Abstract: The anti-19P2 ligand monoclonal antibodies of the invention (in particular P2L-1Ca) have very high binding ability and can neutralize the arachidonic acid metabolite releasing activity of the 19P2 ligand. Therefore, they can be used, among others, as diagnostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents for various diseases caused by some or other abnormality in the pituitary function modulating activity (e.g. prolactin secretion promoting activity), central nervous system modulating activity and pancreatic function modulating activity, among others, supposedly possessed by the 19P2 ligand. The immunoassay method using the monoclonal antibodies of the invention by the sandwich technique (in particular the sandwich technique using the monoclonal antibody and an antibody recognizing an intermediate portion of the 19P2 ligand) can assay the 19P2 ligand or a derivative thereof specifically and with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying an antibody having a desired property, which comprises using a substance having an affinity to a carbohydrate binding to the antibody; a medicament comprising, as an active ingredient, the antibody purified by the process; and a method for diagnosing or preventing various diseases, which comprises using a substance having an affinity to a carbohydrate binding to an antibody.

Abstract: Antibodies are disclosed which specifically bind to native PrPSc in situ. Preferred antibodies bind only to the native PrPSc of a particular species e.g., human, cow, sheep, pig, etc. Particularly preferred antibodies bind specifically to a particular isoform of human PrPSc. Preferred antibodies of the invention are (1) produced by phage display methodology, (2) bind specifically to native PrPSc, (3) neutralizes the infectivity of prions, (4) bind to PrPSc in situ and (5) bind 50% or more of PrPSc in a liquid flowable sample. Antibodies of the invention can be bound to a substrate and used to assay a sample (which has any PrPc denatured via proteinase K) for the presence of PrPSc of a specific species which PrPSc is associated with disease. Antibodies which specifically bind to human PrPSc can be labeled and injected carrying out an in vivo diagnostic test to determine if the human is infected with prions associated with disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 9-substituted adenine derivatives represented by formula (I) wherein W is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, azido and amino group; X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, N(H), CH2, CH and C; Y is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy and halogen; R is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxymethyl, C1-4 alkyl, and C1-4 alkoxy; R1is selected from the group consisting of O, NH and CH2; R2represents a radical selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)n—S—C(O)—R4 and —(CH2)n—S—S—R4, where n=1-4 and R4is a C1-4-alkyl or aryl group and R4 is optionally substituted with a halogen, amino, N-alkylamino, N, N-dialkylamino or C1-4 alkoxy group and wherein each of the R2radicals may be the same or different; and R3is O or S. The derivatives are useful as prodrugs for inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and lowering 3?:5?-cAMP in cells, thereby inhibiting adenylyl cyclase dependent effects within cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the conformational state of a protein, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first binding partner which is capable of binding to the protein in a manner dependent on the conformational state of the protein and which generates a signal in a manner dependent on the binding of the first binding partner to the protein; and b) contacting the protein with the first binding partner and determining the conformational state of the protein by assessing the labelling of the protein by the binding of the first binding partner.

Abstract: The invention concerns human monoclonal antibodies to the islet cell antigen IA-2, a process for their production, the use of human monoclonal antibodies in a method for detecting antibodies to IA-2, a method for detecting antibodies to the islet cell antigen IA-2 and a method for detecting the islet cell antigen IA-2 in a sample.

