Patents Assigned to Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Patent number: 11945840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel protein pores and their uses in analyte detection and characterisation. The invention particularly relates to an isolated pore complex formed by a CsgG-like pore and a modified CsgF peptide, or a homologue or mutant thereof, thereby incorporating an additional channel constriction or reader head in the nanopore. The invention further relates to a transmembrane pore complex and methods for production of the pore complex and for use in molecular sensing and nucleic acid sequencing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC
    Inventors: Han Remaut, Sander Van Der Verren, Nani Van Gerven, Lakmal Jayasinghe, Elizabeth Jayne Wallace, Pratik Raj Singh, Richard George Hambley, Michael Jordan, John Joseph Kilgour
  • Patent number: 11946849
    Abstract: A differentiation system for differentiating cells includes an input device configured to receive holographic image data of a microscopic particle in suspension, holographic image data processing logic for converting the holographic image data to the frequency domain by performing a Fourier transform of the holographic image data, and a recognizer configured to determine characterization features of the holographic image data of the microscopic particle in the frequency domain for characterization of the microscopic particle, the characterization features comprising rotationally invariant features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: IMEC VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Bruno Cornelis, David Blinder, Peter Schelkens, Bart Jansen
  • Patent number: 11933710
    Abstract: A system for imaging particles in a fluid includes a substrate holder for holding a substrate comprising a channel or reservoir for containing the fluid in the substrate, a radiation source for providing irradiation in the substrate and a radiation detection unit for detecting particles in the fluid in the substrate. At least one of the radiation source and the radiation detection unit) are configured to obtain detection in one or more distinct detection sheets in the substrate. The system further comprises an actuator configured for imparting an oscillating mechanical movement of the substrate holder regarding the radiation detection unit and the radiation source, the oscillating mechanical movement being a movement comprising a movement component in a direction perpendicular to the plane wherein the one or more detection sheets are extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Wim De Malsche, Ozlem Sardan Sukas, Manly Callewaert, Pierre Gelin
  • Patent number: 11920149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid regulatory elements that are able to enhance diaphragm-specific expression of genes, in particular expression in diaphragm as such, or in combination with expression in cardiac muscle and/or skeletal muscle, methods employing these regulatory elements and uses of these elements. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these nucleic acid regulatory elements are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy, more particularly diaphragm-directed gene therapy, and for vaccination purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Lay Khim Chuah, Thierry Vandendriessche, Warut Tulalamba
  • Patent number: 11922593
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating a training dataset of concealed shapes and corresponding unveiled shapes of a body for training a neural network. These methods may include generating with the aid of computing means a first dataset comprising a plurality of first surface representations representative of a plurality of bare shapes of a plurality of bodies. The plurality of bare shapes are concealed virtually by means of a computer implemented program in order to obtain a plurality of simulated concealed shapes of the plurality of bodies. The plurality of simulated concealed shapes are applied to a scanning simulator, the scanning simulator generating a second dataset comprising a plurality of second surface representations representative of the plurality of simulated concealed shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, Treedy's SPRL
    Inventors: Pengpeng Hu, Adrian Munteanu, Nourbakhsh Nastaran, Stephan Sturges
  • Publication number: 20240069314
    Abstract: A concentrating lens includes an incident surface, an emitting surface, and a reflective surface. The incident surface includes a central portion and an outer portion. The incident surface is formed by an inner surface of a depression portion. The reflective surface surrounds the emitting surface. The reflective surface extends so as to go toward a first side as going toward an outside. A first light incident on the outer portion of the incident surface transmits through the outer portion, is reflected by the reflective surface, reflected by the incident surface, and incident on the emitting surface. A second light incident on the central portion of the incident surface transmits through the central portion and is incident on the emitting surface. The central portion of the incident surface reflects the first light reflected by the reflective surface, toward the emitting surface and transmits the second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicants: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K., Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Tomohiko SUZUKI, Suguru MATSUMOTO, Hirokazu MURAMATSU, Yunfeng NIE, Heidi OTTEVAERE, Hugo THIENPONT
  • Publication number: 20240016738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of lipid nanoparticles (LNP); more specifically comprising an ionisable lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, a PEG lipid and one or more nucleic acids. The LNP's of the present invention are characterized in having a minimal average diameter of about 140 nm, thereby inducing a more potent immune response. The present invention provides use of the LNPs for immunogenic delivery of nucleic acid molecules, specifically mRNA; thereby making them highly suitable for use in vaccines, such as for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases. Finally, methods are provided for preparing such LNP's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicants: ETHERNA IMMUNOTHERAPIES NV, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Stefaan DE KOKER, Sanne BEVERS, Peter TOMME
  • Patent number: 11858960
    Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides, in particular polypeptides comprising an immunoglobulin domain, binding to human Programmed Death Ligand-1 (huPDL1) and to applications of such polypeptides such as for use as a medicament or for use as diagnostic agent, for example as an immunotracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Jo Van Ginderachter, Geert Raes, Nick Devoogdt, Marleen Keyaerts, Quentin Lecocq, Catarina Xavier, Karine Breckpot, Katrijn Broos, Jessica Bridoux
  • Patent number: 11846772
    Abstract: Methods to design centered imaging systems by solving differential equations derived from Fermat's principle consist of a sequence of (moveable or fixed) spherical or aspherical surfaces, or combinations thereof. The power series solution approach allow calculating of a predefined number of surfaces parameters equal to a number of selected aberration terms to vanish nominally. The methods provide mapping functions coefficients that allow describing exactly where arbitrary rays intersect each individual surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Fabian Durr, Hugo Thienpont
