Construction of an Infectious Full-Length cDNA Clone of the Porcine Enteric Calicivirus RNA Genome

Porcine enteric calicivirus (PEC) is a member of the genus Sapovirus in the family Caliciviridae. This virus causes diarrheal illness in pigs, and is presently the only enteric calicivirus that can be grown in cell culture. In addition to its relevance to veterinary medicine as a diarrheal agent in pigs, PEC serves as an important model for the study of enteric caliciviruses that cause diarrhea and that cannot be grown in cell culture (including the noroviruses represented by Norwalk virus).

Haplotypes of Human Bitter Taste Receptor Genes

Bitter taste has evolved in mammals as a crucial, important warning signal against ingestion of poisonous or toxic compounds. However, many beneficial compounds are also bitter, and taste masking of bitter tasting pharmaceutical compounds is a billion dollar industry. The diversity of compounds that elicit bitter-taste sensations is very large and more than two dozen members of the T2R bitter taste receptor family have been identified. Individuals are now known to be genetically predisposed to respond or not to respond to the bitter taste of a number of substances.

Multimeric Protein Toxins to Target Cells Having Multiple Identifying Characteristics

This technology relates to multimeric bacterial protein toxins which can be used to specifically target cells. Specifically, this is a modified recombinant anthrax toxin protective antigen (PrAg) that has been modified in several ways. First, the PrAg can be activated both by a metalloproteinase (MMP) and by urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Second, the native PrAg lethal factor (LF) binding site has been modified so that only a modified PrAg comprising two different monomers can bind anthrax LF.

Soluble Antigen-Based ELISA for the Detection of B. malayi Infections

The technology presented is a breakthrough in the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis, specifically targeting the B. malayi pathogen. It encompasses a novel soluble antigen extract used in both IgG and IgG4-based ELISA tests, aimed at detecting the presence of the filarial infection. This innovation serves as a cornerstone for a CLIA-certified reference test, established and utilized in Dr. Nutman's laboratory since the late 1980s.

Replicative-Defective Mutant Human Cytomegalovirus: Potential Applications in Vaccinology and Cancer Immunotherapy

The potential applications of a replicative-defective mutant form of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are significant in the fields of vaccinology and cancer immunotherapy. This innovative approach involves engineering a mutant HCMV that can selectively target specific cells. Firstly, it holds promise as a vaccine candidate for protecting against HCMV infection, given the success of a similar strategy against herpes simplex virus in animal models.

Development of a High-Throughput Screening Tool for RSV Inhibition Using Engineered RSV Expressing GFP and Luciferase Genes

The technology involves the genetic engineering of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to express two additional genes, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Renilla luciferase, from different positions within the viral genome. GFP serves as a visual marker for RSV infection, allowing researchers to monitor and track infected cells using fluorescence microscopy, while luciferase functions as a highly sensitive reporter gene that enables quantitative assessment of viral replication through enzymatic assays.

Enhanced GFP-Expressing Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): A Versatile Tool for Virology Research and Antiviral Drug Screening

The technology involves genetically engineering Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP), enabling the monitoring of virus infection and gene expression through GFP fluorescence. This system serves as a sensitive and versatile tool for virology research, antiviral drug screening, and diagnostic applications.

Optimizing RSV Infection Monitoring and High-Throughput Screening Through GFP Expression in the First-Gene Position of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Strain A2

In this technology, researchers have engineered a modified version of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) strain A2 using reverse genetics to incorporate green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the first-gene position. This genetic modification allows for the efficient monitoring of RSV infection and the screening of potential chemical inhibitors. The GFP expression can be easily detected through fluorescence microscopy in live or fixed cells, providing a sensitive tool for both research and drug discovery.

Advancing VZV Antibody Detection: A High-Throughput LIPS Assay for Varicella Vaccine Recipients

The technology described is a sophisticated and high-throughput luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay designed to detect antibodies specific to Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE). By transfecting cells with VZV protein-Renilla luciferase fusion protein constructs and subsequently performing immunoprecipitations with protein A/G beads, this innovative assay enables the quantitative measurement of VZV gE antibody levels in blood serum samples.

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