these issues by sequential excitation of a sample through three or more objective lenses oriented at different axes intersecting the sample.