Abstract: The instant methods pertain to improved methods for storing neural cells, preferably dissociated neural cells, prior to their use in transplantation and to the cells obtained using such methods. One embodiment pertains to methods for storing the neural cells in medium lacking added buffer or added protein, other embodiments feature neural cells which are maintained at 4° C. prior to cryopreservation and have comparable viability and/or functionality to freshly harvest cells. In addition, methods for storing and/or transplantation of porcine neural cells are described.

Abstract: The instant methods pertain to an improved methods for storing neural cells, preferably dissociated neural cells, prior to their use in transplantation and to the cells obtained using such methods. One embodiment pertains to methods for storing the neural cells in medium lacking added buffer or added protein, other embodiments feature neural cells which are maintained at 4° C. prior to cryopreservation and have comparable viability and/or functionality to freshly harvested cells. In addition, methods for storing and/or transplantation of porcine neural cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the method of treating a patient suffering from leukemia comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound 2-([(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]-6-benzylamino)-9-isopropylpurine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 2-substituted 4-heteroaryl-pyrimidines, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and hence their use in the treatment of proliferative disorders such as cancer, leukaemia, psoriasis and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated MCT nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel MCT proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing MCT nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated MCT proteins, mutated MCT proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from C. glutamicum based on genetic engineering of MCT genes in this organism.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In particular, DNA encoding two major D. farinae allergens, Der f I and Der f II and DNA encoding a D. pteronyssinus allergen, Der p I. In addition, the proteins or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: Cells transformed to express on their surface a component which binds to an Fc receptor of an effector cell are disclosed. Also disclosed are expression vectors used to transform the cells. Once transformed, the cells bind to effector cells via the Fc receptor of the effector cell to stimulate an effector cell mediated immune response.

Abstract: Isolated porcine hepatocytes, isolated populations of such hepatocytes and methods for using the hepatocytes to treat subjects with disorders characterized by insufficient liver function are described. The porcine hepatocytes can be either hepatocytes isolated from adult, immature, or embryonic swine. The porcine hepatocytes can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, for example, by altering an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cell surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cell in the subject (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof). The isolated porcine hepatocytes of the invention can be used to treat disorders characterized by insufficient liver function by administering the hepatocytes to a subject having such a disorder.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for assaying the presence and/or risk of endometrial cancer by measurement of levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and/or matrix metalloproteinase-9 in uterine washings. The method may be qualitative or quantitative, and is adaptable to large-scale screening and to clinical trials.

Abstract: The invention demonstrates that NFATp represses cartilage cell division and represses the chondrogenic program in cells and displays the properties of a tumor suppressor gene. In addition, the invention demonstrates that inhibition of NFATp activity promotes cartilage cell proliferation and differentiation. Methods for identifying modulators of cartilage growth and/or differentiation, using either NFATp-deficient cells or NFATp-containing indicator compositions, are provided. Methods of modulating cartilage cell growth and/or differentiation using agents that modulate the activity of NFATp are also provided. Methods for diagnosing disorders associated with aberrant cartilage cell growth and/or differentiation, by assessing a change in NFATp expression, are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprising cyaniding reagents for binding to Fc&ggr;RI receptors, and methods and kits for use therefor are provided.

Abstract: Methods for modulating production of a T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated cytokine, in particular interleukin-4, by modulating the activity of one or more transcription factors that cooperate with NF-AT family proteins to regulate expression of a Th2-associated cytokine gene are disclosed. In one embodiment, the activity of a maf family protein (e.g., c-Maf or a small maf protein, such as p18) is modulated. In another embodiment, the activity of a protein that interacts with an NF-AT family protein (e.g., NIP45) is modulated. Combination methods, for example wherein the activities of a maf family protein and an NF-AT protein are modulated or the activities of a maf protein and and NF-AT-interacting protein are modulated, are also encompassed by the invention. Methods for modulating development of T helper type 1 (Th1) or T helper type 2 (Th2) subsets in a subject using agents that modulate transcription factor activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor &agr; (hTNF&agr;) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNF&agr; (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNF&agr; dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNF&agr; activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNF&agr; and for inhibiting hTNF&agr; activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNF&agr; activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: Porcine cardiomyocytes and methods for using the cardiomyocytes to treat disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function are described. The porcine cardiomyocytes are preferably embryonic porcine cardiomyocytes. The porcine cardiomyocytes can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine cardiomyocytes can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cardiomyocyte surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cardiomyocytes in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cardiomyocyte when introduced into the subject. In one embodiment, the porcine cardiomyocytes are obtained from a pig which is essentially free from organisms or substances which are capable of transmitting infection or disease to the recipient subject.

Abstract: Hybrid compounds comprising a first domain and a second domain are provided. The first domain and the second domain are preferably covalently linked, and the first domain comprises a domain which is capable of specific binding to Gb3; and the second domain comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of drug moiety, a nucleic acid, a probe, a polypeptide, and a hook, with the proviso that the second domain is not a verotoxin or a fragment thereof. Mehtods of preapring and using the hybrid compounds are also provided.

Abstract: A new method, solid phase precipitation and extraction (SPPE), is disclosed and is particularly advantageous for purifying mixtures of synthetic peptides directly from a cleavage/deprotection mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent which comprises: one or more thyroid hormone or hormones; from about 40% to about 96% ethanol by volume; a pH adjusting agent so that the measured pH of the composition is from about 9 to about 12; and from about 4% to about 50% water by volume; which has utility in the treatment of disorders associated with an impairment of the thyroid hormone function in animals including human beings. The liquid composition may be delivered by a metered dosage delivery system such as an aerosol or pump-action spray.

Abstract: Compounds of the present invention include cell growth inhibitors which are peptides of Formula I, A-B-D-E-F-(G)r-(K)s-L  (I), and acid salts thereof, wherein A, B, D, E, F, G and K are &agr;-amino acid residues, and s and r are each, independently, 0 or 1. L is a monovalent radical, such as, for example, an amino group, an N-substituted amino group, a &bgr;-hydroxylamino group, a hydrazido group, an alkoxy group, a thioalkoxy group, an aminoxy group, or an oximato group. The present invention also includes a method for treating cancer in a mammal, such as a human, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of generating a set of polypeptide antigens derived from a protein (or portion thereof) which is expressed with some degree of sequence heterogeneity among naturally or artificially induced variants of the protein. The purpose is to provide a mix of antigens which can be used to immunize against the variants and, preferably, possible unknown or new variants that may arise.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a novel protein, CIP104, that interacts with CIITA, an MHC class II transcriptional activator, are disclosed. The invention further provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals carrying a CIP104 transgene. The invention further provides isolated CIP104 proteins and peptides, CIP104 fusion proteins and anti-CIP104 antibodies. Methods of using the CIP104 compositions of the invention are also disclosed, including methods for detecting CIP104 activity (e.g., CIP104 protein or mRNA) in a biological sample, methods of modulating CIP104 activity in a cell, and methods for identifying agents that modulate an interaction between CIP104 and CIITA.