Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of glomerulonephritis associated with one or more disorders selected from the group consisting of Goodpasture's syndrome, a vasculitic disorder, Wegener's disease, IgA nephropathy and an inflammatory disease with basement membrane involvement comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of agent which interacts with or modulates the expression or activity of a mammalian IL-6 polypeptide.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides molecular switches which couple external signals to functionality, and combinatorial methods of making and using the same involving circular permutation of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The switches according to the invention can be used, for example, to regulate gene transcription, target drug delivery to specific cells, transport drugs intracellularly, control drug release, provide conditionally active proteins, perform metabolic engineering, and modulate cell signaling pathways. Libraries comprising the switches, expression vectors and host cells for expressing the switches are also provided.

Abstract: The developed reagent is three-color immunophenotyping reagent for measurement of CD4 positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The reagent contains 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) which intercalates into double stranded DNA and is easily excited at 488 nm. The fluorescence emission of 7-AAD has peak at 670 nm that can be detected with FL3 detector of flow cytometer. The 7-AAD, therefore, stains white blood cells and discriminates it from red blood cells. The reagent also contains fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled CD4 monoclonal antibody and phycoerythrin (PE) labeled CD14 monoclonal antibody which are detected with FL1 and FL2 detectors of flow cytometer, respectively. The developed reagent can be used to measure number of CD4 positive lymphocytes in lymphocyte population and monitor monocyte contamination simultaneously. This reagent therefore provides more accuracy results of CD4 positive lymphocyte enumeration.

Abstract: A tracking system passively tracks and records searches conducted by actual search engine users. The recorded data for each search event preferably includes the search query submitted, the search engine used, the search result item (e.g., web page) selected, the position (e.g., page number) of this item, and the user's IP address. The collected data is aggregated and analyzed to generate data regarding the search queries used to locate and access particular destinations (e.g., web pages and sites). This data may be used for various purposes, such as (1) to generate reports showing, e.g., how users reach a particular destination from different search engines and geographic locations, (2) to select content to display on a destination page, such that the content is relevant to search queries commonly used to locate that page, and (3) to update the database of one search engine to reflect searches conducted on other search engines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expression vector system for variants of coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). In detail, mutant vWF the size of which is significantly reduced by deleting exons but which has remarkably increased FVIII stabilizing and activating efficiency, and an expression vector system useful for the treatment of hemophilia which is capable of expressing the same along with FVIII are disclosed. Use of the mutant vWF with a reduced size enables effective expression of FVIII in a viral vector and significantly enhanced FVIII activity. Further, the viral vector may be effectively used to treat hemophilia through gene therapy.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that bind and inhibit activation of epidermal growth factor receptor related member ErbB3/HER3 are disclosed. The antibodies can be used to treat cell proliferative diseases and disorders, including certain forms of cancer, associated with activation of ErbB3/HER3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ST2L antagonists, polynucleotides encoding the antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to prevent apoptosis. In particular, provided herein are compositions and methods which prevent FAS-mediated photoreceptor apoptosis.

Abstract: There are provided an angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) derived peptides, polypeptides, and peptide complexes, and a method for inhibition of binding between Ang2 and integrin and prevention and/or treatment of a disease caused by the activation of Ang2 or the binding between Ang2 and integrin using the peptide, polypeptides, and peptide complexes.

Abstract: Provided is a transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor film and has stable electrical characteristics. In the transistor, over an oxide film which can release oxygen by being heated, a first oxide semiconductor film which can suppress oxygen release at least from the oxide film is formed. Over the first oxide semiconductor film, a second oxide semiconductor film is formed. With such a structure in which the oxide semiconductor films are stacked, the oxygen release from the oxide film can be suppressed at the time of the formation of the second oxide semiconductor film, and oxygen can be released from the oxide film in later-performed heat treatment. Thus, oxygen can pass through the first oxide semiconductor film to be favorably supplied to the second oxide semiconductor film. Oxygen supplied to the second oxide semiconductor film can suppress the generation of oxygen deficiency, resulting in stable electrical characteristics.

