The invention pertains to the use of glucan encapsulated non-immunostimulatory small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to treat type-2 diabetes. Endocannabinoids (EC) are lipid signaling molecules that act on the same cannabinoid receptors that recognize and mediate the effects of endo- and phytocannabanoids. EC receptor CB1R activation is implicated in the development of obesity and its metabolic consequences, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

The present invention provides a therapeutic method for the treatment of autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases by first breaking down the dysregulated immune system and then reprogramming the immune system to restore tolerance to the patient's self-antigens by induction of antigen specific regulatory T cells. The inventors have shown that only with the combination of apoptosis, phagocytes, and antigen can antigen-specific regulatory T cells (T_reg) cells be optimally generated to develop long-term immune tolerance.

Haemophilus influenzae is responsible for life-threatening respiratory infections including meningitis. This assay allows for the qualitative detection of the bacterial meningitis pathogen H. influenzae serotype A (Hia) and serotype B (Hib) in fluid samples, without detecting any of the other serotypes of H. influenzae. This invention is capable of detecting even the very small numbers of Hia or Hib within clinical specimens.

CDC scientists have developed a one-step TaqMan quantitative/real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay for detecting hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA. Additionally, a quantifiable synthetic RNA control to determine viral load has been created.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode endemic that affects an estimated 30 to 100 million people worldwide. Many of these individuals may be asymptomatic for decades. The present invention discloses a NIE recombinant antigen that can be used in improved assays and diagnostics for S. stercoralis infection. The NIE antigen is the only one that is non-cross-reactive with sera from humans with other related filaria infections. The NIE antigen can be utilized as a skin test antigen for immediate hypersensitivity as well as for use in ELISA or other assays.

This Intranasal Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), developed with Creare, Inc., allows low-cost delivery of powder vaccines. Nasal delivery has numerous advantages compared to traditional injected vaccines, including: 1) safe, needle-less administration by minimally-trained staff or patient; 2) better protection due to mucosal and cross-protection; and 3) decreased biohazard waste.

This CDC invention relates to primers and probes that specifically hybridize with Heartland virus (HRTLDV), a unique member of the genus Phlebovirus. It further relates to polyclonal antibodies specific for HRTLDV proteins. Serological detection assays using HRTLDV nucleic acid molecules, proteins, probes, primers, and antibodies are provided. Importantly, the HRTLDV genome can be engineered using reverse genetics to be attenuated, allowing development of a vaccine for other viruses within the Phlebovirus genus or Bunyaviridae family.

This invention relates to methods of rapidly detecting influenza, including differentiating between type and subtype. Unlike culture and serological tests requiring 5 to 14 days for completion, CDC researchers developed a rapid, accurate assay, which is easily adapted to kit form. This assay also requires less labor input than immunoassays. These methods can be used to quickly identify a broad variety of influenza types and subtypes, including viruses that may be involved in pandemics (such as H5N1, for example).

Intranasal delivery is a simple, inexpensive and needle-free route for administration of vaccines and therapeutics. This intranasal delivery technology, developed with Creare LLC., includes low-cost, disposable drug cartridges (DDCs) that mate with a durable hand-held device. The rechargeable-battery-powered device transmits ultrasonic energy to the DDC to aerosolize the drug and is capable of performing for eight hours at 120 vaccinations per hour. Potential applications for this platform technology include intranasal vaccination (e.g.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, fatal demyelinating disease of the brain caused by the polyomavirus JC (JCV) under immunosuppressive conditions. It is pathologically characterized by progressive damage of white matter of the brain by destroying oligodendrocytes at multiple locations. Clinically, PML symptoms include weakness or paralysis, vision loss, impaired speech, and cognitive deterioration. The prognosis of PML is generally poor. No effective therapy for PML has been established.