Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1987-1991
Title: Innovations in Anti-Rabies Vaccines by Barbara D Boss
Introduction
Barbara D Boss is a prominent inventor based in San Diego, CA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly in the development of anti-rabies vaccines. With a total of 3 patents, her work has the potential to enhance therapeutic options for rabies exposure.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents focuses on synthetic peptide-based anti-rabies compositions and methods. This invention identifies a sequence in the coat glycoprotein of the rabies virus as crucial for the virus's pathogenesis. The binding of the virus to the acetylcholine receptor at neuromuscular junctions is a key step prior to the virus's uptake into peripheral nerves. Based on this discovery, synthetic peptide-based anti-rabies vaccines have been developed. The active ingredient in these vaccines is a synthetic protein, which is a conjugate with an immunogenic carrier protein of a synthetic peptide. This peptide includes a sequence that is substantially similar to a significant portion of the acetylcholine receptor-binding segment of the rabies virus coat protein.
Anti-rabies antisera and antibodies are produced by injecting a mammal with the synthetic protein in a manner that induces an immune response. Hybridomas that secrete anti-rabies antibodies, which bind to specific epitopes on or near the acetylcholine receptor binding segment, are prepared using B cells immunized in vitro. The anti-rabies vaccines developed by Boss avoid the risks associated with currently available vaccines. The antisera and antibodies are therapeutically useful for inducing passive anti-rabies immunity in mammals exposed to the virus. They are also valuable for diagnosing whether a mammal is rabid or has been exposed to live rabies virus.
Career Highlights
Barbara D Boss is affiliated with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where she continues her research and innovation in the field of immunology. Her work has garnered attention for its potential impact on public health and safety.
Collaborations
She has collaborated with notable colleagues, including James Warner Patrick and Stephen Fox Heinemann, contributing to advancements in her field.
Conclusion
Barbara D Boss's innovative work in developing synthetic peptide-based anti-rabies vaccines represents a significant advancement in immunology. Her contributions are poised to improve therapeutic options for rabies exposure and enhance diagnostic capabilities.