Abstract: Pooled human plasma is processed by cold ethanol fractionation to produce purified immunoglobulin G antibodies for intravenous administration. Immunoglobulin A is an unwanted by-product since intravenous administration of immunoglobulin A-containing immunoglobulin G can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in some people. The present invention is the topical application of immunoglobulin A coupled with J chain, and optionally coupled with secretory component in order to render the immunoglobulin A more physiologically active, for the prevention or treatment of ocular diseases including ocular immune deficiency and infections. Antigen-specific monoclonal immunoglobulin A may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody suitable for monitoring the activity of systems involving protein C inhibitor, a method for preparation of the monoclonal antibody, a method for monitoring the activity of systems involving protein C inhibitor and a method for diagnosis of e.g. venous thrombosis, wherein the monoclonal antibody is utilized. The monoclonal antibody is suitable for monitoring the activity of systems involving protein C inhibitor, and it has specific affinity for both i) a complex between a serine proteinase and an inhibitor thereof, and ii) a cleaved and uncomplexed form of the inhibitor, but has substantially no specific affinity for the inhibitor in its uncleaved and uncomplexed form; or a derivative thereof having the same biological activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detection of the stress-inducible Hsp70B? protein are disclosed. These include antibodies directed against particular amino acid regions of Hsp70B? and various peptides corresponding, or antigenically equivalent, to the regions. The ability to generate anti-Hsp70B? antibodies to defined epitopes permits a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for qualitative determination of low molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins separately. The present invention also provides antibodies specific to high molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins. Further, the present invention provides a measurement method for specifically determining the quality or quantity of high molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins using the antibodies with high sensitivity, simplicity and specificity.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are highly specific for Bacillus spores. Also provided are peptides derived from those monoclonal antibodies. Both the antibodies and peptides are highly specific and can discriminate between spores of potentially lethal organisms such as Bacillus anthracis and other harmless but closely related bacilli and provide a very powerful tool in the construction of detection instruments as counter measures.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or concentration of a water treatment polymer in an aqueous sample, comprising producing a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody to the water treatment polymer;, and using the antibody so produced as a reagent in an immunoassay, conducted on the aqueous sample.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies and other binding agents to human cytochrome P450 2C19 having advantageous properties, including capacity substantially to inhibit enzyme activity of human cytochrome P450 2C19 and lack of specific binding to other human cytochrome P450s. The binding agents of the invention are useful inter alia in methods for screening drugs for metabolism by cytochrome P450 2C19, and in methods of measuring P450 2C19 levels in individuals relative to P450 2C19 levels in a control population.

Abstract: Immunoassays and antibodies useful in conducting them for human and canine brain natriuretic peptide are described.

Abstract: A humanized antibody that binds to human 4-1BB and that allows binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.

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 present invention is directed to an immunoglobulin light chain binding protein which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 39, 53 and 57 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions 59 and 60 such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a corresponding immunoglobulin light chain binding domain modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of the positions equivalent to positions 39, 53 and 57 of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions equivalent to positions 59 and 60 of SEQ ID NO:1, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a fragment of (a) or (b) which contains at least one said substitution and/or insertion, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protei

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which isolates and detects the presence of a disease related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrPSc) present in a sample also containing the non-disease related conformation of the protein (e.g., PrPC). The sample is treated (e.g., contacted with protease) in a manner which hydrolyzes the disease related conformation and not the non-disease related conformation. The treated sample is contacted with a binding partner (e.g., a labeled antibody which binds PrPSc) and the occurrence of binding provides and indication that PrPSc is present. Alternatively the PrPSc of the treated sample is denatured (e.g., contacted with guanadine) or unfolded. The unfolded PrPSc is contacted with a binding partner and the occurrence of binding indicates the presence of PrPSc in the sample.

Abstract: A sample solution treating instrument is provided for facilitating rapid and simplified adjustment of the condition of a sample solution proper for analysis with a biosensor before supplying the solution to the biosensor. The sample solution treating instrument includes, for example, a catalyst or an adsorbent which can remove any interfering substance in order to adjust the sample solution for measurement with a biosensor.

Abstract: Peripheral blood leucocytes incubated with a semi-synthetic phage antibody library and fluorochrome-labeled CD3 and CD20 antibodies were used to isolate human single chain Fv antibodies specific for subsets of blood leucocytes by flow cytometry. Isolated phage antibodies showed exclusive binding to the subpopulation used for selection or displayed additional binding to a restricted population of other cells in the mixture. At least two phage antibodies appeared to display hithereto unknown staining patterns of B lineage cells. This approach provides a subtractive procedure to rapidly obtain human antibodies against known and novel surface antigens in their native configuration, expressed on phenotypically defined subpopulations of cells. Importantly, this approach does not depend on immunization procedures or the necessity to repeatedly construct phage antibody libraries.

