Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (?3)-?-DGalpNAc-(1?2)-?-D-PerpNAc-(1?3) -?-L-Fucp-(1?4)-?-D-Glcp-(1?), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents which affect chromosomal stability and aging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for producing antibodies against 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the antibodies produced according to the invention as well as methods for the detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D using these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CSAp antibodies and anti-CSAp antibody fusion proteins that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers, including colon cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for regulating the activity of imidazoline receptors. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising imidazoleacetic acid-ribotide (IAA-RP), imidazoleacetic acid-riboside (IAA-R) and its related congeners such as pros-linked ribotide and riboside. The invention is based on the discovery that IAA-RP and to a lesser extent IAA-P bind with a high affinity to imidazoline receptors. Antibodies to IAA-RP and IAA-R are additionally provided, as well as screening methods for identification of compounds that either promote or antagonize the activity of IAA-RP, IAA-R and its related congeners. The invention further relates to diagnostic and prognostic methods for detection of abnormalities in levels or activity of IAA-RP and IAA-R. The invention encompasses treatment of disorders related to the imidazoline system, including hypertension, glaucoma, psychiatric (e.g., depression), neurological (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for producing motif-specific, context-independent antibodies which are specific to at least one modified amino acid residue in the context of variable surrounding amino acid or peptide sequences. The method is particularly useful in producing antibodies which recognize phosphorylated serine, threonine, and tyrosine, or acetylated lysine, as well as other modified amino acids-containing motifs of one or more amino acids.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents which affect chromosomal stability and aging.

Abstract: The purified nerve growth factor consisting of 116 amino acids from the venom of Naja kaouthia snake was fragmented by trypsin digestion. The fragments were isolated individually by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thus separated fragments were tested for the biological activity of neurite growth on rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The fragment which showed the most activity was named ADESH. Subsequently, ADESH was sequenced. Synthetic ADESH was constructed using ten amino acids N L G E H P V C D S (SEQ. ID. NO: 3) of the fragment from its N-terminal is designated as AD-10. Different versions of synthetic ADESH such as AD-15 and AD-5 consisting of 15 and 5 amino acids respectively were constructed; having the sequence: N L G E H P V C D S T D T W V (SEQ. ID. NO: 2) for AD-15 and N L G E H (SEQ. ID. NO: 4) for AD-5. The synthetic AD-15 and AD-5 mimic the biological activity of the natural NGF.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrug and multi-prodrug complexes comprising drugs specifically bound to synthetic receptors in such a manner that active drug becomes available only in the presence of a targeted pathophysiologic receptor. Methods for preparation and use of these prodrug complexes in drug delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: Artificial antibodies or antibody mimics are described. They consist of polymers that carry specific binding sites mimicking the properties of antibodies. There is also described a method for producing artificial antibodies, in which polymerisable monomers carrying functional groups and crosslinking monomers are polymerised in the presence of a print molecule and subsequently the print molecule is removed leaving specific binding sites complementary to the print molecules. There are also described methods for determination and isolation of organic molecules using the artificial antibodies as well as therapeutic and diagnostic methods using these antibodies.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. Enzyme conjugates of Formula I may be employed in assays for the determination of an amphetamine and/or a methamphetamine. Immunogenic conjugates of Formula I may be employed to prepare antibodies for an amphetamine and/or for a methamphetamine for use in assays for the determination of an amphetamine and/or a methamphetamine. The enzyme conjugates may also be employed to screen antibodies for use in such methods.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. Enzyme conjugates of Formula I are employed in assays for the determination of an methylenedioxyamphetamine, a methylene-dioxyethamphetamine, and/or a methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Immunogenic conjugates of Formula I are employed to prepare antibodies for an methylenedioxyamphetamine, a methylenedioxyethamphetamine, and/or for a methylene-dioxymethamphetamine for use in assays for the determination of an methylenedioxyamphetamine, a methylenedioxyethamphetamine, and/or a methylene-dioxymethamphetamine. The enzyme conjugates may also be employed to screen antibodies for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, products, and compositions for selectively inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus without preventing the growth of Lactobacillus species. Specifically, the present invention discloses the use of tetrahydroiso alpha acid or hexahydro beta acid at a concentration effective to inhibit the growth of S. aureus without preventing the growth of Lactobacillus. The inhibition of S. aureus in accordance with the present invention thus provides useful methods, compositions and products such as feminine hygiene products for treating the diseases associated with S. aureus infections and infestations, i.e., toxic shock syndrome, without disrupting the normal bacterial flora in the area of its application.