Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating peripheral artery disease in a patient are provided. Compositions comprise recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2. Fibroblast growth factor, such as FGF-2, is administered in therapeutically effective amounts to treat or prevent peripheral artery disease including claudication and critical limb ischemia. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of FGF-2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. The methods of the invention to treat peripheral artery disease and claudication comprise administering at least a single dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the FGF, such as FGF-2, via intra-arterial, intravenous, or intramuscular infusion to the patient. It is recognized that increased benefits may result from multiple dosing, including intermittent dosing.

Abstract: This application relates to improved Group B Streptococcus (“GBS”) saccharide-based vaccines comprising combinations of GBS polysaccharides with polypeptide antigens, and vice versa, such that the polypeptide and the saccharide each contribute to the immunological response in a recipient. The combination is particularly advantageous where the saccharide and polypeptide are from different GBS serotypes. The combined antigens may be present as a simple combination where separate saccharide and polypeptide antigens are administered together, or they may be present as a conjugated combination, where the saccharide and polypeptide antigens are covalently linked to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating or preventing a pathologic state in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The promoter of T-cell expansion and inducer of CD40 stimulation are administered in synergistically effective amounts to treat or prevent the pathologic state in the mammal. The invention also provides a method of assessing the effectiveness of treatment of a pathologic state in a mammal, wherein the mammal has been administered a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and efficient method for determining the three-dimensional conformation of a protein. The steps of the method of the invention include: 1) formation of physical distance constraints, e.g., forming intramolecular chemical crosslinks of known size between residues of a protein; 2) enriching the number of the molecules that have intramolecular chemical crosslinks in the reaction pool, e.g., using size separation to remove proteins with intermolecular bonds; 3) exposing the enriched reaction pool to a protease that cuts the protein at specific sites to produce peptide fragments; 4) measuring the size of the peptide fragments to determine linkage sites with a certain spatial relationship in the protein; and 5)interpreting the data produced to determine spatial geometry and protein structure based on the deduced spatial relationship of the linkage sites.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form using a yeast host cell as the expression system are provided. Compositions of the invention are nucleotide sequences encoding a signal peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, an optional leader peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, a native propeptide leader sequence for a mature protein of interest, and a sequence for the mature protein of interest, all operably linked to a yeast promoter. Each of these elements is associated with a processing site recognized in vivo by a yeast proteolytic enzyme. Any or all of these processing sites may be a preferred processing site that has been modified or synthetically derived for more efficient cleavage in vivo. The compositions are useful in methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form.

Abstract: Methods for treating renal cell carcinoma using low doses of IL-2 are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to methods of treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma in patients who are renally impaired and/or intolerant of high dose IL-2 therapy. The therapeutic regimen described herein significantly inhibits tumor growth with reduced toxicity and adverse side effects compared to high dose IL-2 therapy.

Abstract: Antimicrobial ketolide compounds are provided having the formula (A): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of treating bacterial infections by the administration of such compounds, and processes for the preparation of the compounds.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBV agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: A polypeptide containing an anchor region, a protease recognition site, and a detectable signal region can be produced recombinantly and directly attached to a solid support. The polypeptide is useful for screening protease regulators, especially protease inhibitors.

Abstract: Chimeric alphaviruses and alphavirus replicon particles are provided including methods of making and using same. Specifically, alphavirus particles are provided having nucleic acid molecules derived from one or more alphaviruses and structural proteins (capsid and/or envelope) from at least two or more alphaviruses. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are peptidomimetic protein-binding arrays, their manufacture, use, and application. The protein-binding array elements of the invention include a peptidomimetic segment linked to a solid support via a stable anchor. The invention contemplates peptidomimetic array element library synthesis, distribution, and spotting of array elements onto solid planar substrates, labeling of complex protein mixtures, and the analysis of differential protein binding to the array. The invention also enables the enrichment or purification, and subsequent sequencing or structural analysis of proteins that are identified as differential by the array screen. Kits including proteomic microarrays in accordance with the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are protein microarrays, their manufacture, use, and application. Protein microarrays in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety preoteomic analyses. Various protein arrays in accordance with the present invention may immobilize large arrays of proteins that may be useful for studying protein-protein interactions to improve understanding of disease processes, facilitating drug discovery, or for identifying potential antigens for vaccine development. The protein array elements of the invention are native or modified proteins (e.g., antibodies or fusion proteins). The protein array elements may be attached directly to a organic functionalized mirrored substrate by a binding reaction between functional groups on the substrate (e.g., amine) and protein (e.g., activated carboxylic acid). Techniques for chemical blocking of the arrays are also provided.

Abstract: Novel human interleukin-2 (IL-2) muteins or variants thereof, and nucleic acid molecules and variants thereof are provided. Methods for producing these muteins as well as methods for stimulating the immune system of an animal are also disclosed. In addition, the invention provides recombinant expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of this invention and host cells into which expression vectors have been introduced. Pharmaceutical compositions are included comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a human IL-2 mutein of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The IL-2 muteins have lower toxicity than native IL-2 or Proleukin® IL-2, while maintaining or enhancing NK cell-mediated effects, and can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment of cancer, and in stimulating the immune response.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the structural formula I are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 join together to form a 6 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for targeting an epitope on an antigen expressed in a mammal. The formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with a dimeric biosynthetic construct for binding at least one preselected antigen. The biosynthetic construct contains two polypeptide chains, each of which define single-chain Fv (sFv) binding proteins and have C-terminal tails that facilitate the crosslinking of two sFv polypeptides. The resulting dimeric constructs have a conformation permitting binding of a said preselected antigen by the binding site of each said polypeptide chain when administered to said mammal. The formulation has particular utility in in vivo imaging and drug targeting experiments.

Abstract: An outbreak of a virulent respiratory virus, now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), was identified in Hong Kong, China and a growing number of countries around the world in 2003. The invention relates to nucleic acids and proteins from the SARS coronavirus. These nucleic acids and proteins can be used in the preparation and manufacture of vaccine formulations, diagnostic reagents, kits, etc. The invention also provides methods for treating SARS by administering small molecule antiviral compounds, as well as methods of identifying potent small molecules for the treatment of SARS.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated GSK3 polypeptides capable of crystallization, including GSK3? and GSK3? polypeptides, and use of these polypeptides to identify and optimize GSK3 inhibitors. Also provided are GSK3 polypeptides having at least one substituted amino acid that differs from wild-type GSK3, wherein the substituted amino acid is incapable of being phosphorylated. The invention finds use in providing methods of identifying and optimizing compounds useful for treating diseases mediated by GSK3 activity, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Abstract: Methods for improving purification and quantification of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) proteins having structural heterogeneity are provided. Preparation of substantially pure isoforms of these proteins is achieved using TSK sulfopropyl cation exchange chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. A reverse charged capillary zone electrophoresis method enables quantification of substantially pure isoforms of these proteins resulting from endoproteolytic post-translational modifications. Compositions of the invention are substantially purified isoforms of secreted PDGF proteins having structural heterogeneity, more particularly purified intact, single-clipped, and double-clipped isoforms of recombinant PDGF-BB. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one of these substantially purified recombinant PDGF isoforms and methods for their use in promoting wound healing are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating B-cell lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are disclosed. The methods use a combination therapy of a chemotherapeutic agent, an IL-2 and, optionally, an anti-CD20 antibody.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoding a dsRNA receptor (dsRNA-R). The dsRNA-R contains a THD, interacts with the MyD88 adapter protein, and may bind to dsRNA. The present invention is also directed to antibodies against dsRNA-R and to methods of modulating an immune response and the methods of identifying compounds which bind to and/or modulate dsRNA-R.