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.

Abstract: Novel DNA molecules for in vitro and in vivo expression of HCMV gB, gB transmembrane deleted derivatives, pp65, pp150, and IE-exon-4 proteins are described. Preferably, the molecules are plasmids. Also described are methods of using these DNA molecules to induce immune responses to HCMV, and the use of a plasmid of the invention to prime immune responses to HCMV vaccines.

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: The invention includes compositions for inhibiting a phenotype associated with diseased cells in a mammal and compositions and methods for generating genetic suppressor elements for inhibiting such phenotypes. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment for mammals (e.g. humans) afflicted with melanoma or other solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides Bin1 genomic sequences and proteins encoded thereby. Also provided are compositions and methods utilizing these sequences and proteins 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: Modified p53 tetramerization domains which do not hetero-oligomerize with native p53 tetramerization domains are described. These modified p53 tetramerization domains have one or more of the following substitutions in the region of residues 325 to 355 of human p53: Leu330 substituted with Phe; Met340 substituted with Phe; Ala347 substituted with Ile; Leu348 substituted with Met; Ala353 substituted with Leu; Gln354 substituted with Leu; Ala355 substituted with Asp. Also described are p53 proteins containing these modified p53 tetramerization domains linked to a p53 DNA binding domain. These proteins and the nucleic acid sequences encoding them, are useful in ameliorating conditions associated with inappropriate p53 function.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the therapeutic and adjuvant use of IL-12 by reducing unwanted transient immunosuppression caused by IL-12 or by high doses thereof involve co-administering IL-12 with an effective amount of an agent that inhibits or neutralizes nitric oxide (NO) in vivo. Enhanced vaccine therapy involves co-administering the IL-12 adjuvant, a selected vaccine antigen and the NO inhibiting/neutralizing agent. Additionally, the toxicity of IL-12 treatment may be reduced by co-administering IL-12 with an effective amount of the NO inhibiting or neutralizing agent. A therapeutic composition characterized by reduced toxicity in mammals contains IL-12, preferably a low dose thereof, and an NO inhibiting or neutralizing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A vaccine composition contains an effective adjuvanting amount of IL-12, an effective amount of an NO inhibiting or neutralizing agent, and an effective protective amount of a vaccine antigen in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method of reducing immune response to a viral vector containing a selected transgene is provided. The method involves co-administration of the viral vector and a selected immune modulator capable of inhibiting the formation of neutralizing antibodies and/or CTL elimination of the vectors upon repeated administration.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a BRCA1 associated protein, BAP-1, are provided. These sequences, the protein, and anti-BAP-1 antibodies are useful in therapeutics and diagnostics for cancers associated with loss of the 3p21 chromosomal region and/or inappropriate BAP-1 levels.

Abstract: A method for preventing or retarding the development atherosclerotic lesions or restenosis involves administering to a subject, preferably a human, an effective amount of an anti-viral composition directed against CMV, and optionally an anti-microbial composition directed against C. pneumoniae. These compositions may be conventional chemical anti-microbial pharmaceutics. Alternatively, the compositions may contain a cytomegalovirus (CMV) protein or fragment thereof (or nucleic acid containing compositions expressing such protein or fragment). Such compositions may contain an immunogenic C. pneumoniae protein or fragment thereof (or nucleic acid containing compositions expressing such protein or fragment). The protein/nucleic acid compositions are administered in an amount capable of inducing cell mediated immunity and/or antibody response in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel rotavirus reassortants, vaccines employing the novel reassortants and methods for their preparation and administration. One such reassortant contains the gene encoding the v.p.7 neutralization antigen of a human rotavirus. Another reassortant contains the gene encoding the v.p.4 neutralization antigen of a human rotavirus. The remaining genes are provided solely from the bovine rotavirus WC3 strain, or from both the human and bovine strains.

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: 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 to select tumor-derived p53 mutants. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention and methods of using these compositions therapeutically are also provided.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse characterized by a lack of endogenous SPARC expression is provided. This mouse and tissue cultures derived therefrom provide useful models for testing drugs, particularly those useful in promoting or retarding wound healing and drugs useful for treating or preventing cataracts, diabetes mellitus, or osteoporosis. Also provided are methods of treating conditions characterized by overexpression or underexpression of SPARC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of detecting specific nucleic acids in a biological sample using solid-phase amplification of DNA template (SPADT) using multiarrays.

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: 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: 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: 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.