Patents Examined by Donna C. Wortman
-
Patent number: 6537745Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antigen diluent or buffer for antigens, in particular HCV recombinant antigens, comprising a reducing agent. The antigen diluent or buffer serves as a stabilizing buffer for the antigens. The present invention is also directed to antigen diluents or buffers for use in an automated immunoassay.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventors: David Y. Chien, Phillip Arcangel, Stephen Tirell, Wanda Zeigler
-
Patent number: 6518033Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing, classifying and grading of tumor growths and to determine whether the use of chimeric polioviruses is a proper course for the treatment of the tumors. More particularly, the method is directed to the use of antibodies to a poliovirus receptor (PVR), CD155, to detect the presence of CD155 on tumor cells in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventors: Matthias Gromeier, Eckard Wimmer
-
Patent number: 6515108Abstract: Wnt-7a polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing Wnt-7a polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: SmithKline Beecham p.l.c.Inventors: Michael Robert Barnes, Tania Tamson Testa
-
Patent number: 6514711Abstract: A method for testing the effects of various factors on human skin equivalent is disclosed. The method involves providing a human stratified squamous epithelial cell culture of an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line that forms a reconstructed epidermis, exposing the reconstructed epidermis to a factor and evaluating the effect of the factor on the reconstructed epidermis. A method for selecting preventive or therapeutic agents for skin damages caused by a factor using the same human stratified squamous epithelial cell culture system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventor: B. Lynn Allen-Hoffmann
-
Patent number: 6495135Abstract: A spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte cell line is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this cell line is ATCC 12191. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of assaying the effect of a test tumor cell modulation agent is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a human stratified squamous epithelial cell culture, wherein the culture comprises human malignant squamous epithelial cells and spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes, wherein the culture forms a reconstituted epidermis. One then treats the epidermis with a test tumor cell modulation agent and evaluates the growth of the malignant cells within the epidermis.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventor: B. Lynn Allen-Hoffmann
-
Patent number: 6495145Abstract: Mutants of P. haemolytica provide excellent safety and efficacy when used as vaccines in ruminants, for example cattle, sheep, and goats, subject to pneumonic pasteurellosis. They can be administered by a variety of routes. Especially preferred is the use in animal feeds. The mutants are not reverting and contain no foreign DNA and no introduced antibiotic resistance genes.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, Biotechnology Research and Development CorporationInventors: Robert E. Briggs, Fred M. Tatum
-
Patent number: 6492492Abstract: Circularly permuted proteins are described wherein the natural termini of the polypeptide are joined and the resulting circular protein is opened at another point to create new C- and N- termini. The resulting protein exhibits some altered characteristic such as reduced substrate binding, for example. Fusion proteins can be made from the circularly permuted protein by attaching the second polypeptide to these newly created termini. These fusion proteins will have altered properties from a fusion protein made by attaching the second polypeptide to the natural termini. For example, the second peptide or protein can be attached at a position where it is more accessible to its substrate or intended target. In the preferred embodiment, the base circularly permuted biotin binding protein. In one embodiment, a flexible polypeptide loop important for the binding of biotin was opened by creation of the circularly permuted protein. The original termini (residues 13 and 139 of SEQ ID NO:1) were joined by a linker.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: University of WashingtonInventor: Patrick S. Stayton
-
Patent number: 6485724Abstract: A spontaneously immortalized human kerazinocyte cell line is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this cell line is ATCC 12191. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of assaying the effect of a test tumor cell modulation agent is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a human stratified squamous epithelial cell culture, wherein the culture comprises human malignant squamous epithelial cells and spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes, wherein the culture forms a reconstituted epidermis. One then treats the epidermis with a test tumor cell modulation agent and evaluates the growth of the malignant cells within the epidermis.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: B. Lynn Allen-Hoffmann, Sandra J. Schlosser
-
Patent number: 6475717Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and determining mediators and/or their derivatives in fluids, the mediator being detected directly or indirectly with the aid of a recombinant, soluble receptor for the mediator to be detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Dade Behring Marburg GmbHInventors: Karlheinz Enssle, Roland Kurrle, Klaus-Dieter Langner, Leander Lauffer, Josef-Urban Pauly, Friedrich-Robert Seiler
-
