Drug-Regulatable, Inducible Expression of Membrane-Bound Interleukin 12 (DRIM-IL-12) for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy

Summary: 

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a novel tightly regulated drug-responsive, membrane-bound IL-12 cytokine platform, that enhances anti-tumor efficacy in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with engineered T-cells (CAR, TCR, TILs) while improving safety. The NCI seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees to advance this technology toward clinical translation. 

Identification and Characterization of HLA-A24 Agonist Epitopes of MUC1 Oncoprotein

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks co-development partners and licensees for a human cytotoxic T lymphocyte agonist epitope from the C-terminal subunit of mucin 1 (MUC1-C), which can be used as a peptide, polypeptide (protein), in a cancer vaccine or T-cell targeted therapy to target many tumor types.

Advancements in HIV-1 Treatment with Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies N6 and VRC07-523LS

The Vaccine Research Center has engineered two monoclonal antibodies, N6 and VRC07-523LS, as new contenders in the fight against HIV-1. These antibodies are designed to target the virus more effectively by removing certain glycans and modifying amino acids to enhance their neutralizing capability and reduce the risk of autoimmunity. The technology holds promise for improved HIV-1 treatments and may offer broader protection due to its potential coverage of various viral variants.

Advancements in RSV Vaccine Development for Enhanced Immune Response

This technology presents a groundbreaking approach to developing a vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a major cause of severe pediatric respiratory illness. The method involves the creation of a live attenuated RSV vaccine candidate by removing the M2-2 protein, resulting in decreased viral replication. Surprisingly, this modification induces a stronger immune response. The vaccine, derived from LID M2-2 with minor mutations, effectively separates viral replication from immunogenicity.

Bolstering HIV Vaccine Development: MVA Vector Expressing Functional B13R Gene

The technology involves the use of Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) as a vaccine vector for HIV. MVA is a safe and immunogenic poxvirus vector that can accommodate large gene insertions. In this case, researchers have modified MVA to express a functional B13R gene, which helps delay apoptosis (cell death) of infected cells. This modification aims to enhance the immune response against HIV. The technology has shown promise in pre-clinical studies, demonstrating its potential as a candidate for an HIV vaccine.

 

Development of a Novel mRNA-Based Immunization Strategy for Inducing Protective Immunity to HIV

This innovative HIV immunization strategy relies on mRNA technology to prime and boost immune responses, using full-length or minimally truncated Env proteins to maintain native conformation for effective membrane expression. Co-formulating Env and Gag proteins promotes virus-like particle (VLP) production in vivo, mimicking HIV's structure for better immune recognition. The regimen involves an intensive schedule of 8+ sequential immunizations and includes boosting with diverse Envs from different HIV-1 clades to broaden the immune response.

Advancing Adenovirus Serotype 14 Vaccine Development: A Novel Approach

The technology represents a groundbreaking approach to combatting adenovirus serotype 14 (Ad14) infections by employing a live attenuated Ad14 virus to induce a robust immune response in mammals. This method is designed to provide protection against severe infections and fatalities resulting from the emergence of Ad14 variants. Currently advancing through the Clinical Phase I stage of development, this innovative strategy holds significant promise in addressing a critical public health need for effective Ad14 vaccines.

Development of Live-Attenuated Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines with Enhanced Immunogenicity by Deletion of the NS1 Gene

The document outlines a significant advancement in the field of vaccinology with the development of a new live-attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. This vaccine is distinguished by the deletion of the NS1 gene, which is hypothesized to enhance the immunogenic response by not antagonizing the body’s cellular mechanisms.

Development of Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccines Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Antigens

The development of mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 antigens represents a groundbreaking advancement in vaccine technology. These vaccines, currently in Clinical Phase I, utilize messenger RNA to encode coronavirus antigens, triggering a potent immune response that includes the production of neutralizing antibodies. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines do not use live or inactivated viruses, which enhances safety and allows for rapid development.