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrug and multiprodrug complexes comprising drugs specifically bound to synthetic receptors in such a manner that active drug becomes available only in the presence of a targeted pathophysiologic receptor. Methods for preparation end use of these prodrug complexes in drug delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of entactogen analytes such as, for example, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-ethylamphetamine (MDEA) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-methamphetamine (HMMA). The method comprises providing in combination in a medium (i) a sample suspected of containing the compound and (ii) an antibody raised against a compound of Formula I that comprises a protein. The medium is examined for the presence a complex comprising the compound and the antibody where the presence of such as complex indicates the presence of the compound in the sample. In one aspect of the above embodiment, the combination further comprises a label conjugate of the compound Formula I.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. Also disclosed are chimeric CAMP factor constructs, including CAMP factor epitopes from more than one bacterial species. The CAMP factors and chimeras including the same can be used in immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing Ig fractions from human polyvalent intravenous Immunoglobulins (IV Ig) which are in particular likely to be responsible for the immunomodulatory effect observed during the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases. The invention concerns Ig fractions having reactivity to IgM, IgG F(ab?)2 or DNP hapten and no or little reactivity to non-self antigens, that is Ig fractions which have idiotypic interactions among themselves (connected fraction) or which include natural antibodies reacting with the DNP hapten. Said fractions exhibit a polyreactivity to specific autoantigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: A cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. A therapeutic composition for killing selected cell populations comprising: (A) a cytotoxic amount of one or more taxanes covalently bonded to a cell binding agent through a linking group, and (B) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. A method for killing selected cell populations comprising contacting target cells or tissue containing target cells with an effective amount of a cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. Novel sulfur-containing taxanes.

Abstract: Addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin or amphetamines are spreading in an epidemic manner in the western world and are an important factor in the spread of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome AIDS (multiple use of infected needles among drug addicts) the present invention describes a vaccine and immunoserum against drugs. The vaccine contains the drug bound to a carrier protein in order to produce antibodies against the drugs in the affected person. The use of the drug in the presence of the antibodies deactivates the drug. The desired drug effect is thus eliminated and the vicious circle between stimulation and application is broken.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to specific regions of cyclosporine (CSA) and/or CSA metabolites/derivatives. The reactivity of these polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies make them particularly useful for immunoassays for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). These immunoassays or TDM kits may include polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to specific sites of CSA and/or CSA metabolites. These kits may also include various combinations of polyclonal antibodies, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Cyclosporine or CSA metabolite conjugate immunogens are prepared for the immunization of a host animal to produce antibodies directed against specific regions of the CSA or CSA metabolite molecule.

Abstract: Binding of red blood cells (RBCs) to exposed subendothelial surfaces. According to one aspect of the invention, RBCs bind to a subendothelial surface that has been exposed by angioplasty so as to block the deposition of platelets onto the exposed surface, thereby impeding thrombosis and the triggering of restenosis by deposited platelets. A bispecific antibody is used to mediate the binding of RBCs to the exposed subendothelial surface, the bispecific antibody having a first antigen binding site directed against an RBC surface marker and a second antigen binding site directed against a subendothelial epitope. The bispecific antibody is preferably introduced into the bloodstream just prior to the performance of the angioplasty and is introduced in a quantity sufficient to bind a high percentage of RBCs. According to another aspect of the invention, RBCs are drawn from a patient, treated and then administered back to the patient for targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating a target biological material contained in a sample, which consists in providing a capture phase comprising an organic molecule having at least a reactive function and at least a protein material capable of recognizing or binding, specifically and directly or indirectly, with the target biological material, said protein material having a specific covalent binding site with the organic molecule reactive function, consisting of at least a tag comprising at least six contiguous lysine, or lysine derivative residues, the method consists in contacting said target biological material with at least the capture phase; and detecting the target biological material fixed on the capture phase: The invention also concerns the capture and detection phases, and a reagent containing them.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(−) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: A method of improving specific immune responses to small immunogens, haptens, has been developed by changing the linkage between the hapten and carrier being used for immunization. High affinity antibodies to the hapten cotinine have been produced using this method. Antibodies to a glycated protein have also been developed, utilizing an immunogen which is composed of a glycated peptide mimic of the glycated peptide sequence which is the target epitope, wherein the peptide mimic is constructed to conformationally mimic the conformation of the peptide in the native protein, the peptide mimic contains no charged groups or other immunodominant group, and the peptide mimic is connected to a spacer sequence equivalent to a peptide spacer of between one and thirty amino acids in length, which serves to position the peptide epitope in a conformation that approximates its conformation in the native protein. In a further embodiment the peptide mimic and spacer are linked to a carrier molecule.

