Novel Enzyme-Based Immunoassay for Simultaneous Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Antigen and Antibody in Human Serum or Plasma

CDC scientists have developed a novel enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen and circulating HCV antibodies. Serological testing procedures for HCV circulating antibodies are well established. There is, however, a window of time between HCV infection and seroconversion that generates an opportunity for false negative results. This period varies from two months in immunocompetent subjects to six to twelve months in immunodeficient patients.

Highly Sensitive Tethered-Bead Immune Sandwich Assay

This technology is a highly sensitive tethered-bead immune sandwich assay. Analyte molecules are captured between two antibodies, a capture antibody and a detection antibody. The capture antibody on a micron-size bead binds analyte from a sample fluid. The bead-captured analyte is then exposed to a “detection” antibody that binds to the bead-captured analyte, forming a “sandwich”. The sandwiched analyte-bead complex then connects to a flexible polymer (such as DNA) anchored on a solid surface to form tethered particles.

T Cell-Based Adoptive Transfer Immunotherapy for Polyomavirus-Associated Pathologies

Available for licensing are methods to generate T cells responsive to multiple polyomaviruses. The resulting T cell populations could be useful in treating immunosuppressed individuals with polyomavirus infections or polyomavirus-associated pathologies such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), hemorrhagic cystitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS). The methods could also be used to restore polyomavirus-specific immunity in immunocompromised individuals.

Rapid Method for the Detection of Antigen-Specific Antibodies in Any Species

Currently available identification methods for antigen-specific antibodies require live pathogens, antisera (that are only available for a limited number of species), and species-specific secondary antibodies (also a limited resource). Thus, detection or surveillance of pathogens in wild avian species or zoo animals, for example, is complex and cumbersome.

Monoclonal Antibodies to the HIV-1 Core Protein p24

The core proteins of HIV-1 are secreted into the environment during replication in the human body. The detection of the core protein p24 (molecular mass of 24 kilodaltons) serves as an indicator of early HIV-1 infection, and assays detecting it have been available since the late 1980s. However, the development of a rapid assay for the detection of HIV-1 p24 has only recently become available.

Rabbit Antisera to Various Matrix, Matricellular, and Other Secreted Proteins

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a group of proteins that regulate many cellular functions, such as cell shape, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Deregulation of ECM protein production or function contributes to many pathological conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthrosclerosis, and cancer. Scientists at the NIH have developed antisera against various ECM components such as proteoglycan, sialoprotein, collagen, etc.. These antisera can be used as research tools to study the biology of extracellular matrix molecules.

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.

Development of a Transferrable Norwalk Virus Epitope and Detector Monoclonal Antibody

Noroviruses are now recognized as the major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis in all age groups, and efforts are underway to develop an effective vaccine. The lack of a robust cell culture system for human noroviruses has complicated vaccine development. Hence, norovirus virus like particles (VLPs) have played an important role in the understanding of virus structure, immune response, antigenic diversity, and vaccine design.

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.

Neutralizing Antibodies to Influenza HA and Their Use and Identification

The effectiveness of current influenza vaccines varies by strain and season, in part because influenza viruses continuously evolve to evade human immune responses. While the majority of seasonal influenza infections cause relatively mild symptoms, each year influenza virus infections result in over 500,000 hospitalizations in the United States and Europe. Current standard of care for individuals hospitalized with uncomplicated influenza infection is administration of neuraminidase inhibitors.