Abstract: There is provided a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells by introduction of a Notch gene. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which method comprises introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells, wherein the finally obtained differentiated cells are the result of cell division of the bone marrow stromal cells into which the Notch gene and/or Notch signaling related gene have been introduced. The invention also provides a method of inducing further differentiation of the differentiation-induced neural cells to dopaminergic neurons or acetylcholinergic neurons. The invention yet further provides a treatment method for neurodegenerative and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which employs neural precursor cells, neural cells or skeletal muscle cells produced by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for treatment of central nervous system lesions. Preferred methods and materials comprise neuronal precursor cells and/or marrow adherent stem cell-derived neuronal cells.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells by introduction of a Notch gene. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which method comprises introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells, wherein the finally obtained differentiated cells are the result of cell division of the bone marrow stromal cells into which the Notch gene and/or Notch signaling related gene have been introduced. The invention also provides a method of inducing further differentiation of the differentiation-induced neural cells to dopaminergic neurons or acetylcholinergic neurons. The invention yet further provides a treatment method for neurodegenerative and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which employs neural precursor cells, neural cells or skeletal muscle cells produced by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The immune response to a DNA immunogen in a mammal can be enhanced by administration of a chemokine or a polynucleotide encoding the chemokine. This method can be used, for example, to immunize or vaccinate a mammal against an infectious disease or a tumor.

Abstract: Novel methods, membrane supports and immunodiagnostic test kits for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection, are disclosed. The methods can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment of an infection. The methods, supports and kits employ both type-common and type-specific H. pylori antigens and can conveniently be performed in a single-step assay format. The methods provide for highly accurate results and discriminate between H. pylori Type I and H. pylori Type II infection so that an accurate diagnosis can be accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention provides parenteral adjuvants comprising detoxified mutants of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins, particularly those from pertussis (PT), cholera (CT), and heat-labile E. coli (LT).

Abstract: Methods of production and purification for viruses and virus-derived vectors, including those related to alphaviruses, are disclosed. In one aspect, methods of purification that subject alphavirus replicon particle preparations to one or more steps of chromatographic purification, such as using an ion exchange resin, are provided. Also disclosed are methods of characterizing alphavirus replicon particles and utilizing these materials for vaccines and gene-based therapeutics.

Abstract: Polynucleotide encoding modified HIV Env polypeptides are disclosed. The Env polypeptides are modified in the region of amino acids 420-436 so as to expose at least part of the CD4 binding region. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining recombinantly produced, C-terminally truncated, E1 and E2 polypeptides from cell lysates are disclosed. The intracellularly expressed truncated molecules display improved biological properties as compared to their secreted counterparts.

Abstract: Expression vectors and transfection systems providing high expression of a desired polypeptide are provided. Also provided are methods of using the expression vectors and transfection systems and mammalian cells modified by these compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention provides host cells comprising a translation operator sequence (TOP) and packaging elements. Also provided are viral vectors comprising a TOP operably linked to a transgene. Also provided are methods of using these host cells and viral vectors to produce recombinant virions.

Abstract: Expression vectors and transfection systems providing high expression of a desired polypeptide are provided. Also provided are methods of using the expression vectors and transfection systems and mammalian cells modified by these compositions and methods.