Abstract: A method for inducing and enhancing mammalian mucosal immunity includes the steps of first administering to a mammal via a non-mucosal route a suitable amount of a priming vaccine composition which comprises a DNA sequence encoding an antigen of a pathogen under the control of regulatory sequences directing expression thereof in a mammalian cell, and subsequently, administering intranasally a boosting vaccine composition which comprises the same antigen in protein form or a DNA sequence encoding the same antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics corresponding to part or to the entirety of the region encompassed by residues 360-386 of human p53, said peptides and peptidomimetics characterized by the ability to activate DNA binding of wild-type p53 and of select tumor-derived p53 mutants. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention and methods of using these compositions therapeutically are also provided.

Abstract: Improved vaccine compositions and methods of making same are provided, which vaccines are characterized by an antigen from a pathogen and an effective adjuvanting amount of Interleukin-12. These IL-12 adjuvanted vaccines are capable of increasing the vaccinated host's cell mediated immune response to provide an increased and protective immune response to the pathogen. Also disclosed are methods for vaccinating hosts by administering a vaccine containing an antigen from a pathogenic microorganism and co-administering an adjuvanting amount of IL-12. Vaccines or therapeutic compositions directed against a cancer may also be adjuvanted with IL-12 according to this invention.

Abstract: A polynucleotide molecule useful for stably producing a gene product includes a polynucleotide sequence encoding the gene product (or alternatively a gene transcript) flanked by a 5' sequence and a 3' of an intron. Methods and compositions using this molecule permit enhanced recombinant expression of the gene product and are particularly useful in stabilizing unstable mRNA transcripts, permitting the stable production of desirable genes encoded thereby. Vectors and host cells containing this molecule are useful in the methods.

Abstract: A murine cDNA clone encoding a BIN1-Associated U1-specific protein (Bau) are provided. Also provided are methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, and antibodies directed against same in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, hyperplastic disease states, or degenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies raised against a Box-dependent myc-interacting polypeptide termed Bin1 or fragments thereof are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods utilizing these antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and hyperplastic disease states. Further provided are oligonucleotides derived from sequences encoding Bin1, as well as compositions and methods utilizing same for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method of treating tumors which involves a synergistic combination of chemotherapy and cell therapy is provided. The method of the invention permits reduced amounts of chemotherapeutic agents to be administered, resulting in a reduction of the side effects often associated therewith.

Abstract: A replication defective recombinant adenovirus is provided which contains a complete deletion of its E1 gene and at least a partial deletion of its E3 gene, said virus containing in the site of the E1 deletion a sequence comprising a non-adenovirus promoter directing the replication and expression of DNA encoding a heterologous protein from a disease-causing agent, which, when administered to a mammal in said recombinant virus, elicits a substantially complete protective immune response against the agent. Pharmaceutical and veterinary products containing the recombinant adenovirus are provided.

Abstract: Methods of inducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved vaccine compositions and methods of making same are provided, which vaccines are characterized by an antigen from a pathogen and an effective adjuvanting amount of Interleukin-12. These IL-12 adjuvanted vaccines are capable of increasing the vaccinated host's cell mediated immune response to provide an increased and protective immune response to the pathogen. Also disclosed are methods for vaccinating hosts by administering a vaccine containing an antigen from a pathogenic microorganism and co-administering an adjuvanting amount of IL-12. Vaccines or therapeutic compositions directed against a cancer may also be adjuvanted with IL-12 according to this invention.

Abstract: A murine cDNA clone encoding a BIN1-Associated U1-specific protein (Bau) are provided. Also provided are methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, and antibodies directed against same in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, hyperplastic disease states, or degenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of identifying compounds which inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral protein R (Vpr) from stimulating the differentiation of undifferentiated cells. This invention takes advantage of the observation that cell lines from rhabdomyosarcomas, which are tumors of muscle origin, have been used as models of CD4-independent HIV infection. These cell lines can be induced to differentiate in vitro. The vpr gene of HIV-1 is sufficient for the differentiation of the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line TE671. Differentiated cells are characterized by great enlargement, altered morphology, lack of replication, and high level expression of the muscle-specific protein myosin. Morphological differentiation and inhibition of proliferation of other transformed cell lines following vpr expression was also observed. This invention also relates toward methods of identifying compounds which inhibit HIV Vpr binding to Gag.

Abstract: A method of reducing an immune response to a recombinant adenovirus which involves co-administration of the recombinant adenovirus and a selected immune modulator. The immune modulator functions by inhibiting the formation of neutralizing antibodies and/or reducing CTL killing of the virally infected cells. The method additionally encompasses the step of re-administering the recombinant adenovirus.

Abstract: Three murine monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies which functionally mimic GD2 are described. These antibodies are useful in compositions for inducing a CD4 T cell response to cancers characterized by high density GD2 expression and in the diagnosis of high density GD2 expression.

Abstract: A modified p53 protein or peptide having DNA binding in which amino acid residue 284 of a p53 protein or protein fragment is changed to Arginine or Lysine, is described. Also described are nucleotide sequences encoding the modified protein and vectors capable of expressing it.

Abstract: A novel method of presenting an immunogenic peptide to an antigen presenting cell (APC) of a mammalian host, in order to generate a T cell response protective against a virus, such as herpes or rabies virus, comprising administering an immunologically effective amount of (1) a peptide-fatty acid conjugate, the peptide having the amino acid sequence corresponding to the sequence of a fragment of a glycoprotein or protein of the virus which produces a T cell response or a synthetic replica thereof, (2) a liposome composition and (3) an adjuvant so that the peptide protrudes from the liposome and when the liposome fuses with the APC, the peptide remains bound to the cell surface of the APC membrane.

Abstract: A method of identifying peptides which mimic biologically active proteins is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of making a recombinant antibody library from genetic material obtained from an animal which has been immunized against antibodies that bind to the biological active protein to the mimicked. Recombinant antibodies are screened to identify antibodies which compete with the biological active protein. Peptides which comprise the recombinant antibody's CDR sequences are synthesized. Synthetic peptides which mimic GM-CSF are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of immunizing an individual against pathogen is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of treating an individual who has a hyperproliferative disease, or of treating an individual who is infected by a pathogen. Specifically, the individual is injected with bupivacaine along with DNA in an expressible form, the DNA encoding an antigen. The encoded antigen can be from a protein from the pathogen or from a protein associated with the hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of using modified human cytotoxic TALL-104 cell line, which is characterized by activity against tumor cells. More particularly, the method comprises treating bone marrow cells of an immunosuppressed mammalian patient with the modified TALL-104 cell line and reinjecting the treated bone marrow into the patient, as a treatment of hematological malignancies. Also provided are effective and safe methods of use of the modified cells in the manufacture of a veterinary composition for adoptive therapy of canine lymphoma and feline leukemias.

Abstract: Methods of prophylactic and therapeutic immunization of an individual against pathogen infection, diseases associated with hyperproliferative cells and autoimmune diseases are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of administering to cells of an individual, a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein which comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen, a hyperproliferative cell associated protein or a protein associated with autoimmune disease respectively. In each case, nucleotide sequence is operably linked to regulatory sequences to enable expression in the cells. The nucleic acid molecule is free of viral particles and capable of being expressed in said cells. The cells may be contacted cells with a cell stimulating agent. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed.