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The technology involves the development of a probiotic-based inhalational therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections. This innovative approach utilizes live or heat-inactivated cells of Lactobacillus plantarum, administered directly to the respiratory mucosa. This method has shown significant protection against lethal outcomes of respiratory virus infections by suppressing virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines.

The Ribopuromycylation (RPM) technology, developed by Dr. Jon Yewdell and Dr. Alexandre David, offers a powerful and universal method for visualizing and studying protein translation within cells. RPM involves the use of puromycin, a molecule that mimics a tyrosyl-tRNA and terminates translation by becoming covalently incorporated into the nascent protein chain's C-terminus within the ribosome's A site. This technique enables the immobilization of puromycylated nascent protein chains on ribosomes when chain elongation inhibitors like cycloheximide or emetine are utilized.

The developed technology is a high-affinity polyclonal antibody targeting BST-2, a crucial surface antigen involved in restricting the replication of HIV-1 and other enveloped viruses. This antibody, generated from recombinant BST-2 ectodomain protein, offers versatility in various research techniques, such as FACS, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. Additionally, it exhibits bioactivity, effectively inhibiting BST-2 function in virus-producing cells.

This groundbreaking technology entails the utilization of genetically modified mice, specifically engineered to enable the non-destructive detection and isolation of cells actively transcribing the IL-4 and IL-13 genes. By expressing Amcyan and DsRed-DR fluorescent proteins under the control of these gene loci, researchers gain a powerful tool for studying cytokine gene expression without the need for cell death, offering significant advantages over traditional intracellular staining methods.

This technology introduces a groundbreaking method for discovering and isolating anti-idiotypic antibodies, with a primary focus on inhibiting or extinguishing the activity of VRCOl, a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibody. These anti-idiotypic antibodies provide a vital mechanism for controlling adverse events that may result from therapeutic antibody administration. The innovative method involves immunizing animals with specific antibody fragments, followed by systematic selection and isolation of somatically mutated B cells.

This technology includes a set of noise controls in the form of structural modifications to the cutting drums used in underground coal mining. Longwall shearer operators are exposed to high levels of noise, i.e., above 98 dB(A), which are clearly well above the permissible exposure level of 90 dB(A). In an effort to reduce this noise exposure, research was conducted that identified the longwall cutting drums as the most significant sound radiating components.

This technology includes systems and methods which allow for a determination of the attenuation and fit of a hearing protection device based on images of a user’s ear. This technology can be used in a wide range of industrial and military settings including but not limited to factories, construction sites, mines, mills, airports, railroads, and military combat training environments.

Summary:

We are seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate or commercialize this technology.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of a robust method to generate macular and peripheral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells for targeted therapies and drug discovery.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of a biodegradable tissue scaffold designed for multi-tissue transplantation.