Abstract: The present invention relates to non-human animals and in vivo methods for testing the efficacy of antibodies directed to antigens expressed by tumors in such animals. In particular, the invention relates to an animal deficient in the expression of one or more Fc receptors. Additionally, such an animal is also immunodeficient, and thus permits the growth of a xenogeneic tumor implant. Such immunodeficient animals may also express human receptors. The present invention also relates to methods of evaluating the enhanced ability of an existing antibody or Fc-modified antibody to act as an immunotherapeutic to eradicate tumor cells or infectious agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutants of Neisseria useful for vaccine preparation. Specifically this invention relates to mutants of Neisseria containing mutations in a major outer membrane protein gene such that no immunologically functional polypeptides encoded by said gene are produced. More specifically, the invention relates to a mutant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae having a mutation of the PIII gene and to vaccines derived therefrom.

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 embodiment, genetic engineering permits the construction of the “intronic” sequences to yield a useful coding sequence for expression of mature Polistinae venom enzyme proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for accurately comparing the levels of cellular components, such as proteins, present in samples which differ in some respect from each other using mass spectroscopy and isotopic labeling. A first sample of biological matter, such as cells, is cultured in a first medium and a second sample of the same biological matter is cultured in a second medium, wherein at least one isotope in the second medium has a different abundance than the abundance of the same isotope in the first medium. One of the samples is modulated, such as by treatment with a bacteria, a virus, a drug, hormone, a chemical or an environmental stimulus. The samples are combined and at least one protein is removed. The removed protein is subjected to mass spectroscopy to develop a mass spectrum. A ratio is computed between the peak intensities of at least one closely spaced pair of peaks to determine the relative abundance of the protein in each sample.

Abstract: Assays for screening potential drugs or agents that can interact and potentially bind to cation channel proteins, and potentially have uses in treating conditions related to the function of cation channel proteins is provided, along with prokaryotic cation channel proteins mutated to mimic eukaryotic cation channels, which can then be used in assays of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular restenosis, the methods comprising administering to individuals in need thereof, an effective amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug alone or in combination with other conventional therapies to induce apoptosis, reduce proliferation, induce quiescence, inhibit cell migration, or influence cell differentiation of the cells in the vascular wall and or/induce hypolipidemia.

Abstract: A system for determining the ratio of mass to charge of an ion including a pulsed ionizer, a high pressure co-linear ion guide/accelerator, and a mass analyzer. The pulsed ionizer generates intact analyte ions from a sample of matter to be analyzed. The high pressure co-linear ion guide/accelerator is interfaced with the ion source for receipt of the intact ions of the sample. The ion guide/accelerator simultaneously dampens and linearly accelerates the intact ions in the substantial absence of fragmentation of the ions to provide a substantially continuous beam of the intact ions for mass analysis. The mass analyzer is connected to the ion guide/accelerator for receipt of the beam of ions and determines the mass to charge ratio of the intact ions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a range of mass-to-charge ratios of a mass spectrum. Initially ions of interest and background ions having mass-to-charge ratios within the range of mass-to-charge ratios are generated. The ions of interest and the background ions are then subjected to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest. The dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of mass-to-charge ratios. The mass-to-charge ratios of the ions of interest are then detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of C1 bacteriophage genes that express protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle, lysin and holin. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in the treatment of an oral cavity bacterial infection.

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&agr; and IFN&ggr;. 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: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for delivering antigens to dendritic cells which are then useful for inducing antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T helper cells. This invention also provides assays for evaluating the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. According to the invention, antigens are targeted to dendritic cells by apoptotic cells which may also be modified to express non-native antigens for presentation to the dendritic cells. The dendritic cells which are primed by the apoptotic cells are capable of processing and presenting the processed antigen and inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity or may also be used in vaccine therapies.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides from the conserved exposed region of streptococcal M protein are useful to prepare vaccines for oral or intranasal administration which will protect against streptococcal infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nucleotide sequence encoding a telomeric protein which binds a repeat region of telomeric sequences, and to the protein encoded thereby. Also included within the invention are expression vectors for the production of the telomeric protein and host cells transformed with the nucleotide sequence. In addition, antibodies, probes and antagonists specific for the telomeric protein are contemplated. Methods of identifying antagonists of the telomeric protein, diagnostic methods of identifying the telomeric protein in a sample, and therapeutic uses of the telomeric protein, particularly in the treatment of aging and cancer, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for amplifying or sequencing a nucleic acid molecule with a three component polymerase comprising a DNA polymerase component, a sliding clamp component, and a clamp loader component.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for accurately comparing the levels of cellular components, such as proteins, present in samples which differ in some respect from each other using mass spectroscopy and isotopic labeling. A first sample of biological matter, such as cells, is cultured in a first medium and a second sample of the same biological matter is cultured in a second medium, wherein at least one isotope in the second medium has a different abundance than the abundance of the same isotope in the first medium. One of the samples is modulated, such as by treatment with a bacteria, a virus, a drug, hormone, a chemical or an environmental stimulus. The samples are combined and at least one protein is removed. The removed protein is subjected to mass spectroscopy to develop a mass spectrum. A ratio is computed between the peak intensities of at least one closely spaced pair of peaks to determine the relative abundance of the protein in each sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a range of mass-to-charge ratios of a mass spectrum. Initially ions of interest and background ions having mass-to-charge ratios within the range of mass-to-charge ratios are generated. The ions of interest and the background ions are then subjected to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest. The dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of mass-to-charge ratios. The mass-to-charge ratios of the ions of interest are then detected.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant hybrid proteins having at least one antigenic peptide sequence introduced into a scaffold protein that retain a native conformation. Also disclosed are recombinant nucleic acids and vectors encoding the hybrid proteins. The hybrid proteins retain immunogenicity but exhibit reduced allergenicity. The hybrid proteins are therefore particularly useful for therapeutic treatment of allergy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification in vertebrate animals, including humans, of an ion channel which is involved in osmoregulation and mechanoreception. This ion channel, named VR-OAC, functions as a cation channel which is activated by osmotic and mechanical stimulation. In particular, the present invention relates to the broad applications of VR-OAC that capitalize on its newly discovered properties and activities, including both diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies. The invention further relates to methods for using the receptor therapeutically, such as polypeptide or gene therapy, diagnostically. and to methods and assays for identification and screening of VR-OAC analogs, agonists or antagonists and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique vertebrate protein, tankyrase that binds to telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1). Nucleic acids encoding tankyrases are also disclosed. Methods of screening drugs using tankyrase are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering exogenous DNA to a target cell of the mammalian central nervous system using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-derived vector. Also included in the invention are the AAV-derived vectors containing exogenous DNA which encodes a protein or proteins which prevent or treat nervous system disease, and a method of prevent or treating such disease.