Abstract: The invention provides an assay for determining whether a test agent is a COX modulator. In general terms, the assay includes: determining whether a test agent modulates binding of a PDZ-containing polypeptide to a COX PL-containing polypeptide. The PDZ-containing polypeptide may contain the PDZ domain of PDZ domain of MAGI1, TIP-1, MAST2, PSD95, or SHANK. The assays may be done in a cell-free environment or in a cellular environment, particularly using a neuronal cell. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic applications, including for identifying agents for use in treating cancer, pain, inflammation and neuronal conditions caused by acute insult, e.g., stroke.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for detecting influenza A and/or influenza B and/or distinguishing between pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes. Many of these preferred formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least multiple strains within an influenza type) to detect presence of influenza A and/or influenza B and PDZ domains in combination with panspecific antibodies to influenza A to distinguish pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating pathogen infections, particularly human papillomavirus infections. Specifically, the invention provides a method of screening that involves determining an effect of a candidate agent on binding of an E6 protein from an oncogenic strain of HPV to a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence of a particular PDZ domain from the cellular protein MAGI-1. The invention provides methods to treat diseases associated with expression of pathogen proteins by modulating their interactions with MAGI-1, and a number of isolated peptides useful in such methods. Also provided are kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions for determining the presence and amount of an influenza virus in a sample including high risk strains of Influenza A. Also provided are methods for determining whether a subject is infected with a influenza virus, as well as, the type and strain of the influenza virus. The methods involve contacting a sample from the subject with a PDZ polypeptides (PDZ) and/or PDZ ligands (PL) and determining whether binding interactions occur between PDZ and PL. Assays for identifying anti-viral agents are also provided, as well as, methods for using the compositions to alter PDZ binding to PL in influenza infected cells.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for detecting influenza A and/or influenza B and/or distinguishing between pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes. Many of these preferred formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least multiple strains within an influenza type) to detect presence of influenza A and/or influenza B and PDZ domains in combination with panspecific antibodies to influenza A to distinguish pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes.

Abstract: The invention provides agents useful for treating pain. An exemplary agent comprises or consists of the a portion of a retroviral Tat protein. One such agent is the peptide Tat-NR2B9c. This peptide has previously been described as an agent for inhibiting damaging effects of stroke and similar conditions via inhibition of PSD95 interactions with NMDA receptors and/or NOS. The present application provides data showing that the Tat-NR2B9c peptides is effective in alleviation of pain. The alleviation of pain can be obtained at a dose of the peptide below the dose required to inhibit PSD-95 interactions with NMDAR or NOS.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for assessing influenza infection, including prognosis. An assay that determines the amount of the NS1 and NP proteins of influenza virus shows enhanced sensitivity and reliability compared to either antigen alone. Many formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least with multiple strains within an influenza type).

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions for determining the presence and amount of an influenza virus in a sample including high risk strains of Influenza A. Also provided are methods for determining whether a subject is infected with a influenza virus, as well as, the type and strain of the influenza virus. The methods involve contacting a sample from the subject with a PDZ polypeptides (PDZ) and/or PDZ ligands (PL) and determining whether binding interactions occur between PDZ and PL. Assays for identifying anti-viral agents are also provided, as well as, methods for using the compositions to alter PDZ binding to PL in influenza infected cells.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for detecting influenza A and/or influenza B and/or distinguishing between pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes. Many of these preferred formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least multiple strains within an influenza type) to detect presence of influenza A and/or influenza B and PDZ domains in combination with panspecific antibodies to influenza A to distinguish pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for conjugating gold to biological molecules and conjugates resulting from the same. The method provides superior gold conjugated biomolecules with higher sensitivity than those made from conventional gold conjugation methods.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for determining whether a test agent is a COX modulator. In general terms, the assay includes: determining whether a test agent modulates binding of a PDZ-containing polypeptide to a COX PL-containing polypeptide. The PDZ-containing polypeptide may contain the PDZ domain of PDZ domain of MAGI1, TIP-1, MAST2, PSD95, or SHANK. The assays may be done in a cell-free environment or in a cellular environment, particularly using a neuronal cell. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic applications, including for identifying agents for use in treating cancer, pain, inflammation and neuronal conditions caused by acute insult, e.g., stroke.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of delivering pharmacologic agents linked to an internalization peptide, in which an inflammatory response inducible by the internalization peptide is inhibited by co-administration of an anti-inflammatory or by linking the internalization peptide to biotin or similar molecule. Such methods are premised in part on the results described in the examples whereby administration of a pharmacological agent linked to tat high dosages is closely followed by an inflammatory response, which includes mast cell degranulation, histamine release and the typical sequelae of histamine release, such as redness, heat, swelling, and hypotension.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting anthrax or other pathogens are disclosed. Individual self-contained monitoring devices of a monitoring system can be portable or stationary (e.g. installed in air ducts or plumbing of buildings) and can be part of a network of devices. Monitoring devices may be used for the detection of a variety of airborne or surface pathogens, including but not limited to anthrax, smallpox, and Salmonella. Bioamplification-coupled proteomics assays provide rapid and reliable detection of pathogens, with self-checking capabilities reducing or eliminating false positives and false negatives. Sample preservation capability allows pathogen samples to be preserved after detection for further testing. The device of the invention can be remotely operated by minimally trained technicians or security personnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reading test strips such as lateral flow test strips as used for the testing of various chemicals in humans and animals. A compact and portable device is provided that may be battery powered when used remotely from the laboratory and, may store test data until it can be downloaded to another database. Motive power during scanning of the test strip is by means of a spring and damper that is wound by the operator during the insertion of a test strip cassette holder prior to test.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds useful for treating or effecting prophylaxis of cancers, particularly cervical cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in cells, particularly interactions between a PDZ protein and a PL protein. Reagents and methods that are provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions in a variety of cell types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in the modulation of PDZ domain interactions with cognate ligands. Methods of assessing and characterizing PDZ domain interactions from various polypeptides also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating or effecting prophylaxis of a patient having or at risk of developing symptoms of anxiety in which an effective regime of an agent that inhibits specific binding of PSD95 to an NMDA receptor is administered to a patient.