Abstract: A cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. A therapeutic composition for killing selected cell populations comprising: (A) a cytotoxic amount of one or more taxanes covalently bonded to a cell binding agent through a linking group, and (B) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. A method for killing selected cell populations comprising contacting target cells or tissue containing target cells with an effective amount of a cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. Novel sulfur-containing taxanes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imidazolinone hapten having the structural formula Further provided are an antigen and an enzyme conjugate which are prepared from the imidazolinone hapten. The haptens, antigens and enzyme conjugates provided are useful in immunoassays for determining the presence and concentration of an imidazolinone compound in the presence of one or more other imidazolinone compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for identifying and suppressing the growth of tumor cells, which comprises antibodies which react with proteins having N-glycosidically bonded saccharides.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemically-modified group B polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis. The invention also provides vaccines in which the respective modified polysaccharides are conjugated to a protein carrier, and the like, as well as antibodies to these conjugate vaccines. More specifically, the present invention provides novel group B meningococcal unsaturated N-acyl derivative polysaccharides, novel conjugates of the group B meningococcal unsaturated N-acyl derivative polysaccharides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising conjugate molecules of group B meningococcal unsaturated N-acyl derivative polysaccharide fragments covalently bound to proteins, and the use of these compositions as vaccines.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(−) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to catalytic antibodies and, more particularly, to a novel method of producing same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the exploitation of the products of catalysis to induce B cell mitogenesis. In a preferred embodiment, a growth factor having an ability to induce B cell mitogenesis is linked to a target antigen to which catalytic antibodies are sought. B cell mitogenesis is then dependent on the catalytic cleavage of the antigen portion of the growth factor by catalytic antibodies on the surface of B cells. The method of the present invention is useful for generating catalytic antibodies for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vaccine priming, using co-treatment, at a temporally similar or at a previous time, with a priming antibody capable of priming, or enhancing, or potentiating the effects of a vaccine, or vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of using this process to prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(−) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: Methods for controlling cell death when the cell is exposed to one or more potentially lethal cellular insults. In one method, cell death is inhibited by introducing a reactive oxygen species limiter into the cell which prevents the build up of lethal levels of reactive oxygen species when the cell is exposed to a cellular insult. In another method, cell death is promoted in cancer cells or other proliferating cells which are naturally resistant to lethal cellular insults. The method involves neutralizing reactive oxygen species limiters, such as bcl-2, which occur naturally in cancer cells and which prevent the build up of reactive oxygen species within the cancer cells when they are exposed to lethal cellular insult. Neutralizing the reactive oxygen species limiter leaves the cancer cell unable to protect itself when cellular insult causes increases in the level of reactive oxygen species. The result is an increase in cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for targeting boron atoms to tumor cells in a patient. The method includes the steps of (A) administering a targeting composition comprising a conjugate of (i) at least one first antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment which selectively binds to an antigen produced by or associated with the tumor cells and present at the tumor cells, and (ii) at least one second antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a hapten on a boron compound; (B) optionally, a clearing composition; (C) said boron compound; and (D) optionally, a second clearing composition. The method may further comprise the step of irradiating the boron atoms of the boron compound, thereby effecting BNCT of the tumor cells. Compositions and kits for carrying out the method also are provided.