The technology described involves the use of a compound called prazole as an anti-viral agent specifically targeting HIV-1. It was found that prazole binds to a protein called Tsg101, which is crucial for the virus's life cycle. This binding disrupts the normal interaction of Tsg101 with another protein, ubiquitin, thereby inhibiting the release of HIV-1 particles from infected cells. Additionally, the interference caused by prazole leads to the degradation of the viral protein Gag within host cells.

This technology includes a procedure for novel virus identification in a variety of human specimens by solexa high-throughput sequencing, which allows for the screening a large number of clinical specimens for novel virus discovery in a highly efficient and relatively economical method. By using this technique, we have successfully identified a novel parvovirus from samples of seronegative hepatitis patients.

This technology includes the development of a mouse line capable of producing single-chain antibodies (nanobodies). Nanobodies, identified initially from Camelidae (including llamas and camels) but also found in cartilaginous fish, consist of a single variable heavy chain domain (VHH) that binds to specific epitopes. Nanobodies have equivalent binding specificity to antigens as antibodies but are more heat- and detergent-stable.

This technology involves the utilization of highly effective nanobodies, specifically camelid antibodies, derived from immunized llamas to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, it employs a unique mouse model, called a "nanomouse," that is engineered to express antibody genes from camels, alpacas, and dromedaries. These nanobodies offer significant advantages over traditional human and mouse antibodies due to their smaller size, which allows them to effectively target and bind to specific areas on antigens.

This technology includes an IgA antibody, specifically designed to target the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Administered intranasally, this antibody has potential neutralizing activity, aiming to prevent COVID-19. IgA, an antibody class present in mucosal areas, plays a crucial role in immune defense at the initial site of viral infection. The primary application of this technology is envisioned as a therapeutic nasal spray, intended to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in high-risk populations.

The Zbtb7b gene encodes the zinc finger transcription factor ThPOK (also known as cKrox) that promotes CD4 lineage differentiation in immature T cells. CD4+ T cells, also known as “helper” T cells, are critical for long-term immunity against pathogens as well as for promoting CD8+ “effector” T cell and effective B cell responses. ThPOK is needed for the development and functional fitness of CD4+ T cells as well as multiple aspects of the immune response to infection. As such, ThPOK offers a potential target for immune regulation.

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a breakthrough form of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or genetically engineered T cells to attack tumor cells through recognition of tumor-specific antigens. A major hurdle in the development of ACT is the identification and isolation of T cells that recognize antigens that are expressed by tumor cells but not by healthy tissues. Current methods to identify such T cells involve extracting autologous antigen presenting cells (APCs) from patients in an expensive, laborious, and time-consuming process.

About half of the per capita dose of radiation due to medical exposures is provided by computed tomography (CT) examinations. Approximately 80 million CTs are performed annually in the United States. CT scans most commonly look for internal bleeding or clots, abscesses due to infection, tumors and internal structures. Although CT provides great patient benefit, concerns exist about potential associated risks from radiation doses – especially in pediatric patients more sensitive to radiation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide public health crisis with over 100 million confirmed cases and 2.4 million deaths as of February 2021. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. SARS-COV-2 infects hosts via its spike (S) protein. The S protein contains the receptor binding domain (RBD) that binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on human cells to facilitate viral entry and infection. There are few therapeutics available for COVID-19 patients that directly target SARS-CoV-2.