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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.

This technology includes the creation and use of a polyclonal antibody for Neuroligin-4, NLGN4, that was created by injecting a peptide surrounding the pT707 phosphorylation site into rabbits and affinity purifying the resulting serum. Neuroligin-4 is a member of the neuroligin family of cell adhesion proteins. This family has been shown to play a role in the maturation and function of the neuronal synapse and has been implicated in patients with autism and intellectual disability.

This invention includes the identification of a new mutation in the collagen type VI (COL6A1) gene, including a method for diagnosing and treating patients with this mutation. Collagen type VI-related dystrophies (COL6-RD) are devastating neuromuscular disorders that manifest with progressive generalized muscle weakness, contractures, and respiratory failure. Currently, no cure exists for COL6-RD.

This technology includes a therapeutic approach to prevent secondary edema after cerebrovascular hemorrhage. Using an animal model, we found that edema is triggered by massive extravasation of myelomonocytic cells from the blood into the brain in response to hemorrhaging vessels. Administration of anti-LFA1 and anti-VLA4 antibodies resulted in an inhibition of extravasation of the myelomonocytic cells. This single dose treatment prevented secondary edema and markedly improved functional outcomes if administered within the first six hours following cerebrovascular hemorrhage.

This technology includes an automated and non-invasive assessment system called Automated Identification of subjects at risks of Multiple Sclerosis (AIMS) to assist clinicians in their diagnostic evaluation. A focus of AIMS is the ‘central vein sign’ (and other radiological findings).

This technology includes the development and use of the VA-17 antibody that detects both amidated and extended forms of Oxytocin in radioimmunoassay. This antibody can be used for in vitro work, including RIA assays, to detect both forms of Oxytocin: amidated and extended.

This technology includes the generation and use of novel rabbit polyclonal antibodies against a GST-tagged portion of the human protein mitofusin 1 (amino acids 667-741).

This technology includes the design and use of several nanobodies that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain and block spike protein interaction with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Nanobodies are 12-15 kDa single-domain antibody fragments that are more stable and easier to produce in large quantities compared to conventional antibodies. SARS-CoV2 is the virus responsible for the COVID19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV2 spike protein is responsible for viral entry into human cells via interaction with ACE2 on the cell surface.

This technology includes the design and implementation for 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows single transmit hardware to be "transformed" for another nucleus excitation to perform multi-nuclear MR. A radiofrequency (RF) optically controlled switch-mode amplifier prototype is tuned for excitation of two nuclei. The amplifier received the nuclei carrier signals optically through a single fiber.

This technology includes the identification and use of antisense oligonuclecotides (ASOs) complimentary to the 5’UTR of SMN2 (Survival of motor neuron 2) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is an autosomal-recessive motor neuron disease caused by the loss of both copies of the SMN1 gene. Copies of the similar gene SMN2 decrease the severity of this disease in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, increasing expression levels of the SMN2 transcript can be used to treat SMA.