Abstract: The present invention describes Photolabile Compounds methods for use of the compounds. The Photolabile Compounds have a photoreleasable ligand, which can be biologically active, and which is photoreleased from the compound upon exposure to light. In some embodiments, the Photolabile Compounds comprise a light antenna, such as a labeling molecule or an active derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the light is visible light, which is not detrimental to the viability of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, in which the released organic molecule is bioactive and can have a therapeutic effect. In another embodiment, the photoreleasable ligand can be a labeling molecule, such as a fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: Formulations containing sanguinarine or chelerythrine or the salts thereof or extracts containing them in admixture with suitable carriers and/or excipients for the treatment and/or prevention of mucositis.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cancer is provided wherein a cancer recognition (CARE) antigen or CARE antibody is administered to a patient. Administration of the CARE antigen or antibody will induce an immune or promote a response of IgM CARE antibodies which will bind to CARE antigen bound to cancer cells, inducing an immune response to destroy the cancer cells. Subsequent to said treatment, ELISA assays may be used to detect levels of said CARE antigen to monitor the efficacy of the treatment, and to govern the further administration of CARE antigens.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer in an immune-privileged site of a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprises systemically administering to an area outside the immune-privileged site of the subject, a therapeutically effective amount of naive, viable cells of a tumor of the subject, the tumor being in the immune-privileged site so as to generate an immune response in the subject, thereby treating the cancer in the immune-privileged site of the subject.

Abstract: Compositions comprising dendritic cells pulsed with tumor lysate and at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand which may be used for eliciting a specific immune response in a mammal in need thereof for treating diseases including a tumor are disclosed. Also disclose are methods of activating dendritic cells, comprising providing at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand; and pulsing a dendentic cell with the at least one TLR ligand. A method further comprises pulsing the dendritic cell with a tumor lysate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) in blebs (DRibbles) by contacting cells with a proteasome inhibitor, and in some examples also an autophagy inducer, thereby producing treated cells. DRibbles can be used to load antigen presenting cells (APCs), thereby allowing the APCs to present the DRiPs and antigenic fragments thereof. Immunogenic compositions that include treated cells, isolated DRibbles, or DRibble-loaded APCs are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for using treated cells, isolated DRibbles, or DRibble-loaded APCs to stimulate an immune response, for example in a subject. For example, DRibbles obtained from a tumor cell can be used to stimulate an immune response against the same type of tumor cells in the subject. In another example, DRibbles obtained from a pathogen-infected cell or cell engineered to express one or more antigens of a pathogen can be used to stimulate an immune response against the pathogen in the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of primary, metastatic, and residual cancer in mammals, and more particularly, the use of materials such as whole cells and derivatives and portions thereof to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds as novel thymidylate synthase inhibitors, novel strategies to treat or prevent neoplasia in a subject, methods and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Novel peptides that inhibit the release of microparticles from cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the peptides, expression vectors carrying the polynucleotides and methods for treating tumors using the novel peptides.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of, reducing or eliminating a cell population of a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises (a) thermally, mechanically and/or chemically damaging antigen-bearing cells which comprise at least one antigen characterizing cells of the cell population, with the proviso that the chemically damaging of the antigen-bearing cells is not predominantly effected using one or more antineoplastic agents, thereby generating immunogenic cells; and (b) introducing in the subject a cell aggregate which comprises the immunogenic cells and added antigen-presenting cells, thereby inducing an immune response for inhibiting growth of, reducing or eliminating the cell population of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating cancer and preventing cancer metastasis in a subject by administering a modulator of CGRP receptor signaling. The present invention is further directed to methods of identifying novel compounds that inhibit CGRP receptor signaling, and reagents and animal models useful for the same.

