Abstract: The present invention describes IgE antagonists (including variant anti-IgE antibodies) and their use in diagnosis, therapy or prophylaxis of allergic and other IgE-mediated disorders, including asthma, food allergies, hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the affinity of a polypeptide to a target molecule by a combination of steps, including: (1) the identification of aspartyl residues which are prone to isomerization; (2) the substitution of alternative residues and screening the resulting mutants for affinity against the target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the method of subtituting residues is affinity maturation with phage display (AMPD). In a further preferred embodiment the polypeptide is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is anti-IgE and the target molecule is IgE. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-IgE antibody having improved affinity to IgE.

Abstract: The invention provides for the isolation, identification, synthesis, expression and purification of antibodies reactive with factor IX (FIX)/factor IXa (IXa). In particular aspects, the invention provides human antibodies reactive with the human FIX Gla domain. The invention further provides compositions especially pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, and methods of inhibiting the activation of-FIX and inhibiting FIX/IXa dependent coagulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to human & vertebrate fused.

Abstract: Novel vertebrate homologues of Smoothened, including human and rat Smoothened, are provided. Compositions including vertebrate Smoothened chimeras, nucleic acid encoding vertebrate Smoothened, and antibodies to vertebrate Smoothened, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptide, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to human & vertebrate fused.

Abstract: Novel vertebrate homologues of Smoothened, including human and rat Smoothened, are provided. Compositions including vertebrate Smoothened chimeras, nucleic acid encoding vertebrate Smoothened, and antibodies to vertebrate Smoothened, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for culturing a recombinant host cell comprising: determining a polypeptide factor for a polypeptide factor-dependent host cell; transforming said host cell with nucleic acid encoding said polypeptide factor; transforming the host cell with nucleic acid encoding a desired protein; and, culturing the transformed host cells in a medium lacking the polypeptide factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to patched-2.

Abstract: Two classes of polypeptides derived from human IgE are described. One class binds selectively to the high affinity IgE receptor on mast cells and basophils, but not to the low affinity IgE receptor on B-cells, monocytes, eosinophils and platelets. The other class binds to the low affinity receptor, but not the high affinity receptor. The differential binding polypeptides of this invention are useful in diagnostic procedures for IgE receptors or in the therapy of IgE-mediated disorders such as allergies. They also are useful in preparing antibodies capable of binding regions of IgE that participate in receptor binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the affuinity of a polypeptide to a target molecule by a combination of steps, including: (1) the identification of aspartyl residues which are prone to isomerization; (2) the substitution of alternative residues and screening the resulting mutants for affinity against the target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the method of subtituting residues is affinity maturation with phage display (AMPD). In a further preferred embodiment the polypeptide is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is anti-IgE and the target molecule is IgE. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-IgE antibody having improved affinity to IgE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the spray freeze dry preparation of dry powder formulations of therapeutic proteins suitable for administration via pulmonary delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, improved method of identifying cDNA's which encode secreted and membrane-bound proteins. The methods of the invention provide for an improved signal sequence detection system using host strains deficient in post-translation translocation of siren sequences, which results in a greater number of correctly identified signal sequences and less total time required to complete the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the affinity of a polypeptide to a target molecule by a combination of steps, including: (1) the identification of aspartyl residues which are prone to isomerization; (2) the substitution of alternative residues and screening the resulting mutants for affinity against the target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the method of substituting residues is affinity maturation with phage display (AMPD). In a further preferred embodiment the polypeptide is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is anti-IgE and the target molecule is IgE. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-IgE antibody having improved affinity to IgE.

Abstract: Uses for Wnt polypeptides in hematopoiesis are disclosed. In particular, in vitro and in vivo methods for enhancing proliferation, differentiation or maintenance of a hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell using a Wnt polypeptide, and optionally another cytokine, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying cDNA's which encode secreted and membrane-bound proteins. The present invention also relates to a novel method for preparing cDNA libraries enriched for signal sequences. The methods of the invention provide for an improved signal sequence detection system which results, when compared to the prior art, in a greater number of correctly identified signal sequences and less total time required to complete the procedure.

Abstract: Novel vertebrate homologues of Smoothened, including human and rat Smoothened, are provided. Compositions including vertebrate Smoothened chimeras, nucleic acid encoding vertebrate Smoothened, and antibodies to vertebrate Smoothened, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification, purification, recombinant production and characterization of novel O-fucosyltransferase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying cDNA's which encode secreted and membrane-bound proteins. The present invention also relates to a novel method for preparing cDNA libraries enriched for signal sequences. The methods of the invention provide for an improved signal sequence detection system which results, when compared to the prior art, in a greater number of correctly identified signal sequences and less total time required to complete the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs). oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, antagonists and agonists vectors and host cells expressing, and immunoadhesions and antibodies to Nsp1, Nsp2 and Nsp3.