Characterization and Comparison of LAD2 and LADR Mast Cell Lines: Insights into Mastocytosis and HIV Infection

LAD2 and LADR cell lines are invaluable tools in mast cell research, offering insights into mastocytosis and immune responses. Derived from CD34+ cells, LAD2 cells have been extensively used for over 18 years, while LADR cells, a newer variant, exhibit enhanced characteristics such as larger size, increased granulation, and faster doubling time. Both cell lines release granular contents upon FceRI aggregation and can be infected with various strains of HIV. LADR cells, in particular, show greater expression of certain surface receptors and mRNA compared to LAD2 cells.

DeePlexing – Extending Imaging Multiplexity Using Machine Learning

Spatial proteomics and transcriptomics are fast-emerging fields with the potential to revolutionize various branches of biology. In the last five years, various multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry imaging methods have been developed to stain 5-60 different protein markers in a given tissue. Nonetheless, most of these techniques are iterative and can image a maximum of 3-8 markers in a single cycle, resulting in processing time of several hours to days.

A Fundamental Tool for Efficient Recovery of RNA Viruses through Reverse Genetics

BSR T7/5 cells represent a foundational advancement in virology, offering a robust platform for the recovery of RNA viruses via reverse genetics. Established over 20 years ago, these cells have proven instrumental in the recovery of a wide array of RNA viruses, particularly those belonging to the mononegavirales order.

Novel Antibody Test for Mycoplasma Detection

The technology is a novel antibody test designed for the detection of Mycoplasma antibodies, representing a significant advancement in Mycoplasma detection methods. This test offers a rapid and reliable means of diagnosing Mycoplasma infections, which is particularly valuable in research and clinical settings. Unlike existing tests, this innovative approach provides specificity and sensitivity in detecting Mycoplasma antibodies, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis.

Development of Mutations Useful for Attenuating Dengue Viruses and Chimeric Dengue Viruses

Although flaviviruses cause a great deal of human suffering and economic loss, there is a shortage of effective vaccines. This invention relates to dengue virus mutations that may contribute to the development of improved dengue vaccines. Site directed and random mutagenesis techniques were used to introduce mutations into the dengue virus genome and to assemble a collection of useful mutations for incorporation in recombinant live attenuated dengue virus vaccines.

Major Neutralization Site of Hepatitis E Virus and Use of this Neutralization Site in Methods of Vaccination

Hepatitis E is endemic in many countries throughout the developing world, in particular on the continents of Africa and Asia. The disease generally affects young adults and has a very high mortality rate, up to 20%, in pregnant women. This invention relates to the identification of a neutralization site of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and neutralizing antibodies that react with it. The neutralization site is located on a polypeptide from the ORF2 gene (capsid gene) of HEV.

Four Chimpanzee Monoclonal Antibodies that Neutralize Hepatitis A Virus

This invention claims antibodies and/or fragments thereof specific for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the use of the antibodies in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is the most common type of hepatitis reported in the United States, which reports an estimated 134,000 cases annually, and infects at least 1.4 million people worldwide each year. HAV is a positive sense RNA virus that is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, mainly through contaminated water supplies and food sources.

Vaccination Strategies to Provide Protection Against the Ebola Virus

This invention describes a method for vaccination against Ebola virus. Outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus, particularly the Zaire subtype, are associated with high mortality rates. The virus is very contagious, and during an outbreak, presents a threat to anybody who comes into contact with an infected person. Because the virus progresses so rapidly and the mortality rate is so high, there is little opportunity to develop natural immunity, making vaccination a promising intervention.

Live Attenuated Vaccine to Prevent Disease Caused by West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) has recently emerged in the U.S. and is considered a significant emerging disease that has embedded itself over a considerable region of the U.S. WNV infections have been recorded in humans as well as in different animals. From 1999-2014, WNV killed 1,765 people in the U.S. and caused severe disease in more than 41,762 others. This project is part of NIAID's comprehensive emerging infectious disease program.

Stem Cell Factor-responsive FcepsilonRI Bearing Human Mast Cell Line LAD2

A human mast cell line LAD2 that more closely resembles normal in vivo and in vitro human mast cells by expressing functional FcepsilonRI receptors and responding to stem cell factor (SCF) with proliferation, as described in Leuk Res. 2003 Aug;27(8):677-82 and developed by the laboratory of Dr. Dean Metcalfe at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  This cell line also releases mediators by cross-linking FcgammaRI (CD64) receptors and express FcgammaRII (CD32).