Abstract: The use of benzophenanthridine alkaloids and the salts thereof for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of tumors is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a milled homogenate and/or a suspension and/or a cell lysate, stemming from a tumor resistant to at least one anti-tumoral compound in order to immunize and generate in vitro an antibody, or one of its functional fragments, directed against a tumoral antigen specifically expressed at the surface of said resistant tumor and being possibly involved in the resistance of said resistant tumor. More particularly, the present invention is directed to such antibodies obtained by applying the method, such as the antibodies 1A6, 1A9, 2E11, 3C11 and 3G7, as well as to their use for treating cancer.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for the treatment of a tumor, comprising: (i) allogeneic or xenogeneic tumor cells; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. If two or more heterozygous individuals have the same cancer/tumor of the same or similar histological grade, then transplantation of tumor/cancer tissue/cells from one individual to another will not only induce rejection of the transplanted tissue/cancer, but will also increase the immunological awareness of the immune system to peptides shared between the tumors/cancers and other tumors possessing similar peptides.

Abstract: Combinations of cell lines are provided for allogeneic immunotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. Cancer vaccines generally have been limited to the use of cells that contain at least some tumor specific antigens (“TSAs”) and/or tumor associated antigens (“TAAs”) having shared identity with antigens in a targeted tumor. In such cases, tumor cells often are utilized as a starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs or relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalised normal, non-malignant cells, in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells, as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not posses TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines when administered in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention here relates to a product comprised of a cell line or lines intended for use as an allogeneic immunotherapy agent for the treatment of cancer in mammals and humans. All of the studies of cell-based cancer vaccines to date have one feature in common, namely the intention to use cells that contain at least some TSAs and/or TAAs that are shared with the antigens present in patients' tumor. In each case, tumor cells are utilized as the starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs of relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalized normal, non-malignant cells as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not possess TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.

Abstract: A method for separating tumor cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential from those without lymphotropic metastatic potential in a human carcinoma. Cells of the carcinoma are transplanted in each of a plurality of fresh athymic mice. At least one of the athymic mice which does not develop a palpable tumor at the transplant site is treated to suppress the T-cell independent innate anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells therein. Tumor-forming cells at the transplant site of the treated athymic animal are harvested to obtain a cell line of cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential, which is also tested for the expression of T-lymphocyte associated molecules. Such cells are intimately associated with low or diminished angiogenicity and immunogenicity. The traditional scientific criteria for human cancer cells is re-defined, and therapeutic targets for human cancer cells is re-focused.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising non-viable ovarian tumor cells and/or ovarian cancer tissue cells useful as a vaccine for human ovarian cancer and/or for the inhibition of human ovarian tumor growth. Methods for preparing the ovarian cancer and/or tumor vaccines that comprise these compositions are also provided, as well as methods of using the vaccines in the treatment and/or inhibition of tumor growth, and particularly ovarian tumor growth and ovarian cancers. The preparations may be defined as vaccines comprising human ovarian tumor tissue cells and/or human ovarian cancer cells. Preparations comprising the ovarian tissue cells together with an adjuvant are also provided. The ovarian tumor and/or ovarian cancer vaccines are demonstrated to significantly reduce the incidence of autochthonous ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Methods for treating neoplasms, tumors and cancers, using one or more haptens and coagulation agents or treatments, alone or in combination with other anti-neoplastic agents or treatments, are provided. Also provided are combinations, and kits containing the combinations for effecting the therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a composition for use as a vaccine for treatment or prevention of cancer. The method includes the steps of isolating dendritic cells from a blood, bone marrow or other tissue sample of a patient suffering from cancer or from an unrelated donor, culturing the dendritic cells under conditions and pulsing the dendritic cells with tumour cell lysate or an antigen released by the type of tumour cell and a tocotrienol.

