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.

Monoclonal Antibody Against Human Alpha-5 Integrin that Does Not Disrupt Adhesive Function

This technology includes a rat monoclonal antibody termed mAb11 was generated against the human alpha-5 integrin subunit and can provide immunological characterizations without disrupting integrin adhesive function. It permits characterization of its localization even if the receptor is bound to its fibronectin ligand. The antibody is commercially available from Millipore Sigma.

Diagnostic Test and Therapeutic Target for Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks salivary glands resulting in chronic dry mouth and dry eyes. Currently, there is no single diagnostic test to confirm the presence of Sjögren's. Physicians presently reach diagnosis after conducting a series of blood and functional tests for tear and salivary production. Diagnosis is further complicated as Sjögren's symptoms frequently mimic those of other autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) and is often overlooked as dryness associated with medications being taken by the patient.

Antibodies Against TL1A, a TNF-Family Cytokine, for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases occur in greater than five percent of the United States population; this disease group includes asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Treatments generally include immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have serious side effects; recently, more specific immunomodulatory therapies such as TNF-alpha antagonists have been developed.

Chimeric Antibodies Against Hepatitis B e-Antigen

The invention relates to recombinant chimeric rabbit/human monoclonal antibody fragments (Fabs) against hepatitis B Virus e-antigen (HBeAg), notably Fab me6. Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) forms an icosahedral structure containing the viral genome. Both the HBcAg and the HBeAg of interest here are expressed by two different start codons of the viral C gene. Unlike the related HBcAg which activates type 1 T helper (Th1) cells leading to immune attack, the HBeAg activates Th2 cells which promote immune tolerance.

Development of Immune System Tolerance for the Treatment of Autoimmune Disease

The present invention provides a therapeutic method for the treatment of autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases by first breaking down the dysregulated immune system and then reprogramming the immune system to restore tolerance to the patient's self-antigens by induction of antigen specific regulatory T cells. The inventors have shown that only with the combination of apoptosis, phagocytes, and antigen can antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) cells be optimally generated to develop long-term immune tolerance.

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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