The technology involves genetically engineering Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP), enabling the monitoring of virus infection and gene expression through GFP fluorescence. This system serves as a sensitive and versatile tool for virology research, antiviral drug screening, and diagnostic applications.
This technology involves studying the role of the Tumor-Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2) gene in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers perform transcriptomics analysis on liver specimens from HCV-infected patients, identify TACSTD2 as a key gene, and create a stable cell line that overexpresses TACSTD2 to investigate its impact on HCV infection and replication. This technology aims to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCV infection and its association with liver cancer.
Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children. Vaccines that cover the most important rotavirus serotypes could help reduce serious illness worldwide.
Researchers at NIAID’s Laboratory of Infectious Diseases developed a multivalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine using vaccine strains created by combining selected genes from human and bovine (cow) rotaviruses. This approach targets the most important rotavirus serotypes at once, including G1, G2, G3, and G4, with the potential to expand coverage to G5, G9, and G10.
Cancer immunotherapy has transformed treatment for some patients, but many tumors still do not respond well to current options, including checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers at NIAID’s Laboratory of Immune System Biology (LISB) have developed new antibodies designed to help the immune system fight tumors. These lab-made antibodies, called pan-anti-HLA monoclonal antibodies, block signals that can limit immune cell activity.
This technology includes an innovative method for differentiating astrocytes from neural stem cells (NSCs). The process involves using Life Technologies StemPro embryonic stem cell serum-free medium to initially guide NSCs towards a neuronal lineage. Over a period of 28-35 days, as the cells are continually passaged, neurons gradually die off, leading to the proliferation of astrocytes. By the end of this differentiation protocol, approximately 70% of the cells exhibit markers characteristic of mature astrocytes, specifically GFAP.
The technology described involves a groundbreaking method for treating intracellular pathogen infections by targeting CD47, a widely expressed transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as a ligand for phagocytic receptors. By administering agents that inhibit CD47 binding to these receptors, the approach enhances the phagocytic removal of infected cells, leading to increased clearance of intracellular pathogens.
Novel Engineered RBD Antigens: Elevating Coronavirus Vaccine Efficiency and Efficacy. These groundbreaking antigens, derived from the spike protein's receptor-binding domain, are meticulously designed through a computational pipeline, resulting in superior attributes. They increase protein yield sevenfold, ensuring efficient large-scale manufacturing. With elevated thermal stability and a tenfold boost in antibody production, these antigens present a significant stride towards potent and globally accessible coronavirus vaccines.
In this research endeavor, a multifaceted approach has been employed to investigate the intricate roles of CD300 family proteins in immunological processes. Lentiviral transduction of the L929 cell line with mouse and human CD300f genes, followed by puromycin selection, has established cellular models to examine the functions of these receptors. Concurrently, engineered constructs encoding extracellular domains of mouse CD300lb and CD300ld, fused with human IgG1, have been developed for the production of receptor extracellular domain proteins, facilitating studies on protein interactions.
This technology involves the discovery and characterization of a novel cell surface antigen uniquely expressed on activated T regulatory (Treg) cells, serving as a receptor for latent transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). To explore its role in immune regulation, a specific monoclonal antibody was developed through immunization of hamsters, capable of recognizing this antigen with high specificity.