Abstract: The invention provides, in part, novel SV-BR cancer cell lines. The invention provides a novel cell line SV-BR-1 deposited under ATCC PTA-1712 and SV-BR-1-GM cells deposited under ATCC PTA-1713. The invention further relates to therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses of the novel cell lines. Therapeutic uses include the use of SV-BR cell lines as cancer vaccines, and in particular, or the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a tumorigenic mouse cell, the tumorigenicity of which depends on a recombinant gene of interest is disclosed. The method involves: (a) providing a conditionally tumorigenic mouse cell containing a recombinant oncogene operably linked to an inducible promoter, wherein (i) expression of the recombinant oncogene is necessary and sufficient for the tumorigenicity of the tumorigenic mouse cell, and (ii) the inducible promoter is in the uninduced state; and (b) introducing into the cell a recombinant gene of interest that functionally complements the oncogene, thereby restoring tumorigenicity without expression of the inducible recombinant oncogene. Also disclosed is a method of testing a compound for anti-tumor effects.

Abstract: Combinations of cell lines are provided for allogeneic immunotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. Cancer vaccines generally have been limited to the use of cells that contain at least some tumor specific antigens (“TSAs”) and/or tumor associated antigens (“TAAs”) having shared identity with antigens in a targeted tumor. In such cases, tumor cells often are utilized as a starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs or relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalized normal, non-malignant cells, in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells, as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not posses TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines when administered in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated peptides derived from MAGE-C2, nucleic acid molecules that encode MAGE-C2 and the isolated peptides derived from MAGE-C2, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells transformed or transfected with the nucleic acid molecules or the expression vectors, and to tetramers comprising the peptides, HLA molecules, ?2 microglobulin and a first and second binding partner. This invention also relates to methods for using the peptides, nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors, tetramers and complexes of this invention as well as to cytolytic T cells which recognize the peptides in complex with an HLA molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising haptenized tumor cells and extracts thereof, methods for preparing the compositions, vaccines comprising such haptenized tumor cells, and methods for treating cancer with such vaccines. In a specific embodiment, melanoma cells are haptenized with a dinitrophenyl group, and used for treatment of melanoma patients having metastatic disease. Preferably, patients are given a first vaccine dose containing haptenized cells to “prime” the immune system. Subsequently, patients are injected with an immunomodulatory compound such as cyclophosphamide. In a preferred embodiment, an appropriate time period after the “priming” vaccine dose, additional vaccine doses containing a mixture of haptenized cells and an adjuvant are administered. The described treatment plan is more effective for eliciting favorable anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: An isolated peptide or polypeptide containing the sequence VSIGLSFPMLP (SEQ ID NO:1), found in the secreted form of human MUC1, that enhances an immune response when administered to a mammal, compositions containing the peptide, host cells producing the peptide and methods of use. The peptide or polypeptide may be conjugated to a carrier protein and administered as part of a vaccine or immunogenic composition for prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product capable of having one or more properties sected from: anti-fouling properties, anti-adhesive properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and wherein said product is obtainable from starfish.

Abstract: The invention relates to metastasis inducing DNA's, a method of identifying such DNA's and their use in diagnosis and therapy. It includes a method of screening and recovering met-DNA comprising the steps of: (i) transferring fragments of human DNA from malignant, metastatic cancer cells into a cell line that produces only benign, non-metastasizing tumors when injected into a syngeneic animal; (ii) injecting the transformed cells into the syngenic animal; (iii) selecting those animals in which metastasizing tumors have been identified; and (iv) recovering the met-DNA therefrom.

Abstract: L-prolyl-L-m-sarcolysyl-L-p-fluorophenylalanine, lower alkyl esters and/or acid addition salts thereof are produced. For this purpose, L-p-fluorophenylalanine with a protected carboxyl group is caused to react with L-m-sarcolysine with a protected amino group preferably with cooling in an anhydrous medium in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimid, L-m-sarcolysyl-L-p-fluorophenylalanine with a protected amino group and a protected carboxyl group being obtained. Then the amino protection group is removed, with formation of L-m-sarcolysyl-L-p-fluorophenylalanine with a protected carboxyl group. The obtained product is caused to react with proline with a protected amino group in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimid. L-prolyl-L-m-sarcolysyl-L-p-fluorophenylalanine with a protected amino group is obtained. Finally, the amino protection group is removed, and optionally the lower alkyl ester group is removed and/or the obtained compound is converted into an acid addition salt.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of monitoring the proliferation of cultured prostate cancer cells in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, methods of treating an individual with prostate cancer or at risk of developing prostate cancer, and methods of reducing the risk of recurrence of prostate cancer in an individual who had previously been treated for prostate cancer. Methods of the invention further include treating an individual with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with omega-3 fatty acids as well as methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The invention provides for compositions and articles of manufacture containing omega-3 fatty acids in particular formulations, and omega-3 fatty acids with a second compound that also exerts an effect on the androgen receptor.

