Abstract: The invention includes a viral vector method and composition comprising transcomplementary replication incompetent viral vectors, preferably adenoviral vectors, which are cotransformed to a recipient cell. The two vectors complement each other and thus allow viral replication, in a synergistic combination which enhances both gene delivery and gene expression of genetic sequences contained within the vector.

Abstract: Novel synthetic suppressor tRNA have been provided which provide read-through of internal nonsense mutations, or which can site-specifically alter translation of transcribed sequences. Uses of the same are also provided in genetic engineering protocols including gene therapy treatment of diseases such as Xeroderma pigmentosum.

Abstract: A method for treating tumors. Through infusion or xenotransplantation of xenogeneic cells, such as infusion of murine cells into the peritoneal cavity of humans, a hyperacute rejection response to the cells is induced. This in turn creates a bystander effect to the tumor. This effect creates tumor regression. This treatment can be used alone or in conjunction with gene therapy or chemotherapy treatments.

Abstract: A method for treating tumors. Through infusion or xenotransplantation of xenogeneic cells, such as infusion of murine cells into the peritoneal cavity of humans, a hyperacute rejection response to the cells is induced. This in turn creates a bystander effect to the tumor. This effect creates tumor regression. This treatment can be used alone or in conjunction with gene therapy or chemotherapy treatments.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed to increase viral titer of vector producing cell lines and to reduce potential for re-infection by inhibiting deactivation of helper virus. According to the invention, methylation of helper virus and concomitant helper virus inactivation is directly correlated with increased super-infection and decreased vector production. Novel helper virus, packaging and producing cells and viral vectors are disclosed with improved safety and stability by decreasing helper virus inactivation.

Abstract: The invention includes a viral vector method and composition comprising transcomplementary replication incompetent viral vectors, preferably adenoviral vectors, which are cotransformed to a recipient cell. The two vectors complement each other and thus allow viral replication, in a synergistic combination which enhances both gene delivery and gene expression of genetic sequences contained within the vector.

Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient retroviral or viral based method that allows easy and quick identification of gene transfer in living, transduced mammalian cells. Retroviral and viral vector producer cells were generated containing a gene for an improved humanized red-shifted, Green Fluorescent Protein (hRGFP) which increases the resulting fluorescence yield after excitation. This humanized, red-shifted GFP (hRGFP) gene was cloned into several vectors and transfected into various packaging cell lines to produce vibrant green fluorescence after excitation with blue light at 450-490 nm. These vectors represent a substantial advance over currently available gene transfer marking systems or wild-type GFP marker systems none of which have been stably transfected into cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to combination radio therapy of tumors and more specifically to pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment by gene therapy designed to sensitize tumors in animals, notably humans, and render them more susceptible to radiation, thus significantly reducing the amount of radiation required to kill neoplastic cells while at the same time making the radiation far more tissue specific to the tumor site.

Abstract: Novel synthetic suppressor tRNA have been provided which provide read-through of internal nonsense mutations, or which can site-specifically alter translation of transcribed sequences. Uses of the same are also provided in genetic engineering protocols including gene therapy treatment of diseases such as Xeroderma pigmentosum.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to combination radio therapy of tumors and more specifically to pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment by gene therapy designed to sensitize tumors in animals, notably humans, and render them more susceptible to radiation, thus significantly reducing the amount of radiation required to kill neoplastic cells while at the same time making the radiation far more tissue specific to the tumor site.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and compositions for killing tumor cells in animals. Through transfer techniques, cancer cells are engineered to express an epitope which is targeted by natural antibodies causing complement destruction of transformed tumor cells that is typically associated with hyperacute xenograft rejection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the method for dramatically reducing cytotoxicity of viral vectors such as Herpes simplex viral while retaining gene expression. The method of the invention virtually eliminates the concern of possible recombination during virus propagation and contamination of wild-type virus and virus stock. The invention comprises use of photochemical crosslinking causing differential inactivation of viruses.

Abstract: A novel HSV mini viral vector is disclosed. The vector comprises HSV and EBV genes which allow it to remain in episomal state, to have very high transfection and infection, and to tolerate up to 140 kb of foreign DNA. Techniques and genetic constructs for producing the vectors, for constructing the vectors and transfection and infection to recipient cells are disclosed.