Abstract: An expression vector for expressing a target polypeptide in a prokaryotic cell is provided. The vector comprises a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the target polypeptide operably linked to a eukaryotic secretion leader sequence, the eukaryotic secretion leader sequence encoding a signal peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) MLKRSSWLATLGLLTVASVSTIVYA; b) MKKATFITCLLAVLLVSNPIWNA; c) MKVSAAALAVILIATALCAPASA; d) MKVSTAFLCLLLTVSAFSAQVLA; and e) MKCLLLALGLALACAAQA. Processes for expressing polypeptides and prokaryotic microorganisms comprising such vectors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits that may be used to detect and quantify the presence of Coccidioides species. The methods include quantification PCR assays, and the kits and compositions include oligonucleotides used as primers and probes.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating patients by assessing expression of B7-H4 in the vasculature are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for neuroprotection. In particular, provided herein are compositions (e.g., hepatocyte secretory factors) for alleviating and/or protecting against neuronal damage (e.g., resulting from stroke), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 95 novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ST2L antagonists, polynucleotides encoding the antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the detection of a malignant condition, and relates to the discovery of soluble and cell surface forms of HE4a polypeptides, including HE4a that is overexpressed in ovarian carcinomas. In particular the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding HE4a, and also provides a method of screening for the presence of a malignant condition in a subject by detecting reactivity of an antibody specific for a HE4a polypeptide with a molecule naturally occurring in soluble and/or cell surface form in a sample from such a subject, and by hybridization screening using an HE4a nucleotide sequence, as well as other related advantages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting angiogenesis comprising an isolated peptide comprising the heparin-binding domain of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5), a method for inhibiting angiogenesis using the peptide, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of cancer comprising the peptide, a method for treating cancer using the peptide, a novel angiogenesis-inhibiting peptide derived from heparin-binding domain of IGFBP-5, a polynucleotide encoding the peptide, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide and a transformant comprising the vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising factor DC coagulation factors linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of coagulation factor-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation and method of treatment of prion disease include a RAP agent with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient, and the administration of same to a subject suffering from or at risk of a prion disease. The RAP agent is an effective means for the prevention and/or treatment of various prion diseases regardless whether the disease is acquired by infection or by genetic mutation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel lymphocyte inhibitory receptor termed BTLA which is expressed on both T and B cells, and identifies HVEM as interacting with BTLA. Methods and compositions for modulating BTLA-mediated signaling and interfering with the interaction of BTLA and HVEM for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes are also provided.

Abstract: Modified, furin resistant human TSLP polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the modified human TSLP polypeptides are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, B and T cell activation agents, assays and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

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 a novel ecdysone receptor/chimeric retinoid X receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression 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: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against a parasite of the genus Plasmodium in a mammal.

Abstract: Novel phenyl-glyoxal based anti-citrulline probes and methods of synthesis are provided. Methods of use, such as, the development of methods for monitoring substrate citrullination over time; for identifying citrullinated proteins from cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 95 novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for modulating tissue physiology, for example, to prevent or reverse tissue damage caused by disease. The system utilizes vigilant cells that include stable vectors containing a gene switch/biosensor and a gene amplification system. The vectors allow expression of a transgene (such as a cardioprotective gene) in the vigilant cells to be regulated in response to a physiological signal, to be switched on or off, and to provide sufficient levels of the transgene product to achieve a desired result, e.g., prevention or reversal of myocardial cell damage. In addition to myocardial infarction, the vectors can be used to treat cells in a number of other disease states, including diabetes, cancer, stroke, and atherosclerosis. These approaches to stem cell-based gene therapy provide a novel strategy not only for treatment but for prevention of cell destruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given non-natural ligand with detectable affinity. The invention also related to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for NY-ESO-1. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal using the inventive TCRs or related materials.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for a device that collects vesicles and vesicle-like materials from biological fluids. Such devices comprise at least one sample loading region; at least one corresponding vesicle-capture material, wherein said vesicle-capture material comprises glass-like materials; and at least one corresponding sample receiving region, wherein passage of the biological fluid from the sample loading region through the vesicle-capture material and into the sample receiving region results in the capture of vesicles. Additional embodiments provide for a method of isolating vesicles and vesicle-like materials from biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to CTGF. The antibodies are particularly directed to regions of CTGF involved in biological activities associated with fibrosis. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with CTGF including localized and systemic fibrotic disorders including those of the lung, liver, heart, skin, and kidney.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding RANTES and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed. Additionally, nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising the nucleotide sequence encoding RANTES and fragments and variants thereof in combination with nucleic acid sequences encoding immunogens are provided. Recombinant viral vectors comprising the nucleotide sequence encoding RANTES and fragments and variants thereof with or without a nucleic acid sequence encoding immunogens are also provided as are live attenuated pathogens comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding RANTES and fragments and variants thereof. Methods of modulating immune responses and of inducing an immune response against an immunogen are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating disorders or injuries that affect motor function and control in a subject. In one aspect, the invention a transgene product is delivered to a subject's spinal cord by administering a recombinant neurotrophic viral vector containing the transgene to the brain. The viral vector delivers the transgene to a region of the brain which is susceptible to infection by the virus and which expresses the encoded recombinant viral gene product. Also provided are compositions for delivery of a transgene product to a subject's spinal cord by administering a recombinant neurotrophic viral vector containing the transgene to the subject's brain.

