University of Miami

Case Western Reserve University

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Victor L Perez

Wei Ping Li

Jean-Marie Arthur Parel

Mohamed Abou Shousha

Andres Bernal

Robert G Salomon

Pirouz Daftarian

Paolo Serafini

Joe G Hollyfield

Angel Kaifer

Vance Paul Lemmon

Yoh Sawatari

Bonnie Beth Blomberg

Sonia H Yoo

Jianhua Wang

Rodrigo Hoffmann

Wei Li

Arba Leroy Ager

Pirouz Mohammad Daftarian

Pirouz M Daftarian

A keratoprosthesis and system and method of using same for corneal repair. The keratoprosthesis comprises a biocompatible support and an optic member disposed through a channel within the support. The support includes metal, preferably titanium, and treated, such as by sandblasting and/or acid etching, to create textured surfaces that promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. An outer surface of the locking member a collar extending from the support and disposed around the optic member is also metal, preferably titanium, and is similarly treated to promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. The system includes the keratoprosthesis positioned within an isolated soft tissue segment of a non-ocular tissue, such as buccal mucosa, placed on the anterior cornea. The method includes removing corneal epithelium, isolating and transplanting a segment of soft tissue to the de-epithelialized cornea, creating a receiving area in the soft tissue, positioning a keratoprosthesis relative to the receiving area anterior to the cornea, and securing the keratoprosthesis.

Keratoprosthesis, and system and method of corneal repair using same

Nanoparticle-based vaccines, compositions, kits and methods are used for the effective delivery of one or more antigens in vivo for vaccination and antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody) production, and for the effective delivery of peptides, proteins, siRNA, RNA or DNA to PAPCs or MHC class II positive cells (e.g. tumor cells). Antigens may be, for example, DNA that results in expression of the gene of interest and induction of a robust and specific immune response to the expressed protein in a subject (e.g., mammal). Antigens may also be immunogenic peptides or polypeptides that are processed and presented. In one embodiment, a nanoparticle-based method to deliver antigens in vivo as described herein includes injection of a vaccine composed of a DNA encoding at least one antigen, or at least one antigenic peptide or polypeptide conjugated to a charged dendrimer (e.g., PADRE-derivatized dendrimer) that is also conjugated to a T helper epitope (e.g., PADRE). Negatively-charged plasmids bind naturally to a positively-charged PADRE-dendrimer, while peptide or polypeptide antigens can be chemically linked to the PADRE-dendrimer if they are not negatively-charged. Alternatively, negatively-charged dendrimers may be used. The compositions, kits, vaccines and methods described herein have both prophylactic and treatment applications, i.e., can be used as a prophylactic to prevent onset of a disease or condition in a subject, as well as to treat a subject having a disease or condition. A vaccine as described herein can be used to mount an immune response against any infectious pathogen or cancer.

Vaccine compositions and methods of use thereof

Improved indices for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions affecting the eye. Specifically, the indices include an Enhanced Epithelial Irregularity Factor (eEIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as dry eye syndrome (DES), Bowman's Ectasia Index (BEI), including enhanced BEI (eBEI) and BEI-Max, and Bowman's Relative Thinning (BRT) Index for the diagnosis and evaluation of ectatic conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-refractive surgery ectasia, and keratoglobus, and Descemet's Membrane Thickening Index (DMT), Descemet's Rejection Index (DRI), and Descemet's Membrane Irregularity Factor (DIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as keratoplasty rejection and failure and Fuchs' dystrophy. These improved indices may be incorporated into optical coherence tomography systems, or any other imaging device capable of capturing high resolution images of the cornea, for more sensitive and specific diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of certain corneal conditions, in addition to the evaluation of new treatments.

Indices for management of dry eye syndrome, corneal ectasia, keratoplasty graft rejection and failure and Fuchs' dystrophy

The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.

Mouse model of retinal degeneration

Growing community of inventors

Miami, FL, United States of America

Victor L Perez