Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of immunizing a vertebrate, comprising introducing into the vertebrate a DNA transcription unit which comprises DNA encoding a desired antigen or antigens. The uptake of the DNA transcription unit by a host vertebrate results in the expression of the desired antigen or antigens, thereby eliciting humoral or cell-mediated immune responses or both humoral and cell-mediated responses. The elicited humoral and cell-mediated immune response can provide protection against infection by pathogenic agents, provide an anti-tumor response, or provide contraception. The host can be any vertebrate, avian or mammal, including humans.

Abstract: A laboratory rack assembly for supporting columns and receptacle tubes and other paraphernalia during laboratory procedures such as such as filtration, chromatography, plasma preparation, affinity purification, and so on, includes upper and lower support portions that are connected together for relative sliding movement. An upper rack module is connected to the upper support portion and is configured to receive at least one column. A lower rack module is connected to the lower support portion and is configured to receive at least one receptacle tube. At least one of the rack modules is removably connected to at least one of the support portions. An adjustment mechanism is operably associated with the upper and lower support portions for adjusting a position of one support portion with respect to the other support portion to thereby vary the distance between the upper and lower rack modules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the identification, prognosis, classification, treatment, and diagnosis of leukemia or a genetic predisposition to leukemia are provided. The present invention is based on the discovery of various genomic abnormalities of the IKZFl gene which are shown herein to be associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), more particularly, associated with BCR-ABL1 positive ALL and/or shown to be associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), more particularly, associated with blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (BC-CML) and/or the likelihood of progression into blastic transformation of CML. These various genomic abnormalities of the IKZFl gene can further be used as prognostic markers to identify a subgroup of ALL having very poor outcomes.

Abstract: Combinations of anti-cancer vaccines and inhibitory antibodies to CD223 overcome immune suppression in cancer patients. The vaccines may be isolated antigens, groups of antigens, or whole tumor cells. The inhibitory antibodies may be generated in an animal by injection of fragments of CD223. Antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies or single chain antibodies or humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding gamma glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) associated with reduced GGH activity are disclosed. The primary SNP is a change from a cytosine to a thymine at a position corresponding to nucleotide 511 of Genbank sequence accession no. NM 003878. Methods and kits for detecting these SNPs are provided, along with primers useful in detecting these SNP and for amplifying portions of the GGH gene containing these SNPs.

