Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides isolated from cDNA libraries of human fetal liver-spleen and macrophage as well as polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof. The polypeptides correspond to a novel human CD39-like protein. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing polynucleotides of the invention and related host cells as well a processes for producing novel CD39-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides comprising a sequence homologous to a portion of the third constant domain of the epsilon heavy chain of IgE, covalently linked to either (1) a carrier protein, or (2) a helper T cell epitope, and optionally to other immunostimulatory sequences as well. The invention provides for the use of such peptides as immunogens to elicit the production in mammals of high titer polyclonal antibodies, which are specific to a target effector site on the epsilon heavy chain of IgE. The peptides are expected to be useful in pharmaceutical compositions, to provide an immunotherapy for IgE-mediated allergic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention comprise amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of novel CD39-like gene and gene products.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention comprise amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of novel CD39-like gene and gene products.

Abstract: The present invention provides cDNAs encoding deoxyribonuclease II&bgr; and isolated, purified deoxyribonuclease II&bgr; proteins. Antibodies against this protein and antisense agents targeted to a cDNA or corresponding mRNA encoding deoxyribonuclease II&bgr; are provided. In addition, methods of identifying and using modulators of deoxyribonuclease II&bgr; activity are described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen via fusion to a PEST-like amino acid sequence derived from a prokaryotic organism are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention comprise amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of novel CD39-like gene and gene products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel proteins capable of binding p35nck5a, and method of use of same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the cDNA and polypeptide sequences of a novel cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase, QPP. QPP is expressed in T-cells and in neurons, and functions to protect quiescent cells from apoptotic death. Therefore, QPP can be used as a therapeutic to inhibit apoptotic cell death and as a target in screening for compounds that modulate cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel immunosuppressive agents. In particular, the invention provides immunosuppressive agents that bind calcineurin and/or that inhibit interaction between calcineurin and NF-AT. The invention also provides analogs of these agents, nucleic acids encoding the agents and/or their analogs, gene therapy vectors, etc., and methods of making and using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein which is a novel inhibitor of INFR-1 and CD-95 induced apoptosis. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein. I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for selectively isolating IgY(&Dgr;Fc) avian antibodies from IgY avian antibodies. For example, the method includes: (a) providing an aqueous fraction from yolk of an egg of an anseriform bird; (b) precipitation IgY antibodies using a first precipitant salt; and (c) precipitating the IgY(&Dgr;Fc) antibodies from a supernatant using a second precipitant salt to provide an isolated preparation enriched for IgY(&Dgr;Fc) antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human/mouse chimeric antibody that includes the variable region of a mouse monoclonal antibody against human tissue factor (TF) and the constant region of a human antibody. The humanized antibody contains light and heavy chain complementarity determining regions of a mouse monoclonal antibody against human TF which have been grafted onto a human antibody. The present invention also provides a therapeutic agent for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome, which includes a humanized antibody against human TF as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A novel gene having the consensus sequence of a serine-threonine kinase- active site has been isolated by the suppression subtractive hybridization method which comprised of preparing a library of genes expressed specifically in fetal livers and isolating clones from this library at random. This gene presumably participates in cell growth control because it is highly expressed, especially in actively growing cells, and exhibits a significant homology with a vaccinia virus B1R kinase gene. Thus, it can be utilized as a target for developing cell growth inhibitors or antitumor agents.

Abstract: Polynucleotides which encode the polypeptide SOD-4, as well as such polypeptides, and antibodies against the polypeptide and the use of the polypeptide as a pharmaceutical for treating cerebral ischaemia, ulcers, inflammation, arrhythmia, oedema and paraquat intoxication as well as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and radiation injury.

Abstract: A role of the human BMP2 gene in osteoporosis is disclosed. Methods for diagnosis, prediction of clinical course and treatment for osteoporosis using polymorphisms in the BMP2 gene are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein which is a novel inhibitor of TNFR-1 and CD-95 induced apoptosis. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein. I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation and purification of IgY(&Dgr;Fc) antibody from avian yolk, generally comprising the steps of immunization of a fowl hen with an antigen, a partial purification of the whole antibodies from the eggs laid by the hen, and an immunoaffinity purification of the antibodies raised against the antigen, in which the binding of the antibodies with the antigen in the immunoaffinity purification step is conducted at pH within a range of 4-7 and under an ionic strength of lower than 50 mM. The present invention also relates to the IgY(&Dgr;Fc) antibody produced thereby and various uses of the novel IgY(&Dgr;Fc) antibody.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a compound for the prevention and/or the treatment of allergy consisting of: at least one allergen antigenic determinant which is recognized by a B cell or an antibody secreted by a B cell of a non-atopic individual to said allergen, and at least one antigenic determinant of an antigen different from said allergen which triggers T cell activation.

Abstract: Active Survival Domains in the Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Receptor (IGF-IR) required for transmitting the survival signal in vertebrate cells have been identified. In FL5.12 cells transfected with wild type IGF-I receptors, IGF-I provided protection from IL-3 withdrawal analogous to the protection afforded by expression of Bcl-2. Under the same conditions, IGF-I did not have a significant mitogenic effect on FL5.12 cells expressing IGF-I receptors. An IGF-I receptor with a mutation at the ATP-binding site did not provide protection from apoptosis. However, mutations at tyrosine residue 950 or in the tyrosine cluster (1131, 1135, and 1136) in the kinase domain resulted in receptors that retained survival function. In the C-terminus of the IGF-IR, mutation at tyrosine 1251 and at histidine 1293 and lysine 1294 abolished apoptotic function, whereas mutation of the four scrines at 1280-1283 did not affect survival. Surprisingly, receptors truncated at the C-terminus had enhanced anti-apoptotic function.