Anti-Vaccinia Monoclonal Antibody

The current technology describes a monoclonal antibody that reacts with a vaccinia virus protein abundantly expressed under an early viral promoter after infection of cells. The antibody is useful for quantitating vaccinia virus infected cells and for studying the function of the protein to which it binds, which is known to be a double stranded RNA binding protein involved in resistance of the virus to interferons. This antibody is available for licensing through a biological materials license agreement.

Laminin A Peptides

This invention relates to peptides and derivatives thereof having laminin-like activity, as well as a pharmaceutical composition of the peptide. The peptides claimed include Serine-Isoleucine-Lysine-Valine-Alanine-Valine (SIKVAV). Methods for promoting increased adhesion and migration of epithelial cells is also disclosed. The peptides have wide usage in research, nerve regeneration and cancer treatment. For example, this invention may be useful as an adhesion and regeneration agent for nerve guides and as an adhesion agent for vascular prosthesis.

Identification and Use of 12/15-Lipoxygenase (LOX) Inhibitors for Post-Strike Treatment

This technology includes the identification and use of 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors, including ML351 and related analogs, for post-stroke treatment. The 12/15-LOX directly oxidizes lipid membranes leading to their direct attack. After a stroke, the activity of 12/15-LOX is upregulated and is thought to contribute to increased neuronal loss and blood-brain barrier leakage. A high-throughput screen was undertaken to find inhibitors, which were then subjected to medical chemistry optimization.

A Rapid Method for Producing Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system which target and neutralize foreign materials, such as viruses or bacteria. Antibodies have a variety of useful applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and as research reagents. Despite their widespread use there is no standard method to produce antibodies, and currently available methods are labor and time intensive.

Characterization and Comparison of LAD2 and LADR Mast Cell Lines: Insights into Mastocytosis and HIV Infection

LAD2 and LADR cell lines are invaluable tools in mast cell research, offering insights into mastocytosis and immune responses. Derived from CD34+ cells, LAD2 cells have been extensively used for over 18 years, while LADR cells, a newer variant, exhibit enhanced characteristics such as larger size, increased granulation, and faster doubling time. Both cell lines release granular contents upon FceRI aggregation and can be infected with various strains of HIV. LADR cells, in particular, show greater expression of certain surface receptors and mRNA compared to LAD2 cells.

Transgenic Mouse Models for Studying HLA-B57:01 and HLA-B15:02 Linked Immune Responses and Hypersensitivity Reactions

Transgenic mouse models expressing human HLA-B57:01 and HLA-B15:02 molecules have emerged as invaluable tools for unraveling the intricacies of immune responses and hypersensitivity reactions. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded proteins play a pivotal role in the immune system by presenting peptide fragments to T lymphocytes, and HLA-B57:01 has been associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions triggered by abacavir, a widely used anti-retroviral drug.

Compounds and Methods for Treating Brain Injury

This technology includes MRS4322, which is an A3 agonist that is currently being evaluated for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Although its affinity in the receptor is in the micromolar range, it enters the brain in sufficient concentration to activate a protective CNS receptor, A3 adenosine receptor. Potential applications of such A3 agonists could also include neurodegenerative conditions.

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.