Abstract: In vitro biomimetic models of the neonatal immune system are provided along with methods of using the models in pre-clinical assessment of infant immune cell-mediated and humoral responses to immunogenic stimulation, such as vaccination. The models include one comprising cord blood-derived T follicular helper cells and B cells, and one comprising cord blood-derived dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. The models can be used, for example, to assess candidate vaccines via analysis of cellular responses to antigen and vaccine exposure.

Abstract: In vitro biomimetic models of the neonatal immune system are provided along with methods of using the models in pre-clinical assessment of infant immune cell-mediated and humoral responses to immunogenic stimulation, such as vaccination. The models include one comprising cord blood-derived T follicular helper cells and B cells, and one comprising cord blood-derived dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. The models can be used, for example, to assess candidate vaccines via analysis of cellular responses to antigen and vaccine exposure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: Hemagglutination (HA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) functional assays remain important instruments of analysis of virus-cell interaction and protecting efficacy of virus-specific antibodies and sera. However, they demonstrate limited sensitivity towards many viruses, and require significant volumes of viruses, erythrocytes, sera, and antibodies. The present invention comprises new and significantly more sensitive versions of the HA and HAI assays based on observing agglutination on activated surfaces of specifically opsonized plates and ELISA plates rather than in solution. A version of the new assay that uses ELISA plates additionally allows characterizing the affinity of functional antibodies in the tested sera and fluids, which is not possible in the classical HAI assay. The methods of the present invention can also be used to improve the sensitivity of agglutination methods based on latex beads and to develop agglutination methods using target cells other than erythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: Hemagglutination (HA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) functional assays remain important instruments of analysis of virus-cell interaction and protecting efficacy of virus-specific antibodies and sera. However, they demonstrate limited sensitivity towards many viruses, and require significant volumes of viruses, erythrocytes, sera, and antibodies. The present invention comprises new and significantly more sensitive versions of the HA and HAI assays based on observing agglutination on activated surfaces of specifically opsonized plates and ELISA plates rather than in solution. A version of the new assay that uses ELISA plates additionally allows characterizing the affinity of functional antibodies in the tested sera and fluids, which is not possible in the classical HAI assay. The methods of the present invention can also be used to improve the sensitivity of agglutination methods based on latex beads and to develop agglutination methods using target cells other than erythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: Hemagglutination assays and hemagglutination inhibition assays were introduced in medical and virology practice more than 60 years ago. Since then, these assays have become important tools for measuring concentrations and strengths of viral cultures, the efficacy of the anti-viral immunization, and for studying the neutralizing capacity of virus-specific antibodies. The present invention comprises an improved hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI), with at least about a 10-fold increase in sensitivity versus the traditional the HAI, to provide more accurate measurements of components in, for example, fluids from the in vitro MIMIC® system when assessing the effects of anti-viral vaccines (e.g., for seasonal influenza).

Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) or FDC-like cells to generate FDC-dependent, but T cell-independent, B cell responses to T cell-dependent antigens, with antigen-specific and polyclonal antibody production in ˜48 h. In another embodiment, a germinal center (GC) lymphoid tissue equivalent (LTE) was used to generate antigen-specific IgM, followed by switching to IgG. The GC LTE model can be used in vaccine assessment. Dual forms of immunogen were used in the GC LTE and in vivo. Dual immunogens resulted in rapid, specific IgM responses and enhanced IgG responses. This vaccine design approach can be used, for example, to provide rapid IgM protection (˜24-48 h) and high-affinity IgG more quickly in people moving to areas with endemic disease, or in people with T cell insufficiencies, who can be immunized to rapidly generate protective IgM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methodology of producing antibodies that recognize peptides associated with a tumorigenic or disease state, wherein the peptides are displayed in the context of HLA molecules. These antibodies will mimic the specificity of a T cell receptor (TCR) but will have higher binding affinity such that the molecules may be used as therapeutic, diagnostic and research reagents. The method of producing a T-cell receptor mimic of the present invention includes identifying a peptide of interest, wherein the peptide of interest is capable of being presented by an MHC molecule. Then, an immunogen comprising at least one peptide/MHC complex is formed, wherein the peptide of the peptide/MHC complex is the peptide of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methodology of producing antibodies that recognize peptides associated with a tumorigenic or disease state, wherein the peptides are displayed in the context of HLA molecules. These antibodies will mimic the specificity of a T cell receptor (TCR) but will have higher binding affinity such that the molecules may be used as therapeutic, diagnostic and research reagents. The method of producing a T-cell receptor mimic of the present invention includes identifying a peptide of interest, wherein the peptide of interest is capable of being presented by an MHC molecule. Then, an immunogen comprising at least one peptide/MHC complex is formed, wherein the peptide of the peptide/MHC complex is the peptide of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting production of IFN-? in patients having a transplanted organ. The method involves administering to the patient an amount of an angiotensin receptor-blocking compound, the amount being effective to inhibit production of IFN-? by T cells. The method can be used to treat inflammation involving an allograft, to treat chronic allograft nephropathy, and to treat other pathologies associated with allograft rejection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying compounds that modulate an immune complex that includes a T cell receptor (TCR) and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen. The invention has many useful applications including providing high throughput screening assays for detecting compositions that can modulate an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for the synthesis and isolation and purification of a peptide of interest (target peptide). In particular, the invention relates to peptide synthesis, isolation and purification methods that comprise use of penI fusion polypeptides and related gene fusion constructs that encode such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for the synthesis and isolation and purification of a peptide of interest (target peptide). In particular, the invention relates to peptide synthesis, isolation and purification methods that comprise use of penI fusion polypeptides and related gene fusion constructs that encode such polypeptides.