Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine Containing a Common 30 Nucleotide Deletion in the 3'-UTR of Dengue Types 1, 2, 3, and 4

The invention relates to a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine containing a common 30-nucleotide deletion (delta30) in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the genome of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The previously identified delta30 attenuating mutation, created in dengue virus type 4 (DEN4) by the removal of 30 nucleotides from the 3'-UTR, is also capable of attenuating a wild-type strain of dengue virus type 1 (DEN1).

Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human IKKgamma/NEMO Protein

NF-kB has been found to be important in immune responses, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and in organ development. Several years ago it was discovered that an IKKgamma/NEMO protein was essential as an adaptor molecule to mediate TNF-alpha, IL-1, and oncoprotein induced activation of NF-kB. Mutation in IKKgamma/NEMO also results in two human genetic diseases, Familial incontinentia pigmenti and hypohidrotic/anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The NIH announces mouse monoclonal antibodies to IKKgamma/NEMO that are far superior to other immunological reagents.

Variable Curve Catheter

The invention provides a deflectable tip guiding device, such as a catheter, that enables the operator to vary the radius of curvature of the tip of the catheter. This is a novel variation on the classic "fixed fulcrum" tip deflectors used in minimally invasive procedures in open surgical treatments. The described device permits a more comprehensive ability to navigate complex geometric pathways in patient's body and enables better access to target structures (e.g., to all endomyocardial walls from a transaortic approach).

Peptide Mimotope Candidates for Otitis Media Vaccine

This technology describes peptide mimotopes of lipooligosaccharides (LOS) from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis that are suitable for developing novel vaccines against the respective pathogens, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines. The mimotopes not only immunologically mimic LOSs from NTHi and M. catarrhalis but will also bind to antibodies specific for the respective LOS. NTHi and M. catarrhalis are common pathogens that cause otitis media in children and lower respiratory tract infections in adults.

Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) Taste Receptor

Bitter taste has evolved in mammals as a central warning signal against ingestion of poisonous or toxic compounds. However, many beneficial compounds are also bitter and taste masking of bitter tasting pharmaceutical compounds is a billion dollar industry. The diversity of compounds that elicit bitter-taste sensations is vast and more than two dozen members of the TAS2R bitter taste receptor gene family have been identified.

Method and Apparatus for Bioweapon Decontamination

It is in the interest of the public health and national security that the Public Health Service find a licensee for the commercial development and rapid dissemination of the apparatus and method of this invention.

The apparatus enables the decontamination of articles contaminated with bioweapons, more particularly sporolated bioweapons of which anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is of notable concern. The system includes enclosing the article to be decontaminated in a humidified environment thus enhancing the susceptibility of spores to decontamination gases such as chlorine dioxide.

Haplotypes of Human Bitter Taste Receptor Genes

Bitter taste has evolved in mammals as a crucial, important warning signal against ingestion of poisonous or toxic compounds. However, many beneficial compounds are also bitter, and taste masking of bitter tasting pharmaceutical compounds is a billion dollar industry. The diversity of compounds that elicit bitter-taste sensations is very large and more than two dozen members of the T2R bitter taste receptor family have been identified. Individuals are now known to be genetically predisposed to respond or not to respond to the bitter taste of a number of substances.

GATA-3 Reporter Plasmids for Revealing Underlying Mechanisms in Breast Cancer

GATA-3 is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in normal cells of the mammary luminal epithelium. GATA-3 plays a regulatory role in determining the fate of cells in the mammary gland. Disruption of GATA-3 expression leads to defects in the development of mammary cells, including an inability to differentiate properly into the correct cell type. GATA-3 function is also disrupted in various breast cancer models indicating that GATA-3 has tumor suppressive properties in normal cells.

C8166-45 Cells

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks licensees for a human T-cell line, C8166-45, transformed by HTLV-1. C8166-45, also known as C63/CRII-2, contains three transcriptionally active proviruses useful for testing biological activities involved in T-cell immortalization and growth.