Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant polypeptide for facilitating membrane fusion. The recombinant polypeptide having a sequence with at least 80% sequence identity with the ectodomain of p14 fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) protein and having a functional myristoylation motif, a transmembrane domain from a FAST protein and a sequence with at least 80% sequence identity with the endodomain of p15 FAST protein. A targeting ligand can be added to the recombinant polypeptide for selective fusion. The recombinant polypeptide can be included in the membrane of a liposome, or the like, to facilitate the delivery of bioactive compounds, such as siRNA, or the recombinant polypeptide can be mixed with a lipid carrier and added to cultured cells to induce cell-cell fusion and heterokaryon formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding moieties that specifically bind to a conformational epitope of C5a, in particular human C5a. Preferred binding moieties are anti-C5a antibodies that bind to this conformational epitope. The binding moieties described herein are useful as active agents in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of various acute and chronic diseases, in particular acute inflammatory diseases, such as the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and different degrees of sepsis including sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a high-purity rice-protein composition with improved tongue feel and a melt-in-the-mouth quality, and a method for manufacturing the composition. The rice-protein composition comprises glutelin and prolamine, the protein content with respect to the solid content being at least 90%. Rice protein extracted by an alkaline solution from rice or rice flour is neutralized and coagulated at a temperature no lower than 40 80 DEG C., or is coagulated by adding a divalent metal ion and then neutralized, or glucono-delta-lactone is added and the solution is heated to gel the protein; by therein keeping the pH of the rice-protein composition no lower than 7.0 or no higher than 4.0, a rice-protein composition with extremely good dispersibility and tongue feel can be obtained. Further, by heating to at least 80 DEG C. after adjusting pH, a composition with high water absorbency is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic and research use. In particular, the present invention provides antiviral and antimicrobial lectin compounds (BanLec) isolated from bananas. These compounds have low mitogenicity and pro-inflammatory activity while maintaining anti-HIV-1 activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and reagents for the treatment of immunological diseases. In particular, the invention relates to isoforms of the C4b-binding protein (C4BP) lacking beta chains as well as to fragments and peptides derived thereof and to the uses of these polypeptides for the treatment of immunological diseases such as immunoinflammatory disease, sepsis, an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease and a hypersensitivity disease. Moreover, the invention relates also the use of factor H for the treatment of immunological diseases. In addition, the invention relates to tolerogenic dendritic cells obtained using the C4BP isoform lacking beta chain, the peptides and fragments thereof and factor H and to the therapeutic uses of said cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of transcription activator-like effectors transcription factors and methods of using said compositions for inducing gene expression of mammalian genes.

Abstract: A protein complex comprising an in vitro stabilization protein, a membrane translocation sequence domain, a biologically active molecule, and an in vivo stabilization protein, as well as methods for the use and production thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated polypeptides comprising the amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A (MtpA), wherein the polypeptide is a porin monomer. Also provided are isolated polypeptides comprising the carboxy-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A, wherein the polypeptide is a toxin. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in a subject with or at risk of developing a Mtb infection. Further provided are chimeric porin polypeptides comprising a first polypeptide comprising an amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin and a second polypeptide comprising an antigen and the use the chimeric porin polypeptides in methods of eliciting an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising various amino acid sequences derived from Haemophilus influenzae type b, including a number of lipoproteins. These can be used in the development of vaccines for preventing and/or treating bacterial meningitis. They may also be useful for diagnostic purposes, and as targets for antibiotics. Antibodies against the polypeptides are also disclosed, as are the coding nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for purifying a polypeptide from a composition comprising the polypeptide and at least one contaminant by overloading a chromatography material and eluting the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one protein extract of hibiscus and/or at least one beta glucan or a salt thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said composition for the treatment of anal rhagades.

