Abstract: Vector constructs for expression of two or more functional proteins or polypeptides under operative control of a single promoter and methods of making and using the same are described. The vectors comprise a self-processing cleavage site between each respective protein or polypeptide coding sequence. The vector constructs include the coding sequence for a self-processing cleavage site and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from expressed protein(s) or polypeptide(s). The vector constructs find utility in methods for enhanced production of biologically active proteins and polypeptides in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, and methods of using such markers to induce or increase an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.

Abstract: Single AAV vector constructs for regulated expression of an immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof and methods of making and using the same are described. The AAV vectors comprise a regulated promoter operably linked to the coding sequence for a first and second immunoglobulin coding sequence, a sequence encoding a self-processing cleavage site between the coding sequence for the first and second immunoglobulin coding sequence and a additional proteolytic cleavage site, which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from an expressed immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof. The vector constructs find utility in enhanced production of biologically active immunoglobulins or fragments thereof in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Replication-competent adenovirus vectors specific for cells which allow a probasin transcriptional response element (PB-TRE) to function, such as cells which express the androgen receptor (AR), and methods of use of such viruses are provided. These viruses comprise an adenoviral gene under control of a transcriptional regulatory portion of a PB-TRE, which is in turn dependent upon AR expression. The gene can be, for example, a gene required for viral replication or the adenovirus death protein gene (ADP). The viruses can also comprise at least one additional adenoviral gene under control of at least one additional prostate-specific transcriptional response element, such as that controlling prostate-specific antigen expression (PSA-TRE). Thus, virus replication can be restricted to target cells exhibiting prostate-specific gene expression, particularly prostate carcinoma cells.

Abstract: Cell specific replication-competent viral vectors comprising a self processing peptide cleavage sequence are provided. The targeted replication-competent viral vectors include two or more co-transcribed genes under transcriptional control of the same heterologous transcriptional regulatory element (TRE), wherein at least a second gene is under translational control of a self processing cleavage sequence or 2A sequence. Exemplary vector constructs may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage site which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from the viral vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising cell status-specific transcriptional regulatory elements which confer cell status-specific transcriptional regulation on an adenoviral gene. A “cell status” is generally a reversible physiological and/or environmental state. The invention further provides compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, as well as methods of using the vectors.

Abstract: Colon cancer specific promoter sequences and adenovirus vehicles are provided. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity for treating neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing anti-tumor protection in a mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with combinations comprising antigen presenting cell (APC) activators and a cytokine-secreting cell and methods of administering the combination for enhanced immune response to tumor cells in a patient with a cancer.

Abstract: Replication-competent adenoviral vectors which selectively replicate in cancer cells are provided. The replication-competent viral vectors comprise an E2F responsive promoter and/or a telomerase promoter operatively linked to an adenoviral coding region. The replication-competent adenoviral vectors effectively replicate in a variety of types of cancer cells and find broad utility in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Single vector constructs for expression of an immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof and methods of making and using the same are described. The vectors comprise a self-processing cleavage sequence between a first and second immunoglobulin coding sequence allowing for expression of a functional antibody molecule using a single promoter. The vector constructs include the coding sequence for a self-processing cleavage site and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from an expressed immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof. The vector constructs find utility in methods for enhanced production of biologically active immunoglobulins or fragments thereof in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filamin-B peptides, compositions comprising such peptides, and methods of using such peptides to assess an immune response against such peptides. An immune response against the peptides correlates with an immune response, in particular a cellular immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.

Abstract: Single vector constructs for expression of a functional antibody molecule are described. The vectors have a self-processing cleavage site between two heterologous DNA coding sequences allowing for expression of two coding sequences using a single promoter. Exemplary vector constructs comprise a foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A sequence. The vector constructs can be used in methods relating to antibody delivery and therapy and in the production of a biologically active antibody or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the anti-tumor response in a mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with combinations comprising a cytokine-secreting cell and an anti-PD-1 antibody, and methods of administering the combination for enhanced immune response to tumor cells in a patient with a cancer.

Abstract: Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma specific promoter sequences and adenovirus vehicles are provided. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity, for treating neoplasia.

Abstract: Replication-competent adenoviral vectors which selectively replicate in cancer cells are provided. The replication-competent viral vectors comprise an E2F responsive promoter and/or a telomerase promoter operatively linked to an adenoviral coding region. The replication-competent adenoviral vectors effectively replicate in a variety of types of cancer cells and find broad utility in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Agents and methods for enhancing recombinant virus transduction in the bladder epithelium are described. A first method involves contacting the luminal surface of the bladder with a composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus. Alternatively, the luminal surface of the bladder can be contacted first with a pretreatment composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and, subsequently, with a composition comprising an oncolytic virus. Bladder treatment compositions comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus are also described.

Abstract: Lentiviral vectors modified at the 5? LTR or both the 5? and 3? LTR's are useful in the production of recombinant lentivirus vectors. Such vectors can be produced in the absence of a functional tat gene. Multiple transformation of the host cell with the vector carrying the transgene enhances virus production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, immunoglobulins specific for such markers, and methods of using such markers and/or immunoglobulins to assess an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.

Abstract: Vector constructs for expression of two or more functional proteins or polypeptides under operative control of a single promoter and methods of making and using the same are described. The vectors comprise a self-processing cleavage site between each respective protein or polypeptide coding sequence. The vector constructs include the coding sequence for a self-processing cleavage site and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from expressed protein(s) or polypeptide(s). The vector constructs find utility in methods for enhanced production of biologically active proteins and polypeptides in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method of cancer therapy in a mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with systems comprising cytosine arabinoside (AraC) and a cytokine-expressing cancer immunotherapy composition and methods of administering the combination to cancer patients in order to generate an immune response against the cancer and provide treatment with therapeutic efficacy that is an improvement relative to administration of AraC or the cytokine-expressing cancer immunotherapy composition alone as a monotherapy.