Abstract: Antibodies are disclosed which specifically bind to native PrPSc in situ. Preferred antibodies bind only to the native PrPSc of a particular species e.g., human, cow, sheep, pig, etc. Particularly preferred antibodies bind specifically to a particular isoform of human PrPSc. Preferred antibodies of the invention are (1) produced by phage display methodology, (2) bind specifically to native PrPSc, (3) neutralizes the infectivity of prions, (4) bind to PrPSc in situ and (5) bind 50% or more of PrPSc in a liquid flowable sample. Antibodies of the invention can be bound to a substrate and used to assay a sample (which has any PrPc denatured via proteinase K) for the presence of PrPSc of a specific species which PrPSc is associated with disease. Antibodies which specifically bind to human PrPSc can be labeled and injected carrying out an in vivo diagnostic test to determine if the human is infected with prions associated with disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating and identifying antibodies directed against a B7 antigen having SEQ ID NO. 8 or a fragment of SEQ ID NO. 8, which antibodies inhibit B cells from binding CD28, comprising immunizing an animal with the B7 antigen so as to produce the antibodies; and screening the antibodies for antibodies that bind B7 and inhibit CD28 binding to B cells.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a monoclonal antibody reacting specfically with (1) apoA-I occurring in HDL containing no apoA-II and having a molecular weight of 150,000 or less; and (2) apoA-I not binding to a lipid; a hybridoma producing this antibody; a method of immunologically assaying apoA-I characterized by reacting the antibody with a specimen; and an assay reagent for apoA-I which contains the antibody. The invention realizes measurement of a specific apoA-I, which provides a novel index of lipid metabolism disorder, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: A method for determining the level of tyrosine kinase activity in a biological sample is disclosed. The method employs an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody as both the capture agent and the detecting agent. The detecting antibody is labeled with a fluorescent label, for instance, Cy5, Cy5.5 or Cy7 or a lanthanide ion, such as europium, as the signal generating entity. The method is particularly well suited to high throughput screening, for example, for compounds which modulate tyrosine kinase activity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of producing a protein by administering a nucleic acid encoding the protein to an animal. Following the administration of the nucleic acid to the animal, the protein is produced in vivo and is isolated by removing a biological sample from the animal. These methods allow for the rapid and efficient production and isolation of a protein encoded by any nucleic acid sequence of interest and can be used to generate antibodies that bind to the protein sequence.

Abstract: A method for purifying proteins by Protein A chromatography is described which comprises the steps of: (a) adsorbing the protein to Protein A immobilized on a solid phase comprising silica or glass; (b) removing contaminants bound to the solid phase by washing the solid phase with a hydrophobic electrolyte solvent; and (c) recovering the protein from the solid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated target sequence. The target sequence is a splice variant of PDE5 called a PDE5a1, a component of which is presented as SEQ ID No 1. The identified target sequence of the present invention may be used to as a target to identify agents (such as modulators) useful in the prevention and/or treatment of a disease associated with scarring and/or fibrosis or to selectively identify smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells in samples of normal and diseased tissue from individuals.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (Mab) capable of binding Placental Protein 13 (pp-13) is disclosed. Also disclosed are hybridoma clone producing the Mab, an immunoassay using the Mab for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid, and a kit for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new RNA polymerase isolated from a Nervous Necrosis Virus.

Abstract: Methods for detecting anti-lipidic particles antibodies and lipidic particles in cellular membranes for the diagnosis of diseases associated to the antiphospholipid syndrome are disclosed. Kits or sets to put these methods of diagnosis into practice are also disclosed. Methods for the therapeutically treatment of diseases associated to the antiphospholipid syndrome are disclosed as well. In addition, methods for the detection of the diverse physiologic states of cells, and those kits useful for this are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody by which medullasin that is a kind of serine proteases existing in granulocytes, production process thereof and an immunoassay of human medullasin using the antibody are disclosed. The monoclonal antibody specifically recognizes human medullasin. The process for producing the anti-human medullasin antibody comprises culturing hybridomas prepared by cell fusion between antibody-producing cells recovered from an animal immunized with human medullasin and myeloma cells, and recovering anti-human medullasin monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes human medullasin from the culture in which the hybridomas are cultured. The immunoassay utilizes the anti-human medullasin antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody having an affinity to water treatment polymers. The antibodies of the invention are used in assays to determine the presence or concentration of a water treatment polymer in a fluid or aqueous system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for the diagnosis of endometriosis using blood and endometrial leukocyte markers or a combination thereof. The marker is a surface antigen from endometrial or blood leukocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods that employ electromagnetic radiation to move a droplet of fluid on a fluid-transporting surface of a substrate. Typically, radiation of a particular wavelength is directed through a substantially transparent material, and the radiation imparts an optical trapping force to move the droplet. In addition, a means for reducing evaporative loss from the droplet may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying polysaccharides capable of inducing the production of high titers of opsonic antibodies that kill strains of enterococcal bacteria. In addition, the invention is directed to the antigens produced by this purification method and to vaccines which utilize such antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody or a fragment thereof having specific binding affinity for superficial zone protein (SZP) or a variant, fragment, or protein core thereof, wherein the binding affinity of the antibody or fragment thereof for human superficial zone protein is the same or greater than the binding affinity for bovine superficial zone protein in a competitive binding assay, IAsys analysis, or BIAcore analysis. The present invention further provides hybidoma cells that produce the monoclonal antibody and antibody reagent kits comprising the antibody or fragment of the invention. Further provided by the invention are methods of SZP detection, methods of diagnosing a degenerative joint condition, and screening methods related to the use of the antibody or fragment thereof.

Abstract: A method of making antibodies to hirudin by immunizing with an immunogenic composition containing polymerized hirudin monomers in the absence of carrier protein is taught.

Abstract: The invention concerns the stabilization and amplification of electrochemiluminescence signals in detection methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to specific sites of rapamycin (Sirolimus). The reactivity of these poly and monoclonal antibodies make them particularly useful for immunoassays for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). These immunoassays or TDM kits may include polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to specific sites of rapamycin. These kits may also include various combinations of polyclonal antibodies, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Rapamycin conjugate immunogens are prepared for the immunization of a host animal to produce antibodies directed against specific regions of the rapamycin molecule. By determining the specific binding region of particular antibody, immunoassays which are capable of distinguishing between the parent molecule, active metabolites, inactive metabolites and other structurally similar immunosuppressant compounds are developed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments that are preferably free from albumin and of whole antibodies and also substantially free of pyrogens, and an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It is also directed to a method for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments using serum or blood plasma of a mammal that has been previously immunized, as a source of antibodies. The serum or blood plasma is digested with pepsin, followed by separation and purification until the pharmaceutical composition of F(ab′)2 fragments is free of albumin and complete antibodies, and substantially free of pyrogens.

Abstract: A strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, is disclosed. The invention relates to the expression of the whole structural region of SAR-55, designated open reading frame 2 (ORF-2), in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed protein is capable of forming HEV virus-like particles which can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the concentration of soluble analyte in a sample involves performing a competition assay using a predetermined amount of formed bodies to which are attached at least one analyte, varying known concentrations of an unlabeled ligand that binds to analyte, and a known concentration of ligand labeled with a detectable marker. After analysis in a flow cytometer, the test sample and a plurality of control samples generate data on curves formed by plotting signal vs. concentration of labeled ligand in controls (first), and vs. concentration of total labeled and unlabeled ligand in test samples (second). The concentration of unlabeled ligand that bound to soluble analytes in test samples is determined by evaluating the difference between the concentration that corresponds with the intersection of these two curves and the constant labeled ligand concentration in the test samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes tapasin-like protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, protein, and antibody in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.

Abstract: A method for detecting Escherichia coli in a sample by providing a sample suspected of containing Escherichia coli; contacting the sample with beads coated with a mixture of antibodies or anti-serum specific to one or more surface antigens of Escherichia coli, each of the one or more surface antigens having a molecular weight of 21±2 KDa, 26±2 KDa, 31±2 KDa, 36±2 KDa, 38±2 KDa, 67±2 KDa, or 77.8±2 KDa; and observing agglutination of the beads, where the presence of the agglutination indicates the presence of Escherichia coli in the sample.

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which isolates and detects the presence of a disease related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrPSc) present in a sample also containing the non-disease related conformation of the protein (e.g., PrPC). The sample is treated (e.g., contacted with protease) in a manner which hydrolyzes the disease related conformation and not the non-disease related conformation. The treated sample is contacted with a binding partner (e.g., a labeled antibody which binds PrPSc) and the occurrence of binding provides and indication that PrPSc is present. Alternatively the PrPSc of the treated sample is denatured (e.g., contacted with guanadine) or unfolded. The unfolded PrPSc is contacted with a binding partner and the occurrence of binding indicates the presence of PrPSc in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutants of Neisseria useful for vaccine preparation. Specifically this invention relates to mutants of Neisseria containing mutations in a major outer membrane protein gene such that no immunologically functional polypeptides encoded by said gene are produced. More specifically, the invention relates to a mutant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae having a mutation of the PIII gene and to vaccines derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules comprising a DNA segment encoding novel human Kunitz-type inhibitors. Also provided are DNA constructs comprising a first DNA segment encoding a novel human Kunitz-type inhibitor wherein said first DNA segment is operably linked to additional DNA segments required for the expression for the first DNA segment, host cells containing such DNA constructs, methods for producing proteins from the host cells, as well as antibodies directed towards same.