Diagnostic Assay to Detect Group C Rotavirus in Humans and Animals—Monoclonal Antibody-based ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay)

Rotaviruses cause severe gastroenteritis in humans and animals globally. Currently, there are eight known serogroups (A-H) of rotaviruses. Group C rotavirus (GpC RV) causes sporadic cases and outbreaks of acute diarrhea in children and adults worldwide. GpC RV is also associated with diarrhea in swine. Currently, no simple and reliable diagnostic test exists for GpC RV, so disease prevalence remains unknown.

Real-time Cellular Thermal Shift Assay and Analysis (RT-CETSA) for Research and Drug Discovery

Scientists at NCATS have developed a novel Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA), named “Real-time CETSA” in which temperature-induced aggregation of proteins can be monitored in cells in real time across a range of compound concentrations and simultaneously across a temperature gradient in a high-throughput manner. Real-time CETSA streamlines the thermal shift assay and allows investigators to capture full aggregation profiles for every sample.

Methotrexate Analogs with Enhanced Efficacy and Safety Profile

Scientists at NCATS have developed an analog of Methotrexate (MTX) that incorporates the proteasome-targeting properties of E3-ubiquitin ligase small molecule ligands (MTX-PROTACs) to directly bind to the MTX target dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and mark the protein for proteasomal degradation. This unique property may dramatically lower the therapeutic dose required in a treatment setting.

Compounds and Methods for Blocking Transmission of Malarial Parasites

Malaria continues to be a life-threatening disease, causing roughly 241 million cases and an estimated 627,000 deaths in 2020, mostly among African children, although in 2020 nearly half of the world’s population was at risk of malaria. There is a big financial burden for antimalarial treatment; direct costs (for example, illness, treatment, premature death) have been estimated to be at least US $12 billion per year and the cost in lost economic growth is many times more than that.

Novel Methods of MHC-I - LILRB Checkpoint Inhibition

The technology encompasses antibodies and methods that may overcome the shortcomings of commercial checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Scientists at NIAID have identified MHC-I specific antibodies that selectively inhibit interactions with inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobin-like receptors (LILRs) but not T-cell receptors. Administration of the antibodies increased proliferation and activation of both innate and adaptive immune system cells, and lead to anti-tumor and anti-viral activity in an array of relevant mouse models of disease.

Neuronal Decoding Algorithm for Prosthetic Limbs

The invention is a new algorithm for decoding neuronal responses based on the discovery that neuronal spike trains can be described using order statistics. The device has applications in the direct control of prosthetic limbs by neuronal signals originating from electrodes placed in the brain. The method allows for decoding neuronal responses by monitoring sequences of potentials from neurons while specific motor tasks are carried out.

Development of Reagents to Examine the Expression and Function of CYP2J Subfamily P450s

Cytochrome P450s catalyze the metabolism of a wide range of exogenous compounds, including drugs, industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants, and carcinogens. The 2C family of cytochrome P450 metabolizes an extensive number of drugs which include tolbutamide, S-Warfarin, mephenytoin, diazepam and taxol. The inventors cloned the cDNAs for several different CYP2J subfamily members including human CYP2J2, rat CYP2J3, mouse CYP2J5, mouse CYP2J6, and mouse CYP2J9. The recombinant proteins were expressed in insect cells.