Abstract: Described herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides and methods involving a ?-utrophin region or an anti-dystrophinopathic fragment thereof operationally linked to a second region effective to transduce the fusion protein into mammalian muscle cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in treating periodontitis include a Del-1 polypeptide.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments provide protocell nanostructures and methods for constructing and using the protocell nanostructures. In one embodiment, the protocell nanostructures can include a core-shell structure including a porous particle core surrounded by a shell of lipid bilayer(s). The protocell can be internalized in a bioactive cell. Various cargo components, for example, drugs, can be loaded in and released from the porous particle core of the protocell(s) and then delivered within the bioactive cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F peptides and compositions comprising them. The present invention also relates to methods of evaluating anti-RSV antibody binding to F peptides. The present invention also relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to an F peptide of the present invention. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the administration of F peptides and/or antibodies that immunospecifically bind to F peptides for the prevention, neutralization, treatment of RSV infection. Additionally, the methods of the invention may be useful for the treatment, prevention and the amelioration of symptoms associated with RSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cationic polyamino acid suitable for a carrier that can form a stable complex with a nucleic acid under a physiological condition and release the nucleic acid in cells suitably. The cationic polyamino acid can associate with a nucleic acid and includes a cationic amino acid residue having a cationic group in a side chain and a hydrophobic amino acid residue having a hydrophobic group in a side chain. The cationic polyamino acid includes 1 to 20 units of the cationic amino acid residue and is represented by the following formula (1). The meaning of each symbol in the formula is as shown in the description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prodrugs or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprising a covalent treprostinil carrier conjugate as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising said compounds. The compounds may be used as medicaments, especially for diseases or disorders which can be treated by treprostinil, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Abstract: The invention concerns a product consisting of distilled water or of an aqueous solution hypotonic or substantially isotonic with respect to blood plasma or, less preferably, hypertonic with respect to blood plasma, to be administered on the nasal mucosa according to a specific operation mode in order to cause an inflammation of an irritative kind, for use in a treatment of stimulation of the endogenous production of inflammatory mediators, in the therapy and prevention of neurological disorders, in particular of degenerative disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. The inflammatory mediators the endogenous production of which is stimulated comprise NGF, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, serotonin, substance P, heparin, ECF-A.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered biomaterials derived from plant products. The engineered biomaterials are useful for biomedical applications. The engineered biomaterials are able to support the growth of animal calls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilized liquid or semi-solid acid enteral composition comprising per 100 ml 9 to 20 g of non-hydrolysed globular proteins, fat and at least 100 mg of divalent metal cations and having a pH ranging between 3 and 5. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a composition according to the invention, comprising a step wherein at least the non-hydrolysed globular proteins are subjected to a direct steam injection (DSI) at specific holding values, such as a holding temperature of 100 to 140° C. during a holding time of about 0.5 to 10 seconds, followed by a homogenization step and a sterilization step The composition according to the invention has a reduced astringency and can be used for medical purposes, such as for stimulating muscle protein synthesis in a mammal, in particular for treating sarcopenia, and for specific groups of people, such as elderly and sportsman.

Abstract: The combination of pentraxin PTX3 with antifungals is described for the treatment of fungal infections and particularly for infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Abstract: This invention provides crystalline recombinant interferon (rSIFN-co (SEQ ID NO: 1)) having (i) the same amino acid sequence as that of human consensus interferon, and (ii) altered three-dimensional structure as compared to IFN-?2b. The interferon of the present invention exhibits enhanced biological activities. The present invention also provides a structural model of said interferon useful for drug screening and/or drug design, and mimetics of said interferon.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a number of synthetic protein triblock copolymers are provided comprising first and second end hydrophobic blocks separated by a central hydrophilic block. In particular, the synthetic proteins are elastin-mimetic proteins having improved mechanical characteristics and related methods of making the proteins with the capability of providing precise control over the mechanical properties. Provided are proteins used in a number of medical devices such as artificial blood vessels, shunts, stents or as embolic agents in situations where it is desired to stop or reduce blood flow or pressure in a localized region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel lipocalin muteins which bind to PCSK9. The disclosure also provides corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding lipocalin muteins and methods for producing lipocalin muteins as well as their encoding nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of protecting the heart from damage, by administering to a patient at risk of such damage, a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition which inhibits the interaction of RSK3 and mAKAP?, or the expression or activity of one or both of those molecules. This composition may be in the form of a peptide that specifically inhibits mAKAP? binding to RSK3 or in the form of an siRNA construct which inhibits the expression of RSK3.

Abstract: The present technology provides methods and compositions for the treatment of inflammatory and/or tissue damage conditions. In particular, the use of Smad7 compositions delivered locally or systemically to a site of inflammation and/or tissue damage is described. Other specific embodiments concern treatment or prevention of side effects caused by radiation and/or chemotherapy, including but not limited to oral and gastric mucositis. Also provided are codon-optimized nucleic acids encoding for Smad7 fusion proteins.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel biomarkers for the identification, prediction or monitoring of fibrotic pulmonary diseases (e.g. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)). The biomarkers provided herein may further be used for therapeutic treatment of IPF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silk proteins which can be used to produce silk with a collagen-like structure, as well as nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating or preventing Huntington's Disease.

Abstract: Polypeptide agents useful in the treatment of IgA1 deposition diseases and methods of using such polypeptide agents. Methods of screening for inhibitors of IgA1 proteases and agents that inhibit IgA1 proteases are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to muscle repair promoters for local application that contain a colony-stimulating factor (CSF) as an active ingredient. The muscle repair promoters of the present invention exhibit their effect at low doses, particularly when they are administered intramuscularly.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastic peptides and therapeutic proteins. Such peptides exhibit a flexible, extended conformation. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g., GLP-1, exendin), insulin, or Factor VII/VIIa, including functional analogs. The present invention further provides encoding polynucleotides, as well as methods of making and using the therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents have improvements in relation to their use as therapeutics, including, inter alia, one or more of half-life, clearance and/or persistence in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.