Patent number: 6472227Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for barbiturates, to the various components needed for preparing and carrying out such an assay, and to methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for preparing them and a reagent kit containing them. The tracers and the immunogens are made from substituted barbiturate compounds. A fluorescein moiety is included in the tracer, while a poly(amino acid) forms a part of the immunogen. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization retention of plane—polarized light that has been passed through a sample containing antiserum and tracer.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1993Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Maciej Adamczyk, Luis A. Cantarero, Robert Edward Dubler, Jonathan Grote, Patrick J. Jonas, Jane Ann Nelson
-
Patent number: 6465634Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Washington UniversityInventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Barbara A. Belli, Sondra Schlesinger, Sergey A. Dryga, Ilya Frolov
-
Patent number: 6464972Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant polioviruses for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors. The recombinant polioviruses of the invention are those in which the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of the wild type poliovirus was exchanged with the IRES of other picornaviruses, and optionally P1, P3 or the 3′NTR thereof was exchanged with that of poliovirus Sabin type. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the administration of the non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant poliovirus to the tumor directly, intrathecally or intravenously to cause tumor necrosis. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for the treatment of malignant tumors in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventors: Matthias Gromeier, Eckard Wimmer
-
Patent number: 6458560Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Washington UniversityInventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Barbara A. Belli, Sondra Schlesinger, Sergey A. Dryga, Ilva Frolov
-
Patent number: 6458562Abstract: The invention relates to the expression of open reading frame 2 (ORF-2) proteins of a strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed proteins can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and/or as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Novavax, Inc.Inventors: Suzanne U. Emerson, Robert H. Purcell, Sergei A. Tsarev, Robin A. Robinson
-
Patent number: 6451325Abstract: An adjuvant composition, comprising a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent, wherein the oil and the detergent are present in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion having oil droplets substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter. In preferred embodiments, the emulsifying agent is also an immunostimulating agent, such as a lipophilic muramyl peptide. Alternatively, an immunostimulating agent separate from the emulsifying agent can be used.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventors: Gary Van Nest, Gary Ott, Gail Barchfeld
-
Patent number: 6451592Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Washington UniversityInventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Barbara A. Belli, Sondra Schlesinger, Sergey A. Dryga, Ilya Frolov
-
Patent number: 6432411Abstract: A vaccine contains at least one Drosophila cell-secreted, recombinantly-produced form of a truncated Flavivirus envelope glycoprotein, as an active ingredient, and an adjuvant, as a critical component of the vaccine. The adjuvant is an immunomodulating agent having an iscom-like structure and comprising within the iscom-like structure at least one lipid and at least one saponin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Such a vaccine protects a subject against infection by a Flavivirus.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Hawaii Biotechnology GroupInventors: John Ivy, Gary Bignami, Michael McDonell, David E. Clements, Beth-Ann G. Coller
-
Patent number: 6426196Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Washingto UniversityInventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Sondra Schlesinger, Ilya Frolov
-
Nucleotide deduced amino acid sequence, isolation and purification of heat-shock chlamydial proteins
Patent number: 6423835Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides comprising a unique “chlamydial-specific” primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of eukaryotic or prokaryotic stress-response proteins which are characterized by being the expressed products of an endogenous or exogenous DNA sequence in a eukaryotic or prokaryotic host cell. Sequences coding for part or all of the amino acid residues of the chlamydial HypA or HypB protein or for analogs thereof may be incorporated into autonomously replicating vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eukaryotic host cells such as bacteria or vertebrate cells in culture. The HypB protein is a member of the family of stress response proteins referred to as HSP60. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display the identical physical, immunological, and histological properties as the chlamydial proteins isolated from natural, non-recombinant, organisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Richard P. Morrison, Harlan D. Caldwell -
Patent number: 6423528Abstract: Novel Herpes simplex viruses and vaccines based on such novel HSV-1 strains are described. In particular, viruses having a deletion in the terminal portion of RL are provided. The virus can be further modified to express heterologous antigens and also engineered to overproduce HSV Light particles. This is achieved by incorporating a ts mutation into the UL26 gene.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: The University Court of the University of GlasgowInventors: Susanne M. Brown, Alasdair R. MacLean