Abstract: The present disclosure is in the field of genome engineering, particularly targeted modification of the genome of a hematopoietic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant cells and microorganisms of the phylum Labyrinthulomycota and their use in heterologous protein production. Novel promoter, terminator, and signal sequences for efficient production and, optionally, secretion of polypeptides from recombinant host cells and microorganisms are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and detecting diseases associated with pancreas. The present invention provides one or more proteins or fragments thereof, peptides or nucleic acid molecules differentially expressed in pancreatic diseases (PCAT) and antibodies binds to PCAT. The present invention provides that PCAT is used as targets for screening agents that modulates the PCAT activities. Further, the present invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with pancreas.

Abstract: A method of treating an inflammatory disease is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a pro-domain of TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), said polypeptide being devoid of a catalytic domain of said TACE, said polypeptide comprising a modification at a site selected from the group consisting of R58, R56 and K57 which renders said polypeptide resistant to furin degradation said polypeptide being capable of downregulating an activity of TACE, thereby treating the inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melanoma antigen peptide comprising the amino acids sequence selected in the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14 or SEQ ID NO: 15 or a function-conservative variant thereof. Moreover the invention also relates to a melanoma antigen peptide according to the invention for use in the prevention or the treatment of melanoma in patient.

Abstract: A recombinant fusion interferon for animals. The recombinant fusion interferon comprises an animal interferon and a Fc region of an animal immunoglobulin G (IgG). The animal interferon and the Fc region of the animal immunoglobulin G can be further joined by a linker. A polynucleotide that encodes the recombinant fusion interferon for animals, a method for producing the recombinant fusion interferon, and the use of the recombinant fusion interferon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid comprising a sequence complementary to a fragment of the sequence coding for the kanamycin resistance protein. This nucleic acid is useful as a DNA vaccine adjuvant, and can be used e.g. for treating cancer, for example in combination with a non-immunosuppressive inducer of tumor cell apoptosis such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA).

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) proteins, nucleic acids, and fusion constructs thereof, for enhancing humoral and cell-mediated immunity of a subject. Also provided are therapeutic compositions comprising the sPD-1 proteins, nucleic acids, and fusion constructs of the subject invention. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic composition is formulated as a vaccine composition. Advantageously, the sPD-1 proteins, nucleic acids, and therapeutic compositions provide protective immunity against pathogenic infection including HIV infection. In addition, the subject invention can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of tumor or cancer.

Abstract: Gene encoding human glucokinase mutant is provided. The gene has the nucleotide sequence chosen from the nucleotide sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:2 and the nucleotide sequence wherein the ORF region encodes the same amino acid sequence as the one encoded by ORF region (position 487 to 1884) of SEQ ID NO:2 and the rest of the region is same as the non-ORF region of SEQ ID NO:2. Human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene, the recombinant vectors carrying the gene, the hosts comprising the vectors, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, uses thereof, and methods for treating and preventing diseases by using the same are provided. The human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene has higher activity than that of the wild type human glucokinase, and thus provides a new way of controlling blood glucose and/or preventing and/or treating disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism, especially preventing and treating diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of a hypersensitivity immune response caused by a non-profilin allergen of a profilin-containing plant material (e.g. grass or tree pollen) by bystander suppression with a plant profilin (e.g. Phl p 12, Bet v 2, or Ole e 2) or a variant thereof. Also the invention features a particular variant of Phl p 12 with two of its cysteine residues replaced with another amino acid to increase its pharmaceutical properties.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for generating conditional knock-out alleles using donor constructs together with sequence-specific nucleases to generate conditional knock-out alleles. Specifically, the donor construct comprises a 5? homology region, a 5? recombinase recognition site, a donor sequence, a 3? recombinase recognition site, and a 3? homology region. Further disclosed are the donor sequences each comprises a target sequence having at least one neutral mutation. Different sequence-specific nucleases can be used with the donor constructs are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 30 peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.