Abstract: A novel CC-chemokine binding protein is isolated from the saliva of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used as anti-inflammatory compounds and in the treatment or prevention of CC-chemokine-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is of a method of producing proteins in mammalian cells using a permanent selection in the absence of cytotoxic drugs. Specifically, the present invention can be used to produce large quantities of highly pure human proteins which are suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Cytokine derivatives capable of homing the tumoral vessels and the antigen presenting cells and the use thereof as antitumoral agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an IL-1ra having reduced aggregation, methods of reducing aggregation of IL-1ra, and kits comprising an IL-1ra having reduced aggregation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel protein (INSP002), herein identified as a secreted protein that is a member of the Dan family of the cystine-knot fold cytokine superfamily and to the use of this protein and nucleic acid sequences from the encoding genes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A novel CC-chemokine binding protein is isolated from the saliva of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds and in the treatment or prevention of CC-chemokine-related diseases.

Abstract: Novel mammalian zcyto7 polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods including antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: A method for constructing stable bioactive fusion proteins of the difficult to express turn or necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF), and particularly members CD40L (CD 154) and RANKL/TRANCE, with collecting, particularly pulmonary surfactant protein D (SPD) is described. Single trimers of these proteins lack the full stimulatory efficacy of the natural membrane forms of these proteins in many cases. The multimeric nature of these soluble fusion proteins enables them to engage multiple receptors on the responding cells, thereby, mimicking the effects of the membrane forms of these ligands. For CD40L-SPD, the resulting protein stimulates B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, indicating its potential usefulness as a vaccine adjuvant. The large size of these fusion proteins makes them less likely to diffuse into the circulation, thereby limiting their potential systemic toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ZCYTO18 polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules. The ZCYTO18 is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 228 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the rat MCA-32 protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 240 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis hypothetical protein Rv0712, and isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 243 nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins with homology to human PLAP (phospholipase A2-activating protein). The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention concerns human thrombopoietin and in particular modified forms of thrombopoietin (TPO) with improved properties. The improved proteins contain amino acid substitutions at specific positions within the TPO molecule. The invention provides modified TPO molecules, preferably fusion proteins comprising immunoglobulin constant regions and modified human TPO, with improved biological activity concomitant with reduced immunogenic potential in the protein. The improved proteins are intended for therapeutic use in the treatment of diseases in humans.

Abstract: Novel antagonists of CXCR3-binding CXC chemokines, and in particular of human CXCL11, can be obtained by generating mutants of such chemokines in which the binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is impaired due to non-conservative substitutions of amino acids involved in this interaction. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used to block the activity of CXCR3-binding CXC chemokines on CXCR3-expressing cells, thereby providing therapeutic compositions for use in the treatment or prevention of diseases related to excessive activated T cells migration, such as graft rejection and autoimmune diseases, and of diseases needing an increase of vascularization, such as ischemic heart disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transfection under serum-free conditions. In preferred embodiments, the cells of use are SpESF or SpESF-X cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: A conjugate exhibiting interferon gamma activity and comprising at least one first non-polypeptide moiety covalently linked to an IFG polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that differs from that of a parent IFNG polypeptide in at least one introduced and/or at least one removed amino acid residue comprising an attachment group for the non-polypeptide moiety. The conjugate may be used for treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-? at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: Pharmacologically active compounds are prepared by (a) selecting at least one peptide that modulates the activity of AGP-3, (b) preparing a gene construct that comprises at least one said selected sequence, and (c) expressing the pharmacologically active compound in which an Fc domain is covalently linked to the selected peptide. The pharmacologic agent can be expressed in E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cytokines of the TGF-?-superfamily as well as nucleic acids encoding said cytokines for the treatment and diagnosis of skin related disorders, including hair and gland related disorders in mammals.

Abstract: A method of using an osteocrin (Ostn) or a NPR-C specific Ostn peptide derivative for increasing osteogenesis in a mammal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of said Ostn or NPR-C specific Ostn peptide derivative to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of BMP-7 with improved properties and methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel proteins with TNF-? antagonist activity and nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The invention further relates to the use of the novel proteins in the treatment of TNF-? related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-? at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: DNA encoding SIGIRR polypeptides and methods for using the encoded polypeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing mixtures of antibodies from a single host cell clone, wherein, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain and nucleic acid sequences encoding different heavy chains are expressed in a recombinant host cell. The recombinantly produced antibodies in the mixtures according to the invention suitably comprise identical light chains paired to different heavy chains capable of pairing to the light chain, thereby forming functional antigen-binding domains. Mixtures of the recombinantly produced antibodies are also provided by the invention. Such mixtures can be used in a variety of fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine interleukin-5 proteins; canine interleukin-5 nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode canine interleukin-5 proteins; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to inhibitory compounds that regulate such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to identify and obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to regulate an immune response in an animal.

