Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which comprise neutralizing antibodies to the about 70 kDa mediator produced upon invasive stimulation of macrophages by, e.g., contact with endotoxin.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for delivering antigens to dendritic cells which are then useful for inducing T antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This invention also provides assays for evaluating the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. According to the invention, antigens are provided to dendritic cells using a viral vector such as influenza virus which may be modified to express non-native antigens for presentation to the dendritic cells. The dendritic cells which are infected with the vector are then capable of presenting the antigen and inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity or may also be used as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertebrate translation initiation factor (eIF-4AIII), that plays a role in the differentiation of an embryonic cell to an epidermal cell. This translation initiation factor interacts with BMP-4 in a positive regulatory loop. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the translation initiation factor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and corresponding antibodies and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding vespid venom enzymes, or fragments thereof, recombinant vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and host cells containing the recombinant vectors. The invention is further directed to expression of such nucleic acids to produce recombinant vespid venom enzymes, or recombinant fragments, derivatives or analogs thereof. Such recombinant products are useful for diagnosis of allergy and for therapeutic treatment of allergy. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides nucleic acids encoding, and complete nucleotide and amino acids sequences for, vespid venom phospholipase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata phospholipase and Vespula vulgaris phospholipase, and vespid venom hyaluronidase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata hyaluronidase.

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: We describe an improved method for generating sizable numbers of mature dendritic cells from nonproliferating progenitors in human blood. The first step or “priming” phase is a culture of T cell depleted mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to produce immature dendritic cells. The second step or “differentiation” phase requires the exposure to dendritic cell maturation factor such as monocyte conditioned medium. Using this two-step approach, substantial yields are obtained. The dendritic cells derive from this method have all the features of mature cells. They include a stellate cell shape, nonadherence to plastic, and very strong T cell stimulatory activity. The mature dendritic cells produced according to this invention are useful for activating T cells.

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: The present invention is directed to the identification of mutant strains of methicillin resistant bacteria, in particular methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, to identify the characteristics of such bacteria and develop drugs that can reverse, inhibit, or reduce bacterial resistance to beta lactam antibiotics, e.g., methicillin. The invention particularly relates to identification of a novel mutant strain of methicillin resistant S. aureus that manifests a unique phenotype. Accordingly, the invention provides for methods of treatment and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions for treating bacterial, particularly staphylococcal, infections.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding Thyroid Receptor-Associated Proteins (TRAPS) are provided. TRAPS are members of protein complexes that bind to nuclear hormone receptors in a ligand-dependent manner so that the receptor, upon activation by a corresponding hormone, regulates the transcription of a particular gene. Also provided are methods of replicating and expressing such isolated nucleic acid molecules, pharmaceutical compositions comprising TRAPS, and methods of modulating gene expression via administration of therapeutically effective amounts of such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial choline binding proteins (CBPs) which bind choline. Such proteins are particularly desirable for vaccines against appropriate strains of Gram positive bacteria, particularly streptococcus, and more particularly pneumococcus. Also provided are DNA sequences encoding the bacterial choline binding proteins or fragment thereof, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the bacterial choline binding proteins, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins suitable for use in passive immunization, and small molecule inhibitors of choline binding protein mediated adhesion. Methods for diagnosing the presence of the bacterial choline binding protein, or of the bacteria, are also provided. In a specific embodiment, a streptococcal choline binding protein is an enolase, which demonstrates strong affinity for fibronectin.

Abstract: Methods for identifying genetic sequences useful as genomic equivalent markers for organisms are described. The method involves determining the ratio of the absolute number of copies of wild type and mutant amplicons in a number of samples from organisms heterozygous for the mutation. After establishing the number of copies of a particular genetic sequence per genome, the sequence may be used as a measure of the number of genomes per sample, in order to normalize the analysis of another target sequence to abundance per cell. By way of example, the CCR5 gene was shown to be present at 2 copies per genome, and used to measure the number of copies per cell of HIV-1 provirions, human herpesvirus-8, and &agr; deletion circles, a measure of recent thymic emigrants for assessing immune reconstitution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to constitutively active Stat proteins and methods for their preparation. The modified Stat proteins have at least one cysteine residue which may interact with the corresponding cysteine residue on another modified Stat protein to form a dimer. The constitutively active Stat proteins are capable of binding to DNA and activating transcription in the absence of tyrosine phosphorylation. Cell lines expressing the modified Stat protein exhibit a transformed phenotype and are capable of forming tumors in nude mice. Methods are describe utilizing the modified Stat proteins of the invention in the absence and presence of tyrosine phosphorylation in identifying agents capable of modulating Stat protein dimerization, transcriptional activity, and cellular transformation in vitro and in vivo. The invention is also directed to polynucleotides encoding modified, constitutively active Stat proteins.

Abstract: A method of increasing the sensitivity and efficiency of MALDI-MS analysis of an oligosaccharide which comprises derivatization, prior to analysis by MALDI-MS, of said oligosaccharide by efficient ligation to a basic aminooxyacetylpeptide by oxime formation reaction to result in the formation of a glycoconjugate.

Abstract: A detailed three dimensional structure for a bacterial core RNA polymerase is provided. Crystals of the bacterial core RNA polymerase 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: Methods and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, 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: The present invention provides a vertebrate translation initiation factor (eIF-4AIII), that plays a role in the differentiation of an embryonic cell to an epideimal cell. This translation initiation factor interacts with BMP-4 in a positive regulatory loop. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the translation initiation factor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and corresponding antibodies and the like.

Abstract: Methods are described for the preparation of quantities of preselected polynucleotide sequences in purified form. The method is independent of length or sequence, and can be used to prepare multi-milligram quantities of, for example, single length, isotope-enriched duplex DNA following a single-step chromatographic purification of the desired product. The method of the present invention allows for preparative scale synthesis of DNA yielding a single product length. The application of the method to NMR spectroscopy of DNA provides the opportunity to identify biologically relevant interactions between polynucleotide sequences and other macromolecules, and assist in the identification and development of agents having therapeutic utility as a consequence of the promotion or antagonism of these interactions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel polypeptide, and methods of its use in effective thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of coronary and pulmonary thrombosis. Its use is also disclosed in vaccines to abrogate a streptococcal infection. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel polypeptide are included. One particular form of the novel polypeptide is streptococcal surface enolase (SEN), a specific binding protein for human plasmin and/or human plasminogen on group A streptococci that displays classical &agr;-enolase activity, i.e., it can catalyze the dehydration of D-glycerate-2-phosphate to phosphoenolpyruvate. In addition, SEN impedes the inhibition of the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin by &agr;2-antiplasmin and can bind plasminogen without preventing streptokinase from cleaving this plasmin precursor.

Abstract: Novel imidazolium compounds of the formula wherein A represents the atomic group necessary to form a heteroaromatic ring, which may be optionally substituted by one or more R substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substitutents; B is an optional substituent which represents the atomic group necessary to form a heteroaromatic ring or a double or triple carbon-nitrogen bond, which may optionally be substituted by one or more R′ substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substitutents; C is an optional substituent which represents the atomic group necessary to form an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, which may optionally be substituted by one or more R″″ substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substituents; R″ and R′″ are each independently a lower alk

Abstract: The present invention relates to a promoter functional in plant cells and plasmid that can regulate efficient expression of a gene of interest in plant cells. The promoter comprises a G-Box element, which enhances expression of an operably linked gene of interest in plants or plant cells. A further object of the invention is the plasmid pGbox10 or pGbox11, as well as plants or plant cells transformed with said plasmid.