Abstract: An optimized nucleic acid sequence encoding the immunoconjugate VB4-845 is disclosed. Modifications to the original VB4-845 nucleic acid sequence include optimization of the sequences encoding the VH region, VL region, linkers and pseudomonas exotoxin A. The modifications improved the yield of VB4-845 in an Escherichia coli expression system.

Abstract: Anti-DR5 antibody agonists, combined with apoptosis-inducing agents, synergistically induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel androgen receptor splice variants (AR3, AR4, AR4b, AR5 and AR8) and variants and fragments thereof which have a role in the progression of androgen independent prostate cancer. The invention further relates to compositions and methods which can be used to identify and treat prostate cancer based on these novel androgen receptor splice variants, as well as methods for screening agents which modulate the activity and/or expression of the androgen receptor splice variants. Vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same and transgenic animals are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of reversing or preventing a target cell's resistance to a death receptor agonist. Also provided are methods of screening for biomarkers resistance of and monitoring resistance to death receptor agonists. Also provided are methods of selectively inducing apoptosis in a target cell, treating a subject with cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, comprising administering compositions provided herein. Further provided are compositions comprising agents that modulate CARD containing proteins.

Abstract: Anti-HEPSIN monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of anti-DR5 antibodies have been elucidated and vectors and cells containing and expressing these sequences have been generated. Methods and uses for the antibodies are detailed including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.

Abstract: Fusion proteins which act on the TWEAK and TRAIL signaling axes are provided. The proteins are useful in the treatment or amelioration of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, as well as other diseases such as alloimmune diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of regulating metabolic processes, for example, to regulate the presence and/or activity of a receptor at the surface of a cell. The invention provides a method for controlling the presence of a receptor at the surface of a cell comprising interfering with the interaction of an F-box protein with a ubiquitin/proteasome binding site of the receptor, wherein the ubiquitin/proteasome binding site comprises particular amino acid sequences. The invention further provides a method for controlling the presence of a growth hormone receptor (GHR) at the surface of a cell comprising interfering with the interaction of an F-box protein with a ubiquitin/proteasome binding site of the GHR.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: This document provides to methods and materials related to apoptosis. For example, methods and materials for modulating apoptosis are provided. In addition, methods and materials for treating a mammal having an apoptosis-associated condition are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations. Generally, the immunostimulatory combinations include a TLR agonist and a TNF/R agonist. Certain immunostimulatory combinations also may include an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human Akt3 proteins and polypeptides. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding human Akt3, to vectors containing them and to their therapeutic uses, in particular for gene therapy. Expression of Akt3 inhibits cell death associated with hypoxia, apoptosis or necrosis.

Abstract: An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 or with human DR4 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods and uses for the antibodies, optionally in combination with various therapeutic agents, are detailed, including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising GnRH-I and GnRH-II, GnRH-I and GnRH-II antibodies, anti-receptor antibodies, polynucleotide constructs and GnRH-I and GnRH-II analogs for immune enhancement and suppression, prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by abnormal T-cell activity, treatment of viral and prion-related diseases, and treatment of T-cell related neoplastic diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of screening and identifying modulators of the protein interaction between new peptides and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family. The modulators identified on the basis of this method are administered to patients with cancer in order to bring about apoptotic-type and/or autophagic-type programmed cell death in those patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a B-cell depleting anti-CD20 antibody or a CD20-binding antibody fragment thereof for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof which are preferably humanized for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a subject afflicted with said disease.

Abstract: Melanocortin receptor binding mimetibody polypeptides are disclosed. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, cells comprising these polynucleotides or expressing the mimetibodies, and methods of making and using the forgoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of recombinant antibodies for use in human cancer therapy. More specifically the invention provides compositions or mixtures of antibodies capable of binding human EGFR. Antibody compositions with 3 or more antibodies showed synergy in reduction of proliferation of representative cancer cell lines. Advantageous results have also been obtained with a composition comprising two different chimeric anti-hEGFR antibodies which show a new mechanism of action based on rapid and efficient receptor internalisation, induction of terminal differentiation and subsequent tumour eradication in an animal model. The antibodies of the invention can be manufactured in one bioreactor as a polyclonal antibody.

Abstract: Soluble epidermal growth factor receptors 2 and 3 (HER2 and HER3) splice variant proteins with HER2 and HER3 antagonist activity and anti-proliferative properties, as well as the corresponding nucleic acids, are provided for treatment of proliferative diseases, in particular cancer. Also provided are compositions and methods for inducing expression of these splice variants, including splice switching oligonucleotides that modulate splicing of pre-mRNA that codes for these receptors.

Abstract: Methods of making Apo-2 ligand and formulations of Apo-2 ligand using divalent metal ions are provided. Such divalent metal ions include zinc and cobalt which improve Apo-2 ligand trimer formation and stability. The crystal structure of Apo-2 ligand is also provided, along with Apo-2 ligand variant polypeptides identified using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis.