Abstract: The present invention relates to modified cells carrying a heterologous gene sequence encoding a protein, such as an Inhibitor of differentiation (Id) gene sequence that binds a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein to inhibit cell growth, differentiation and/or tumorigenesis of the modified cells. The modified cells are differentiated, proliferate and do not become tumorigenic when grafted into a recipient subject. Additionally, the modified cells produce a factor or factors that enhance the viability of co-grafted organs, tissues or cells. Thus, the modified cells are useful for testing agents for effects on the cells, for co-grafting with transplant organs, tissues or cells. The modified cells are also useful for enhancing the viability of thawing cells that have been cryo-preserved. In one embodiment, the modified cells are modified Sertoli cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening for a compound that regulate SUMOylation of the nuclear receptor proteins comprising contacting the compound of interest to the nuclear receptor protein, and detecting SUMOylation of the nuclear receptor protein, thereby screening for a compound that regulates SUMOylation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of COPD and/or gastrointestinal disease conditions ameliorated by histamine management in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a histidine decarboxylase inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of H4R modulated diseases and/or conditions comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a H4R agonist. The invention also provides a method for treating COPD comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a H4R agonist, a H1R antagonist and an anticholinergic drug. Further, the invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a H4R agonist, a second active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that binds to a selected nucleic acid comprising contacting compound fluorescently labeled by a fluorescent protein with a cell having a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid in an array such that the nucleic acid can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled compound; and directly detecting the location of fluorescence within the cell, fluorescence aggregated at the site of the nucleic acid array indicating a compound that binds to the selected nucleic acid. In particular compounds such a transcription factors can be screened. Reagents for such method are provided including a mammalian cell having a plurality of steroid receptor response elements in an array such that the response element can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled steroid receptor and a chimeric protein comprising a fluorescent protein fused to a steroid receptor.

Abstract: A peptide or composition comprising at least one HLA-A2 epitope or analog from CEA, HER2/neu, MAGE2, MAGE3, or p53.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising: an absorption window active agent; a controlled release component comprising enteric-coated controlled release beads, wherein the enteric-coated release beads comprise at least two pH-sensitive polymer layers. The controlled-release dosage forms provide good bioavailability of absorption window active agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting and measuring, in a sample from a subject, the plasma levels of endothelial cell antibodies to diagnose an increased risk of pathological complications, such as visual impairment, associated with diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-allergic pharmaceutical composition containing at least two active agents chosen from: (i) one allergen, (ii) one antihistamine compound, and (iii) one inhibitor of histamine synthesis, said active agents being associated in said composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.