Abstract: Novel antagonists of MCP proteins, in particular of MCP-1 protein, can be obtained by generating MCP mutants whose GAG binding site, located at the N-terminal of MCP proteins, is eliminated following non-conservative substitutions. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used in the treatment or prevention of diseases related to an undesirable activity of MCP proteins such, such as inflammatory disease, autoimmune diseases, vascular diseases, and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids, as well as nucleic acid expression vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid vectors are provided. In addition, compositions containing M. hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids are provided for use in methods of treating swine to prevent enzootic pneumonia. Furthermore, the invention provides diagnostic tests for the detecting of M. hyopneumoniae infection in swine herds.

Abstract: The polypeptides, and the polynucleotides encoding for them, described herein are IL-21 antagonists that bind with specificity and exhibit an EC50 that is not detectable in receptor binding studies. These molecules have mutations in the D helix of the IL-21 molecule, and can be used to inhibit the activity of IL-21 with its cognate receptor.

Abstract: The invention concerns cDNA molecules encoding TANGO 191 and TANGO 195, both of which are transmembrane proteins. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes. Accordingly, in one aspect, this invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide of the invention or biologically active portion thereof. The present invention also provides nucleic acid molecules which are suitable as primers or hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granulocyte colony stimulating factor (“G-CSF”) analog polypeptide compositions, related nucleic acids, expression constructs, host cells, and processes for recombinant production of the present G-CSF analogs. The concept detailed herein involves novel mutants of G-CSF, using single substitutions to amino acids, which were rationally chosen to affect the cellular trafficking of G-CSF and/or G-CSFR. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: Mutants of CC chemokines, which contain at least two mutations in the cationic site of the 40's loop and which, relative to the wild-type molecule, have a reduced GAG-binding activity. In particular it has been found that such mutated chemokines are effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and/or demyelinating diseases. A triple mutant of RANTES is the compound showing the best results.

Abstract: MGDF analogs having one or more changed glycosylation sites as compared to a naturally occurring MGDF sequence of a corresponding number of amino acids are disclosed. The invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding said MGDF analogs, recombinant plasmids and host cells for analog expression, and therapeutic compositions including such analogs.

Abstract: A method of modulating immune response in an animal is disclosed. Such a method interacting the immature dendritic cells from the animal with an antigen ex vivo so that the immature dendritic cells present the antigen on their surfaces, inducing maturation of the immature dendritic cells ex vivo, and contacting the mature dendritic cells ex vivo with a modulator comprising TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, fragments thereof, analogs or derivatives thereof, or a fusion protein comprising the amino acid sequence of TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, or fragments thereof. After contacting the modulator ex vivo, the mature dendritic cells are introduced into the animal. As a result, immune response in the animal towards the antigen is modulated relative to the immune response against the antigen in an animal in which dendritic cells did not interact with the antigen ex vivo, and did not contact a modulator ex vivo.

Abstract: A novel CC-chemokine binding protein is isolated from the saliva of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used as anti-inflammatory compounds and in the treatment or prevention of CC-chemokine-related diseases.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A method for increasing the stability and uniformity of a PEGylated G-CSF polypeptide having at least one PEG moiety attached to the epsilon amino group of a lysine residue or the N-terminal amino group and at least one PEG moiety attached to a hydroxyl group, comprising subjecting the polypeptide to an elevated pH of above 8.0 for a period of time suitable to remove PEG moieties attached to a hydroxyl group, and reducing the pH to about 8.0 or lower; as well as PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions produced according to the method and methods for increasing neutrophil levels in a patient using the PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of simulation technology to rationally optimize the locations and sizes of attached polymeric moieties for modification of therapeutic proteins and the proteins generated from this method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions containing agents that modulate the immune response in a patient.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a novel protein, termed INSP085, herein identified as an IL-8 like protein and to the use of this protein and nucleic acid sequence from the encoding genes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human chemokine beta-11 (Ck beta-11) polypeptide and a human leukocyte adhesion inhibitor-1 (LAI-1) polypeptide (previously termed chemokine ?1 (CK?1 or CKa-1), a well as Ck beta-11 and/or LAI-1 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.