Patents by Inventor Nancy L. Davis
Nancy L. Davis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20090162395Abstract: The present invention is directed to alphavirus vectored vaccine contructs encoding paramyxovirus proteins that find use in the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus or human metapneumovirus infections. In particular, these vaccines induce cellular and humoral immune responses that inhibit RSV. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing alphavirus vectored paramyxovirus vaccines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: James E. Crowe, JR., Hoyin Mok, Robert E. Johnston, John V. Williams, Nancy L. Davis
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Patent number: 7235235Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Publication number: 20040121466Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Publication number: 20030232036Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 6583121Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering immunogenic or therapeutic proteins to bone marrow cells using alphavirus vectors. The alphavirus vectors disclosed herein target specifically to bone marrow tissue, and viral genomes persist in bone marrow for at least three months post-infection. No or very low levels of virus were detected in quadricep, brain, and sera of treated animals. The sequence of a consensus Sindbis cDNA clone, pTR339, and infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed. The sequence of the genomic RNA of the Girdwood S.A. virus, and cDNA clones, infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Dennis A. Simpson
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Patent number: 6541010Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 6531135Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 6521235Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Publication number: 20010016199Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 6156558Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 6008035Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering immunogenic or therapeutic proteins to bone marrow cells using alphavirus vectors. The alphavirus vectors disclosed herein target specifically to bone marrow tissue, and viral genomes persist in bone marrow for at least three months post-infection. No or very low levels of virus were detected in quadricep, brain, and sera of treated animals. The sequence of a consensus Sindbis cDNA clone, pTR339, and infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed. The sequence of the genomic RNA of the Girdwood S.A. virus, and cDNA clones, infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Dennis A. Simpson
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Patent number: 5811407Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering immunogenic or therapeutic proteins to bone marrow cells using alphavirus vectors. The alphavirus vectors disclosed herein target specifically to bone marrow tissue, and viral genomes persist in bone marrow for at least three months post-infection. No or very low levels of virus were detected in quadricep, brain, and sera of treated animals. The sequence of a consensus Sindbis cDNA clone, pTR339, and infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed. The sequence of the genomic RNA of the Girdwood S.A. virus, and cDNA clones, infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Dennis A. Simpson
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Patent number: 5792462Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignees: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Peter Pushko, Michael Parker, George Ludwig
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Patent number: 5643576Abstract: A method of protecting a subject against a disease comprises administering a recombinant Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus to the subject in an effective immunogenic amount, with the VEE virus containing a heterologous DNA segment, and with the heterologous DNA segment comprising a promoter operable in the subject operatively associated with a DNA encoding an immunogenic protein or peptide effective for protecting the subject from the disease. Preferred promoters are VEE 26S subgenomic promoters, and preferred immunogens are viral immunogens. Novel attenuating mutations useful in carrying out the invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Franziska B. Grieder
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Patent number: 5639650Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant DNA comprising a cDNA coding for an infectious South African Arbovirus No. 86 (S.A.AR86) virus RNA transcript and a heterologous promoter positioned upstream from the cDNA and operatively associated therewith. The present invention also provides an infectious RNA transcript encoded by the cDNA, and infectious attenuated viral particles containing the RNA transcript encoded by the cDNA.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Dennis A. Simpson
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Patent number: 5505947Abstract: Novel attenuating mutations of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) are disclosed. Further aspects of the invention include an infectious VEE virus transcript encoded by cDNA clones, infectious VEE virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations containing such infectious particles. Also disclosed are recombinant VEE virus containing a heterologous RNA segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Robert E. Johnston, Nancy L. Davis, Jonathan F. Smith, Franziska B. Grieder
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Patent number: 5214307Abstract: Described is a lead frame design which allows for greater control of adhesive thickness which bonds the die with the die paddle on the lead frame. A number of bumps on the surface of the lead frame contact the die, thereby keeping the die a controlled distance from the surface of the die paddle. A sufficient amount of adhesive is applied to the die paddle to ensure a minimum allowable contact of the die with the adhesive, and the adhesive with the lead frame. Enough force is applied to the surface of the die to allow contact between the die and the bumps on the surface of the inventive lead frame. The force applied to the surface of the die, therefore, has no effect on the thickness of the bond line, as long as some minimum amount of pressure is applied.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Nancy L. Davis
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Patent number: 5185440Abstract: A DNA comprises a cDNA clone coding for an infectious Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus RNA transcript and a heterologous promoter sequence positioned upstream from the cDNA clone and operatively associated therewith. A method of making a live attenuated Togavirus useful as a vaccine, and cDNA clones which code for attenuated Togaviruses, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1989Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Nancy L. Davis, Loretta V. Willis, Robert E. Johnston, Jonathan F. Smith