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TECHNOLOGY CASE
2015
INVENTORS
Rick Tarleton
Samarchith Karup
Chagas Disease Vaccine Demonstrating
Enhanced Immunogenicity
Background
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns, or PAMPs, are molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by cells of the innate immune system. These molecules can be referred to as
small molecular motifs conserved within a class of microbes. They are recognized by toll-like receptors
(TLRs) and other pattern recognition receptors and activate innate immune responses which protect the
host from infection by identifying conserved non-self molecules.
Though PAMPs are known to be fundamental in instigating pathogen-specific immune responses, their
role in directing these responses beyond their initiation is less well understood. The persistent pathogen
Trypanosoma cruzi, innately deficient in strong PAMPs, presents an ideal template to investigate the
impact of temporary or continuous exogenous expression of PAMPs on pathogen control.
PATENT INFORMATION
Patent Pending
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rachael Widener, Ph.D.
706-542-5095
[email protected]
Homepage: http://
www.ovpr.uga.edu/tco/
Technology Summary
UGA researchers have developed a method of using of Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands—and potentially
other PAMPs— as tools to enhance immunogenicity of vaccines, particularly those that might persist for
an extended period of time in hosts.
More specifically, they have demonstrated that expression of PAMPs by transgenic T. cruzi enhances
both innate immune responses and T. cruzi-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. It is thought that the continuous expression of PAMPs by the transgenic parasite is required to sustain the enhanced response
and thus promote better control of the infection. Preliminary results of an attenuated Chagas disease
vaccine candidate that makes use of PAMPs to enhance immunogenicity are promising.
Advantages
Increased immunogenicity of vaccine, compared to co-delivery of PAMP or temporary presentation of
the beginning of a vaccination regimen, leading to a more protective immune response to the pathogen
Demonstrated proof-of-concept using flagellin from Salmonella and porin from Neisseria
Pilot study is for Chagas disease, but this methodology could be used to develop vaccines against a
variety of pathogens—viral, protozoal, or bacterial
Potential Applications
Development of a vaccine for Chagas disease
Enhance immunogenicity of vaccines, especially those that are against organisms that do not have
strong PAMP expression, thereby increasing the efficacy of the vaccine
Therapeutic for infection through enhanced host immune response
Especially relevant for long-persisting infections
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PRIMARY FOCUS AREAS

Vaccines

Diagnostics

Therapeutics

Probiotics

Poultry

Companion animals

Livestock

Infectious diseases

Wound healing
Veterinary Medicine
(Continued)
Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (www.vet.uga.edu/dlab)
The Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories provide diagnostic consultation and assistance to practicing veterinarians and animal owners in diagnosing diseases in livestock and pets. A wide range of
diagnostic tests are performed daily by the two full-service laboratories in support of veterinarians in
Georgia.
Faculty of Infectious Diseases (http://fid.uga.edu/)
The Faculty of Infectious Diseases effectively addresses infectious disease threats to species and
economies world wide by integrating multidisciplinary research in animal, human, and ecosystem
health, and by developing successful countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
LEAD RESEARCHERS
Michael Doyle
Zhen Fang Fu
John Glisson
Don Harn
Mark Jackwood
Larry McDougald
Egbert Mundt
Fred Quinn
Animal Health Research Center
Animal Health Research Center allows investigators to study infectious diseases and toxicity problems
that plague animal and human populations.
Monooclonal Antibody Facility
Part of the UGA Animal Care and Use Program, the laboratory functions as a core research laboratory
service dedicated to creating custom monoclonal antibodies.
Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement (CFS)
The CFS is associated with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. CFS faculty
conduct research in food safety that benefits the food industry and consumers. Through its programs,
CFS has developed strong collaborative ties with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the USDA Russell Research Center, and other research groups on the Athens campus.
Branson Ritchie
Steve Stice
Ralph Tripp
CONTACT
INFORMATION
Derek E. Eberhart, Ph.D.
Phone: 706-542-2207
E-mail: [email protected]
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
Provides a variety of diagnostic services throughout a 15-state region. More than 60 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have been studied as part of an internationally recognized research program on wildlife diseases.
Center for Molecular BioEngineering (CMBE)
Focuses on research for the improvement of biological processes through metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering involves targeted alteration of biochemical pathways toward the goals of increased
yield and productivity of biological products, or for enhanced biodegradation capabilities. Other general
objectives of CMBE are to add economic value to underutilized food, agricultural, textile, and paper
resources.
or
Rachael Widener, Ph.D.
706-542-5095
[email protected]
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Live Vaccine to Prevent Enteric Disease
TECHNOLOGY CASE
1102
Only recently has the process of energy generation from H2 been recognized as being
potentially important for bacterial pathogene-
INVENTORS
sis within animal hosts (Olson and Maier
Robert Maier
(2002) Science. 298:788-1790). Hydrogen is
John Gunn (The Ohio
present in a mammal's digestive tract as a
State University)
consequence of the fermentive metabolism by
the normal colonic flora. Therefore, the possession of hydrogenase enzymes by enteric
bacterial strains, together with a readily available source of H2 in the digestive tract, may
Background
play an important role in enteric bacteria's
Enteric pathogens are responsible for an esti-
ability to proliferate in the digestive tract.
mated 2 million deaths annually and cause
PATENT INFORMATION
PCT Publication
millions more cases of diarrheal illness in hu-
Technology Summary
mans each year, even in developed countries.
Researchers at the University of Georgia and
Additionally, enteric diseases are a major
The Ohio State University have developed
problem in livestock and remain a considera-
strains of bacteria that are hydrogenase-
ble economic and welfare concern.
deficient relative to wild-type strains.
WO2005/086669
The
engineered bacteria can be used as live attenCausative bacterial agents are transmitted
uated vaccines to protect humans and ani-
primarily by ingestion of contaminated food,
mals against pathogenic enteric bacterial in-
CONTACT INFO
and although the affected individual typically
fections.
Rachael Widener, Ph.D.
recovers from the abdominal pain and diar-
706-542-5095
[email protected]
rhea, they will continue to shed pathogenic
bacteria for up to a year after the initial symptoms. Therefore, it is clear the bacteria have
http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/
the capability of surviving and growing in the
tco/
host.
Advantages

