Abstract: The present invention provides new transcription termination signal sequences, especially a polynucleotide comprising at least two consecutive transcription termination signals, characterized in that said consecutive transcription termination signals comprise at least a first and a second transcription termination signal that are at most 1000 nucleotides apart, and at least one of the termination signal has or encodes a RNA hairpin structure.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated, in part, on the functional characterisation of membrane bound proteins that contribute to cation flux across biological membranes. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that at least some PQ-loop repeat polypeptides contribute to cation flux across biological membranes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to genetic manipulation of stem and primary cells and to reprogramming of somatic cells, more specifically, human cells. In particular, compositions and methods are disclosed for the generation and maintenance of such engineered cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for soluble zcytor11 receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides and antibodies can also be used to block TIF activity in vitro and in vivo, and may be used in conjunction with TIF and other cytokines to selectively stimulate the immune system. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides new lentiviral vectors that include an anti-repressor element (ARE) and, optionally, a scaffold attachment region (SAR). The lentiviral vectors provide expression of a heterologous nucleic acid in at least 50% of the cells of multiple cell types when used for lentiviral transgenesis. In certain embodiments of the invention the heterologous nucleic acid encodes an RNAi agent such as an shRNA. The invention further provides transgenic nonhuman animals generated using a lentiviral vector that includes an ARE and optional SAR. In addition, the invention provides a variety of methods for using the vectors including for achieving gene silencing in eukaryotic cells and transgenic animals, and methods of treating disease. The invention also provides animal models of human disease in which one or more genes is functionally silenced using a lentiviral vector of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for design of genetic circuits are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention and/or treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory and other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: The use of interferon induced transmembrane protein 1, 2, or 3 (IFITM1, 2, or 3) as a viral restriction factor, and methods of using the same to produce virus, transgenic animals expressing exogenous IFITM1, 2, or 3, and methods of treating or inhibiting viral infections by targeting a gene identified herein

Abstract: The present invention relates to direct protein delivery with engineered micro vesicles.

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-?1) inhibitor peptides or polynucleotides encoding said peptides for the prevention and/or treatment of corneal fibrosis and/or corneal haze.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glucose fed-batch process using concentrated cell culture for the efficient production of biologics, such as viral vaccines and recombinant proteins. In particular, the invention relates to culturing duck embryonic derived stem cells EB66 to obtain high yield of biological products from such cells.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of the minimum region of the avian Orthoreovirus muNS protein which is capable of forming inclusions as well as on the identification of specific regions of the muNS protein showing capacity to associate with the inclusions formed by muNS. The identification of said regions allows developing methods for purifying recombinant polypeptides as well as methods for detecting the interaction between two polypeptides of interest.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for protecting a biological material during delivery into a biological structure are provided. In one aspect, for example, a device for protecting and delivering a preselected biological material into a biological structure can include a lance operable to maintain a charge capable of associating a biological material thereto and at least one protective region formed on or in the lance, where the protective region protects the biological material during delivery into a biological structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immortalized avian cell lines suitable for production of biologicals or viruses for vaccination. In particular, the cell lines are derived from primary cells which are transformed with at least two viral or cellular genes, one of which causes cell cycle progression whereas the other interferes with innate protective mechanisms of the cell induced by dysregulated replication. The invention moreover relates to the production of said immortalized cell lines and their use for producing biologicals or viruses for vaccination.

Abstract: This invention provides new combinatorial approaches for the biosynthesis and screening of cyclic peptides inside living cells. These novel approaches are useful for finding biologically relevant molecules, e.g., those able to inhibit the cytotoxicity of Anthrax Edema Factor. Key to this ‘living combinatorial’ approach is the use of a living cell as a micro-chemical factory for both synthesis and screening of potential inhibitors for a given molecular recognition event.

Abstract: There is provided a fusion protein or a polynucleotide sequence encoding said fusion protein that comprises first and second domains, wherein the first domain of the fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment thereof comprising at least 20 consecutive amino acids thereof; and wherein the second domain of the fusion protein comprises a mycobacterial antigen or an antigenic fragment thereof. Also provided are corresponding therapeutic uses thereof for the protection of primates against mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or/and treatment of an influenza virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to complementarity determining region (CDR)-grafted humanized R24 antibodies that bind to the GD3 ganglioside antigen. The humanized antibodies disclosed herein have characteristics that are comparable or superior to the murine R24 antibody, and the humanized antibodies are useful in treating cancer (e.g. melanoma).

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant G-protein coupled receptors with increased conformational stability, and methods of use thereof. In some aspects, polynucleotides encoding the mutant G-protein coupled receptors are provided. In some aspects, host cells comprising the polynucleotides are provided. In some aspects, the invention relates to crystallized forms of the mutant G-protein coupled receptors, and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to vectors containing bacterial nucleic acid sequences and a paramyxovirus gene. Typically, the expression vector comprises a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), and a nucleic acid sequence comprising a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gene in operable combination with a regulatory element and optionally a reporter gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for a substantially protein-free media (PFM) optimized for cultivation of mammalian and/or avian cell-lines for manufacturing viral-based vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel isolated fluorescent proteins, variants thereof, and polynucleotides encoding the same. Methods for making and using the polypeptides and polynucleotides are also provided. For example, methods to detect protein-protein interactions, to develop novel fluorescent reagents, to monitor cellular events, as well as cell-based methods for screening for kinase or phosphatase inhibitors, are set forth. Kits to carry out the methods of the invention are also taught.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) component(s), and which may be either nucleic acid- or polypeptide-based as well as nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding such HBV component(s). It also relates to infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules or vectors. It also provides composition and kits of parts comprising such nucleic acid molecules, vectors, infectious viral particles or host cells and the therapeutic use thereof for preventing or treating HBV infections.

Abstract: A purified anti-cancer peptide consisting of amino acids 266 to 287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No. 4), and modified and homologous forms of the peptide are described. The modified or and homologous forms of the peptide include more than contiguous amino acids having at least 75% amino acid sequence identity with at least 8 contiguous amino acids of amino acids 266-287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No.4) defining a motif selected from the group consisting of RRRVQQ (SEQ ID No. 5) and RGRAK (SEQ ID No.1). The peptide(s) can be produced by B. linens, a Brevibacterium commonly used in the production of cheese. There is also provided method for prophylaxis or treatment of cancer in a mammal, comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of the peptide, or a protein the pepsin cleavage of which yields the peptide.

Abstract: A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis at a genomic locus of interest in a cell, thereby giving new tools for genome engineering, including therapeutic applications and cell line engineering. A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis, concerns the identification of effectors that modulate double-strand break-induced mutagenesis by use of interfering agents; these agents are capable of modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis through their respective direct or indirect actions on said effectors. Methods of using these effectors, interfering agents and derivatives, respectively, by introducing them into a cell in order to modulate and more particularly to increase double-strand break-induced mutagenesis. Specific derivatives of identified effectors and interfering agents, vectors encoding them, compositions and kits comprising such derivatives for modulating or increasing double-strand break-induced mutagenesis.

Abstract: The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to immortalized avian cells, including those deposited under accession numbers 09070701, 09070702, and 09070703 at the ECACC, and to the use of these cells for the production of viruses. The cells according to the invention are particularly useful for the production of recombinant viral vectors which can be used for the preparation of therapeutic and/or prophylactic compositions for the treatment of animals and more particularly humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development and manufacturing of viral vaccines. In particular, the invention relates to the field of industrial production of viral vectors and vaccines, more in particular to the use of avian embryonic stem cells, preferably the EBx® cell line derived from chicken embryonic stem cells, for the production of viral vectors and viruses. The invention is particularly useful for the industrial production of viral vaccines to prevent viral infection of humans and animals.

Abstract: TNF-? binding proteins, including chimeric, CDR-grafted, and humanized antibodies that bind TNF-? are provided. Binding proteins have high affinity for TNF-? and neutralize TNF-? activity. A binding protein can be a full-length antibody or a TNF-?-binding portion thereof. Methods of making and methods of using the binding proteins are also described. The TNF-? binding proteins are useful for detecting TNF-? and for inhibiting TNF-? activity, including in a human subject suffering from a disease or disorder in which TNF-? activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making the such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an invasive test on an egg, such as determining the gender of an embryo in an egg, comprising the step of: providing a passage to the interior of an egg. The present invention also relates to a method for determining the gender of an embryo in an egg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties. It also relates to methods for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties using said cells and to molecules obtainable by said methods. The present invention further relates to molecules having an artificial glycosylation pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric taste receptors comprising the extracellular portion of one T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, and the transmembrane portion of another T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, preferably associated with a T1R3 polypeptide and a suitable G protein. These chimeric taste receptors and cells which express such chimeric taste receptors are useful in assays for identifying sweet and umami ligands as well in assays for identifying sweet and umami enhancers. Additionally, these chimeric taste receptors and cells which express same can be used to map and determine where specific sweet and umami ligands interact with their respective receptors and to elucidate the mechanism of receptor activation.

Abstract: Transgenic mammals, cells derived from the animals, and methods of using these to monitor the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are provided. In some embodiments, the methods allow for monitoring the ER stress response in real time. Some of the methods allow non-invasive in vivo visualization of ER stress response. Also provided are methods of screening molecules and/or treatment conditions for the ability to modulate the ER stress response, methods of treating diseases characterized by ER stress response activity, and methods of detecting the toxicity or therapeutic ratio of molecules that modulate the ER stress response.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost inoculation regimen. The present invention relates to a method of virus amplification in primary cells which are cultivated in a serum free medium. Viruses produced by this method are advantageously free of any infectious agents comprised in animal sera.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, as well as methods of making them. Methods for using the multivalent and multispecific binding proteins of the invention in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease are also provided.

Abstract: Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention involve the manipulation and/or propagation of oviduct tumor cells derived from either wild-type or transgenic avians.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HIV-1 gp41-binding single-chain 3-stranded alpha-helical coiled coil molecules, denoted “Alphabodies”, nucleic acids encoding said Alphabodies, host cells comprising said nucleic acids, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said Alphabodies, and methods for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of HIV infection using said Alphabodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of polypeptides from phytopathogenic fungi having the biological activity of an aurora kinase and the function of an aurora kinase activator, to nucleic acids coding therefore, to the use of the polypeptides and nucleic acids for identifying modulators of an aurora kinase, to processes for identifying such modulators and to the use of these modulators as fungicides.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating the tissue response to an agent in birds are provided. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring exposure to agents in birds and methods of determining the efficacy of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zFGF5 compositions and methods of using the compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising protein light switches and methods of photomanipulating the activity of the proteins. The invention further relates to polynucleotides and vectors encoding the fusion proteins, cells comprising the fusion proteins, and methods of using the fusion proteins to study protein function and analyze subcellular activity, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a non-adenoviral target virus or target proteins utilizing a potent expression cell line having stably integrated into its genome a gene encoding a specific heterologous regulator protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of influenza vaccine production. Influenza vaccines have been produced in embryonated hens' eggs for over 50 years, but recently there have been considerable efforts to develop cell culture systems for vaccine production. In one embodiment, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising an influenza gene segment and a bacteriophage polymerase promoter or a complementary strand of said nucleic acid, and a cell comprising such a nucleic acid capable of producing desired influenza virus. In another embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising a cell or material derived from a cell according to the invention and a virus or material derived from a viral particle according to the invention.