A study involving Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), OHSU, the Oregon, Tulane and Washington National Primate Research Centers, the University of Washington and the University of Pittsburgh has revealed a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine. This innovative “one and done” vaccine could potentially provide lifetime immunity against evolving flu viruses. 

The research, published in Nature Communications, tested an OHSU-developed vaccine platform against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, considered a likely candidate for the next pandemic. Remarkably, the vaccine was based on the 1918 flu virus yet still provided protection against the modern H5N1 strain. 

Key findings from the study include: 

• Six out of 11 vaccinated nonhuman primates survived exposure to H5N1, while all unvaccinated primates succumbed to the virus. 

• The vaccine targets the internal structural proteins of the virus, which remain relatively unchanged over time, unlike the constantly mutating outer surface proteins. 

• This approach could be effective against other mutating viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. 

The vaccine platform, which uses cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a vector, was originally developed to fight HIV and tuberculosis. It works by inducing an immune response from the body’s T cells, specifically targeting the virus’s internal structure. 

Dr. Jonah Sacha, professor and chief of the Division of Pathobiology at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center and the study’s senior author, believes this breakthrough could lead to a universal flu vaccine within five to ten years. The same platform is already in clinical trials for HIV and shows promise for targeting specific cancer cells. 

This research represents a significant advancement in addressing infectious diseases and could revolutionize our approach to vaccine development for rapidly evolving viruses. 

A study led by researchers from the University of Wisconsin—Madison and Mayo Clinic has demonstrated the potential of stem cell therapy in treating congenital heart defects. The study was supported by the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and an NIH Grant to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center.

The research, published in Cell Transplantation, shows that heart muscle cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells can safely integrate into the hearts of monkeys with right ventricular pressure overload.

Key findings of the study include:

• Successful integration of transplanted cells into the host myocardium
• Feasibility and safety demonstrated in a nonhuman primate model
• Potential to delay or prevent the need for heart transplants in patients with congenital heart defects

The research focused on right ventricular dysfunction, a condition that often affects children with congenital heart defects and can lead to heart failure. Current treatments, including surgical repair, are often temporary solutions, with many patients eventually requiring heart transplants.

Dr. Jodi Scholz, the study’s lead author, emphasized the critical need for alternative treatments, stating, “Stem cell treatments could someday delay or even prevent the need for heart transplants.”

While the study showed promising results, the researchers noted some instances of ventricular tachycardia in the animal subjects. However, these episodes resolved within 19 days.

This research represents a significant step towards clinical applications for congenital heart defects. The use of macaques in this study has been crucial in advancing stem cell therapies for various diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and eye diseases.

As heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, this innovative approach to regenerating heart tissue offers hope for stronger, longer-lasting hearts across all age groups.

A recent study led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has identified a natural compound that could potentially halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain forms of cancer. The research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, focuses on a plant-derived flavonoid called sulfuretin.

Key findings of the study include:

• Sulfuretin blocks the activity of an enzyme involved in MS and cancer progression.
• The compound inhibits a specific type of hyaluronidase known as CEMIP.
• By inhibiting CEMIP, sulfuretin may prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, which is associated with myelin damage and cancer cell proliferation.

Dr. Larry Sherman, professor at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, believes this discovery could have a significant impact on various medical conditions. The research team found that sulfuretin, along with two synthetic compounds, effectively inhibited hyaluronidase activity in live cells.

The study is the result of years of collaborative work between OHSU and the University of Portland, where undergraduate students under the guidance of Dr. Angela Hoffman screened numerous plant compounds. This discovery validates the students’ diligent efforts and highlights the importance of undergraduate research in scientific breakthroughs.

While the results are promising, further testing in animal models is necessary to determine the compound’s effectiveness and potential side effects in treating cancer and neurodegenerative conditions like MS.

This research opens new possibilities for treating a range of disorders, including osteoarthritis, skin infections, and brain injuries caused by heavy alcohol use. As the study progresses, it brings hope for improved treatments for MS, cancer, and other conditions related to hyaluronic acid breakdown.

