Polypeptides for Stimulation of Immune Response (Adjuvants)

HMGN polypeptides belong to the high mobility group (HMG) family of chromosomal binding peptides. HMGN polypeptides typically function inside the cell nucleus to bind to DNA and nucleosomes and regulate the transcription of various genes. HMGN polypeptides also can be released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, the extracellular release of a HMGN polypeptide initiates activation of the immune system. Therefore, it has potential use as a biological therapeutic for stimulating an immune response.

A Computer Program to Predict Optimal Sites on Protein Sequences for Production of Peptide-Directed Antibodies (NHLBI AbDesigner)

The invention offered for licensing is a computer program called "NHLBI AbDesigner" that allows the user to input a unique identifier for an individual mammalian protein to be analyzed in order to find out what short peptides in its amino sequence would most likely result in a strong immunogenic response when injected into a research animal. The software displays standard predictors of immunogenicity and antigenicity in easy-to-view heat maps and also allows users to choose peptides most likely to elicit antibodies that are specific to said protein.

Fatty Acid Derivatives and Their Use for the Treatment and Prevention of Autoimmune, Inflammatory, and Pain Disorders

The discovery and selection of suitable compounds for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune, inflammatory, and pain disorders is a significant challenge. Researchers at National Institute of Aging (NIA) mitigated this issue. They discovered and synthesized numerous novel fatty acid derivatives (novel small molecules) that may ameliorate these conditions and provide treatment options for these disorders. In a relevant rat model, the fatty acid derivatives developed by NIA demonstrated:

Devices for Improved Tissue Cryopreservation and Recovery

Problem: Cryopreservation is a process where living biological materials like cells, tissues, and cell therapies (which are susceptible to damage caused by unregulated chemical kinetics) are preserved by cooling to very low temperatures in the presence of specific cryopreservation media that protects the biological material from damage. In order to be used, the biological material ideally should be thawed in a controlled manner that minimizes damage and desirably brings the material back to a viable state.

Methods for Diagnosing and Treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) Infection through Detection of CD153 Expression Level.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection continues to be the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent and poses significant global health challenges. Past research has shown that CD4 T cells are essential for resistance to Mtb infection, and for decades it has been thought that IFN(?) production is the primary mechanism of CD4 T cell-mediated protection.

Monomeric and Oligomeric Compounds as Contraceptives and Endocrine Therapeutics

The options for male contraceptives are limited. Research is ongoing to develop a male contraceptive based on hormonal activity. Testosterone is one of the hormones necessary in producing sperm.  Testosterone is absolutely required as a hormone for male fertility. Derivatives of testosterone for male contraceptives currently in clinical trials are associated with estrogenic deficiency. This deficiency can cause several issues including, but not limited to, bone density loss, risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and/or ineffective carbohydrate or lipid metabolism. 

Novel Antigen for Use as Vaccine Against Nematode Infection

This invention describes a new vaccine against Strongyoides stercoralis, which establishes a parasitic infection that affects an estimated 100-200 million people worldwide. The potential for fatal disease associated with S. stercoralis infection and the difficulty in treating hyperinfection underscores the need for prophylactic vaccines against the disease. This vaccine uses S. stercoralis immunoreactive antigen (SsIR); a novel antigen capable of providing 70-90 % protection for mice immunized with the antigen.

Compositions and Methods for Detecting Loa loa

Loa loa is a filarial nematode estimated to infect 3-13 million people in Central and Western Africa. In parts of Africa, mass administration of ivermectin is common for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis control. However, some individuals infected with Loa loa microfilariae in high densities are known to experience post-ivermectin severe adverse events, such as encephalopathy, coma, or even death. Therefore, diagnostic tools that can accurately identify and differentiate Loa loa microfilariae from other filarial infections are needed.
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