Factor VIII T and B cell epitope variants having reduced immunogenicity

Lead PI: 
Eddie James, PhD

The researchers at Benaroya Research Institute and Puget Sound Blood Center have mapped immunogenic epitopes within FVIII and their variance capable of reducing inhibition by T- and B-cells. The minimal epitopes within FVIII capable of eliciting immune response mediated by T-cell and B-cell have been identified.

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Epitope Mapping and Detection of Autoimmune T-cells and Antigens

Lead PI: 
William Kwok, PhD

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute have developed a novel method for mapping MHC II epitopes that are recognized by T-cells and in turn identifying the T-cells that bind them. A library containing peptides with partially overlapping sequences derived from foreign- or self-derived target of choice are bound to soluble MHC II molecules.

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MHC Class II Tetramers

Lead PI: 
William Kwok, PhD

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) have developed a method to express MHC II proteins in cell culture, form tetramers, and bind them with synthetic peptides. The peptide sequences and the HLA types can be customized based on researcher’s needs.

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Mutations in Ataxia Telangiectasia (ATM) gene

Lead PI (not listed): 
Patrick Concannon, PhD

The researchers at Benaroya Research Institute have identified over 70 novel mutations in ATM gene corresponding to AT disease state that can be detected without DNA sequencing. Majority of mutations resulted in early termination or major truncations.

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Variable Lymphocyte Receptors – Lamprey

The researchers at Benaroya Research Institute and University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified and isolated a panel of highly variable lymphocyte receptors in Lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. The panel is derived from functional receptors involved in adaptive immune response within Lamprey.

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Method to Detect Mutations in Human Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutation (ATM gene)

Lead PI (not listed): 
Patrick Concannon, PhD

The researchers at Benaroya Research Institute have developed a method to detect mutations in human ATM gene using novel sets of PCR primers. The primers are designed to amplify genomic DNA corresponding to each of the 65 coding exons and the flanking sequences to ensure detection of splice site mutations.

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Detection of an Immune Response

Lead PI: 
William Kwok, PhD

Researchers at the Benaroya Research Institute have developed a novel method to quantitatively detect an immune response and monitor the process of immune deviation in subjects. This innovation utilizes flow cytometry to identify, detect, and quantitate the frequency of various immune cell subtypes in samples obtained from subjects, including Th2a cells.

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Production of Antigen Specific Regulatory T-cells for Therapeutic use for Autoimmune Diseases

Lead PI: 
Jane Buckner, MD

Autoimmune diseases occur when the host immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. The main form of treatment relies on general suppression of the patient immune system that leaves the patient susceptible to infections and cancer. It has been found that introduction of antigen-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) can subdue the auto-inflammatory responses.

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