Center News

Amy Orsborn, Neuro core scientist at WaNPRC and Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Bioengineering at the UW, was recently named a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award. The award will support Orsborn’s research investigating how the brain and nervous system respond to using sensorimotor neural interfaces, which show promise for treating a wide range of neurological conditions, such as paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or stroke.

Orsborn’s work will help to lay a foundation for creating advanced computer algorithms in sensorimotor neural interfaces that can better adapt to the user. A fundamental challenge inspires her research in neural engineering, where neural interfaces engage with the brain and nervous system in what is called a “closed loop” in which the user and the device influence each other. This closed loop has enormous therapeutic potential. Her aoLab will conduct experiments using two different types of neural interfaces: muscle/nervous system interfaces applied to humans on the surface of the skin, and brain-computer interfaces applied to the sensorimotor cortex of non-human primates. Comparing the results could help the team understand how the brain performs computations and how closed-loop devices influence them.

The NSF selects award recipients who are faculty members at the beginning of their careers to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. The NSF CAREER program intends to provide stable support, enabling awardees to develop not only as outstanding researchers but also as educators demonstrating commitment to teaching, learning and dissemination of knowledge.

Orsborn has been racking up accolades. She recently received the Ronald S. Howell Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. The Electrical & Computer Engineering department has more on the story.

Ongoing studies with Umoja Biopharma, HDT Bio, and the Allen Institute

Nonhuman primate studies are crucial in biomedical research, particularly developing new therapies. The pigtail macaque monkeys at the Washington National Primate Research Center share a closer genetic and physiological resemblance to humans than other animal models. This similarity allows researchers to predict better how a therapy might behave in humans, offering valuable insights into potential efficacy and safety.

Such is the case with Umoja Biopharma’s VivoVec platform for chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. In this in vivo study, the researchers observed the activation and expansion of CAR-T cells in the monkeys and their impact on target cells. The researchers, supported by the animal care and research staff at WaNPRC, compared the CAR-T cell expansion and persistence in monkeys with data from previous studies on ex vivo CAR-T therapies in similar primate models. This provided valuable insights into the platform’s potential advantages.

Overall, this public/private partnership is a critical bridge between preclinical research and clinical translation, providing essential data on the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of new therapies like Umoja’s VivoVec platform for CAR-T cell therapy.

Scientists at the Allen Institute celebrate their global collaboration in mapping the hundreds of billions of cells in rodents, macaque monkeys, and human brains.  They are mapping them by their type and function as part of the BRAIN Initiative® Cell Atlas Network, or BICAN, with financial support from NIH’s B.R.A.I.N. Initiative, or Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative.

The WaNPRC, by providing the Allen Institute’s NHP models, is helping to bridge the knowledge gap between rodent models and humans.

Dr. Randy Kyes, chief of the Global Conservation, Education & Outreach unit at the WaNPRC, and his Nepali colleagues wrapped up their 21st year of field training in Kathmandu, Nepal, before gaining some altitude in their annual climb up to their field sites in Langtang National Park. This was a return the site of a devastating  7.8 magnitude earthquake and resulting landslide in April of 2015.

Kyes and his Nepali colleagues highlighted their dedication and collaboration over the past two decades in a two-day photo exhibit titled “Langtang Through the Lens of Field Researchers.” The event was hosted at the Central Library of Tribhuvan University (TU) and sponsored jointly by the library itself, and the university’s Department of Library and Information Science, along with the Central Department of Zoology.

The exhibition provided a visual journey into the heart of the Himalayas and served as a celebration of over two decades of partnership and collaborative research, training, and outreach in the Langtang region.

At the heart of this celebration were the tireless efforts of dedicated field researchers, including long-time collaborators like Prof. Mukesh Chalise and past students turned colleagues, Dr. Narayan Koju and Dr. Laxman Khanal. In a moving speech at the opening of the event, Kyes also expressed his gratitude to the local residents of Langtang for their years of support noting that this exhibition is dedicated to their dear friends who were lost in the terrible 2015 earthquake and landslide.

Supported in part by OEI, USA, the exhibition not only showcased the beauty of Langtang, but also underscored the importance of these photographs as valuable sources of information for future research endeavors. It served as a reminder of the enduring impact of collaborative efforts in preserving and understanding our natural world.

