Patents Examined by F. Pierre Vandervegt
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Patent number: 7427591Abstract: Methods and products for suppressing a class II MHC-restricted immune response in a mammal, or in mammalian cells, are described. The methods depend upon inhibiting invariant chain proteolysis by cathepsin S from class II MHC/invariant chain complexes, thereby reducing the competency of class II MHC molecules for binding antigenic peptides, reducing presentation of antigenic peptides by class II MHC molecules, and suppressing immune responses. The methods may be employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, and organ or tissue graft rejection. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic compositions which are peptide based inhibitors of cathepsin S are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Hidde L. Ploegh, Harold A. Chapman, Richard J. Riese, Paula R. Bryant, Matthew S. Bogyo
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Patent number: 7425332Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides containing at least three amino acids randomly joined in a linear array; wherein at least one of the three amino acids is an aromatic amino acid, at least one of the three amino acids is a charged amino acid and at least one amino acid is an aliphatic amino acid. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide contains three or four of the following amino acids: tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid or lysine. According to the present invention, the present polypeptides bind to antigen presenting cells, purified human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) and/or Copolymer 1-specific T cells. Moreover, according to the present invention, these polypeptides can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for treating autoimmune disease. The present invention further contemplates methods of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of any one of the present polypeptides to the mammal.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignees: Yeda Research and Development Co., Ltd., President and Fellows of Harvard UniversityInventors: Michael Sela, Masha Fridkis-Hareli, Jack L. Strominger, Rina Aharoni, Dvora Teitelbaum, Ruth Arnon
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Patent number: 7423128Abstract: The present invention is related to antibodies directed to the antigen properdin and uses of such antibodies. In particular, in accordance with the present invention, there are provided fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen properdin. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and polypeptides comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, are provided. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Amgen Fremont Inc.Inventors: Gadi Gazit-Bornstein, Giorgio Senaldi, Xiao-Dong Yang, Bruce Keyt, Gerardo Zapata
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Patent number: 7419663Abstract: The present invention concerns a recently discovered macrophage specific receptor, STIgMA, and its use in the treatment of complement-associated disorders.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Genentech, Inc.Inventors: Avi Ashkenazi, Karim Yussef Helmy, Sherman Fong, Audrey Goddard, Austin L. Gurney, Kenneth James Katschke, Jr., Mary A. Napier, Daniel Tumas, Menno Van Lookeren, William I. Wood
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Patent number: 7414111Abstract: Methods of amplifying nucleic acid have now been discovered which include the steps of: a) annealing a primer to a template nucleic acid sequence, the primer having a first portion which anneals to the template and a second portion of predetermined sequence; b) synthesizing a polynucleotide that anneals to and is complementary to the portion of the template between the location at which the first portion of the primer anneals to the template and the end of the template, the polynucleotide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end incorporates the primer; c) separating the polynucleotide synthesized in step (b) from the template; d) annealing a nested oligonucleotide to the second end of the polynucleotide synthesized in step (b), the nested oligonucleotide having a first portion that anneals to the second end of the polynucleotide and a second portion having the same predetermined sequence as the second portion of the primer; e) extending the polynucleotide synthesized in step (b) to provideType: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Toshiaki Maruyama, Katherine S. Bowdish, Shana Frederickson, Mark Renshaw
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Patent number: 7410767Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing a compound for biological activity, which method comprises providing cells expressing one of the CD94/NKG2 family of receptors, contacting the cells with recombinant HLA-E under binding conditions in the presence of the test compound, and determining whether the presence of the compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells. The HLA-E property of binding to CD94/NKG2 receptors on NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T cells is useful for targeting CD94/NKG2+ cells for a variety of purposes such as identification, isolation, killing or inactivation.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Isis Innovation LimitedInventors: Veronique M. Braud, David S. J. Allan, Graham S. Ogg, Christopher A. O'Callaghan, Andrew J. McMichael
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Patent number: 7408029Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying peptide epitopes that activate CD4+ T cells involved in the pathogenesis of diseases, e.g., autoimmune diseases, susceptibility to which is determined by expression of particular class II MHC genes. The invention includes peptides derived from the IA-2 polypeptide by such a method, altered peptide ligands, and methods of therapy involving the use of altered peptide ligands.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignees: MGI PHARMA Biologics, Inc., King's College LondonInventors: Mark Peakman, Roman M. Chicz
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Patent number: 7408031Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying peptide epitopes that activate CD4+ T cells involved in the pathogenesis of diseases, e.g., autoimmune diseases, susceptibility to which is determined by expression of particular class II MHC genes. The invention includes peptides derived from the IA-2 polypeptide by such a method, altered peptide ligands, and methods of therapy involving the use of altered peptide ligands.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignees: MGI PHARMA Biologics, Inc., King's College LondonInventors: Mark Peakman, Roman M. Chicz