Abstract: Passive antibody therapy as a tool for both prophylaxis against—and treatment of—highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus, providing immediate immunity is described. It is provided by an antibody specific to hemagglutinin capable of neutralizing influenza viruses and methods of making and using the same, the methods and compounds described herein may be used in diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating pneumococcal infections are provided. Compositions include novel polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the R2i or R22 domain of CbpA or a consensus sequence of one of these domains, and variants and fragments thereof, wherein the polypeptide is stabilized in a desired conformation, particularly a loop conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may be engineered to comprise a first and a second cysteine residue, thereby resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond that stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may be modified to create a synthetic linkage between a first and second amino acid residue present within the polypeptide, wherein the synthetic linkage stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may further comprise an amino acid sequence for a T cell epitope.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that the binding of Arf with Dm2, important components of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, results in specific domains of both proteins undergoing a dramatic transition from dynamically disordered conformations to amyloid-like structures comprised of anti-parallel ?-strands. The invention exploits this discovery by providing unique methods for identifying and/or designing compounds that mimic, inhibit and/or enhance the effect of Arf on Dm2. The present invention also provides specific peptides derived from the binding domains of Arf and Dm2 which co-assemble into supramolecular structures comprised of binary anti-parallel ?-strands. The disclosed peptides may represent structural prototypes for a broader class of peptides that is capable of assembly into supramolecular structures.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of identifying and/or isolating stem cells based on expression of BCRP. The present invention also describes methods of obtaining and/or using cell populations enriched for stem cells. In addition, methods are provided for diagnosing and/or prognosing leukemia, particularly human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), through assaying for BCRP expression in leukemic cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the production of split-biomolecular conjugates for the directed targeting of nucleic acids and polypeptides. More preferably, the compositions and methods allow for the use of the split biomolecular conjugates for the treatment of diseases, malignancies, disorders and screening. In some embodiments, the split biomolecular conjugates comprise split effector protein fragments conjugated to a probe, and interaction of both probes with a target nucleic acid or target polypeptide, such as a pathogenic nucleic acid sequence or pathogenic protein, brings a the split-effector fragments together to facilitate the reassembly of the effector molecule. Depending on the effector molecule, the protein complementation results in a cellular effect, in particular for the treatment of diseases, malignancies and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an array for use in a method of monitoring T cell diversity. The array comprises a substrate having a plurality of capture probes that can specifically bind to a nucleic acid molecule corresponding to a T cell receptor (TCR) gene family selected from the group consisting of the TCR gene families listed in Table 1. In one format, the system has one or more oligonucleotide capture probes wherein each probe is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-41. Further provided are methods for monitoring T cell diversity in a subject following, for example, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or other treatment or therapy that contributes to an alteration in T cell population and/or diversity. Compositions of the invention include arrays, computer readable media, and kits for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of identifying and/or isolating stem cells based on expression of BCRP. The present invention also describes methods of obtaining and/or using cell populations enriched for stem cells. In addition, methods are provided for diagnosing and/or prognosing leukemia, particularly human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), through assaying for BCRP expression in leukemic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a group B streptococcal (GBS) surface antigen, designated epsilon antigen, that is co-expressed with the delta antigen on a subset of serotype III GBS. Epsilon is expressed on more pathogenic Restriction Digest Pattern (RDP) III-3 GBS, but not on RDP types 1, 2, or 4. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting a group B streptococcus serotype III, RDP III-3 strain. Vaccines and methods of identifying agents which inhibit adhesion of a group B streptococcal cell to a host cell are also provided.

Abstract: A novel lymphocyte receptor protein, its DNA sequence, and its role in the calcium activation pathway is described. The protein, or genetically engineered constructs encoding it, is shown to increase lymphocyte response, and to identify ligands of the protein receptor. Antibodies to the proteins of the invention are generated for diagnostic therapeutics. The protein and DNA can also be used for diagnostic purposes and for identifying agents for modulating the calcium induced activation pathway. A particular advantage of the present invention is that it provides lymphocyte activation of receptor found on all B cells, but only on a subset of T cells. The receptor can thus be targeted to specifically regulate B cell responses without affecting mature T cell activity. Such targeting specificity is always advantageous, particularly where an increase or decrease of antibody production is desired, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for modulating the activity of p53 tumor suppressor protein by affecting p53 translational regulation. More specifically, the invention relates to novel methods for modulating p53 mRNA translation in a cell by affecting a function of a p53 5?-untranslated region (5?UTR), including its interaction with proteins such as Ribosomal Protein L26 (RPL26), nucleolin, and p53. The invention also relates to the use of these methods for treating cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and minimizing the negative effects of cellular stresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of disorders including DNA damage related disorders, cancer, ischemia, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, and stroke using a chloroquine compound.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments generally relate to methods and compositions that affect the GTP-binding activity of members of the Rho family GTPases, preferably Rac (Rac1, Rac2 and/or Rac3), such compositions include compounds that modulate the GTP/GDP exchange activity, along with uses for the compounds including screening for compounds which recognize Rac GTPase, and methods of treating pathological conditions associated or related to a Rho family GTPase, including Rac. The preferred embodiments also relate to methods of using such compounds, or derivatives thereof, e.g., in therapeutics, diagnostics, and as research tools.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate in which the amino acid sequence is set forth in any of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3-7, or 9-11, including fragments, mutants, variants, analogs, or derivatives, thereof. Also, this invention provides a isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the amino acid is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24, wherein the polypeptide retains its native tertiary structure and methods of preparation. This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the polypeptide has lectin activity and does not bind to choline. This invention provides an isolated immunogenic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate.