Abstract: The invention relates to a novel system for gene regulation in eukaryotic cells, and methods of using the same for protein production, tissue engineering and gene therapy. In particular, the invention provides a new system for antibiotic-regulated gene expression in eukaryotic cells based on sequences from Enterobacteriaceae antibiotic resistance promoters, polypeptides that bind to the same in an antibiotic responsive manner, and nucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Further, the invention provides novel and sensitive methods of screening for candidate antibiotics.

Abstract: Isolated antibodies to Invaplex; novel compositions comprising immunoglobulins directed to invasin proteins and LPS from gram negative bacteria that selectively bind to Invaplex, and do not bind to the individual components of Invaplex.

Abstract: The invention provides active and passive immunization methods for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile infection, which involve percutaneous administration of C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, C. difficile toxoids, or combinations thereof. Also provided by the invention are C. difficile toxoids, C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, and methods of identifying subjects that produce C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody expression library derived from a patient which has been immunochallenged with one or more foreign antigens associated with a particular disease or foreign agent, wherein said patients have been immunochallenged with the foreign antigens at a time point such that they still contain a repertoire of antibody producing cells which are enriched with cells producing antibodies directed to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent, or at a time point such that they are still in an active phase of immune response to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent. Methods of producing such expression libraries are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel biologically active lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) derivatives including LBP derivative hybrid proteins which are characterized by the ability to bind to and neutralize LPS and which lack the CD14-mediated immunostimutlatory properties of holo-LBP.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for using an animal organism to produce monoclonal antibodies and/or human growth factors and/or for producing human immunoglobulins and blood components, and/or for producing polyclonal antiserums and/or for testing potential vaccines against infections. According to the invention, a human or animal stem cell is transplanted into a fertilised ovum of the animal organism to produce an intact human or animal haematopoiesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vectors, including viral vectors such as adenovirus vectors. The vectors comprise ribosomal promoters in operable combination with a gene of interest. The improved vectors are useful for a wide variety of gene therapy applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for treating, ameliorating, or preventing having an infection due to an intracellular vacuolar bacterium. The invention further exemplifies the use of mevinolin (lovastatin) in the treatment of intracellular vacuolar bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides two members of a new family of human proteins, designated as “Zven.” The Zven1 gene, which resides in human chromosome 3p21.1-3p14.3, is expressed in testicular tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract: A process of preparing a pharmaceutical composition includes the steps of: a) obtaining isolated immunoglobulins from an animal; b) contacting the isolated immunoglobulins with a bacterial Fc-binding protein; c) collecting the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein; and d) adding a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the immunoglobulins not bound to the bacterial Fc-binding protein.

Abstract: Novel human monoclonal antibodies derived from a transgenic mouse are disclosed as well as a process for the preparation of the novel monoclonals and a therapeutic method of treating an individual for hemolytic uremic syndrome or of protecting an individual against hemolytic uremic syndrome by administration of the monoclonals to the individual in need of treatment or protection.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies raised against cell walls of Group A Streptococci are specific to biological materials, e.g. immunoglobulins, having terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues and can be used in their detection, e.g. in the diagnosis of diseases characterized by their presence, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of strepococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating LBP-mediated LPS-induced myeloid cell activation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LBP monoclonal antibody molecule. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-LBP antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

Abstract: The claimed invention is a method for determining whether a mammal is infected with Haemobartonella felis or for inducing an immune response against Haemobartonella felis using a polypeptide expressed by Mycoplasma. Preferably, the polypeptide is expressed by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide is the pMGA protein expressed by the strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum having ATCC deposit number 19610.

Abstract: A Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae protein prepared by recombinant DNA or synthetic means, DNA sequences coding for the protein, an expression vector and transformed host containing the DNA sequences, a vaccine based on the protein, a vaccine based on the DNA sequences, methods of treating swine to prevent enzootic pneumonia using the vaccines, and diagnostic tests based on the protein or antibodies raised against it for detecting the presence of Mhyo infection in swine herds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention further relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antigenic polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Streptococcus nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for identifying a group A Streptococcus in any of a variety of physiological samples, such as blood, saliva, throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, brocheolar lavage material, and biopsy material. The positions used include an extracellular cysteine protease or a fragment thereof, obtainable from S. pyogenes and containing at least one conserved epitope, or nucleic acid encoding the cysteine protease or fragment thereof. The compositions also find use in eliciting a protective immune response against a group A streptococcus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially pure antigenic peptide or protein related to Shiga toxin, Shiga-like toxin I, Shiga-like toxin II or a variant of Shiga-like toxin II, and to a vaccine formulation containing such a peptide or protein useful in treating a disease associated with the toxin. Also disclosed is a method for treating a disorder associated with the expression of Shiga toxin or a Shiga-like toxin using an effective amounts of the P1 glycoprotein. Antibodies may be generated to Shiga-like toxin II of the present invention that cross-react with Shiga toxin and Shiga-like toxin I. Also disclosed are methods for removing Shiga toxin or a Shiga-like toxin from a sample such as a body fluid using the antibody or the P1 glycoprotein. Also provided are methods and kits for detecting disorders associated with the expression of Shiga toxins and Shiga-like toxins I and II involving the detection of the toxins.

Abstract: There are produced recombinant gene pairs which endow mononuclear cells, mainly various lymphocyte type cells, with antibody-type specificity. In specific gene pairs the rearranged gene pairs code for a binding site of an antibody molecule from the same species, of the T-cell receptor gene, or another species. Gene pairs of the invention code, for example, for antibodies specific towards tumor-specific antigens, viral antigens, modified self antigens, bacterial or fungal antigens, autoimmune type disease antigens and the like. The invention further relates to expression vectors for the effective transfection of such cell types comprising such a recombinant gene pair, to methods for producing same and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as active ingredient an effective quantity of lymphocytes transfected with such gene pairs.

Abstract: There are produced recombinant gene pairs which endow mononuclear cells, mainly various lymphocyte type cells, with antibody-type specificity. In specific gene pairs the rearranged gene pairs code for a binding site of an antibody molecule from the same species, of the T-cell receptor gene, or another species. Gene pairs of the invention code, for example, for antibodies specific towards tumor-specific antigens, viral antigens, modified self antigens, bacterial or fungal antigens, autoimmune type disease antigens and the like. The invention further relates to expression vectors for the effective transfection of such cell types comprising such a recombinant gene pair, to methods for producing same and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as active ingredient an effective quantity of lymphocytes transfected with such gene pairs.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) which are cross-protective against endotoxemia caused by at least two different Gram-negative bacterial strains having different core structures; and methods of production of these antibodies. By use of the Kohler/Milstein procedure involving immunization of mice with a number of different rough strains of heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria, followed by fusion and proper screening of the resulting hybridomas, such murine MAbs are obtained. The murine MAbs may be chimerized or humanized by known methods.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel peptide agonists and antagonists of staphylococcal enterotoxin A. Specifically exemplified are peptide agonists which stimulate T cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine against Lyme disease, wherein it contains one or more monoclonal antibodies which are specific for the 31 kD antigen (OspA) or the 34 kD antigen (OspB) of Borrelia burgdorferi.The present invention also provides a process for obtaining this vaccine, as well as new monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas and antigens.

Abstract: A genus specific chlamydia vaccine is provided which comprises an anti-idiotype antibody capable of producing in an animal an anti-anti-idiotypic antibody which recognizes a glycoplipid exoantigen (GLXA) of chlamydia. The vaccine is produced by producing an idiotypic antibody to GLXA which, in turn, is utilized t produce the anti-idiotypic antibody comprising the vaccine.

Abstract: Cell lines have been produced that secrete human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to molecules of different bacterial species. These antibodies have been found to be protective against lethal challenges of various bacterial genera. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, which can be in combination with other monoclonal antibodies, blood plasma fractions and antimicrobial agents, and the prophylactic and therapeutic use of such compositions in the management of infections are included. Prior to filing of this patent application the continuous transformed human cell lines 9B10, 4F10, 4B9, 7D7, and 9C3, described herein, were deposited in the American Type Culture Collection and given the designations CRL 9006, CRL 9007, CRL 9008, CRL 9009, and CRL 9239, respectively.

