Nanobody Therapeutics for SARS-CoV2

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.

Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) for Point-of-care Diagnosis of COVID-19 Antibodies

This technology includes a sensitive and specific method to rapidly detect antibodies in biofluids. This assay has been used for the detection of antibodies in blood, urine, and saliva. Until now, no one has used LIPS to detect clinically relevant antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid (N) or Spike (S) in saliva. Briefly, LIPS employs recombinantly synthesized target proteins or peptides (e.g., S and N proteins) tagged with light-emitting proteins as targets to be captured by host produced immunoglobulins. These immunoglobulins can be captured by protein A/G beads and immobilized.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 (S1P1) Receptor Signaling Mouse for Therapeutic Development

This technology includes a mouse model for studying SiP1 receptor signaling for development of therapeutics for a variety of conditions. The S1P1 receptor locus of the mouse has been modified by gene targeting to encode a fusion of the S1P1 receptor and the tetracycline-controlled activator protein (tTA) connected by a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) cleavage sequence, internal ribosome initiation sequence (IRES), followed by a beta-arrestin-Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease fusion protein. When activated, the modified S1P1 receptor binds the beta-arrestin-TEV protease fusion, which cleaves the tTA.

A Cell Line Secreting an IgG Monoclonal Antibody to Mouse ZP2 for the Study of Anti-Psychotic Therapies

This technology includes a cell line to be used for the study of anti-psychotic therapies and potentially Parkinson’s disease. Activation of D1 dopamine receptors plays a critical role in many fundamental CNS processes. M4 mAChRs are coexpressed with D1 dopamine receptors in a specific subset of striatal medium spiny neurons that contain GABA as the major neurotransmitter. The present study used Cre/LoxP technology to generate mutant mice that lack M4-¬-AChRs only in D1 dopamine receptor-¬-expressing cells to investigate the physiological relevance of mAChRs in this neuronal subpopulation.

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.

Minibody for Conditioning prior to Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Progenitor Cell Transplantation

Patient conditioning is a critical initial step in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation procedures to enable marrow engraftment of infused cells. Conditioning regimens have traditionally been achieved by delivering cytotoxic doses of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. However, these regimens are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and cannot be used safely in elderly or subjects with comorbidities.