RNASEH-Assisted Detection Assay for RNA
Summary:
The NCI seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development and commercialization of a diagnostic assay that detects sequence-specific (viral) RNA.
Recombinant Stabilized Prefusion Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus for Use as a Subunit Vaccine
The invention, a stabilized recombinant prefusion F protein (pre F), is a candidate subunit vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Pre-F is stabilized in the prefusion conformation and displays epitopes not present in postfusion F protein. Several potent RSV neutralizing antibodies bind pre F, but not postfusion F. Therefore, immunization with pre F may elicit an immune response superior to the response generated by postfusion F.
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.
Polymer-Cast Inserts for Cell Histology and Microscopy
Summary:
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks co-development partners and/or licensees for polymer-cast inserts for cell histology and microscopy; a system for high throughput three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and screening microscopy.
Coumarin Luciferins and Mutant Luciferases for Bioluminescence Imaging
Summary:
Researchers at UCI and NCI seek licensing to adopt new applications for a family of far-red to near-infrared emission coumarin-based luciferins (CouLuc) with complementary mutant enzymes.
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.