  • Publication number: 20230381228
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to regulatory T cells (Tregs) engineered to express a dipeptidyl aminopeptidase-like protein 6 (DPP6)-reactive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The engineered Tregs are suitable for use in immunotherapy regimens for autoimmune, inflammatory and degenerative diseases. In particular, the anti-DPP6 CAR expressing Tregs are suitable for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases of the pancreas or central nervous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of California, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Qizhi TANG, Jeffrey A. BLUESTONE, Emilie RONIN, Decio L. EIZIRIK, Nick M. DEVOOGDT
  • Patent number: 11732781
    Abstract: Gearwheel transmission comprising a first stage and a second stage, the second stage being a differential gearing comprising a planetary gear train system which is executed in a quasi duplicated form, wherein a first component is forming a torque resisting means, wherein a second component is interconnected or interacting with an output shaft, the overall transmission efficiency in the first stage being higher than in the second stage and/or the overall capacity for transmitting torque in the second stage being higher than in the first stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Dirk Lefeber, Pablo Lopez Garcia, Stein Crispel
  • Patent number: 11684671
    Abstract: We provide new methods of in vitro or in vivo enhancing the T-cell stimulatory capacity of human DCs and the use thereof in cancer vaccination. The method includes the introduction of different molecular adjuvants to human DCs by contacting or modifying them with mRNA or DNA molecule(s) encoding CD40L, and CD70 or constitutively active TI R4 (caTIR4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Kris Maria Magdalena Thielemans, Aude Bonehill
  • Publication number: 20230190968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medical imaging, disease monitoring and theranostic approaches in neoplastic diseases of certain anti-CD38 single-domain antibodies (sdAb).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicants: UNIVERSITÉ DE LIÈGE, CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE DE LIÈGE, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, KTH HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Jo CAERS, Elodie DURAY, Mireille DUMOULIN, Matthias D'HUYVETTER, Amelie ERIKSSON KARLSTRÖM
  • Patent number: 11660356
    Abstract: The application provides polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of at least one heavy chain variable domain of a heavy chain antibody (VHH) or a functional fragment thereof, wherein said VHH or a functional fragment thereof specifically binds to a target protein that is present on and/or specific for a solid tumor, e.g. HER2. The application further provides nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; methods for preparing such polypeptides; host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions, that comprise such polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells. The application further provides such polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, for use in methods for detection, imaging, prognosis and diagnosis of cancer as well as for predicting patient response(s) to therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Tony Lahoutte, Nick Devoogdt, Marleen Keyaerts
  • Publication number: 20230097011
    Abstract: The invention is situated in the field of cancer immunotherapy and more specifically the maturation of antigen-presenting cells in order to enhance their potency to induce an immune response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventor: Kris THIELEMANS
  • Publication number: 20230079731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel protein pores and their uses in analyte detection and characterisation. The invention particularly relates to an isolated pore complex formed by a CsgG-like pore and a modified CsgF peptide, or a homologue or mutant thereof, thereby incorporating an additional channel constriction or reader head in the nanopore. The invention further relates to a transmembrane pore complex and methods for production of the pore complex and for use in molecular sensing and nucleic acid sequencing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicants: VIB VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, OXFORD NANOPORE TECHNOLOGIES PLC
    Inventors: Han Remaut, Sander Egbert Van Der Verren, Nani Van Gerven, Lakmal Nishantha Jayasinghe, Elizabeth Jayne Wallace, Pratik Raj Singh, Richard George Hambley, Michael Robert Jordan, John Joseph Kilgour
  • Patent number: 11572387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel protein pores and their uses in analyte detection and characterisation. The invention particularly relates to an isolated pore complex formed by a CsgG-like pore and a modified CsgF peptide, or a homologue or mutant thereof, thereby incorporating an additional channel constriction or reader head in the nanopore. The invention further relates to a transmembrane pore complex and methods for production of the pore complex and for use in molecular sensing and nucleic acid sequencing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC
    Inventors: Han Remaut, Sander Egbert Van Der Verren, Nani Van Gerven, Lakmal Nishantha Jayasinghe, Elizabeth Jayne Wallace, Pratik Raj Singh, Richard George Hambley, Michael Robert Jordan, John Joseph Kilgour
  • Patent number: 11572878
    Abstract: An element for compressing or expanding a gas including a rigid housing (2) containing an internal chamber; a rotor (3a, 3b) situated in the internal chamber and comprising a rotor shaft (4a, 4b); one or more bearings (7) in which the rotor shaft (4a, 4b) is bearing-supported, wherein the rotor (3a, 3b) with its rotor shaft (4a, 4b) is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing (2) by means of these bearings (7), wherein the rotor (3a, 3b) is mounted with one or more clearances with respect to a wall (5) of the internal chamber, and the element (1) is provided with a separate yielding component (10) which is positionally adjustable with respect to the housing (2) in such a way that at least one of the clearances can be acted upon, wherein the separate yielding component (10) is not directly attached to the rotor (3a, 3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignees: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Karolien Kempen, Björn Verrelst, Philippe Ernens, Wouter Ceulemans, Guy De Greef, Florian Fettweis
  • Patent number: 11566289
    Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Johan Smitz, Sandra Wathlet, Tom Adriaenssens
  • Patent number: 11552596
    Abstract: An odd harmonic generation device is provided. The odd harmonic generation device includes an even harmonic generation unit and a mixer. In this context, the even harmonic generation unit is configured to generate two even harmonic signals on the basis of a fundamental signal. In addition to this, the mixer is configured to mix the fundamental signal with the two even harmonic signals to generate a desired odd harmonic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: IMEC VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Sehoon Park, Jan Craninckx, Pierre Wambacq, Davide Guermandi