Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to efficiently express high levels of a recombinant untagged NT-proBNP for use as a calibrator in NT-proBNP immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention relates to the detection of autoantibodies to domain 4 of beta 2-glycoprotein I (?2-GPI) as an indicator for atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions, kits and methods comprising a monoclonal antibody which shares key functional properties with the polyclonal antibodies which participate in the pathogenesis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) in a mammal. The monoclonal antibody of the invention preferentially binds with a PF4/heparin complex relative to the binding of the antibody with PF4 or heparin alone. The monoclonal antibody of the invention also binds specifically with PF4 in a complex with other glycosaminoglycans besides heparin, and also activates platelets. The monoclonal antibody of the invention is useful in methods for diagnosing and treating HIT/HITT in a mammal. A humanized version of the monoclonal antibody of the invention is also included, along with a process for humanizing the monoclonal antibody of the invention.

Abstract: Antibodies to heavy chain of human FcRn are provided which function as non-competitive inhibitors of IgG binding to FcRn. The antibodies may be polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric or humanized, or antigen binding fragments thereof. These antibodies are useful for reducing the concentration of pathogenic IgGs in individuals and therefore used as a therapeutic tool in autoimmune and alloimmune conditions.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay for 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1?, the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin (Prostaglandin I2) is disclosed. Prostacyclin, a potent vasodilator with anti-platelet and anti-proliferative properties is an effective treatment for primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with scleroderma and scleroderma-like syndrome. Levels of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? can be directly correlated with levels of prostacyclin. Therefore, 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? has become the indicator of choice to measure prostacyclin levels. The single step immunoassay for 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? uses the bioluminescent protein, aequorin as a label. Analyte-label conjugates were constructed by linking the carboxyl group of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? and lysine residues of aequorin by chemical conjugation methods. The binding properties of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? towards its antibody and the bioluminescent properties of aequorin are retained in the conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing molecules that are capable of inhibiting angiogenesis, comprising the steps of providing a range of molecules; testing whether these molecules can prevent interaction between JAM-B and JAM-C; testing the positive molecules for their ability to block angiogenesis in vivo; and selecting molecules that are positive in the angiogenesis test as angiogenesis inhibiting molecules. The method may further comprise the step of isolating or producing the angiogenesis inhibiting molecules. The invention further relates to the angiogenesis inhibiting molecules thus provided and produced, to their use in the treatment of cancer, to therapeutical compositions comprising them. In a particular embodiment the invention relates to monoclonal antibodies, in particular MAb H33, to soluble JAM-C and JAM-B and to small molecules.

Abstract: The invention is directed to enhanced methods for detecting an analyte of interest in situ, by immunoassay, or by hybridization comprising binding an enzyme-labeled conjugate molecule to an analyte of interest in the presence of a redox-inactive reductive species and a soluble metal ion. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the inactive reductive species to an active reducing agent, which in turn reduces the metal ion to a metal atom thereby providing an enhanced means of detecting the analyte via metal deposition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel compositions of matter and methods of detecting in situ an immunohistochemical epitope or nucleic acid sequence of interest in a biological sample comprising binding an enzyme-labeled conjugate molecule to the epitope or sequence of interest in the presence of a redox-inactive reductive species and a soluble metal ion, thereby facilitating the reduction of the metal ion to a metal atom at or about the point where the enzyme is anchored. Novel phosphate derivatives of reducing agents are described that when exposed to a phosphatase are activated to their reducing form, thereby reducing metal ions to insoluble metal.

Abstract: Malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe form of malaria in humans, causing about 2 million deaths every year. Lack of effective vaccines and emergence of drug-resistant strains necessitate the need of novel drug targets to treat the disease. The present invention describes a novel assay method of identifying candidate compounds as anti-malarials based on the property of binding to plasmodial parasite 90 kDa heat shock protein.

