Abstract: A method of modulating immune response in an animal is disclosed. Such a method comprises: interacting the immature dendritic cells from the animal with an antigen ex vivo so that the immature dendritic cells present the antigen on their surfaces, inducing maturation of the immature dendritic cells ex vivo, and contacting the mature dendritic cells ex vivo with a modulator comprising TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, fragments thereof, analogs or derivatives thereof, or a fusion protein comprising the amino acid sequence of TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, or fragments thereof. After contacting the modulator ex vivo, the mature dendritic cells are introduced into the animal. As a result, immune response in the animal towards the antigen is modulated relative to the immune response against the antigen in an animal in which dendritic cells did not interact with the antigen ex vivo, and did not contact a modulator ex vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions useful in target sequence suppression, target sequence validation and target sequence down regulation. The invention provides polynucleotide constructs useful for gene silencing or RNA down regulation, as well as cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotides. The invention also provides a method for using microRNA to silence a target sequence or to down regulate RNA.

Abstract: Receptor recognition factors exist that recognizes the specific cell receptor to which a specific ligand has been bound, and that may thereby signal and/or initiate the binding of the transcription factor to the DNA site. The receptor recognition factor is in one instance, a part of a transcription factor, and also may interact with other transcription factors to cause them to activate and travel to the nucleus for DNA binding. The receptor recognition factor appears to be second-messenger-independent in its activity, as overt perturbations in second messenger concentrations are of no effect. The concept of the invention is illustrated by the results of studies conducted with interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene transcription, and particularly, the activation caused by both IFN? and IFN?. Specific DNA and amino acid sequences for various human and murine receptor recognition factors are provided, as are polypeptide fragments of two of the ISGF-3 genes, and antibodies have also been prepared and tested.

Abstract: A unique clone of a Polistinae venom enzyme, recombinantly produced Polistinae venom enzymes, and methods of using the recombinant enzymes are provided. In a specific example, both phospholipase and hyaluronidase cDNA from Polistes annulares contain apparent “intronic” sequences. In still a further enbodiment, genetic engineering permits the construction of the “intronic” sequences to yield a useful coding sequence for expression of mature Polistinae venom enzyme proteins.

Abstract: A protein belonging to the TNF superfamily called TRANCE involved in signal transduction, along with nucleic acids comprising DNA sequences and degenerate variants thereof which encode TRANCE are disclosed. Modulators which are TRANCE agonists and TRANCE antagonists are also disclosed, and can be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods disclosed herein to modulate the active life of mature dendritic cells, T cell activation, and immune response in mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for examining and inspecting at least one sample in order to determine characteristics of the sample having the a support for receiving a compact disc, the compact disc having deposited on a surface thereof at least one sample, inspection means for effecting a physical change in at least one sample, the inspection means positioned for registration with the surface of the compact disc bearing at least one sample; and a traversal mechanism adapted for reciprocating movement, to move the sample in and out of the path of the inspection means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a subunit vaccine to prevent or treat infection of Epstein Barr Virus. In particular, EBNA-1 was identified as a vaccine antigen. In a specific embodiment, a purified protein corresponding to EBNA-1 elicited a strong CD4+ T cell response. The responsive CD4+ T cell are primarily TH1 in function. EBNA-1 is an attractive candidate for a protective vaccine against EBV, and for immunotherapy of EBV infection and neoplasms, particularly with dendritic cells charged with EBNA-1.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that DARPP-32 is substrate for the cyclin dependent kinase Cdk5. The phosphorylation takes place at a specific threonine residue of DARPP-32 (Threonine 75). The Cdk5 catalyzed phosphorylation of DARPP-32 converts this protein into an inhibitor of the cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) and furthermore prevents it from being converted to an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Methods of identifying agents that modulate the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 by Cdk5 are disclosed. Methods of treating dopamine dysfunction in animal subjects are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and methods of inhibiting fusion between the virion envelope of Flaviviruses and membranes of the target cell, the process that delivers the viral genome into the cell cytoplasm. The invention provides for methods which employ peptides or peptide derivatives to inhibit Flavivirus:cell fusion. The present invention is based in part on the discovery that E1 envelope glycoprotein of hepaciviruses and E2 envelope glycoprotein of pestivirus have previously undescribed structures, truncated class II fusion proteins. The present invention provides peptides and methods of treatment and prophylaxis of diseases induced by Flaviviruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a plant cell, tissue, organ, callus or cell culture, by overexpressing a PGA37 gene in the tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying interacting regions of transcription factors, and methods for identifying agents which modulate the interactions, useful for affecting gene regulation, for example, cellular transformation. A site within residues 130-154 and within residues 343-358 in Stat3 were found to interact with the transcription factor c-Jun. On c-Jun, a site within residues 105 and 334, and more particularly, between 105 and 263, interact with Stat3. These sites of interactions permit methods for identifying agents which modulate the interaction between these transcription factors to modulate gene transcription.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic peptide comprising the structure: wherein X is selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, an amino acid analog, a peptidomimetic and a non-amide isostere, Z is selected from the group consisting of a synthetic amino acid and a biosynthetic amino acid, R is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and carbon, n is 0 to 10 and y is 1 to 10. The present invention also provides a cyclic peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of NH2—X(n)-Z-X(y)—COOH and a cyclic bond between the Z residue and COOH other than a thioester bond, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, an amino acid analog, a peptidomimetic and a non-amide isostere, Z is selected from the group consisting of a synthetic amino acid and a biosynthetic amino acid, n is 0 to 10 and y is 1 to 10. Methods of preparation including a cyclization protocol, and methods of use of the cyclic peptides of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrrolidine compounds of the general structure: where n is an integer 1-6 and R is hydrogen or a C1 to C6 straight chain or branched alkyl group, and wherein when n=1, R=CH3 or H, useful for re-sensitizing vancomycin resistant Gram-positive bacteria in which resistance results from the conversion of an amide bond to an ester bond on the cell wall peptide precursors of the bacteria.

Abstract: Method is described for sequencing polypeptides by forming peptide ladders comprising a series of polypeptides in which adjacent members of the series vary by one amino acid residue and determining the identity and position of each amino acid in the polypeptide by mass spectroscopy.

Abstract: A novel component of the TRAF (TNF Receptor Associated Factor) signaling complex, designated TRIP (TRAF Interacting Protein) which associates with the TNFR2 or CD30 signaling complex through its interaction with the TRAF2 protein and influences signals responsible for cell activation, cell proliferation and cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cleaving a recombinantly expressed protein from an intein and ligating the protein to a peptide containing an N-terminal cysteine having an unoxidized sulfhydryl side chain which comprises contacting the protein with the peptide in a reaction solution comprising a conjugated thiophenol, thereby forming a C-terminal thioester of the recombinant protein which spontaneously rearranges intramolecularly to form an amide bond linking the protein to the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a tissue or organ of a plant, by overexpressing a Wuschel gene in said tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants.

Abstract: A detailed three-dimensional structure of rifampicin bound to a core bacterial RNA polymerase (Rif-RNAP) is provided. Crystals of the Rif-RNAP are also included in the invention. The present invention further provides procedures for identifying agents that can inhibit bacterial proliferation through the use of rational drug design predicated on the crystals and crystallographic data disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation and regeneration of transformed tissue. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for enhancing the frequency of plant transformation by Agrobacterium in which ABI5, ABI5 ortholog protein or ABI5 homolog protein level or activity in transformed plant tissue is suppressed. Any mechanism which suppresses levels or activity of ABI5, ABI5 ortholog protein or ABI homolog protein in plants can be used to enhance the frequency of plant transformation by Agrobacterium. The present invention is further directed to plants, nucleic acids and vectors for use in the methods of invention.

Abstract: Method is described for sequencing polypeptides by forming peptide ladders comprising a series of polypeptides in which adjacent members of the series vary by one amino acid residue and determining the identity and position of each amino acid in the polypeptide by mass spectroscopy.