Stage of Program: Candidate Discovery (DISC2, some 1.0 projects)


Stem cell-based rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes and T cell receptors for therapeutic use

Research Objective We will identify SAR-CoV-2 T cell epitopes for vaccine development and specific TCRs for adoptive T cell therapy using a stem cell-based platform to generate specialized dendritic cells in vitro. Impact New methods to rapidly identify T cell epitopes would greatly accelerate development of vaccines and TCR-based therapeutics, and in the setting of […]

Repurposing Aminoadamantane Nitrate Compounds to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity and to Protect the Brain from Viral-Related Damage

Research Objective The objective is to screen a series of aminoadamantane nitrate compounds for their ability to protect hiPSC-derived neurons from SARS-CoV-2-related damage and to block SARS-CoV-2 activity. Impact If successful, our screen would identify a drug candidate for further development that would protect neurons from SARS-CoV-2-related damage and also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity. Major Proposed […]

Identifying a lead compound for COVID19 using high throughput screening with lung stem cell organoids

Research Objective We propose to use a lung stem cell based organoid to identify a new compound for COVID-19 by screening a library of FDA approved compounds that could be repurposed for COVID-19 infection. Impact If successful, we will find a therapy to treat COVID-19 infection and prevent the lung complications that are so deadly. […]

Simplification of Excipient Solution for Implanting Candidate Human H9-scNSC Cell Line for Spinal Cord Injury

Stimulating endogenous muscle stem cells to counter muscle wasting

Human neural stem cell (hNSC) derived exosomes vs CSC14 hNSCs for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Safety “Clinical Trial” of the Cardiac Liability of COVID19 Polytherapy

Evaluation of Gene Therapy Approaches for Autosomal Recessive Hyper IgE Syndrome Due to Mutations in DOCK8

Inhibitory interneurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to treat stroke

Research Objective Allogeneic Human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived inhibitory interneuron therapy product encapsulated in a hyaluronan/VEGF nanoparticle hydrogel for the treatment of stroke Impact Previous stem cell-based technologies had poor survival, differentiation, and minimal migration within the peri-infarct brain region and were unable to restore neurological functions after stroke. Major Proposed Activities MILESTONE 1: Determine […]

Gene-corrected human microglia for the treatment of adult onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP)

Research Objective The research proposed here will support the development of NGL-101, a cell therapy for treating adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP). Impact Successful development of NGL-101 will result in a life-altering therapy for patients suffering from ALSP and provide proof of concept for treating other microglia diseases. Major Proposed Activities […]