Abstract: The invention discloses methods and compositions for killing tumor cells in animals. Through transfer techniques, cancer cells are engineered to express an epitope which is targeted by natural antibodies causing complement destruction of transformed tumor cells that is typically associated with hyperacute xenograft rejection.

Abstract: Methods for inducing antigen-specific T cell tolerance are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a T cell with: 1) a cell which presents antigen to the T cell, wherein a ligand on the cell interacts with a receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function; and 2) an antagonist of the receptor on the surface of the T cell which inhibits interaction of the ligand on the antigen presenting cell with the receptor on the T cell. In a preferred embodiment, the cell which presents antigen to the T cell is a B cell and the receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function is gp39. Preferably, the antagonist is an anti-gp39 antibody or a soluble gp39 ligand (e.g., soluble CD40). The methods of the invention can be used to induce T cell tolerance to a soluble antigen or to an allogeneic cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides three Rab proteins (designated individually as HRABS-1, HRABS-2, and HRABS-3, and collectively as HRABS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HRABS. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HRABS and a method for producing HRABS. The invention also provides for use of HRABS and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HRABS, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HRABS. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HRABS for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HRABS. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HRABS.

Abstract: Dendritic cells are of interest therapeutically as antigen-presenting cells. A process is disclosed in which peripheral blood cells are first isolated and the CD 34 antigen-expressing blood progenitor cells which they contain are then enriched. These enriched cells are expanded ex-vivo using a combination of haematopoietic growth factors and cytokines. Over a period of 10-20 days, they give rise, in particular to dendritic cells which, where appropriate, can be purified still further. These cells are functionally active with regard to the ability to present antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a cationic amino acid transporter protein. The present invention also provides antibodies specific for the cationic amino acid transporter protein. Further, the present invention provides methods of treating a disease characterized by undesirable levels of nitric oxide and methods of inhibiting cationic amino acid transport.

Abstract: It is a general object of the present invention to provide compositions that specifically interact with advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) or their receptors. Such compositions may be used in a variety of applications including therapeutic applications, e.g., as blocking agents to inhibit or otherwise reduce the AGE/RAGE interaction, screening applications, e.g., as models of the AGE/RAGE interaction, and diagnostic applications, e.g., to identify abnormal levels of AGE or RAGE in a given system.

Abstract: The invention describes identification and isolation of molecules associated specifically with Hodgkin's Disease. Uses of the molecules are described as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors using immunological- and growth factor-based reagents. In particular aspects, antibodies carrying diagnostic or therapeutic agents are targeted to the vasculature of solid tumor masses through recognition of tumor vasculature-associated antigens, such as, for example, through endoglin binding, or through the specific induction of endothelial cell surface antigens on vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention describes recombinant antibody toxin fusion proteins which selectively kill cells bearing appropriate antigens or receptors.

Abstract: Methods of delivering agents to target cells including methods of immunotherapy, are disclosed in which monospecific binding proteins are administered to a host and bind to target cells followed by administration of multivalent antibodies to direct the agents to the target cells.