Abstract: Methods of synthetically producing, formulating and using secretoglobins SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, and SCGB3A1 are provided. Methods of using secretoglobins SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, and SCGB3A1 as therapeutic agents to affect long term patient outcomes, such as preventing severe respiratory exacerbations of underlying conditions that require medical intervention, including hospitalization are provided. Methods of producing recombinant human secretoglobins, analytical methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use to prevent the long term sequelae of acute and chronic respiratory conditions are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a) an antigen binding domain of HA22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain; or b) an antigen binding domain of BL22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain comprising CD28 and/or CD137. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are disclosed TIMP-3 muteins, variants and derivatives, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of making and using them.

Abstract: Therapies effective for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, transplant rejection or Graft versus Host Disease (GvH), using prostaglandin (PG), alternative agonists of PG receptors, EP2 or EP4, or other activators of adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway are disclosed herein. These methods include the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of myeloid cells pre-treated ex vivo with the above-mentioned factors, or the in vivo administration of such agents in combination with the factors attracting myeloid precursor cells, such as myeloid cell-attracting chemokines or their inducers. Such therapies can be applied for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, spontaneous and specific pathogen-induced inflammatory diseases (including some infectious diseases), premalignant and malignant lesions, and for prevention and treatment of transplant rejection and GvH.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides which comprise a receptor-ligand pair involved in T-cell activation are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptides, and vectors and host cells for expressing same are also disclosed. The polypeptides, or agonists and antagonists thereof, are used to treat T-cell mediated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-therapeutic use of whey protein micelles to enhance muscle protein synthesis in a subject. Further aspects of the invention are food compositions comprising whey protein micelles to be administered to children, athletes or elderly persons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regulating or inducing specific physiological conditions or functions using one or more materials displayed on a nano-assembly matrix at high density in cells or in vivo. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of effectively inducing specific physiological regulation in cells or in vivo by the high-density display of bioactive materials. According to the method of the invention, physiological regulation in cells or in vivo can be optionally induced by regulating the assembly and disassembly of nano assembly (unit) matrix or the display or trapping of specific materials on nano assembly (unit) matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to identify whether a candidate compound is a modulator of atherogenesis. In certain embodiments, the GPCR couples to Gi. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke. Agonists of the invention are additionally useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of conditions related to MCP-1 expression, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous pharmaceutical composition suitable for long-term storage of polypeptides containing an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin, methods of manufacture, methods of administration and kits containing same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bifunctional molecules which inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even before the virus attacks the target cell and inhibits HIV entry into the target cell. Also disclosed are novel anti-HIV therapeutics for treatment of patients infected by HIV. Further disclosed are methods for prophylaxis against HIV and treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for prognostic classification of inflammatory diseases, e.g. inflammatory demyelinating disease, patients into subtypes, which subtypes are informative of the patient's need for therapy and responsiveness to a therapy of interest. The patterns of cytokines provides for a signature pattern that can identify patients likely to benefit from therapeutic intervention as well as discriminate patients that have a high probability of responsiveness to a therapy from those that have a low probability of responsiveness. Assessment of this signature pattern thus allows improved methods of care. In one embodiment of the invention, the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica.

Abstract: Treatment and procedures for treating bodily conduits involves deactivating, killing, or otherwise treating smooth muscle tissue of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated peptide comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence with an amino acid identity of at least 90% compared to mature human BMP2 with SEQ ID No. 1, characterized in that said amino acid sequence comprises at least two amino acid substitutions characterized in that a first amino acid substitution occurs at a position corresponding to N59, S88, E94, V99, K101 and/or N102 of SEQ ID No. 1 and to uses thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a safety sensation-improving agent that can improve dulled peripheral sensations through daily ingestion or application to the skin. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensation-improving food, beverage, feed, or cosmetics that can improve dulled peripheral sensations through oral ingestion or application to the skin. A sensation-improving agent containing a milk-derived protein and/or a hydrolysate therefrom as an active ingredient is provided. The milk-derived protein and/or the hydrolysate therefrom can be orally ingested or applied direct to the skin to improve dulled sensations, particularly peripheral sensations, and be formed into a sensation-improving food, beverage, feed, or cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising a complement factor B analog. The invention also provides various complement factor B analogs including complement factor B analogs comprising a mutation of a free cysteine amino acid and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors. These complement factor B analogs and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors can be used to modulate a complement pathway or for the study and/or treatment of various conditions or diseases related to a complement pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising conjugate molecules that are structurally stable at a temperature of between about 2 degrees C. and 8 degrees C. In some examples, a conjugate molecule comprises an antigen, such as an allergen. In some examples, a conjugate molecule comprises the Ragweed antigen Amb a 1. The present invention provides methods for making and using such compositions. Provided herein are methods for modulating an immune response in an individual comprising administration of a composition comprising a structurally stable conjugate molecule as described herein.