Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, a priming and boosting vector-based platform to develop vaccines against pathogens that is tailored to elicit a broad T cell response targeting conserved viral epitopes. The universal vaccines are prepared against an immunogen of an infectious pathogenic organism selected from a virus, a bacteria, a fungus or a protozoan comprising at least one ribonucleic acid (RNA) polynucleotide comprising an open reading frame encoding at least one polypeptide antigen or an immunogenic fragment thereof, wherein the polypeptide antigen, or the immunogenic fragment thereof, comprises a conserved internal protein that is enriched in CD8+ T cell recognition antigens. The effectiveness of the priming and boosting platform is tested in a humanized mouse model comprising a fully functional human immune system.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis cassette for conducting gel electrophoresis separations. The cassette has a first plate, a second plate spaced apart from the first plate by spacer members, and an electrophoresis gel layer between the plates. The second plate is plastic and has lane dividers molded integrally therewith. The lane dividers are in releasable sealing engagement with the first plate, the releasable sealing engagement being provided by a means selected from the group consisting of (1) a film carrier coated on each side with a pressure sensitive adhesive and (2) ultrasonic welding. A niche is provided in one of the spacer members, the niche being effectively sized and positioned to receive the tip of an instrument such as a screwdriver effective to pry apart the plates after the gel is run so the gel layer can be removed for analysis.