Oral Treatment of Hemophilia

This invention portrays a simple method for treatment of antigen-deficiency diseases by orally administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the deficient antigen, wherein the antigen is not present in a liposome. This method increases hemostasis in a subject having hemophilia A or B, by orally administering to the hemophiliac a therapeutically effective amount of the appropriate clotting factor, sufficient to induce oral tolerance and supply exogenous clotting factor to the subject.

Application of AAV44.9 Vector in Gene Therapy for the Inner Ear

This technology includes a novel AAV isolate (AAV44.9) to be used as gene therapy for the inner ear for the treatment of deafness. The ability of AAV vectors to transduce dividing and non-dividing cells, establish long-term transgene expression, and the lack of pathogenicity has made them attractive for use in gene therapy applications. Vectors based on new AAV isolates may have different host range and different immunological properties, thus allowing for more efficient transduction in certain cell types.

Modified AAV5 Vectors for Enhanced Transduction and Reduced Antibody Neutralization

Scientists at the NIH disclosed a mutated adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 by modifying sialic acid binding regions which mediate viral entry into host cells. Preliminary results from animal studies suggest that this modification can increase transduction by 3-4 folds in salivary glands and muscles, and can significantly decrease the potential of being neutralized by preexisting antibodies compared to the wild type AAV. Thus, the modified AAV5 vectors seem to be optimal for gene therapy.

A Novel Adeno-Associated Virus for Gene Therapy

Scientists at the NIH disclosed a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) termed "44-9." AAV44-9 based vectors have high gene transfer activity in a number of cell types, including salivary gland cells, liver cells, and different types of neurons (e.g., cells of the cortex, olfactory bulb, and brain stem, and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum). These vectors can increase the transduction efficiency and decrease the potential of being neutralized by preexisting antibodies compared to the wild type AAV.

In-vivo System to Interrogate the Functions of Mucous Membranes and Identify Mucin/Glycan Mimetics and JAK/STAT Inhibitors for the Treatment of Diseases of the Oral Cavity and Digestive Tract

This technology includes a Drosophila mutant strain that can be used as an in vivo model for diseases of the oral cavity and digestive tract (Sjogren's syndrome, colitis, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease), where the mucous membrane is disrupted or non-functional. This mutant lacks a mucous membrane and displays epithelial cell damage, uncontrolled cell proliferation and the up-regulation of conserved signaling pathways (JAK/STAT).

Vitamin C renal leak as a clinical diagnostic tool in the detection, monitoring, and management of acute and chronic diseases

This technology includes a clinical diagnostic tool for measuring vitamin C elimination by human kidneys that can be used for detecting, monitoring, and managing acute and chronic diseases. Findings revealed significant associations between vitamin C renal leak status and clinical variables affecting renal function and blood glucose. The technology uses vitamin C depletion-repletion kinetics and pharmacokinetic models to establish a physiological vitamin C renal threshold.

Locally Delivered Alkaline Phosphatase for Treatment of Periodontal Disease

This technology includes a product for local delivery of alkaline phosphatase for the treatment of periodontal disease. Our laboratory has discovered that factors regulating phosphate metabolism and specifically the appropriate balance between phosphate (Pi) and pyrophosphate (PPi) at local sites are needed for formation (development), maintenance and regeneration of the tooth root surface (cementum), periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding alveolar bone, i.e., the periodontal apparatus.

Methods of Treating or Preventing Pruritis (Itch)

This technology provides a novel method of treating or preventing pruritis (itch) using natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agents. Itch (also known as pruritis) is a sensation that may be perceived as an unpleasant skin irritation and may drive an urge to scratch. Conditions such as, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and some cancers may cause persistent itch. Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1).

A Novel Rapid Point-of Care Diagnostic Method for Infectious and Autoimmune Diseases

Rapid point-of-care, antibody-based testing is not available for the diagnosis of autoimmune and most infectious diseases. For detecting autoantibodies associated with most autoimmune conditions, fluid-phase immunoprecipitation assays are required. However, these assays usually involve radioactivity and are not feasible for point-of-care applications. The subject invention describes methods of using neodymium magnet for diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases including lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, type I diabetes, HIV and Lyme disease.
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