Easily administered to livestock through
drinking water or food

Less disruptive method of treating infection than by antibiotics as normal gut flora
is not eliminated
Based on annotated whole genome sequences, intestinal disease-causing bacteria contain
homologous hydrogenases, which are mem-
Potential Applications

supplements to prevent colonization by
brane associated "H2 splitting" enzymes essential for anaerobic metabolism and energy
production.
Use of live, deficient strains as dietary
enteric bacteria in humans and livestock

Use of live, deficient strains as vaccines
to prevent infection by gut pathogens in
humans and livestock
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TECHNOLOGY CASE
1228
Live, Attenuated Rabies Vaccine
INVENTORS
Dr. Zhen Fang Fu
PATENT INFORMATION
Patent Pending—
PCT (WO 2007/070678)
CONTACT INFO
Derek E. Eberhart, Ph.D.
706-542-2207
[email protected]
Homepage: http://
www.ovpr.uga.edu/tco/
Background Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute and deadly brain inflamma on in mammals. Rabies most o en affects humans in Africa, Asia and South America (~30,000 deaths/year) as well as domes c and wild animals worldwide. Upon infec on, the virus moves through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, a process that takes two to twelve weeks. Once the virus reaches the brain and symptoms have commenced, rabies is almost invariably fatal. Rabies can be prevented in both humans and animals by vaccina on either pre‐exposure or post‐exposure (but before symptom onset). There are several rabies virus vaccines currently on the market, but there is a need for a more effec ve, safe and affordable rabies vaccine. Technology Summary Dr. Zhen Fu of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has developed a live a enuated rabies virus that could be useful as a vaccine for both the preven on and treatment of rabies. This vi‐
rus is gene cally modified to express immune factors (cytokines, chemokines, and/or interferons) that enhance its immunogenicity. Its ac va on of the innate, an ‐viral immune response helps to prevent CNS pathology. Advantages  Live a enuated vaccine more effec ve in inducing long‐las ng cell‐mediated & humoral immunity  Lower dosage and less frequent administra on is required, leading to lower cost;  Cheaper vaccines are essen al , as most humans infected with rabies live in the developing world  Side effects should be a enuated due to lower vaccine exposure Poten al Applica ons  Vaccina on of feral dogs or other wildlife to help prevent human exposure to rabies  Vaccina on of companion animals  Following further development, possible pre‐exposure prophylaxis for veterinarians, police officers, laboratory workers and others that are at high risk for exposure  Post‐exposure treatment of humans Innovative Solutions to Global Needs
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Poultry Vaccine for
Runting Stunting Syndrome
TECHNOLOGY CASE
1439
INVENTORS
Dr. Egbert Mundt
Dr. Holly S. Sellers
Dr. Guillermo Zavala
Background
Runting stunting syndrome (RSS), also known as MAS, infectious stunting syndrome, broiler
runting syndrome, pale bird syndrome, and helicopter syndrome, is an economically devastating disease for the poultry industry. The causative agent is unknown, available diagnostic
tests are very limited, and there is no vaccine to prevent or mitigate the disease. There is an
urgent need for improved reagents, methods and therapeutics for the detection, treatment,
and prevention of RSS.
Technology Summary
PATENT INFORMATION
Patent Pending
Researchers at the University of Georgia’s Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center identified
a unique, viral protein associated with RSS. Using a recombinant version of the protein, they
developed an RSS vaccine which provided protection in a newly established RSS challenge
model. Offspring of vaccinated breeder hens, subjected to the RSS challenge model,
demonstrated a much smaller decrease in weight gain, and dramatically reduced enteropathic cystic lesions in the small intestine, compared to offspring from challenged, nonvaccinated breeders. In addition, an indirect ELISA was established to detect antibodies following vaccination. In summary, this work represents a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of RSS.
Advantages
CONTACT INFO
Derek E. Eberhart, Ph.D.
Phone: 706-542-2207
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://

Vaccine for RSS for which no efficacious vaccine is currently available

Novel reagents for the detection, treatment, and prevention of RSS
Potential Applications
www.ovpr.uga.edu/tco/

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of RSS
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Quick Facts
UGA is located in Athens,
Georgia, about 60 miles
northeast of downtown Atlanta
Enrollment in Fall 2008
The University of Georgia
Undergraduate 25,303
(UGA), a land-grant and
Graduate 8,713
sea-grant
state-wide
university
with
commitments
Research (FY 2008)
and
responsibilities,
is
Income $137.3M
Georgia’s flagship institu-
Expend. $350.3M
tion of higher education. It
UGARF $23.75M
is also Georgia’s oldest,
most diversified institution of higher education and the first state chartered university in the
Technology
USA. Its motto, “to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things,” reflects the uni-
Commercialization
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Advancing the way we live in Georgia and around the globe
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Advancing the way we live in Georgia and around the globe
© The University of Georgia
This book contains the descrip on of some technologies developed at The University of Georgia in specific areas, and is not an exhaus ve lis ng of all technologies managed by the University of Georgia Research Founda on, Inc. or of all the scien fic areas represented by our complete por olio of technologies. © The University of Georgia
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