Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the delivery of nucleic acids into a host by administering a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic nucleic acid along with an agent that modulates Kupffer cell function in the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods useful for activating LT-? receptor signaling, which in turn elicits potent anti-proliferative effects on tumor cells. More particularly, this invention relates to lymphotoxin heteromeric complexes formed between lymphotoxin-a and multiple subunits of lymphotoxin-?, which induce cytotoxic effects on tumor cells in the presence of lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents. Also within the scope of this invention are antibodies directed against the lymphotoxin-? receptor which act as lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents alone or in combination with other lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents either in the presence or absence of lymphotoxin-a/? complexes. A screening method for selecting such antibodies is provided. This invention also relates to compositions and methods using cross-linked anti-lymphotoxin-? receptor antibodies either alone or in the presence of other lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents to potentiate tumor cell cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The invention provides Cripto blocking antibodies, or biologically functional fragments thereof, and uses thereof. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate Cripto signaling are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, modulate signaling, and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 and modulate tumor growth are provided. The invention also provides methods of using these antibodies in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Abstract: A fusion polypeptide is described having the amino acid sequence X-Y-Z, or portion thereof, comprising the amino acid sequence of a glycosylated interferon-beta (X); Y is an optional linker moiety; and Z is a polypeptide comprising at least a portion of a polypeptide other than glycosylated interferon-beta. It is preferred that X is human interferon-beta-1a. Mutants of interferon-beta-1a are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which bind to insulin like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) and uses thereof, in particular in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Specific human and murine monoclonal antibodies which inhibit IGF-1R-mediated pro-survival and tumor proliferation pathways, and variants, fragments, and derivatives thereof are provided. Also provided are specific human and murine monoclonal antibodies capable of synergistically inhibiting the ability of the ligands, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), to bind to IGF-1R; as well as fragments, variants and derivatives of such antibodies. Antibodies of the invention produce such synergistic effects via allosteric and/or competitive inhibition of IGF-1R ligand binding.

Abstract: Humanized antibodies to LT-?-R and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind human CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE (FceRII/CD23), and contain either a human gamma-1 or human gamma-3 constant domain, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for modulating or inhibiting induced IgE expression. Accordingly, they have practical utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of disease conditions wherein inhibition of induced IgE production is therapeutically desirable, including allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Methods of treating stroke with blocking agents of TWEAK or TWEAK receptor are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) is a leucine rich repeat protein that forms part of a signaling complex that modulates axon regeneration. Previous studies have shown that the entire LRR region of Nogo receptor-1, including the C-terminal cap of LRR, LRRCT, is needed for ligand binding, and that the adjacent CT stalk of the Nogo receptor-1 contributes to interaction with its co-receptors. The present invention is directed to the use of certain Nogo receptor-1 and Nogo receptor-2 polypeptides and polypeptide fragments for promoting neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, and axonal regeneration in CNS neurons. The invention features molecules and methods useful for inhibiting neurite outgrowth inhibition, promoting neuronal survival, and/or promoting axonal regeneration in CNS neurons.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind human CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE (FceRII/CD23), and contain either a human gamma-1 or human gamma-3 constant domain, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for modulating or inhibiting induced IgE expression. Accordingly, they have practical utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of disease conditions wherein inhibition of induced IgE production is therapeutically desirable, including allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Hydrophobically-modified proteins and methods of making them are described. A hydrophobic moiety is attached to a surface amino acid residue of the protein. The hydrophobic moiety can be a lipid or a peptide. Alternatively, the protein can be derivatized by a wide variety of chemical reactions that append a hydrophobic structure to the protein. The preferred protein is of mammalian origin and is selected from the group consisting of Sonic, Indian, and Desert hedgehog. The hydrophobic moiety is used as a convenient tether to which may be attached a vesicle such as a cell membrane, liposome, or micelle.

Abstract: Genes that are upregulated in human prostate tumor tissues and the corresponding proteins are identified. These genes and the corresponding antigens are suitable targets for the treatment, diagnosis or prophylaxis of prostate cancer. A preferred target gene is Kv3.2.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an expression cassette and a vector comprising the cassette for expression of a polynucleotide. The expression cassette includes a promoter/enhancer, an intervening region, and a polyadenylation signal domain. Expression systems and methods of using the expression cassette and vector are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is based, at least in part, on the development of stabilized binding molecules that consist of or comprise a stabilized scFv and methods for making such stabilized molecules.

Abstract: A method for achieving site specific integration of a desired DNA at a target site in a mammalian cell via homologous recombination is described. This method provides for the reproducible selection of cell lines wherein a desired DNA is integrated at a predetermined transcriptionally active site previously marked with a marker plasmid. The method is particularly suitable for the production of mammalian cell lines which secrete mammalian proteins at high levels, in particular immunoglobulins. Novel vectors and vector combinations for use in the subject cloning method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to human Ly6-BIG molecules and their use in diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment methods for colon, lung and other cancers, in preventing the reoccurrence of such cancers, and in diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment methods for autoimmune disorders and AIDS.