Immunogenic Hepatitis E Virus Polypeptides for Vaccine and Diagnostics Development

This technology comprises specific hepatitis E virus (HEV) antigenic polypeptides. HEV causes epidemic and sporadic cases of hepatitis outbreaks with a mortality rate as high as 20% for pregnant women. In order to address this problem, CDC scientists carried out thorough HEV antigen screenings and subsequently developed recombinant proteins that efficiently model major HEV neutralization epitope(s). These recombinant proteins may be considered as candidates for the development of an HEV subunit vaccine, as well as for the development of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.

Real-time PCR Assays for Human Bocavirus Detection and Diagnosis

CDC researchers have developed a real-time PCR assay for the detection and viral-load quantitative estimations of human bocavirus (HBoV) from clinical specimens. At present, there have been few reports on the epidemiology, geographic distribution or clinical features of HBoV infection. Additionally, symptoms affiliated with bocavirus infections overlap with numerous other respiratory illnesses. This CDC assay provides sensitive, specific, and quantitative detection of HBoV in patients with respiratory illness by a method of real-time PCR targeting the HBoV NS1 and NP-1 genes.

Therapeutic, Bifunctional Janus Microparticles with Spatially Segregated Surface Proteins and Methods of Production

CDC researchers have developed a fabrication process to create bifunctional microparticles displaying two distinct proteins that are spatially segregated onto a single hemispheric surface. At present, there is no described way of producing biological microparticles with two distinct types of separated proteins. Bifunctional Janus particles generated by the CDC approach possess biologically relevant, native conformation proteins attached to a biologically unreactive and safe substrate.

Photoactivatable Lipid-based Nanoparticles as a Vehicle for Dual Agent Delivery

The invention relates to novel lipid-based nanoparticles (liposomes) for use in targeted, on demand and on site drug delivery. The particles include a wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the wall is comprised of:

  1. A lipid bilayer comprising 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-

phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000), and

Strategies to Protect Mammalian Neural Tissue Against Cold and Potentially Other Metabolic Stresses and Physical Damages

Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) have discovered an invention describing a composition and method(s) of using such composition for preserving viability of cells, tissues, or organs at a low temperature (around 4ºC). Current cold storage solutions or methods for cells, tissues, and organs are suboptimal due to irreversible damage to cold-sensitive tissue or organ transplants that need a longer term of storage for facilitating clinical practices.

Heterocyclic P2Y14 Antagonists for the Treatment of Various Conditions

The technology discloses composition of compounds that are highly selective P2Y14 receptor antagonists,
with moderate affinity with insignificant antagonism of other P2Y receptors. These compounds might provide a
treatment for patients for various disease conditions, including lung inflammation, kidney inflammation,
asthma, diabetes, obesity, and neuropathic pain of diverse states. In vivo data using mouse lines with the
receptor knocked out in specific tissues showed that P2Y14 receptor antagonists act on adipocytes to improve

Directed Acetylation of Cytidine in Cellular mRNA through Engineered snoRNA Adapters for the Treatment of Haploinsufficiencies

Summary: 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for engineered chimeric snoRNA guides that recruit NAT10 to a specific target and cause directed acetylation of the target. They could be used to treat haploinsufficiency-associated disorders or diseases.

Description of Technology: 

National Cancer Institute Dosimetry System for Nuclear Medicine (NCINM) Computer Program

Nuclear medicine is the second largest source of medical radiation exposure to the general population after computed tomography imaging. Imaging modalities utilizing nuclear medicine produce a more detailed view of internal structure and function and are most commonly used to diagnose diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and brain disorders. They are used to visualize tumors, abscesses due to infection or abnormalities in abdominal organs.

Improved PE-based Targeted Toxins: A Therapeutic with Increased Effectiveness

Targeted toxins (e.g., immunotoxins) are therapeutics that have at least two important components: (1) a toxin domain that is capable of killing cells and (2) a targeting domain that is capable of selectively localizing the toxic domain to only those cells which should be killed. By selecting a targeting domain that binds only to certain diseased cells (e.g., a cell which only expresses a cell surface receptor when in a diseased state), targeted toxins can kill the diseased cells while allowing healthy, essential cells to survive.

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