This collaboration started in 2000 when I first visited Nepal and met with Mukesh Chalise, who became my long-time colleague. Two of our past field course students now colleagues, Laxman Khanal and Narayan Koju, are continuing this long collaboration – leading the way into the future.

 

Friday, February 2, 2024:

Midway through a thrilling three-week macaque distribution survey in Sumatra, spearheaded by Dr. Entang Iskandar from the Primate Research Center (PSSP) at IPB Bogor University, Randy’s journey took an exciting turn. Navigating through the verdant landscapes of the Aceh province, they stumbled upon two substantial groups of macaques, featuring both pig-tailed macaques (Mn) and long-tailed macaques (Mf), congregating along the roadside.

It is a real pleasure to be assisting my long-time colleague Dr. Entang Iskandar who is leading this important study.  I’ve worked closely with Entang and PSSP-IPB for over 30 consecutive years and I believe this project represents truly foundational work – helping to fill in the gaps regarding macaque distribution and target locations for in-depth population surveys.

Saturday, January 27, 2024:

On the fifth day of their collaborative three-week distribution survey in Sumatra, Dr. Entang Iskandar and Randy continued north as they delved into the northern half of the island for Phase 2. Their expedition led them to Taman Kera, Sumatra Utara, where they encountered sizable Mn and Mf macaque groups.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024:

Dr. Kyes expresses his pleasure at returning to Indonesia, once again joining forces with Dr. Entang Iskandar for the second phase of their macaque distribution survey. The collaborative spirit is resonating as they work towards unraveling the nuances of macaque populations of pig-tailed and long-tailed macaques in Sumatra.

Monday, December 25, 2023:

Looking forward to 2024, Randy and research scientist Dr. Pensri (“Elle”) Kyes, along with partners at Mahasarakham University and Mae Fah Luang University promise to delve deeper into the intricate dynamics of the relationship between humans and wild monkeys. The journey continues, and their shared dedication to bridging the gap between humans and primates propels them into the new year with enthusiasm and determination.

Key Details: Pig-Tailed Macaque Monkeys

Species: Macaca nemestrina

Other common names: southern pigtail macaque, Sundaland pig-tailed macaque or Sunda pig-tailed macaque.

Geographic locations of wild populations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand.

Import status: All pigtails at the Washington National Primate Research Center are purpose-bred for research.

Conditions negatively impacting wild pig-tailed macaque populations: Human encroachment into natural habitats, climate change, pollution, oil and gas production, human recreational activities, hunting and trapping.

Source of pig-tailed macaques studied at the University of Washington: All pig-tailed macaque monkeys involved in research at the University of Washington were bred expressly for involvement in health research.

Diseases and Disorders That Require the Study of Pig-Tailed Macaque Monkeys

• Women’s Health – Like humans, pig-tailed macaques experience menopause, menstrual cycles and give birth throughout the entire calendar year. We also share similar reproductive anatomy making these animals an important model to combat illnesses, such as chlamydia, that impact women around the globe.
• Health Issues Associated with Premature Birth – Research in pig-tailed macaques helps researchers understand and counteract premature birth and neonatal hypoxia. Neonatal hypoxia, the tragic result of oxygen deprivation shortly before or after birth, affects roughly 2-3 out of 1,000 live human births in the U.S. each year.
• Zika Virus Research – The study of Zika virus transmission during pregnancy occurs in pig-tailed macaques because their immune system is similar to humans.
• HIV/AIDS Research – HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, impacts the brains of both humans and pig-tailed macaques in a similar way. People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives thanks to past research in pig-tailed macaques.
• Valley Fever Research – Like humans, pig-tailed macaques are uniquely susceptible to Valley fever, a disease caused by inhaling a soil-dwelling fungus. This means these animals play a crucial role in the fight against Valley Fever, a growing health threat exacerbated by increasing global temperatures.
• Aging and Social Behavior Research – There is growing evidence that pig-tailed macaques are a highly valuable research model for the study of aging and certain social behaviors where animal/human parallels exist.

