Advanced Gene Editing Technology for Therapeutic Applications
The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of advanced gene editing technology for therapeutic applications.
Enhancing Immunogenicity and Protection in Calves
The discovery outlined in the Employee Discovery and Invention Report represents a significant advancement in veterinary vaccine technology, specifically targeting the bovine respiratory syncytial virus (bRSV). This innovation involves a "DS2" version of the bRSV F vaccine, which has been engineered to enhance immunogenicity through a prefusion-stabilized form of the F protein, absent of the fusion peptide and reinforced by cavity-filling mutations and inter-protomer disulfides.
Extended Serum Half-Life in Therapeutic Antibodies: Advancements with Enhanced lgG1 Fe Variants
This technology involves the development of lgG1 Fe variants designed to interact more effectively with the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in a pH-dependent manner. By enhancing this interaction, these variants extend the serum half-life of therapeutic antibodies, reducing the need for frequent administration. This breakthrough holds the potential to make therapeutic antibody treatments more convenient, cost-effective, and accessible for a wide range of diseases.
Implications for HIV/AIDS Research and Therapy Development
The discovery involves the development and characterization of a novel SHIVAD8EO virus, which has significant implications for HIV/AIDS research and therapy development. This virus, when propagated in DH101 cells and used to infect rhesus PBMC, exhibits efficient replicative properties and utilizes CCR5 to enter monkey cells. Importantly, the virus displays a tier 2 neutralization phenotype similar to circulating HIV-1 strains.