Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Folks
Thomas M. Folks 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: 20140186383Abstract: Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which include isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicants: Johns Hopkins University, The Government of the U.S.A as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of HeInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, David M. Sintasath
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Publication number: 20140080121Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicants: Johns Hopkins University, The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department ofInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole
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Patent number: 8663968Abstract: Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which included isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, David M. Sintasath
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Patent number: 8541221Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole
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Patent number: 8524461Abstract: A method for detecting at least one antibody directed against at least one primate immunodeficiency virus in a biological sample that includes contacting a biological sample with (i) at least one detection multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of an immunodominant region of a transmembrane protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus and (ii) at least one differentiation multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of a V3-loop of an envelope protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus. Also disclosed is an enzyme immunoassay that includes a first substrate to which are bound at least one of the detection multiple antigenic peptides and a second substrate to which are bound at least one of the differentiation multiple antigenic peptides.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Marcia L. Kalish, Clement B. Ndongmo, Chou-Pong Pau, William M. Switzer, Thomas M. Folks
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Publication number: 20100317034Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole
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Patent number: 7794998Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignees: Johns Hopkins University, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole
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Publication number: 20100222236Abstract: A method for detecting at least one antibody directed against at least one primate immunodeficiency virus in a biological sample that includes contacting a biological sample with (i) at least one detection multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of an immunodominant region of a transmembrane protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus and (ii) at least one differentiation multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of a V3-loop of an envelope protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus. Also disclosed is an enzyme immunoassay that includes a first substrate to which are bound at least one of the detection multiple antigenic peptides and a second substrate to which are bound at least one of the differentiation multiple antigenic peptides.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Marcia L. Kalish, Clement B. Ndongmo, Chou-Pong Pau, William M. Switzer, Thomas M. Folks
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Publication number: 20100160420Abstract: Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which included isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, David M. Sintasath
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Patent number: 7691572Abstract: Assays and kits for the detection of phenotypic resistance of a retrovirus to reverse transcriptase inhibitor-drugs in a biological sample. The assays are based on the direct analysis of the susceptibility of retroviral reverse transcriptase to inhibition by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug. The enzymatic activity of the reverse transcriptase is determined by measuring the DNA product produced when an RNA template and a first complementary DNA primer from a suitable region of the encephalomyocarditis virus genome are incubated with a biological sample containing reverse transcriptase in the presence of the drug to which resistance is being determined. The DNA product is amplified and detection of the amplified DNA indicates resistance to the drug employed in the assay. Detection of relatively greater amounts of amplified DNA when certain drugs are used indicates the presence of multiple nucleoside analog resistant strains or mutations.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Walid M. Heneine, Gerardo Garcia-Lerma, Shinji Yamamoto, William M. Switzer, Thomas M. Folks
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Publication number: 20080292657Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Thomas M. Folks, Nathan D. Wolfe, Donald S. Burke, Eitel Mpoudi-Ngole
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Patent number: 6800475Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods comprising a spumavirus isolated from a human. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from a human who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the methods and compositions of the present invention comprising the spumavirus and including antibodies to the spumavirus, can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The present invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: William M. Switzer, Walid Heneine, Paul A. Sandstrom, Thomas M. Folks
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Patent number: 6787126Abstract: An assay and kit for the detection of phenotypic resistance of a retrovirus to a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug in a biological sample. The assay is based on the direct analysis of the susceptibility of retroviral reverse transcriptase to inhibition by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug. The enzymatic activity of the reverse transcriptase is determined by measuring the DNA product produced when an RNA template and a first complementary DNA primer from a suitable region of the encephalomyocarditis virus genome are incubated with a biological sample containing reverse transcriptase in the presence of the drug to which resistance is being determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Walid M. Heneine, Gerardo Garcia Lerma, Shinji Yamamoto, William M. Switzer, Thomas M. Folks
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Patent number: 6787333Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Margaret E. Callahan, Thomas M. Folks, Paul Sandstrom, Shambavi Subbarao, Jennifer Brown, Walid Heneine, William M. Switzer
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Patent number: 6623952Abstract: The present invention comprises a spumavirus isolated from a human. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from a human who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Paul A. Sandstrom, Thomas M. Folks, Walid M. Heneine, William M. Switzer, Jennifer Brown
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Publication number: 20030148307Abstract: Assays and kits for the detection of phenotypic resistance of a retrovirus to reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs in a biological sample. The assays are based on the direct analysis of the susceptibility of retroviral reverse transcriptase to inhibition by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug. The enzymatic activity of the reverse transcriptase is determined by measuring the DNA product produced when an RNA template and a first complementary DNA primer from a suitable region of the encephalomyocarditis virus genome are incubated with a biological sample containing reverse transcriptase in the presence of the drug to which resistance is being determined. The incubation mixture is reacted under conditions whereby the RNA template and the DNA primer will anneal and a DNA strand will be synthesized as an extension from the DNA primer if the reverse transcriptase in the sample is resistant to and not inhibited by the drug.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: Department of Health & Human Services, c/o Centers of Disease Control and PreventionInventors: Walid M. Heneine, Gerardo Garcia Lerma, Shinji Yamamoto, William M. Switzer, Thomas M. Folks
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Publication number: 20030148509Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: The Govt. of the USA, as represented by the secretary, Dept. of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Margaret E. Callahan, Thomas M. Folks, Paul Sandstrom, Shambavi Subbarao, Jennifer Brown, Walid Heneine, William M. Switzer
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Patent number: 6596478Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, devices and compositions for detection of endogenous retroviruses found in xenotransplant materials. The methods and compositions are suited for detection of endogenous type-C retroviruses and in particular, for porcine endogenous retrovirus, PERV.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Walid M. Heneine, William M. Switzer, Paul A. Sandstrom, Aprille L. Matthews, Thomas M. Folks
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Patent number: 6492165Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Margaret E. Callahan, Thomas M. Folks, Paul Sandstrom, Shambavi Subbarao, Jennifer Brown, Walid Heneine, William M. Switzer
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Patent number: 6274611Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for treating viral infection by inhibiting the activity of host cellular enzymes. More specifically, methods and compositions comprising casein kinase II inhibitors and various related compounds such as precursors, analogs, metabolites and hydrolysis products that inhibit cellular proteins and thus viral replication are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: James W. Critchfield, Thomas M. Folks, Salvatore T. Butera, John Coligan