Cloned Genomes Of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus And Uses Thereof

The current invention provides nucleic acid sequences comprising the genomes of infectious hepatitis C viruses (HCV) of genotype 1a and 1b. It covers the use of these sequences, and polypeptides encoded by all or part of the sequences, in the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays for HCV and the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV.

Murine Monoclonal Antibodies Effective To Treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Available for licensing through a Biological Materials License Agreement are the murine MAbs described in Beeler et al, "Neutralization epitopes of the F glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus: effect of mutation upon fusion function," J Virol. 1989 Jul;63(7):2941-2950 (PubMed abs). The MAbs that are available for licensing are the following: 1129, 1153, 1142, 1200, 1214, 1237, 1112, 1269, and 1243. One of these MAbs, 1129, is the basis for a humanized murine MAb (see U.S.

Prefusion Coronavirus Spike Proteins and Their Use

When a coronavirus was identified as the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), together with their collaborators at the University of Texas at Austin and Dartmouth College, responded quickly to engineer the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein for use in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

Novel Methods of MHC-I - LILRB Checkpoint Inhibition

The technology encompasses antibodies and methods that may overcome the shortcomings of commercial checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Scientists at NIAID have identified MHC-I specific antibodies that selectively inhibit interactions with inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobin-like receptors (LILRs) but not T-cell receptors. Administration of the antibodies increased proliferation and activation of both innate and adaptive immune system cells, and lead to anti-tumor and anti-viral activity in an array of relevant mouse models of disease.

New Antimalarial Chemotypes Discovered Through Chemical Methodology and Library Development

This technology includes three new compound classes displaying either differential or comprehensive antimalarial activity across geographically diverse lines. These compounds were identified from a quantitative high throughput screen of a novel chemical library with unique chemical complexity and are potential candidates for treating malaria.

Highly-sensitive and Dynamic Biomarkers for Intrathecal Inflammation for Neuroimmunological Diseases

The technology relates to the identification and validation of eight biomarkers for active central nervous system (CNS) intrathecal inflammation. The management of neuroimmunological diseases is severely hindered by an inability to reliably measure intrathecal inflammation. Current laboratory tests, that were developed over 40 years ago, do not capture low to moderate levels of CNS inflammation and provide limited information about its phenotype.

MicroRNAs for Cell Line Utilization and Future Therapeutic Application

This technology includes microRNAs for use in cell lines for protein production and potentially future treatments of cancer or diseases related to metabolism. Mmu-miR-466h was identified as a major apoptotic regulator in suspension adapted Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Mmu-miR-466h was found to have the pro-apoptotic activity by targeting some anti-apoptotic genes for degradation during the exposure of CHO-S cells to the nutrients depleted media.

Methods for Using Modulators of Extracellular Adenosine or an Adenosine Receptor To Enhance Immune Response and Inflammation

Local inflammation processes are crucially important in the host defense against pathogens and for successful immunization because proinflammatory cytokines are necessary for initiation and propagation of an immune response. However, normal inflammatory responses are eventually terminated by physiological termination mechanisms, thereby limiting the strength and duration of immune responses, especially to weak antigens. The inventors have shown that adenosine A2a and A3a receptors play a critical role in down-regulation of inflammation in vivo.