Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2014-2015
Title: Amy M McHenry: Innovator in Malarial Research
Introduction
Amy M McHenry is a notable inventor based in Keene, Texas. She has made significant contributions to the field of malarial research, particularly through her innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on developing compositions that can elicit immune responses against the malarial parasite.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents is centered around a synthetic antigen based on the ligand domain of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein. This patent provides compositions that are useful for eliciting a strain-transcending immune response in both animals and humans directed against the blood-stage of the malarial parasite. The compositions are based on the ligand domain of Duffy binding protein (PvDBPII). In this innovation, polar charged polymorphic residues within the dominant strain-specific B-cell epitope were mutated to uncharged residues such as serine, alanine, and threonine. The DEKnull variant of PvDBPII, produced in bacteria, can be purified and refolded in vitro to mimic the conformation and erythrocyte binding function of native DBPII. The immunogenicity of DEKnull was confirmed through administration to mice. Compared to the naturally occurring strain variant DBPII, DEKnull elicits antibodies that are more broadly reactive with different strain variants of DBPII and enhances the production of functional inhibitory antibodies to the shared protective epitopes of native DBPII.
Career Highlights
Amy M McHenry is affiliated with the University of South Florida, where she continues her research and development efforts. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of immune responses to malaria.
Collaborations
Some of her notable coworkers include John H Adams and Francis B Ntumngia, who have collaborated with her on various research projects.
Conclusion
Amy M McHenry is a pioneering inventor whose work in malarial research has the potential to significantly impact public health. Her innovative patents reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes.