Patents Assigned to The Gov. of the USA as represented by the
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Publication number: 20120027792Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids (such as DNA immunization plasmids), encoding fusion proteins containing a destabilizing amino acid sequence attached to an amino acid sequence of interest, in which the immunogenicity of the amino acid sequence of interest is increased by the presence of the destabilizing amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding secreted fusion proteins, such as those containing chemokines or cytokines, and an attached amino acid sequence of interest, in which the immunogenicity of the amino acid sequence of interest is increased as a result of being attached to the secretory sequence. The invention also relates methods of increasing the immunogenicity of the encoded proteins for use as vaccines or in gene therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: The Gov of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dept. of Health & Human Services N.I.H.Inventors: George N. Pavlakis, Alexander Gragerov, Barbara K. Felber
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Publication number: 20090314633Abstract: This invention provides a means to deposit thin films and coatings on a substrate using an electron beam generated plasma. The plasma can be used as an ion source in sputter applications, where the ions are used to liberate material from a target surface which can then condense on a substrate to form the film or coating. Alternatively, the plasma may be combined with existing deposition sources including those based on sputter or evaporation techniques. In either configuration, the plasma serves as a source of ion and radical species at the growing film surface in reactive deposition processes. The electron beam large area deposition system (EBELADS) is a new approach to the production of thin films or coatings up to and including several square meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: The Gov. of the USA, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Scott G. Walton, Darrin Leonhardt, Robert A. Meger, Richard Fernsler, Christopher Muratore
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Publication number: 20090269368Abstract: This invention provides Pseudomonas exotoxin A-like chimeric immunogens that include a non-native epitope in the Ib domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin. Methods of eliciting an immune response using these immunogens also are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as Represented by the Secretary of the Dept.of Health and Human ServicesInventor: David J. FitzGerald
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Publication number: 20090155250Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Orthopoxviruses. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: The Gov. of the USA, as represented by The Secretary, Department of HealthInventors: Zhaochun Chen, Patricia Earl, Bernard Moss, Suzanne U. Emerson, Robert H. Purcell
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Publication number: 20090041804Abstract: The present invention is a recombinant vector encoding and expressing at least three or more costimulatory molecules. The recombinant vector may additionally contain a gene encoding one or more target antigens or immunological epitope thereof. The synergistic effect of these costimulatory molecules on the enhanced activation of T cells is demonstrated. The degree of Tell activation using recombinant vectors containing genes encoding three costimulatory molecules was far greater than the sum of recombinant vector constructs containing one costimulatory molecule and greater than the use of two costimulatory molecules. Results employing the triple costimulatory vectors were most dramatic under conditions of either low levels of first signal or low stimulator to T-cell ratios. This phenomenon was observed with both isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: The Gov. of the USA, as represented by Secretary, Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Jeffrey Schlom, James Hodge, Dennis Panicali
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Publication number: 20080311144Abstract: Mutant cholera holotoxins having single or double amino acid substitutions or insertions have reduced toxicity compared to the wild-type cholera holotoxin. The mutant cholera holotoxins are useful as adjuvants in antigenic compositions to enhance the immune response in a vertebrate host to a selected antigen from a pathogenic bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an allergen, or a self-molecule.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicants: Wyeth Holdings Corporation, The Gov. of the USA, as represented by the Uniformed Services University of Health SciencesInventors: Bruce A. Green, Randall K. Holmes, Michael G. Jobling, Duzhang Zhu
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Publication number: 20080274132Abstract: The present invention relates novel methods and compositions for blocking transmission of Plasmodium vivax which cause malaria. In particular, Pvs25 and Pvs28 polypeptides, variants, including deglycosylated forms, and fusion proteins thereof, are disclosed which, when administered to a susceptible organism, induce an immune response against a 25 kD and 28 kD protein, respectively, on the surface of Plasmodium vivax zygotes and ookinetes. This immune response in the susceptible organism can block transmission of malaria.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dep. of Health and Human ServicesInventors: David C. KASLOW, Takafumi Tsuboi, Motomi Torii
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Publication number: 20080166338Abstract: A transgenic mouse is disclosed herein whose somatic and germ cells comprise a disrupted IL-21 receptor gene, the disruption being sufficient to inhibit the binding of IL-21 to an IL-21 receptor, and a disrupted IL-4 gene, the disruption being sufficient to inhibit the production of IL-4 or the binding of IL-4 to the IL-4 receptor. A mouse homozygous for the disrupted IL-21 receptor gene and homozygous for the disrupted IL-4 gene has diminished B cell function. A method is disclosed for altering a B cell activity. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that interferes with the interaction of IL-21 with an IL-21 receptor, thereby altering the B cell activity. A method is also disclosed for of treating a subject with Job's disorder or atopic disease. A method is also disclosed for treating or preventing an allergic reaction in a subject. A method is also disclosed for treating a subject with an autoimmune or antibody mediated disorder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Gov. of the USA, represented by the Secretary , Depa.Inventors: Warren J. Leonard, Katsutoshi Ozaki, Rosanne Spolski, Herbert C. Morse, Peter E. Lipsky, Derry Roopenian
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Publication number: 20080044857Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing peptide standards for quantitative proteomics. In one disclosed embodiment, chimeric polypeptides that are a combination of mass tags for multiple proteins are expressed in a host cell that is grown on an isotopically-altered medium. The mass tags in the chimeric polypeptide are separated by specific cleavage sites (such as trypsin cleavage sites), and upon treatment with an appropriate protein cleavage agent (such as trypsin) the constituent peptide standards are released. Methods of mass spectrometric analysis that employ the disclosed chimeric polypeptides (or the peptide standards liberated therefrom) also are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2005Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: THE GOV OF USA as represented by THE SECRETARY OFInventor: David Anderson
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Publication number: 20070272850Abstract: A digester-evaporator interface for partially digesting a sample mixed in a solvent with an acid and for evaporating the solvent and the acid after partial digestion, said digester-evaporator including a digester portion and an evaporator portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Gov. of the USA As represented by the Secretary of Commerce The Ntl Inst of Standards & TechnologyInventors: Stephen L. Long, David M. Bunk, Mariana Arce-Osuna
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Publication number: 20070212363Abstract: A (poly)peptide-Fc fusion molecule, such as an scFv-Fc fusion molecule comprising an scFv fragment and an Fc region from an antibody, related nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, and a method of inhibiting a viral infection in a mammal, which method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof the fusion molecule, wherein the fusion molecule binds to an epitope of a viral envelope protein that is inaccessible to whole immunoglobulin molecules due to molecular steric hindrance, or a nucleic acid, optionally in the form of a vector, encoding same, wherein the nucleic acid or vector is optionally contained within a host cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2004Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: The Gov of USA, as Represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Dimiter Dimitrov, Mei-Yun Zhang
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Publication number: 20070093894Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating a medical device comprising the steps of applying to at least a portion of the surface of the medical device, a bactericidal coating layer, wherein the bactericidal coating layer comprises a bactericidal agent; and applying to at least a portion of the surface of the medical device, a bacteriostatic coating, wherein the bacteriostatic coating layer comprises a bacteriostatic agent wherein the combination of the bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents are in an effective concentration to inhibit growth of microbial organisms relative to an uncoated medical device. The two antimicrobial agents are used to develop a kit comprising these compositions in one container or in separate containers. The kit is used to coat or flush medical devices prior to or after implantation in a mammal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Applicants: Baylor College of Medicine, Gov. of the USA As Represented by the Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesInventor: Rabih Darouiche
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Publication number: 20060280721Abstract: Novel compounds and compositions containing (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate derivatives are disclosed. The compounds and compositions can be used as nutritional supplements to increase physical performance and as therapeutics to ameliorate symptoms of medical conditions, particularly neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and similar conditions. Novel methods for making R-3-hydroxybutyrate derivatives also are disclosed. Exemplary methods employ a supercritical solvent, such as supercritical carbon dioxide, and employ a lipase catlyzed esterification or transesterification reaction to produce the (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate derivatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2004Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: The Gov of USA represented by Secretary of Dpt ofInventors: Richard Veech, Michael King
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Publication number: 20060188872Abstract: The invention provides a novel post-transcriptional regulatory element that can function as an RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element. The invention also provides for an attenuated HIV-1 hybrid virus for use as a vaccine and a kit incorporating the hybrid virus. The kit also includes instructional material teaching the use of the vaccine, where the instructional material indicates that the vaccine is used for the prophylaxis or amelioration of HIV-1 infection in a mammal; that the vaccine is to be administered to a mammal in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to express a viral protein; where the vaccine will not cause clinically significant CD4+ cell depletion; and, the expression of the viral protein elicits an immune response to the attenuated HIV-1 virus. The invention further provides for a method for screening for post-transcriptional RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element (NCTE) binding proteins.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2005Publication date: August 24, 2006Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as Represented by the Secretary Dept. of Health and Human ServicesInventors: George Pavlakis, Filomena Nappi
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Publication number: 20050238517Abstract: A pump/motor includes a back plate having first and second fluid ports configured to be differentially pressurized, first and second reaction plates rigidly coupled to the back plate, and a valve plate slideably coupled to the back plate and having first and second fluid feed channels configured to receive fluid from the first and second fluid ports. A plurality of hold-down pistons is positioned in respective hold-down cylinders formed in the valve plate. Each of the hold-down pistons is configured to be biased, by pressurized fluid in the respective hold-down cylinder, against a surface of one of the reaction plates. A barrel, having a plurality of drive cylinders, is rotatably coupled to the valve plate. Drive pistons positioned in the drive cylinders are biased against a thrust plate by pressurized fluid in the drive cylinders. The thrust plate is coupled to an output shaft of the pump/motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2004Publication date: October 27, 2005Applicant: Gov. of the USA, as represented by the Admin. of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Charles Gray
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Publication number: 20050196822Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro and ex vivo methods of screening for modulators, homologues, and mimetics of lethal factor mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) protease activity, as well as methods of treating cancer by administering LF to transformed cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2005Publication date: September 8, 2005Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dept of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Nicholas Duesbery, Craig Webb, Stephen Leppla, George Vande Woude
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Publication number: 20050059623Abstract: The invention provides methods for using local heat to control gene expression. The heat shock protein (hsp) gene promoter is recombined with a selected therapeutic gene and expressed in selected cells. Local controlled heating is used to activate the hsp promoter, for example by using focused ultrasound controlled by MRI.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: March 17, 2005Applicant: The GOV of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventor: Chrit Moonen
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Publication number: 20040223973Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the Vi polysaccharide of S. typhi with the carrier Pseudomonas aeruginosa recombinant exoprotein A (rEPA), and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, S. typhi bacterial infections. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies againt S. typhi and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by S. typhi.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: The Gov. of the USA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Zuzana Kossaczka, Shousun Chen Szu, John B. Robbins, Rachel Schneerson, Joseph Shiloach
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Publication number: 20040147026Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving encapsidation of transgene RNA using retroviral packaging and transfer vectors. An HIV-2 transfer vector, which includes the transgene, is introduced into a packaging cell that is also transfected with (or stably expresses) an HIV-2 derived packaging vector or a combination of packaging vectors. The packaging vector has mutations in packaging signal sequences that are both upstream and downstream of the 5′ splice donor site. The upstream mutation can be a functional deletion of a signal sequence located between the 5′ LTR and the 5′ splice donor site, while the downstream mutation can be a functional deletion of a signal sequence located between the 5′ splice donor site and an initiation codon of the gag gene on the HIV-2 genome. It can also be composed of a combination of two or more partial vectors. A transfer vector, which is introduced into the packaging cell line, has a mutation that renders its splice donor site non-functional.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: The Gov of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesInventor: Suresh K. Arya
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Publication number: 20040115747Abstract: This invention relates to methods of screening for compounds capable of inducing apoptosis in certain tumor cells. The invention also relates to compounds identified by such methods. In addition, the invention relates to methods for the in vitro diagnosis of Xeroderma pigmentosum and compounds useful in these methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dep. of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Curtis C. Harris, Xin Wei Wang, Jan H.J. Hoeijmakers