BEI Resources offers Overlapping Peptide Arrays for Pathogens
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Custom peptides have many uses in biotechnology including epitope mapping, analyzing protein-protein interactions, and as antigens for the generation of anti-peptide antibodies. For epitope mapping, arrays consisting of a small amount of a large number of overlapping peptides are required. For the individual researcher, the generation of such a custom array of overlapping peptides for specific proteins of interest could be cost-prohibitive. For that reason, NIAID has funded BEI Resources to generate a substantial number of peptide arrays related to applications in biodefense and emerging infections. These reagents are provided free of charge (except for shipping and handling fees) for use by BEI registrants.
 Currently BEI Resources offers peptide arrays for proteins of influenza, SARS-CoV and human coronaviruses, dengue virus, hepatitis C virus, West Nile virus, hantavirus, vaccinia virus, Yersinia pestis, and Bacillus anthracis (complete list). For more information on these peptide arrays, please search our online catalog for your peptide array of interest. If you need more assistance or information about BEI Resources peptide arrays, please contact us by clicking here. |
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BEI Resources launches new Web Portal!
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BEI Resources is pleased to announce the launch of the new BEI Resources Web Portal!  The new BEI Resources Web Portal provides you a multitude of new features that will simplify your interactions with BEI Resources. The site offers registered users a one-stop shop with easy access to the tools and information needed for obtaining organisms and reagents for research. Users will now have several options for searching to find desired reagents or products (Search from the Header in any page, Advanced Catalog Search, Pathogen Search Links). We have also consolidated important forms and links that researchers need for meeting regulations for shipments. We invite you to take a test drive of the new website and let us know what you think! For additional information, click here.
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Ferret Reagents available through BEI Resources
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In recent years, the ferret has proven to be an excellent animal model for the study of pathogenicity and transmissibility of influenza viruses (Journal of Virology 81 (13): 6890-9898 (July 2007)). Even the attachment of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in the lower respiratory track of humans is mimicked in the ferret model (Science 312 (5772): 5772 (April 21, 2006)). In like manner, ferrets are also being shown to be a good model for SARS research because they are susceptible to infection by the SARS coronavirus and can transmit the virus to uninfected animals (Nature 425: 915 (October 30, 2003)).
To support the research on these emerging infections, BEI Resources (under the direction of NIAID) will soon offer a vast array of tools for the use of the ferret model. In February of 2008, BEI Resources made available approximately 100 ferret immune gene primers that were produced under contract by the laboratory of Dr. David Kelvin (Head, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, University Health Network). In Spring 2008, BEI Resources will also offer a number of monoclonal antibodies against ferret immune antigens, also from Dr. Kelvin’s laboratory.
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New Monkeypox Virus Real-Time PCR Assay Discriminates Monkeypox Viruses from other Orthopox Viruses
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Monkeypox virus is transmissible to people and it has become the most important Orthopoxvirus infection in human beings since the eradication of smallpox in 1970s.
A Monkeypox Virus quantitative PCR assay (Figure 1) which preferentially detects Monkeypox viruses is now available through BEI Resources. This assay detects Monkepox viruses at least 1000 fold more efficiently over most other Orthopox viruses or non-Orthopox viruses (Figure 2). Since Monkeypox virus and Vaccinia share considerable homology it is a critical advantage that this assay can detect Monkeypox strains at a minimum of 100 fold more efficiently over the other Vaccinia strains.
The qPCR Monkeypox assay includes the following components: primers, FAM labeled probe, and plasmid for a standard curve. Each vial of reagent can be used for approximately 96 reactions. For technical questions about this assay or to learn more, please contact our Technical Services Department.
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Diarrheagenic E. coli organism panels
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Outbreaks of foodborne disease caused by E. coli bacteria have become a serious problem in this country. E. coli organism panels, genomic DNA, and technical information are now available to support research to detect, treat, and prevent foodborne diseases.
 In February of 2008, it is anticipated that BEI Resources will have an organism panel that is composed of representatives of the diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes ETEC, EHEC, EPEC, EIEC and EAEC available for ordering. Genomic DNA panels from these organisms will also available in the near future.
Supporting documentation includes strain propagation information and growth and morphology on certain selective and differential microbiological media (see figure to the right).
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