Abstract: Using two types of antibodies, i.e., a first antibody having a higher affinity for a target substance than for a competitive substance and a second antibody having a higher affinity for the competitive substance than for the target substance, a specimen is treated with these two antibodies. Then, the competitive substance in the specimen first binds to the second antibody and thus the ratio of the target substance to the competitive substance in the specimen is enlarged. As a result, the target substance becomes liable to bind to the first antibody and, in its turn, the reactivity of the target substance is elevated compared with the case of using the first antibody alone. Thus, the target substance in the specimen can be accurately assayed while avoiding the effects of the competitive substance contained in the specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing and prognosing Inflammatory Bowel disease or Crohn's disease (CD) by measuring levels of antibodies to glycans in a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing Crohn's disease (CD) or anti-phospholipid syndrome by measuring levels of antibodies to glycans in a biological sample.

Abstract: A lagomorph derived monoclonal antibody for recognizing the progesterone receptor (PR) (clone SP2) with immunohistochemistry and methods for creating such an antibody are disclosed. No need of target retrieval in immunohistochemistry is their prominent advantage compared to currently available PR antibody. Furthermore, the very low background when the lagomorph derived monoclonal antibody is used in immunohistochemistry is also impressive. The immunohistochemistry comparative study with about fifty clinical specimens showed that the new PR antibody (clone SP2) antibody had favorable results when compared to mouse monoclonal antibody PR (clone 1A6), the best one in the current market. The PR antibody may prove of great value in the assessment of PR status in human breast cancer. Humanized versions of the PR antibody may provide therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: Methods for enhancement in accuracy of immunochemical analysis of heterogeneous biological fluids containing exogenous substances that can interfere in immunochemical analysis for endogenous analytes of interest. According to this method a heterogeneous biological fluid sample is pretreated with an interferant suppression effective amount of a molybdenum coordination complex, so as to reduce manifestation of the presence of said exogenous material under immunoassay conditions. This invention is suitable for the suppression of manifestation of exogenous substances, specifically metabolites of drugs of abuse, during the immunoassay of biological fluids of infants for detection of endogenous substances indicative of a wellness or disease state. This invention also has application for similar suppression exogenous substances in the biological fluid of adults that have been inadvertently exposed to such substances (e.g. secondhand smoke).

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for VEGF as an antigen were developed to detect VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: In the serum, PSP94 occurs as a free form or is associated with a carrier protein. PSP94 in its bound form has been quantified in the blood of prostate cancer patients and these measurements have shown utility as evaluation or prognosis of prostate cancer. Diagnostic assays, methods, and kits for detecting a free form of PSP94, and reagents such as antibodies able to bind to a free form of PSP94 are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. The NT-proBNP ELISA assay test employs the sandwich ELISA technique to measure circulating NT-proBNP in human plasma. In order to obtain antibodies with specific binding properties for targeted amino acid sequences within human proBNP, recombinant human proBNP (or rhproBNP) was expressed and purified for use as an immunogen. Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) to specific amino acid sequences were subsequently purified from goat serum by sequential affinity purification. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against specific polypeptides. Recombinant human NT-proBNP (or rhNT-proBNP) was expressed and purified in order to obtain material for use in calibration of a quantitative method for measurement of human NT-proBNP.

Abstract: An individual's risk profile for developing a cardiovascular disorder or for experiencing a cardiovascular event is determined by 1) measuring levels of certain stress-evoked proteins including heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytokines, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and the like, or titers of the antibodies targeted to them, or 2) determining the number of seropositive responses to a group of pathogens that have been associated with the presence of atherosclerosis and/or clinical events related to atherosclerosis. The measured levels are compared with clinically derived standards that define the association of these markers with cardiovascular disease. These markers are independent of traditionally recognized risk factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rabbit monoclonal antibody that binds to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein with high specificity and high affinity. The antibody has a binding constant, measured with respect to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein, equal to or greater than 1×108/molar. The antibody has no substantial cross-reactivity with other family Id proteins such as Id2, Id3, or Id4, or other endogenous proteins present in the cells that express Id1 protein. The high specificity and high affinity of the rabbit monoclonal antibodies of the present invention allows sensitive and specific detection and/or quantitation of Id1 protein in biological samples. The antibodies are useful in immunochemical-based assays such as ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining.