Synthesis and Use of Positive Allosteric Modulators to Modify D1 Dopamine Receptor Activity

This technology relates to the creation and use of newly identified ligands to the D1 dopamine receptor (D1R). The D1 dopamine receptor is linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and represents an attractive drug target for the enhancement of cognition in schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, and other disorders. These ligands are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that bind to the dopamine receptor at a site other than where dopamine binds and causes the receptor to have an increased response.

A Method to Remove Fluid-motion Related Artifacts in Magnetic Resonance Thermometry Images Using Magnetic Field Gradients

This technology includes the incorporation of a magnetic field gradient waveform (consisting of two or more pulses) between excitation and encoding to eliminate signal from moving fluid for imaging applications. Proton Resonance Frequency (PRF) thermometry is a widely used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based technique to monitor changes in tissue temperature in response to thermal therapy. The use of PRF thermometry with thermal therapy procedures is indispensable to ensure delivery of desired thermal dose to the target tissue, and to minimize unintended damage to the normal tissue.

C8166-45 and C8166 Cells

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks licensees for human T-cell lines, C8166 and C8166-45, transformed by HTLV-1. C8166-45, a subclone of C8166, contains three transcriptionally active proviruses useful for testing biological activities involved in T-cell immortalization and growth.

First in class Small Molecule Agonists of the mammalian Relaxin family receptor 1 (RXFP1) and use in treatment of cancer, fibrotic, and vascular disorders (HHS Ref No. E-145-2024-0-US-02)

It is well documented in literature that activation of RXFP1 by relaxin induces: 1) up-regulation of the endothelin system which leads to vasodilation; 2) extracellular matrix remodeling through regulation of collagen deposition, cell invasiveness, proliferation, and overall tissue homeostasis; 3) a moderation of inflammation by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a and TGF-b; and 4) angiogenesis by activating transcription of VEGF.

Implications for HIV/AIDS Research and Therapy Development

The discovery involves the development and characterization of a novel SHIVAD8EO virus, which has significant implications for HIV/AIDS research and therapy development. This virus, when propagated in DH101 cells and used to infect rhesus PBMC, exhibits efficient replicative properties and utilizes CCR5 to enter monkey cells. Importantly, the virus displays a tier 2 neutralization phenotype similar to circulating HIV-1 strains.

High-Frequency Cell Mechanics for Health and Viability Assessment

The groundbreaking technology of high-frequency cell mechanics assessment represents a paradigm shift in the field of cell analysis. This innovation enables rapid and non-invasive evaluation of cell health and viability, eliminating the need for cell labeling or modification. By measuring cell viscoelastic properties at high frequencies, it offers real-time insights into the mechanical characteristics of individual cells and entire populations.

Advancements in HIV-1 Therapeutics: Development of Trispecific Antibodies via Second-Generation CD4-Binding Site Integration

The discovery of a secondary CD4-binding site has led to a breakthrough in the efficacy of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies. Sanofi's development of trispecific antibodies incorporating this site promises enhanced neutralization and T-cell stimulation. This advancement diverges from prior methods by engrafting the FR3 loop of another antibody, granting new functional properties. The potential extension of this technique to bi- or tri-specific antibodies could transform HIV-1 therapeutic strategies.

SARS-CoV-2 Virus Specimen and Material Sharing

FLC logo

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have been rewarded for their partnership from the 2021 Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) awards. The CDC and NIAID had already developed a new approach to sharing samples during a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) during the Zika pandemic, which enabled them to respond quickly and efficiently to access and share samples of SARS-CoV-2 early in the outbreak.

Rapid Sharing of SARS-CoV-2 Prefusion Stabilized Spike Proteins and Plasmids

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Within hours of the public release of the viral genome sequence, scientists at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and their collaborators engineered a key protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to enable its study as a vaccine candidate and for research applications.

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