Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (Nairovirus) Replicon Particles System-based Vaccine Candidate

This technology includes a new reverse genetics-based approach that generates Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF) viral replicon particles (CCHF VRPs) to be developed into a vaccine for CCHFV. With mortality rates as high as 80% and with no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics, CCHFV is considered a dangerous emerging human pathogen. Unlike transcriptionally competent virus like particles (tc-VLPs), that only include CCHFV virus proteins and minigenome RNA, VRPs undergo one full round of replication closely mimicking authentic viral replication.

Identifying Inhibitors of Highly-pathogenic Arenaviruses Through Minigenome and Recombinant Virus Reporter Systems

This technology includes a novel minigenome assay for arenaviruses that allows for high-throughput screening (HTS) of potential antiviral compounds. To complement to minigenome assay, we have also developed a technique to generate recombinant arenaviruses expressing a reporter protein to allow to HTS of antiviral compounds at BSL-4. This allows for confirmation of potential hits identified by the initial minigenome screen. Human infections with some Arenaviruses such as Lassa (LASV) and Junin (JUNV) virus can result in viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) disease.

Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Detection and Characterization of North American Lineage of A/H7 Influenza Viruses

This technology includes an updated North American Lineage H7 (N.A H7) real-time RT-PCR assay is designed for specific detection and characterization of North American lineage of A/H7 influenza viruses. Since 1995, poultry infection with N.A lineage influenza A/H7 viruses has been greatly increasing. The outbreaks of N.A A/H7 viruses in poultry as well as wild birds occurred many times in Canada, Mexico and USA; meanwhile a number of human infection caused by N.A A/H7 viruses have been confirmed following exposure to infected poultry.

Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Assay for Universal Detection and Characterization of Asian Lineage Highly-Pathogenic Influenza Viruses A/H5 Subtype

This technology includes an optimized influenza A/H5 subtyping real-time RT-PCR assay for detection and characterization of Asian lineage A/H5N1 viruses. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A/H5N1 viruses, first isolated in human in 1997, have spread among birds over seventy countries on three continents. In 2014 a novel reassortant HPAI A/H5N8 virus has been detected in poultry in Asia, Europe, As well as Canada and USA. In addition, genetic reassortment of this virus with circulating avian influenza viruses has resulted in the novel viral combinations.

Virus isolation of the Florida strain of MERS-CoV for Anti-viral Research, Diagnostic and Vaccine Development

This technology includes isolate of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) for antiviral and diagnostic development. The isolate was confirmed by full genome sequencing and further characterized by serologic and molecular testing and electron-microscopical studies. This is the first MERS-CoV strain isolated from a US imported case of MERS.

Novel Human Rotavirus Vaccine Strains and Diagnostics

This technology includes a vaccine for immunizing against different strains of rotavirus. Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus causing severe diarrhea in children and can be fatal. Due to various circumstances, the number of available, efficacious vaccines for rotavirus is declining at a time when infections remain a serious worldwide problem. This technology meets the need for vaccines against human rotavirus A strains of both common and less common types.