Abstract: A mass transfer system for decontaminating a contaminated liquid or gas stream. The system includes a container with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The container is adapted to channel a liquid stream from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet. The vessel is also adapted to channel a gas stream from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. At least one grid is mounted within the container and is positioned within the gas and liquid streams. The grid has a plurality of apertures formed therein which are adapted to disperse the gas flow as it passes through the grid. The dispersion of the gas flow generates a fluidized bed within the container. The grid is preferably parabolic in shape. A light assembly is mounted on the container and has a light emitting unit positioned so as to emit light into the container. The light irradiates at least one of the streams flowing therein.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that humans have a gene that encodes a novel protein of the thymosin .beta. family. This novel protein, herein referred to as thymosin .beta.15, has the ability to bind and sequester G-actin, like other members of the thymosin .beta. family, but unlike what is known about other members also directly regulates cell motility in prostatic carcinoma cells. A cDNA of the human thymosin .beta.15 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1) and having the deduced the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) was isolated. The present inventors have shown that enhanced transcripts (mRNA) and expression of the thymosin .beta.15 gene in non-testicular cells has a high correlation to disease state in a number of cancers, such as prostate, lung, melanoma and breast cancer, particularly metastatic cancers. Accordingly, discovering enhanced levels of transcript or gene product in non-testicular tissues can be used in not only a diagnostic manner, but a prognostic manner for particular cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-idiotypic antibody which reacts with an anti-CA125 antibody and competes with CA125 in its binding to said anti-idiotypic antibody are disclosed which have essentially the same binding specificity. Additionally, the invention relates to cell lines, particularly to hybridoma 3D5 (DSM ACC2120), producing said anti-idiotypic antibodies. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing said anti-idiotypic antibodies and specific uses of these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soluble form of-intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) and purified and isolated human sICAM-1. This invention also relates to a purified and isolated DNA sequence encoding sICAM-1. The extracellular domain of sICAM-1 and insoluble ICAM-1 are substantially the same. ICAM-1 is involved in the process through which lymphocytes attach to cellular substrates during inflammation and serves as the major human rhinovirus receptor (HRR). sICAM-1 therefore has both the property of reducing immune inflammation and inhibiting infection of rhinovirus and Coxsackie A virus.

Abstract: Novel fibronectin binding protein B polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such novel fibronectin binding protein B and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such novel fibronectin binding protein B for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such novel fibronectin binding protein B and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of novel fibronectin binding protein B nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding novel fibronectin binding protein B family and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human proline-rich acidic protein (PRAP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRAP. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, or antagonists. This invention also provides methods for preventing or treating disorders associated with the expression of PRAP.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel peptide linker useful for connecting polypeptide constituents into a novel linked fusion polypeptide. The peptide linker of the invention provides greater stability and is less susceptible to aggregation than previously known peptide linkers. The peptide linker of the invention may be up to about 50 amino acids in length and contains at least one occurrence of a charged amino acid followed by a proline. When used for making a single chain Fv (sFv), the peptide linker is preferably from 18 to about 30 amino acids in length. A preferred embodiment of the peptide linker of the invention comprises the sequence:GSTSGSGXPGSGEGSTKG (SEQ. ID NO 1),where X is a charged amino acid, preferably lysine or arginine. Methods of making linked fusion polypeptides using the peptide linker of the invention are claimed. DNA molecules encoding such linked fusion polypeptides, and methods of producing such linked fusion polypeptides from these DNA molecules are also claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a sensor for determination of analyte concentration. The meter includes a sensor for receiving a user sample to be measured and a processor for performing a predefined test sequence for measuring a predefined parameter value. A memory can be coupled to the processor for storing predefined parameter data values. A calibration code is associated with the sensor and read by the processor before the user sample to be measured is received. The calibration code is used in measuring the predefined parameter data value to compensate for different sensor characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed are cDNAs and DNAs encoding high-affinity melatonin 1a and 1b receptors and the recombinant polypeptides expressed from such cDNAs. The recombinant receptor polypeptides, receptor fragments and analogs expressed on the surface of cells are used in methods of screening candidate compounds for their ability to act as agonists or antagonists to the effects of interaction between melatonin and high-affinity melatonin receptor. Agonists are used as therapeutics to reentrain endogenous melatonin rhythms as a means of treating circadian rhythm disorders in humans and control reproductive cycles in seasonally breeding animals. Antagonists are used as therapeutics to control the initiation or timing of puberty in humans. Antibodies specific for a high-affinity melatonin receptor (or receptor fragment or analog) and their use as a therapeutic are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibody against the IL-12 receptor and a novel combination of anibodies anainst the IL-12 receptor. The novel anti-IL-12 receptor anbody, designated as 2B10, provided in accordance with the present invention binds to the human IL-12 receptor but which is not capable of inhibiting the binding of human IL-12 to the high affinity human IL-12 receptor and is not capable of neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity by binding to human IL-12 receptor.