Scientists at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) have harnessed the power of machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), to track anxiety-related behaviors in monkeys. Published in Nature’s Translational Psychiatry, the study demonstrated a significant link between nervous temperament in infant monkeys, as assessed by human observers, and later brain activity and behavior, as measured using machine-learning techniques. These findings suggest a strong connection between early-life nervousness and the eventual development of anxiety and depressive disorders. 

Anxiety disorders, the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States, impact nearly 20% of the population, disproportionately affecting women. Despite the availability of treatments, over half of those suffering do not seek help. Andrew Fox, a core scientist at CNPRC, believes this research could pave the way for preventing these disorders before they fully develop. 

The Study 

Fox, along with graduate student Dan Holley, utilized cutting-edge technology to monitor anxiety-related behaviors in 18 preadolescent female monkeys. Initially, human observers assessed the monkeys’ temperaments—identifying traits such as confidence, nervousness, and timidness. Two to three years later, the same monkeys underwent brain imaging while participating in behavioral tests designed to assess anxiety-related behaviors. 

Traditionally, this type of experiment required multiple trained researchers to review each video meticulously to quantify behavior. Holley, however, developed a machine-learning technique to automate this process, significantly accelerating the research. “The hope is that machine learning will largely liberate researchers to focus on more interesting and appealing aspects of this work,” Holley explained. 

Key Findings 

The machine-learning approach revealed a strong correlation between infants identified as nervous and a specific anxiety-related behavior known as freezing, where the monkeys remained immobile for at least three seconds. This behavior was linked to increased metabolic activity in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a brain region crucial for threat processing. This finding replicated a relationship identified by researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, suggesting the robustness of this connection across different environments. 

Fox and Holley were struck by how accurately human observers could predict future behavior based on early temperament assessments. “When humans were making those observations, they were picking up something about the animal that we have not fully characterized,” Fox noted. 

Future Implications 

The study’s success has already led to funding for further research involving a larger cohort of 159 monkeys, both male and female. 

“Ultimately, our hope is that by understanding the biology, we will be able to develop new behavioral or pharmacological treatments that could help alter the developmental trajectory of individuals with increased inhibited temperament during infancy, preventing the development of anxiety disorders that cause suffering later in life,” Fox said. 

What This Means 

This study marks a significant advance in understanding the long-term impacts of early-life anxiety. By integrating machine learning into behavioral research, CNPRC scientists have opened new avenues for exploring and potentially mitigating anxiety disorders. The team’s innovative approach and promising results highlight the potential for AI-driven tools to revolutionize mental health research and treatment strategies. 

After 14 years at the helm of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC), Dr. Jon Levine stepped down as Director on December 31, 2024, but continues his impactful neuroscience research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the WNPRC. Dr. Levine, a professor of neuroscience, is renowned for his studies on reproductive endocrinology and hormone actions in the brain. 

Dr. Levine’s Key Achievements 

• Expanded WNPRC’s research focus, emphasizing collaboration across fields like neuroscience, reproductive medicine, and infectious diseases. 

• Created scientific working groups that spurred innovation, collaboration, and increased grant success. 

• Led development of the WNPRC Scientific Protocol and Implementation Unit (SPI), driving research on HIV, COVID-19, Parkinson’s, and more. 

• Mentored over 15 post-docs, 30 graduate students, and numerous undergraduates, fostering the next generation of scientists. 

Looking to the future, Dr. Levine is excited about ongoing projects, particularly his research on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where he and collaborator Dr. David Abbott are studying a subset of rhesus monkeys that naturally develop the disorder. Their work could lead to deeper insights into the genetic and metabolic causes of PCOS, a condition affecting many women worldwide. 

As Levine transitions from his role as director, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, with a particular focus on helping junior investigators launch their careers. His legacy includes not only expanded research at WNPRC but also a lasting impact on scientific collaboration and mentoring across the globe.  