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Patent number: 7405276Abstract: The invention provides methods of using protein trans-splicing for the production of bispecific molecule which has a first antigen recognition portion that binds a C3b-like receptor and a second antigen recognition portion that binds an antigenic molecule present in the circulatory system of a mammal. The invention also provides bispecific molecules produced by protein trans-splicing. The bispecific molecules of the invention can be used for the clearance of pathogenic antigenic molecules from the circulatory system of a mammal. The invention further provides methods of using protein trans-splicing for the production of polyclonal libraries of bispecific molecules, which comprise populations of bispecific molecules with different antigen recognition specificities. Such polyclonal libraries of bispecific molecules can be used for targeting multiple epitopes of a pathogenic antigenic molecule and/or multiple variants of a pathogenic antigenic molecule.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: EluSys Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Jeff Himawan
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Patent number: 7402430Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic antigen-presenting matrices, their methods of making and their methods of use. One such matrix is cells that have been transfected to produce MHC antigen-presenting molecules with one or more accessory molecules. The matrices are used to activate naive CD4+ T cells as well as shift the ongoing activation state into a preferred differentiated population of either Th1 or Th2 cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: The Scripps Research InstituteInventors: Susan R. Webb, Ola Winqvist, Lars Karlsson, Michael R. Jackson, Per A. Peterson
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Patent number: 7399741Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of therapeutic compounds in the modification of T-cell, T-cell-antigen presenting cell (APC) interactions and the interactions between pathogenic organisms and immunocompetent cells of a host. In particular it relates to the use of these compounds in the modulation of the interaction between Notch proteins and their ligands and to the use of such compounds in the therapy of conditions such as graft rejection, autoimmunity, allergy, and asthma and infectious diseases.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Celldex Therapeutics LimitedInventors: Jonathan Robert Lamb, Margaret Jane Dallman, Gerard Francis Hoyne
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Patent number: 7399838Abstract: A recombinant polypeptide and nucleic acid constructs capable of expressing the recombinant polypeptide are provided. The recombinant polypeptide comprises a chimeric polypeptide including an antigenic peptide being capable of binding a human MHC class I, a functional human ?-2 microglobulin and a functional human MHC class I heavy chain.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.Inventor: Yoram Reiter
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Patent number: 7399471Abstract: Polypeptides capable of forming antigen binding structures specific for Rhesus D antigens include the sequences indicated in the FIGS. 1a to 16b. The obtained polypeptides, being Fab fragments, MAY be used directly as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions. The Fab and their DNA sequences can also be used for the preparation of complete recombinant Anti-Rhesus D antibodies. Useful in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: ZLB Behring AGInventors: Andreas Morell, Martin Imboden, Beda Stadler, Sylvia Miescher, Monique Vogel, Hanspeter Amstutz
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Patent number: 7390488Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting, delivering, and activating platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, antibodies carrying platelet binding agents are targeted to hyperplastic cells or tissues, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses; the platelet binding agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus-causing vessel occlusion.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: ViRexx Medical Corp.Inventors: Michael W. Stewart, Antoine Noujaim, Roland H. Person
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Patent number: 7390490Abstract: There are provided uses of an antibody directed to CX3CR1 and fractalkine. Killer lymphocytes can be readily identified, eliminated and separated by using an anti-CX3CR1 antibody. Further, there can be provided an antibody drug for suppressing chemotaxis and cytotoxic activity of killer lymphocytes by suppressing an interaction between CX3CR1 and fractalkine.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Imai, Miyuki Nishimura, Kenzo Muramoto, Yoshikazu Kuboi
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Patent number: 7390782Abstract: The invention involves methods of regulating cell growth and division to control disease processes by manipulating mitochondrial metabolism and the expression of cell surface immune proteins. The invention also involves related compositions and screening assays.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural CollegeInventor: Martha Karen Newell
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Compositions and methods for producing vascular occlusion using a solid-phase platelet binding agent
Patent number: 7387994Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: ViRexx Medcial Corp.Inventors: Michael W. Stewart, Antoine Noujaim, Roland H. Person -
Patent number: 7388072Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the MAGE tumor associated genes, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of MAGE genes.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer ResearchInventors: Yi Zhang, Pascal Chaux, Thierry Boon-Falleur, Pierre Van Der Bruggen
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Patent number: 7385044Abstract: Peptides which have an amino acid sequence identical to sequences found in tumor rejection antigen precursors, such as NY-ESO-1, and SSX-2, are disclosed. These peptides bind to MHC-Class II molecules, such as HLA-DR molecules, and provoke proliferation of CD4+ cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer ResearchInventors: Ozlem Tureci, Ugur Sahin, Michael Pfreundschuh
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Patent number: 7381800Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Yanggu Shi, Paul E. Young, Reinhard Ebner, Daniel R. Soppet, Steven M. Ruben