Generated in collaboration with Americans for Medical Progress 

Already holding the esteemed title of Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Dr. Amy Orsborn, Neuro core scientist at WaNPRC, was among three University of Washington (UW) faculty selected to comprise this inaugural cohort by the Washington Research Foundation (WRF). The UW Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering describes the fellowships as, “…honoring those who have research emphasis in neuroscience fields, a record of demonstrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the capacity to bridge disciplines and domains.”

Amy’s work is groundbreaking, merging her computational expertise with innovative approaches in experimental systems neuroscience. The result? Fresh, fundamental insights into how neural circuits master the art of learning. Her mission? To shed light on the intricate mechanisms behind learning within expansive brain networks, all with the ultimate aim of enhancing our ability to manipulate cortical dynamics for treating neural injuries and disorders. Learn more about the Fellowship and the other recipients, Drs. Gabe Cler and Sam Golden, within the Office of Research’s announcement, “Three Faculty Chosen for the Washington Research Foundation Ronald S. Howell Distinguished Faculty Fellowship.”

A big thanks to the Washington Research Foundation @wrfseattle for their support! It’s a huge honor to receive an award focused on things I value so much: interdisciplinary research & teaching/outreach to make science a more inclusive and equitable place.

Beyond her research and teaching, Amy is deeply involved in the Women in Science and Engineering program. She’s also the co-founder of the Women in Neural Engineering group, dedicated to advancing the careers of women in the field. Her commitment to diversity and equity in science and engineering is crystal clear.

The goal of this project is to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which IL-15 programs protective immunity with the RhCMV-SIV vaccine to inform our understanding of HCMV-HIV vaccine immunity against HIV.

The world is in need of an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine, and the cytomegalovirus (CMV) vector-based HIV/SIV vaccine featured in our studies is highly efficacious and durable to uniquely mediate viral “replication arrest” efficacy in the Rhesus Macaque-SIV model. Vaccine immunity is mediated by unconventional MHC-E-restricted CD8+ T cell responses and induction of IL-15, which correlate with vaccine protection. The work proposed in this application will reveal the molecular mechanisms of immune programming by the CMV-based vaccine and IL- 15 actions to inform human testing of this vaccine concept in ongoing and future phase I/II trials.

NIH P01 AI177688:     $8,472,008

 

As seen in October 2023 issue:
The disease hits farmworkers and outdoor laborers disproportionately hard.

The article discusses the growing threat of Valley fever, a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides, in the western United States, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Valley fever thrives in dry, dusty environments and can be inhaled as airborne pathogens. It is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, fevers, body aches, fatigue, rashes, and appetite loss. The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including Latino, Asian, and Native American communities, due to their frequent exposure to dusty outdoor locations. Many of those affected lack access to basic healthcare and are afraid to seek medical help due to concerns about employer retaliation or deportation.

The article highlights that Valley fever is underreported, underdiagnosed, and underfunded, with limited research on the disease. Researchers are working to better understand its spread and develop treatments and vaccines. Climate change and environmental factors, such as increased dust exposure, are contributing to the spread of Valley fever, and there is concern that it could extend into new regions in the future.

One potential benefit of a Valley fever vaccine is that it could be a one-and-done kind of thing—unlike those for influenza or even tetanus, which must be updated regularly. According to studies by microbiologist Deborah Fuller of the University of Washington School of Medicine, people who get Valley fever develop lifelong immunity. That, Fuller says, “is the golden egg.”

Fuller’s research team is actively working on developing both DNA and RNA-based vaccines. These vaccines are designed to stimulate the body to produce specific proteins that can trigger a strong immune response. What makes these vaccines particularly valuable is that they have the potential to do more than just combat Valley fever. They could also serve as a valuable tool for researchers to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to other fungal diseases. This research could ultimately lead to improved treatments for a range of fungal infections, providing valuable insights into the field of fungal disease immunology.

Efforts are also underway at both the local and federal levels to address the threat of Valley fever, with some researchers working on vaccines for humans, building on the success of a vaccine for dogs. Funding for Valley fever research has increased in response to rising incidence rates, but there is a long way to go in terms of awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of this fungal disease, especially among vulnerable populations like farmworkers.

Related:
https://news.nau.edu/valley-fever-collaborative/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37730871/