Methanocarba Cycloalkyl Nucleoside Analogues

Purines such as adenosine and ATP have been shown to play a wide array of roles in biological systems such as inter alia, modulator of vasodilation and hypotension, muscle relaxant, central depressant, inhibitor of platelet aggregation, regulator of energy supply/demand, responder to oxygen availability, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. All P1 and P2 receptor nucleoside ligands suffer from chemical instability that is caused by the labile glycosidic linkage in the sugar moiety of the nucleoside.

Vaccines Comprising Sand Fly Salivary Proteins for Control of Leishmania Infection

This invention relates to the use of several peptides from the salivary glands of various sand fly species for the control of leishmania infection. Many of these peptides were shown to be effective in eliciting potent immune responses in animal models and are excellent candidates for the development of vaccines against the disease. A vaccine comprising one of the peptides was used to protect mice challenged with parasites and salivary gland homogenates.

Multipotent Postnatal Stem Cells From Human Periodontal Ligament and Uses Thereof

It is estimated that over 40 percent of the adult population in the United States has periodontal disease in one form or another. Periodontal Disease is a chronic infection of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the adjacent bone and cementum. The effects of Periodontal Disease range from simple gum inflammation to, in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Enzymatically-Active RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase From a Human Norovirus (Calicivirus)

The noroviruses (formerly known as “Norwalk-like viruses”) are associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks, affecting large numbers of individuals each year. Emerging data are supporting their increasing recognition as important agents of diarrhea-related morbidity and mortality. The frequency with which noroviruses are associated with gastroenteritis as “food and water-borne pathogens” has led to the inclusion of caliciviruses as Category B Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases.

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).

Enhanced Single-Component AMA1-RON2 Vaccine Candidates: A Breakthrough in Malaria Immunization

This technology focuses on the creation of single-component AMA1-RON2 (Apical membrane antigen 1-rhoptry neck protein 2) vaccine candidates. These candidates are based on a novel composition of matter designed to elicit a more effective immune response against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The standout aspect of this technology is the Structure-Based Design 1 (SBD1) immunogen, engineered through a structure-based design that significantly enhances its ability to produce potent, strain-transcending neutralizing antibodies.

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.

Bispecific Antibody Targeting Anthrax Toxins and Capsule for Enhanced Biodefense

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.

A Key Advancement for Human Norovirus Research and Reverse Genetics

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.