NIAID scientists have developed plasmids that allow for production of pseudoviruses expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. As SARS-CoV-2 is a lethal airborne virus, it must be handled in high-containment Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories that require strict airflow, ventilation and decontamination procedures.
The technology focuses on the development of a tetravalent bispecific antibody effective against Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax. This antibody combines the specificities of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): one targeting anthrax protective antigen (PA) and the other targeting the bacterial capsule. The anti-PA mAb shows potent toxin-neutralizing activity, while the anti-capsule mAb efficiently kills anthrax bacteria.
The HEK293T/T7 cell line is a novel development in virology research, particularly for studying human noroviruses. This cell line expresses the T7 RNA polymerase, a key enzyme used in reverse genetics systems. Unlike existing technologies, the HEK293T/T7 cell line offers the unique advantage of being able to produce functional T7 RNA polymerase, which is essential for driving transcription from T7 promoters.
This technology encompasses the development of highly advanced malaria vaccine candidates and human monoclonal antibodies, both centered on targeting the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1) of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. The innovation lies in utilizing a novel computational design and in vitro screening process, which has created MSP1 vaccine candidates that are significantly more immunogenic, stable, and cost-effective than existing alternatives. These vaccines focus on the 19 kDa carboxy-terminus fragment of MSP1.
WNT1-induced secreted protein-1 (WISP1) is expressed at high levels in osteoblasts and their precursors. WIPS1 plays an important role in various aspects of bone formation. Scientists at the NIH generated Wisp1-deficient (Wisp1-/-) mice. Deletion of Wisp1 resulted in a decrease in bone mineral density, total bone volume, bone thickness, and biomechanical strength.