Advancing VZV Antibody Detection: A High-Throughput LIPS Assay for Varicella Vaccine Recipients

The technology described is a sophisticated and high-throughput luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay designed to detect antibodies specific to Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE). By transfecting cells with VZV protein-Renilla luciferase fusion protein constructs and subsequently performing immunoprecipitations with protein A/G beads, this innovative assay enables the quantitative measurement of VZV gE antibody levels in blood serum samples.

Advancements in Postexposure Prophylaxis: Evaluating High-Potency Rabies-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies

This technology represents a significant advancement in the field of rabies prevention, focusing on the development of highly potent rabies-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for use in postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). With two mAbs, F2 and G5a, displaying exceptional neutralizing titers of 1154 and 3462 International Units (IUs) per milligram, respectively, these antibodies have the potential to offer enhanced protection against rabies when administered alongside rabies vaccines.

A Fundamental Tool for Efficient Recovery of RNA Viruses through Reverse Genetics

BSR T7/5 cells represent a foundational advancement in virology, offering a robust platform for the recovery of RNA viruses via reverse genetics. Established over 20 years ago, these cells have proven instrumental in the recovery of a wide array of RNA viruses, particularly those belonging to the mononegavirales order.

Methods of Treating or Preventing Pruritis (Itch)

This technology provides a novel method of treating or preventing pruritis (itch) using natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agents. Itch (also known as pruritis) is a sensation that may be perceived as an unpleasant skin irritation and may drive an urge to scratch. Conditions such as, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and some cancers may cause persistent itch. Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1).

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.

Potential New Drugs for Treating or Preventing Pruritus

NIH scientists have identified new compositions that could potentially be used to treat or prevent pruritus (itchiness). The newly discovered compounds can block a newly identified itch pathway and might be effective for persistent itch caused by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and chemotherapy. These compounds are different from commonly used antihistamines which induce drowsiness and sedation. These compounds have the potential to be used for human and animals.

Apparatus for Cryogenic-Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) is used to obtain high-resolution structural images of macromolecular structures. Samples must be purified and loaded onto cryo-EM grids before imaging. The ideal cryo-EM grid consists of particles that are evenly and richly distributed in a broad distribution of orientations throughout the holes of the support film. Current techniques to prepare cryo-EM grids are performed manually and require trial and error, resulting in a bottleneck in cryo-EM workflows.

3D Bioprinting of Cardiac Patch with Anisotropic and Perfusable Architecture for the Repair of Damaged Cardiac Muscle

This technology includes a novel cardiac patch which was 3D printed to repair damaged cardiac tissue. Based on biological and anatomical understanding of myocardial tissue, a novel 3D bioprinting technique was developed to directly fabricate the cellularized and vascularized cardiac patch with anisotropic fiber and perfusable vessel architecture. The design will integrate biomimetic aligned myocardial fibers and perfusable blood vessels to create a thick, functional cardiac patch, suitable for the human heart implantation.

A Highly Efficient Differentiation Protocol for Placental Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

This technology includes a robust and highly efficient protocol that differentiates human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into the developmental precursor of placental cells, the trophectoderm (TE), under chemically defined conditions. The in vitro generation of TE cells holds great promise for modeling diseases of the placenta, drug screening, and cell-based therapies.

Nucleic Acid Detection of the Fungal Pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum from Clinical and Environmental Samples

This invention relates to detecting Histoplasma capsulatum by PCR using oligonucleotide probes specific for the fungus. Histoplasmosis is a mycotic infection of varying severity, usually localized in the lungs. Caused by H. capsulatum, infections are usually symptomatic but can develop into chronic disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
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