Reduced Virulence Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus for Vaccine Development

This invention relates to a genetically modified hemorrhagic fever virus that can be used as an effective live vaccine agent. Hemorrhagic fever evades the human immune response using the viral ovarian tumor domain (vOTU) protease, which inhibits critical host-immunity functions. The present genetically modified virus has a vOTU protease with decreased ability to remove ubiquitin (Ub) and ISG15 tags from proteins in cells it infects. Thus, the virulence is reduced, creating an immunogenic and non-pathogenic virus for use as a live vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus.

Full-Length cDNA Clone Representing the Consensus Sequence of the RNA Genome of a Human Norovirus (strain MD145-12) That Encodes Biologically Active Proteins

The invention provides for a full-length cloned cDNA copy of the RNA genome of a predominant norovirus strain (Genogroup II.4) designated MD145-12 that was associated with human gastrointestinal illness. The noroviruses, which were formerly known as "Norwalk-like" viruses are estimated to cause 23 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the USA each year. The virus has been designated into category B of the CDC biodefense-related priority pathogens because it can be used as an agent of bioterrorism.

The Use of Rabbits with Defined Immunoglobulin Light Chain Genes (C<sub>kappa</sub> b allotypes) to Optimize Production of Chimeric and Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies for Therapeutic, Imaging and Diagnostic Applications

Biological materials are important research tools that can be used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Antibodies have become viable drugs in the market today and there is a general market need for systems that may facilitate production of efficient and effective antibodies. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies have gained significant importance in their use, both as diagnostics and therapeutics, to intervene and combat diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections.

A Nurr1-Knockout Mouse Model for Parkinson's Disease and Stem Cell Differentiation

The researchers have generated Nurr1-knockout mice via genomic locus inactivation using homologous recombination.

Transcription factor Nurr1 is an obligatory factor for neurotransmitter dopamine biosynthesis in ventral midbrain. From a neurological and clinical perspective, it suggests an entirely new mechanism for dopamine depletion in a region where dopamine is known to be involved in Parkinson's disease. Activation of Nurr1 may be therapeutically useful for Parkinson's disease patients; therefore, the mice would be useful in Parkinson's disease research.

Field-Adapted Spot Test for Evaluating Materials Treated with Permethrin Insect Repellent

Military uniforms and mosquito nets are treated with permethrin, a repellent and insecticide used for personal protection against biting flies, mosquitoes, and other disease-carrying insects. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis (a parasitic infection spread by sandflies), Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and more can be diminished if treated nets or clothing containing the proper amount of permethrin are utilized. Washing and wear depletes the insecticide on the material, eventually rendering it ineffective.

Portable Laser-Operated Counterfeit Drug Identifier (CoDI) for Tablets

Counterfeit drugs (also known as “fake or falsified medicines”) have become a major world-wide public health concern. Falsified medicines may contain toxic substances, the wrong active ingredients, suboptimal amounts of active ingredients, or no active ingredients at all. CDC researchers developed a portable (handheld), battery-operated, and relatively inexpensive device that non-trained personnel can use quickly to evaluate a particular branded tablet for authenticity.

Molecular Detection and Viral-Load Quantification for HIV-1 Groups M, N and O, and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-cpz (SIVcpz)

This invention provides materials, methods, and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and simian immunodeficiency virus-cpz (SIV-cpz). Specific nucleic acid primers for hybridization, amplification, and detection of HIV-1 are also provided for. The nucleic acid amplification assays can detect small concentrations of HIV-1 and are also useful for quantitative examinations of viral load concentrations within biological samples.

Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection of Antiretroviral Integrase Inhibitors

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical component in the fight against HIV but is only effective if persons prescribed PrEP are adhering to the regimens to maintain appropriate drug levels. As PrEP regimens have moved from daily pills to longer lasting injections, the ability to quickly measure and monitor the circulating drug levels of PrEP drugs has increased importance.

Hybridoma Cell Lines 2A4 And 5B12 Against Puromycin

Protein translation is a central cellular function attracting increasing attention from cell biologists as they integrate gene product specific information into a systems view of cellular function. Scientists at NIAID developed the puromycin-specific antibodies that allow for the specific detection of puromycin-containing nascent polypeptides via standard immunofluorescence or flow cytometry.

Francisella Lipids as Broad Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics

Anti-inflammatory treatments, particularly those used in the context of viral infection, have been shown to greatly inhibit the overall immune response, which can result in poor immunity and failure to control or clear the infection. Novel alternatives that can effectively attenuate inflammation without the more serious side effects of steroid medications (e.g., global immune suppression, muscle weakness, etc.) may have substantial use across a wide range of disease areas.

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