Dr. Saverio “Buddy” Capuano, DVM, Associate Director of Animal Services, serves as the interim director while the center continues its mission to advance human health through innovative research. 

To learn more about Dr. Levine and his work as Director at Wisconsin NPRC, click HERE.  

Dr. Deborah Fuller, the new Director of the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), has unveiled ambitious plans for the research center). With 14 years of experience at WaNPRC and a background in biomedical technology, Dr. Fuller brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen to her new role. 

The Approach to Excellence 

Dr. Fuller’s vision for WaNPRC includes: 

• Affirm our identity 
• Build and expand our identity through interdisciplinary consortia and collaborations 
• Enhance communications between research units and between researchers & veterinary staff
• Implement strategies for long-term sustainability 
• Support a culture of: Respect, Restraint, Responsibility
• Support a 3Rs culture of animal welfare: by funding new initiatives to develop refinements and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to replace and reduce the number of animals
• Increase our visibility 

Highlighting WaNPRC’s Achievements 

The center has made significant contributions to various research fields, including gene therapy, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and global conservation. In the past year alone, WaNPRC supported 126 grants totaling $118 million in funding and employs over 150 staff members. 

Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration 

Dr. Fuller plans to encourage interdisciplinary research by offering a $150,000 funding opportunity for collaborative projects between researchers from different disciplines. 

Improving Animal Care and Research Synergy 

The new leadership aims to enhance collaboration between researchers and animal care teams, benefiting both the animals and the research they support. 

Expanding Partnerships and Funding Sources 

WaNPRC will seek new partnerships and funding opportunities to improve its financial outlook and increase efficiency while reducing costs. 

Addressing Misinformation 

Dr. Fuller emphasizes the importance of proactively sharing the center’s successes and countering misinformation spread by animal rights extremists. As WaNPRC embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Fuller invites readers to stay tuned for monthly updates on the center’s progress towards achieving its ambitious goals. 

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) have made significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection. The team, led by Professor Smriti Mehra, Ph.D., has demonstrated that a promising TB therapy does not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) used to treat HIV. 

A Critical Breakthrough 

Tuberculosis remains a global health concern, causing over 1.3 million deaths annually. For individuals with HIV, TB poses an even greater threat due to their compromised immune systems. The new therapy targets an immune system protein called IDO (Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase), which normally suppresses immune responses. 

How It Works 

By inhibiting IDO, the therapy aims to enhance the body’s ability to fight TB. This approach has already shown success in cancer treatments and has demonstrated improved control of TB when used alongside antibiotics. 

Safe for HIV Patients 

The study, conducted with nonhuman primates at the Southwest National Primate Research Center with both TB and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), revealed that the IDO inhibitor does not interfere with cART. This is crucial for developing a treatment that can help patients battling both HIV and TB. 

Next Steps 

Researchers plan to study how the inhibitor performs when used in conjunction with both antibiotics and cART together – the standard treatment regimen for patients with HIV and active TB. Long-term studies are also needed to confirm the absence of unintended side effects. 

Potential for Rapid Approval 

The IDO inhibitor is already FDA-approved for use in cancer patients, which could accelerate its potential approval for TB/HIV treatment compared to developing an entirely new drug. This research represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of TB and HIV co-infection, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future.

In a groundbreaking leap towards a new Parkinson’s disease treatment, a stem cell therapy company has initiated a clinical trial involving human patients following the success of a novel therapeutic delivery method in non-human primates at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. This advance could revolutionize how we treat Parkinson’s disease. 

What is Parkinson’s? 

Parkinson’s disease is characterized as a condition that progressively impairs movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating movement. This leads to symptoms such as rigidity, slowness and tremors. While medications like L-DOPA can temporarily alleviate these symptoms, the drugs often lose effectiveness over time and can cause complications. 