Abstract: A family of tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them, are disclosed. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as BAGE tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them are referred to as BAGE coding molecules. Various diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the coding sequences and the tumor rejection antigen precursor molecules are described.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing immunogenicity of tumor cells or pathogen-infected cells comprising a compound having an &agr;-glycosylceramide structure or a salt or solvate thereof is provided. Tumor cells of which immunogenicity is enhanced by the compound having an &agr;-glycosylceramide structure are useful for tumor therapy (cancer vaccine therapy).

Abstract: A method of inducing resistance to or regression of tumor growth comprising placing tumor cells in culture in vitro or ex vivo supplemented with a pro-apoptotic agent for a period of time, transferring the tumor cells into a diffusion chamber, thereby producing a cell-containing chamber, inserting the chamber into a human for a therapeutically effective time, thereby inducing resistance to or regression of tumor growth.

Abstract: A method of inducing resistance to tumor growth comprising placing tumor cells in culture in vitro supplemented with a pro-apoptotic agent for a period of time, transferring the tumor cells into a diffusion chamber, thereby producing a cell-containing chamber, inserting the chamber into a mammal for a therapeutically effective time, thereby inducing resistance to tumor growth. The pro-apoptotic agents include nucleic acid molecules, proteins or peptides, non-proteins or non-polynucleotide compounds, and a physical conditions.

Abstract: New biologically active compounds are described which inhibit the cellular formation of niacinamide mononucleotide, and essential intermediate of the NAD(P) biosynthesis in the cell. These compounds can represent the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers, leukaemias or for immunosuppression. Furthermore, screening methods are described as a tool for detecting the above active compounds, and for examination of a given cell type for its dependency on niacinamide as a precursor for NAD synthesis.

Abstract: Novel cyclic ether vitamin D3 compounds having a cyclic ether side chain are disclosed. These compounds were first identified as metabolites of 3-epi vitamin D3 produced via a tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the formation of a cyclic ether structure. Also disclosed are 1&agr;(OH) 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds, which are produced via the epimerization of a 3-&bgr;-hydroxyl group of 1&agr;(OH) vitamin D3 precursor in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing hapten-modified tumor cells and extracts and methods of treating cancer by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing a tumor cell or tumor cell extract to a subject in need of such treatment. The tumor cells and extracts of the invention and compositions thereof are capable of eliciting T lymphocytes that have a property of infiltrating a mammalian tumor, eliciting an inflammatory immune response to a mammalian tumor, eliciting a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to a mammalian tumor and/or stimulating T lymphocytes in vitro. The invention also relates to an effective vaccination schedule useful for inducing an antitumor response in a mammalian patient suffering from cancer by inducing at least one of the following: tumor necrosis, tumor regression, tumor inflammation, tumor infiltration by activated T lymphocytes, delayed-type hypersensitivity response, and prolongation of patient survival.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to isolate and purify components required for bone-induction using extracts of Saos-2 cells or proteins released by Saos-2 cells into conditioned tissue culture medium. In addition, the present invention provides a method of augmenting bone growth locally comprising implanting the near osteoprogenitor cells the bone inducing agent isolated in the methods of the present invention, together with a mechanically suitable biodegradable carrier.

