Medical Biotechnology Research Laboratory
The Medical Biotechnology Research Laboratory was created in 1994 as the result of collaborative campaign between BIOTEC and the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The aim of the unit would be to maintain experience in medical biotechnology research, with emphasis on bronchial virus and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The Laboratory consists of two affiliated laboratories located at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine of Chiang Mai University.
Research Scope
Fundamental research in molecular virology
We are using the infectious DNA clones of dengue viruses to develop novel dengue vaccine candidates.
Fundamental bio-medical and translational research in the immuno-pathogenesis of DHF, aimed at understanding the complex immunological procedures applied to the development of innovative predictive diagnostics, technologies for vaccine analysis and improved recommendations of clinical care and public health intervention.
Highlights
Discovery of a novel mechanism of T-cell reaction”original antigenic sin” to dengue virus disease and its correlation with the severity of this disease.
Identification of human gene variations associated with dengue fever.
Demonstration of the substantial operational roles of non-structural protein (NS1) of dengue virus at activation of the complement system, among the major mechanisms resulting in shock and leakage in DHF patients and in evasion of dengue virus from host immune reactions.
Demonstration that antibodies from the prM protein caused enhancement of dengue virus infection which should be prevented in dengue vaccine design.
Production of a group of fresh attenuated dengue vaccine candidates by alteration of dengue viral enzymes utilizing dengue infectious cDNA clones. Some of the vaccine candidates are licensed to a company for additional development.
Establishment of methodology for determining the risk of developing hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome, by comparing the degree of the dengue virus NS1 and the amounts, or lack, of the terminal complement complex (SC5b-9).
Development of dengue analysis: dengue NS1-capture ELISA plus also a publication Serotyping-NS1 ELISA to determine serotype of dengue virus, dependent on the utilization of panels of anti-NS1 monoclonal antibodies available at the Unit.
Development of a novel reverse and forward genetic systems to get large-scale characterization of dengue viruses.
Maintaining two extended term exerts clinical cohorts aiming at running clinical trials as well as translational projects for better care and decrease in mortality.
Application of molecular immunology and biology in pathological and immune-electron microscopic analyses in human cells from autopsy cases.
Important Equipment and Facilities
Protein purification centers: Fast protein liquid chromatography, Low pressure chromatography.
- Cell culture facilities: Laminar flow-biosafety cupboard, CO2 incubator, Fluorescence Microscope
- Flow cytometry facilities
- PCR and Real-time PCR
- KS elispot systems (Procedure for enzyme immuno spot assay tests)
- Laser scanning confocal microscope