Novel malaria vaccine candidates comprising engineered nanoparticles

Using proteins derived from the malaria Plasmodium falciparum parasite, NIAID has developed three different nanoparticle platforms to serve as scaffolds for displaying multiple copies of malaria antigens in an organized, repetitive manner to enhance vaccine effectiveness. The first platform uses the pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) synthase protein to form a nanoparticle displaying 48 copies of up to 4 different proteins. The second platform uses the chaperone 60 (Cpn60), which can display 28 copies of up to 2 different proteins.

Monoclonal Antibody for Specific Detection of the Transcription Factor Eos (Ikzf4) in Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immune cells that keep the immune system balanced and prevent autoimmunity. Tregs depend on a protein called Eos (Ikzf4) that helps turn genes on and off for their development and function, but until now, antibodies used to detect and study Eos were unreliable.

Polyvalent Influenza Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) and Use as Vaccines

Influenza virus is a major public health concern, causing up to 500,000 deaths annually. The current strategy of reformulating vaccines annually against dominant circulating strains leads to variable protective efficacy and is unlikely to protect against novel influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Thus, there is a great need for a vaccine that provides “universal” protection against influenza viruses.

Enhanced S10-3 Cell Line for Advanced Hepatitis E Virus Research and Therapeutic Development

The Huh-7 cell line underwent a detailed sub-cloning process to enhance its effectiveness for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection studies. This involved diluting and culturing cells in 96-well plates until confluent monolayers formed, followed by selection and expansion of the most suitable cells. The sub-clone S10-3, derived from this process, was identified as the most efficient for transfection and infection by HEV.

Advanced Human Cell Line Technology for RSV Replication Complex Production and Antiviral Drug Discovery

This technology includes the NeurEx® mobile application, a groundbreaking tool designed for neurologists to conduct and document neurological examinations efficiently. Deployed on iPads, it integrates with a secure, cloud-based database, automating the computation of four key disability scales used in neuroimmunology. The app's robust design enables precise mapping of neurological deficits, blending spatial distribution with quantitative assessments.

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.

TACSTD2 in HCV Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Transcriptomics Insights

This technology involves studying the role of the Tumor-Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2) gene in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers perform transcriptomics analysis on liver specimens from HCV-infected patients, identify TACSTD2 as a key gene, and create a stable cell line that overexpresses TACSTD2 to investigate its impact on HCV infection and replication. This technology aims to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCV infection and its association with liver cancer.

 

Human-Bovine Reassortant Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children. Vaccines that cover the most important rotavirus serotypes could help reduce serious illness worldwide.

Researchers at NIAID’s Laboratory of Infectious Diseases developed a multivalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine using vaccine strains created by combining selected genes from human and bovine (cow) rotaviruses. This approach targets the most important rotavirus serotypes at once, including G1, G2, G3, and G4, with the potential to expand coverage to G5, G9, and G10.