Fusion Glycoprotein Vaccine for Human Metapneumovirus

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a negative, single-stranded RNA virus, accounts for approximately 5-15% of infant respiratory tract infections and poses a severe risk of disease and hospitalization in both the elderly and the immunocompromised. Investigators at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have generated an hMPV fusion glycoprotein (“F protein”) stabilized in a prefusion conformation.

Broadly neutralizing influenza hemagglutinin stem-directed antibodies

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported roughly 3 to 5 million cases of severe influenza worldwide, resulting in approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. Given the high disease burden, the needs for both prophylactic and therapeutic influenza strategies remain significant. However, current treatments for influenza are susceptible to resistance and are useful for only a limited post-infection period.    

Generation of Artificial Mutation Controls for Diagnostic Testing

This technology relates to a method of generating artificial compositions that can be used as positive controls in a genetic testing assay, such as a diagnostic assay for a particular genetic disease. Such controls can be used to confirm the presence or absence of a particular genetic mutation. The lack of easily accessible, validated mutant controls has proven to be a major obstacle to the advancement of clinical molecular genetic testing, validation, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and required proficiency testing.

Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Stachybotrys chartarum (a Fungus)

CDC NIOSH researchers have developed a simple and rapid detection technique for Stachybotrys chartarum (a type of mold that commonly grows on wet building materials) by producing monoclonal antibodies which reacts with proteins in Stachybotrys chartarum. These antibodies can be used in immunologic detection assays to detect and possibly quantify Stachybotrys chartarum in environmental samples, and to our knowledge, they do not cross react with other fungi.

Non-radioactive, Miniature Bipolar Aerosol Particle Charger for Personal, Portable Instrumentation

This CDC developed invention is a novel device for a miniature, nonradioactive bipolar charger to electrically charge aerosol particles for use in personal and portable aerosol instrumentation. Such devices are an integral component of aerosol instruments employing electrical mobility-based techniques. Current, commercial state-of-the-art mobility instruments employ aerosol chargers using radioactivity to achieve bipolar particle charging and, therefore, are not suitable for field-portable instruments.

Personal Air Sampler for Collecting Airborne Aerosol Particulates for Molecular Analysis by Size

This invention consists of a sampling apparatus that utilizes one or more cyclone separators to collect airborne particles from the atmosphere. The apparatus not only separates out aerosols from the atmosphere, but also serves as a collection tube for aerosol particles. Through its unique design, this CDC-developed apparatus is able to use the centrifugal force of the air flow on aerosolized particles forcing them to separate by size. Since the sample is collected directly in a microcentrifuge tube, in situ analysis of the ambient particulates can be performed.

Warning System for Mobile Machinery Hazardous Zones

This invention relates to a warning system designed to protect individuals working near hazardous machinery. The system consists of a proximity-warning transmitter mounted to hazardous machinery and a receiver, worn by a worker, capable of detecting the transmitter signal. This worker-safety system can incorporate visual alerts and audible alerts. It also allows automatic shutdown of machinery upon receiver activation and may be particularly useful in the mining industry.

Diisocyanate Specific Monoclonal Antibodies for Occupational and Environmental Monitoring of Polyurethane Production Exposure-related Asthma and Allergy and Clinical Diagnosis

CDC researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies useful as diagnostics for diisocyanate (dNCO) exposure and for toxicity characterization of specific dNCOs. Currently, dNCOs are used in the production of all polyurethane products and are the most commonly reported cause of occupational-induced asthma and also linked to allergic contact dermatitis. Presumptive diagnosis of dNCO asthma is presently dependent on criteria such as work history, report of work-related asthma-like symptoms and nonspecific airway reactivity to methacholine challenge.
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