Abstract: Antibodies which neutralize botulinum neurotoxin serotype F are produced using biologically active botulinum neurotoxin instead of toxoid for immunization and exploiting the importance of cross reaction between various serotypes to obtain immune responses, or monoclonal antibodies, to additional serotypes of interest. Methods of preparation and uses of the neutralizing botulinum neurotoxin antibodies are described.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 and Anaplasma species major surface protein-5 in the competitive inhibition format for the serological identification of animals infected with Anaplasma species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine against Lyme disease, wherein it contains one or more monoclonal antibodies which are specific for the 31 kD antigen (OspA) or the 34 kD antigen (OspB) of Borrelia burgdorferi. The present invention also provides a process for obtaining this vaccine, as well as new monoclonal anti-bodies and antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody showing a high specificity to Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis, and a monoclonal antibody-sensitized latex for detecting Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis used for facilitating the detection of nitrifying bacteria present in activated sludge, water, soil or microorganism-immobilized carriers, and besides a method of detecting nitrifying bacteria using said monoclonal antibody-sensitized latex. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody to nitrifying bacteria having ammonia oxidation activities or nitrite oxidation activities present in activated sludge or soil, or microorganism-immobilized carriers. This monoclonal antibody to Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis is prepared by culturing clones of fused cells (hybridomas) obtained by fusing antibody-forming cells and tumor cells obtained from an animal immunized with Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating LBP-mediated LPS-induced myeloid cell activation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LBP monoclonal antibody molecule. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-LBP antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and diagnosis of Lyme disease. OspA and OspB polypeptides and serotypic variants thereof, which elicit in a treated animal the formation of an immune response which is effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. Anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. A screening method for the selection of those OspA and OspB polypeptides and anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are useful for the prevention and detection of Lyme disease. Diagnostic kits including OspA and OspB polypeptides or antibodies directed against such polypeptides.

Abstract: Cell lines have been produced that secrete human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to molecules of different bacterial species. These antibodies have been found to be protective against lethal challenges of various bacterial genera. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, which can be in combination with other monoclonal antibodies, blood plasma fractions and antimicrobial agents, and the prophylactic and therapeutic use of such compositions in the management of infections are included. Prior to filing of this patent application the continuous transformed human cell lines 9B10, 4F10, 4B9, 7D7, and 9C3, described herein, were deposited in the American Type Culture Collection and given the designations CRL 9006, CRL 9007, CRL 9008, CRL 9009, and CRL 9239, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hybridoma cell lines which produce monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that bind epitopes found on lipopolysaccharide most commonly associated with the endotoxin core of gram negative bacteria and exhibit broad cross-reactivity with gram negative bacteria of different genera and effectively neutralize endotoxin. At least one of the MoAbs disclosed (XMMEN-J5D) binds an epitope also found on gram positive bacteria. The hybridomas are produced by fusing an immortal cell, a cell having the ability to replicate indefinitely in myeloma cell culture, and an effector immune cell following immunization of the immune cell host with a preparation of a gram negative bacteria. While several individual hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies to lipopolysaccharide are described, the present invention adds to the state of the art an entire family of hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies to lipopolysaccharide-associated epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the novel hybridoma SDW18.1.1, hybridomas obtained from SDW18.1.1, monoclonal antibodies obtained from such hybridomas and derivatives of such monoclonal antibodies. The novel hybridomas are formed by fusion of cells from a mouse myeloma line and spleen cells from a mouse previously immunized with cachectin/TNF. Diagnostic and therapeutic utilities for the monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives are proposed, and testing procedures, materials in kit form and pharmaceutical compositions are likewise set forth.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence or absence of a viable microorganism in a sample which has been subjected to a sterilization process, whereby the sample is contacted with an antibody which specifically recognizes and binds an indicator epitope found on the surface of an intact viable microorganism, but not on the surface of a microorganism killed by the sterilization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof which are specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae P2 protein and have a cross-reactivity of 1% or less with five other species of the genus Mycoplasma and other pathogen species of the concomitant flora, and to methods for the preparation of the monoclonal antibodies according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to hybridomas which produce the antibodies according to the invention, and to methods for the preparation thereof. Finally, the invention relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies according to the invention for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a sample.

Abstract: Cell lines have been produced that secrete human monclonal antibodies capable of binding to the lipopolysaccharide molecules of selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa IATS serotypes. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, which can be in combination with other monoclonal antibodies, blood plasma fractions and antimicrobial agents, and the prophylactic and therapeutic use of such compositions in the management of infections are included.Prior to filing of this patent application the continuous transformed human cell lines 1C1, 6D6, and 8H7 described herein were deposited in the American Type Culture Collection and given the designations CRL 8941, 9171, and 9258, respectively.

Abstract: A signal receiving device is kept tuned by a tuning signal, which supplied to a tuning input of a tunable circuit in the signal receiving device. The tuning signal is supplied from a memory. The signal receiving device has an operating state and a calibrating state. The calibrating state serves to determine the tuning signal and to store it in the memory. In the calibrating state, a broadband signal source supplies a broadband signal to a band-pass filter. The band-pass filter is tuned to and passes a reference signal to the tunable circuit which provides the signal receiving device with selectivity in the operating state. The response of the tunable circuit to the reference signal is monitored and a tuning signal is selected for which it is measured that the tunable circuit is tuned to the reference signal which is passed by the band-pass filter.