A New Approach with Monkeys  

Researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have successfully grafted dopaminergic neuronal progenitor cells into the brains of cynomolgus macaque monkeys. These cells, provided by Aspen Neuroscience, were grown from human induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. The process involved precise surgical techniques guided by intraoperative MRI, allowing for targeted delivery of the cells to areas of the brain most affected by the disease. 

The Human Connection 

The promising results in monkeys paved the way for human trials. The research highlighted the potential of using a patient’s own iPS cells to avoid immune rejection, a significant hurdle in cell therapy. This method not only aims to replace  

lost neurons but also to enhance the patients’ quality of life by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with Parkinson’s. 

Bridging the Gap to Human Trials 

The transition from animal models to human trials required meticulous planning and collaboration. The study tested different angles for cell delivery to minimize surgical risks and improve recovery times. The findings were crucial in obtaining approval from the FDA to start human trials, marking a significant step forward in the quest to find safe and effective treatments for Parkinson’s. 

Hope for the Future 

As the first human trials commence, this research not only represents a scientific breakthrough but also a sign of hope for improving the lives of millions suffering from Parkinson’s. The journey from lab to clinic underscores the power of innovative science and collaboration in tackling complex health challenges. 

A groundbreaking study from Tulane University has revealed that an experimental cancer drug may hold the key to clearing HIV from infected cells in the brain. This discovery, published in the journal Brain, marks a significant step forward in the fight against HIV and its associated neurological complications. 

Key Findings 

Researchers at the Tulane National Primate Research Center found that a cancer drug significantly reduced levels of SIV (the nonhuman primate equivalent of HIV) in the brain. The drug works by targeting and depleting specific immune cells that harbor the virus. 

Dr. Woong-Ki Kim, lead author and associate director for research at the center, emphasized the importance of this research in addressing brain-related issues caused by HIV, which persist even in patients on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

Why This Matters 

While ART has transformed HIV from a terminal illness to a manageable condition, it doesn’t completely eradicate the virus. HIV persists in “viral reservoirs” in the brain, liver, and lymph nodes, where current treatments struggle to reach. The brain, protected by the blood-brain barrier, has been particularly challenging to treat. 

The Study 

The research team used a small molecule inhibitor called BLZ945 to block a receptor that increases HIV-infected macrophages in the brain. This approach successfully reduced the viral load, essentially clearing the virus from brain tissue. The study involved three groups of subjects, including an untreated control group and two groups treated with different doses of BLZ945. The high-dose treatment led to a 95-99% decrease in viral DNA loads in the brain. 

Looking Ahead 

The next step for researchers is to test this therapy in combination with ART, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive strategies to eradicate HIV from the body entirely. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, offers new hope for improving the quality of life for those living with HIV-related neurocognitive problems. As we continue to make strides in HIV treatment, this Tulane study represents a promising step towards tackling one of the most persistent challenges in HIV care – clearing the virus from its hard-to-reach reservoirs in the brain. 

In a study conducted at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, researchers have discovered a potential new use for the COVID-19 vaccine: treating high blood sugar levels in individuals suffering from Long COVID. This research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine could be administered therapeutically to address metabolic complications experienced by long-haulers, even when given several days after the initial infection. 

The study found that administering the vaccine four days post-infection resulted in significant and sustained improvements in blood sugar levels. This finding indicates that the vaccine may not only serve as a preventive measure but also as a viable treatment option for managing long-term metabolic issues associated with COVID-19.  

Researchers identified specific inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream that are linked to elevated blood sugar levels, revealing that high blood sugar may stem from changes in how the liver stores glucose, even after the virus is no longer present in the liver and pancreas. 

These insights have important implications for individuals suffering from Long COVID, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to metabolic dysfunction, such as chronic fatigue. Dr. Clovis Palmer, one of the lead authors of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings in exploring new strategies to assist long-haulers. Dr. Jay Rappaport, director of the Tulane National Primate Research Center, also noted that the study advances our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of innovative research in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. 

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, this research marks a significant step forward in developing effective treatments for the lingering health issues associated with COVID-19, offering hope to those affected by Long COVID.