Therapeutic and Diagnostic Targets for Severe RSV Infection

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infects nearly all children by their second birthday. RSV usually causes mild respiratory illness, however, a subset of patients experience severe infection that require hospitalization. Successful host defense against viral pathogens requires rapid recognition of the virus and activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) are responsible for mounting an innate immune response and genetic variations within TLRs modulate severity of infection.

Ebola Virus Glycoprotein-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Uses Thereof

Ebola virus is a large, negative-strand RNA virus composed of 7 genes encoding viral proteins, including a single glycoprotein (GP). The virus is responsible for causing Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), in humans. In particular, Bundibugyo (BDBV), Zaire (EBOV), and Sudan (SUDV) species have been associated with large outbreaks of EVD in Africa and reported case fatality rates of up to 90%. Transmission of Ebola virus to humans is not yet fully understood but is likely due to incidental exposure to infected animals.

Local Magnetization Spoiling Using a Gradient Insert for Reducing the Field of View in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The present invention provides a method and device for eliminating alias artifacts encountered in MRI when the field of view is made smaller than the subject being imaged. Significant advantages accrue from reducing the field of view to a smaller region of interest. These include reduced imaging time, increased spatial and temporal resolution, and less susceptibility to motion artifacts. The device operates by dephasing the magnetic resonance signal in regions away from the region of interest by means of a gradient insert.

A Rapid Ultrasensitive Assay for Detecting Prions Based on the Seeded Polymerization of Recombinant Normal Prion Protein (rPrP-sen)

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative diseases of great public concern as humans may either develop disease spontaneously or, more rarely, due to mutations in their prion protein gene or exposures to external sources of infection. Prion disease is caused by the accumulation in the nervous system of abnormal aggregates of prion protein. This technology enables rapid, economical, and ultrasensitive detection of disease-associated forms of prion protein.

Alpha-Synuclein RT-QuIC: An Ultrasensitive Assay for the Detection of Alpha-Synuclein Seeding Activity Associated with Synucleinopathies

Synucleinopathies are a category of neurodegenerative diseases defined by the abnormal aggregation and accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein molecules within the brain. These aggregates are of particular concern to humans as they are a primary cause of Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and other neurological disorders. This technology enables rapid, economical and ultrasensitive detection of disease-associated forms of alpha-synuclein as biomarkers or indicators of synucleinopathy in a biological sample.

Recombinant Prefusion Measles and Mumps F and F–HN (H) Glycoproteins for Vaccine Development

The Measles virus (MeV) and Mumps virus (MuV) are highly contagious paramyxoviruses that can be transmitted by respiratory droplets from or on direct contact with an infected person. The resulting diseases can lead to serious complications or death among children. The existing vaccines for MeV and MuV are live attenuated virus vaccines which are administered in two subcutaneous doses at 1 year of age and as early as one month later. Two doses of a combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% against mumps.

Assay for Predicting the Time of Onset of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC)

Niemann-Pick Disease, type C (NPC) is a rare, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease. Approximately 95% of patients with NPC have mutations in NPC1, a gene implicated in intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Mutation of NPC1 causes intracellular accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in late endosomal/lysosomal structures and marked accumulation of glycosphingolipids, especially in neuronal tissue. Thus, NPC patients generally present with hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of liver and spleen) and neurological degeneration.

Codon-Optimized Gene Therapy for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C

Niemann Pick Disease Type C (NPC) is a rare and fatal, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease that can present in infants, children, or adults. Most patients with NPC have mutations in NPC1, a gene implicated in intracellular cholesterol trafficking, which results in intracellular accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in late edosomal/lysosomal structures and of glycosphingolipids, especially in neuronal tissue. No curative therapy exists at present.

Structure-Based Design of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Immunogens Stabilized in the RBD-All Down Conformation

SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a global pathogen, sparking urgent vaccine development efforts. The trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike appears to be a leading vaccine antigen. However, the inability of antibodies such as CR3022, which binds tightly to a cryptic spike epitope, to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 suggests a spike-based means of neutralization escape.

Identification of a New Human Monoclonal Antibody that More Potently Prevents Malaria Infection

Malaria is a major disease caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes. Globally, an estimated 214 million cases of malaria and 438,000 deaths from malaria occur annually, with chidren in African and South Asian regions being most vulnerable. Approximately 1,500-2,000 cases of malaria are reported in the United States each year, mostly in returning travelers from malaria- endemic countries.