Abstract: A method of inducing resistance to tumor growth comprising placing tumor cells in culture in vitro supplemented with a pro-apoptotic agent for a period of time, transferring the tumor cells into a diffusion chamber, thereby producing a cell-containing chamber, inserting the chamber into a mammal for a therapeutically effective time, thereby inducing resistance to tumor growth. The pro-apoptotic agents include nucleic acid molecules, proteins or peptides, non-proteins or non-polynucleotide compounds, and a physical conditions.

Abstract: A method of inducing resistance to tumor growth comprising placing tumor cells in culture in vitro supplemented with a pro-apoptotic agent for a period of time, transferring the tumor cells into a diffusion chamber, thereby producing a cell-containing chamber, inserting the chamber into a mammal for a therapeutically effective time, thereby inducing resistance to tumor growth. The pro-apoptotic agents include nucleic acid molecules, proteins or peptides, non-proteins or non-polynucleotide compounds, and a physical conditions.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the proliferation and causing the differentiation of undifferentiated cells comprising contacting the undifferentiated cells with an effective amount of an antisense oligonucleotide having a sequence which is complementary to a region of the IGF-1 receptor RNA. The sequence of the antisense oligonucleotide is selected from an oligodeoxynucleotide sequence complementary to codons −29 to −24 of the signal sequence of the IGF-1 receptor and an oligoribodeoxynucleotide sequence complementary to codons 1 to 309 of the sequence of the IGF-1 receptor. The oligoribodeoxynucleotide sequence may be provided by an expression vector.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that substances which release ZAG proteins from lymphocytes also cause accelerated weight loss in humans. By administering an amount of the substance which is effective to cause the weight loss but is beneath an amount which causes side effects, a very desirable “dieter's aid” is provided. A dilute mixture of alfa interferon and gamma interferon in an aqueous medium is highly suitable for this purpose. It is administered at a much lower dosage than is generally employed for antibiotic purposes, thereby avoiding generally universal side effects. For periods of time extending at least for a few days, the weight loss composition of the invention causes weight loss at a greater weight than would be expected from fasting, at least for seriously overweight individuals.

Abstract: Suspensions, emulsions or dispersions of therapeutically active agents which are water insoluble or water intolerant such as nutritional supplements, herbal products, drugs, bacteria, yeast, vitamins and minerals are prepared as suspensions in edible vegetable oils such as orange, lemon, soybean, cotton seed, peanut, canola corn oil, sunflower, safflower, palm kernel, palm and coconut. The active therapeutic agent may be in crystalline or amorphous form, it may be a liquid as for example an oil such as vitamin E or beta carotene, or a preparation of a comminuted plant structure such as flower, parts, leaf, stem, root or tree bark, or an extract of a dried plant structure, or a freeze dried preparation of a vital bacteria or yeast. The suspension is formed by active mixing of the active agent and oil.

Abstract: Discorhabdin compounds are derived from marine sponges of the genus Batzella or prepared by synthetic methods. These compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredients, are useful as immunomodulatory, antitumor agents, and/or caspase inhibitors.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: A system is provided for analysis of neoplasia in tissue at a very early stage as well as later stages of its progression and for reporting the progression or regression of the neoplasia. The system performs multi-parametric measurements of the morphological structure and texture of the tissue structure and correlates these measurements on a common morphological grading scale. The system performs certain tissue measurements which are more highly discriminating for one kind of neoplasia and performs other tissue measurement, which are more highly discriminating, for another kind of neoplasia. Diverse tissue measurements may be made on diverse tissue types such as breast, colon, or cervix tissue, etc. from animals or humans which tissue has subjected to different carcinogens or chemopreventive agents. The measurements are made in different units and on different scales; and then these measurements are combined and reported on a valid, objective, common, universal scale.

Abstract: A nude mouse model for human neoplastic diseases having histologically intact human neoplastic tissue transplanted onto an organ of the mouse which corresponds to the human organ from which the tissue is obtained.