A novel SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine engineered on an immune-activating platform technology.

While there are several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines currently available, additional options must be provided that are safe, effective, and affordable for the entire global population. We have developed a novel immune activating platform technology that will fill this need. This recombinant platform protein is produced in insect cells using baculoviral expression technology similar to what is currently used for several other approved vaccines as well as employed by myriad GMP facilities globally.

Initial Presentation of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis with Ocular Lesions.

Ocular involvement with disseminated coccidiodal infection is rare. Even rarer is a patient presenting with symptomatic chorioretinitis first, followed weeks later by systemic symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. This highlights the need for physicians to have a heightened suspicion for testing for valley fever in patients living in endemic regions who present with ocular inflammation so that rapid and timely initiation of antifungal therapy may prevent loss of vision.

Acetylation of conserved lysines in bovine papillomavirus E2 by p300.

The p300, CBP, and pCAF lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) proteins have been reported to physically interact with bovine (BPV) and human (HPV) papillomavirus E2 proteins. While overexpression of these KAT proteins enhances E2-dependent transcription, the mechanism has not been determined. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to deplete these factors, we demonstrated that E2 transcriptional activity requires physiological levels of p300, CBP, and pCAF.

RNAi-based treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration by Sirna-027.

Purpose: To assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and dose-limiting toxicity of single intravitreal injection of Sirna-027, a small interfering RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1, in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Secondary objectives included assessment of anatomic changes in retinal thickness, size of CNV, and changes in visual acuity.

Design: Prospective, open-label, single-dose, dose-escalation phase 1 study.

Runx1/AML1 hematopoietic transcription factor contributes to skeletal development in vivo.

The requirement of Runx2 (Cbfal/AML3), a runt homology domain transcription factor essential for bone formation and osteoblast differentiation, is well established. Although Runx2 is expressed in the developing embryo prior to ossification, yet in the absence of Runx2 initial formation of the skeleton is normal, suggesting a potential redundancy in function of Runx family members. Here we addressed expression of the hematopoietic family member Runx1 (AML1/Cbfa2) in relation to skeletal development using a LacZ knock-in mouse model (Runx1(lz/+)).