Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for identifying a compound that can be used in mitigating and/or the treatment of a disease associated with abnormal astrocytic function, said method comprising: (i) providing a compound; (ii) determining whether said compound is a ligand for the GPR81 receptor by determining said compound's binding energy with the GPR81 receptor using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and comparing said binding energy to the binding energy determined for a reference compound (such as L-lactate) with the GPR81 receptor; and (iii) if said compound is determined to be a ligand for the GPR81 receptor, bringing said compound in contact with a living astrocyte and determining the cAMP level in said astrocyte contacted with said compound. The present invention further pertains to an agent elevating the cAMP level in astrocytes for use in mitigating and/or in the treatment of a disease associated with abnormal astrocytic function.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor (GITR). Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel polypeptide having an activity of exporting 5?-inosine monophosphate, a microorganism comprising the same, a method for preparing 5?-inosine monophosphate using the same, and a method for increasing export of 5?-inosine monophosphate.

Abstract: Antibodies binding to sites on the alpha-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase increase cardiac contraction of both ventricular myocytes and mouse heart. In particular, antibodies binding to the RSATEEEPPNDD (SEQ ID NO: 1) or DVEDSYGQQWTYEQR (SEQ ID NO: 2) peptides (or isoforms/derivatives thereof) of the alpha-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase, have been found to be highly inotropic. Both the antibodies and the peptides are important for the treatment of human heart failure and other contractile disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunoglobulins that specifically bind Kv1.3 and more in particular to polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to compositions and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. In particular, the immunoglobulins of the present invention inhibit the activity of Kv1.3.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides conditionally active, heterodimeric polypeptides. The conditionally active, heterodimeric polypeptides are active in the presence of a dimerizing agent that induces dimerization of the polypeptides of the heterodimer. A conditionally active, heterodimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure is useful in a variety of research and treatment methods, which are also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for localized treatment of tissues or organs that were exposed to ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury, in order to reduce their structural damage and loss of function. The method further includes intra-arterial treatment of transplanted tissues or organs, which are exposed to similar damage of IR and are at risk of impaired function. Leptin antagonist is administered as a bolus injection directly into a re-opened artery, which supplies blood to the tissue or organ involved, immediately after reperfusion. In some cases, after administering a bolus injection of leptin antagonist, the effect of leptin antagonist in the involved organ can be prolonged by deploying a double function drug eluting stent, which elutes leptin antagonist into the lumen, e.g., by sustained release, while eluting antiproliferative drug into the vessel wall to prevent local stenosis, which may appear due to stent deployment.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to CD137 (e.g., human CD137) and increases CD137 function. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors and host cells for making these antibodies, and methods of treating a subject using these antibodies.

Abstract: Controlled release of VIP from PLGA microparticles was accomplished and varied through use of different polymer molecular sizes, addition of solutes to the inner aqueous phase, and use of our computer model. Released VIP from microparticles appeared to be bioactive and caused DCs to produce more CCL22 than DCs treated with blank particles at 7 and 24 hours. Additionally, DCs treated with VIP microparticle releasates recruited higher percentages of FoxP3+ T-cells in in vitro chemotaxis studies. Testing in a mouse model in vivo indicated that VIP microparticles have significant therapeutic potential to treat periodontal disease by reducing the bone loss in infected mice relative to the blank group.

Abstract: The present invention provides caninized human anti-human IL-4R? antibodies that have specific sequences and a high binding affinity for canine IL-4R?. The invention also relates to use of these antibodies in the treatment of dogs against atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identifying compounds that modulate mTORC1 activity in a cell by modulating the activity of CASTOR1, as well as to the use of such identified compounds in the modulation of mTORC1 and the treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by aberrant mTORC1 activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor (GITR). Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies selected from immunized mice, immunized rabbits and a human scFv library that specifically bind fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) are described. Chimeric antigen receptors, antibody-drug conjugates, immunoconjugates, bispecific antibodies and immunoliposomes comprising the disclosed FGFR4-specific antibodies are also described. The antibody compositions can be used to diagnose or treat a FGFR4-positive cancer, such as rhabdomyosarcoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to CXCR2, to antibodies and related fragments thereof for binding to CXCR2, to production of said antibodies and fragments and to use of said antibodies and fragments for detection and therapy of various conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for localized treatment of tissues or organs that were exposed to ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury, in order to reduce their structural damage and loss of function. The method further includes intra-arterial treatment of transplanted tissues or organs, which are exposed to similar damage of IR and are at risk of impaired function. Leptin antagonist is administered as a bolus injection directly into a re-opened artery, which supplies blood to the tissue or organ involved, immediately after reperfusion. In some cases, after administering a bolus injection of leptin antagonist, the effect of leptin antagonist in the involved organ can be prolonged by deploying a double function drug eluting stent, which elutes leptin antagonist into the lumen, e.g., by sustained release, while eluting antiproliferative drug into the vessel wall to prevent local stenosis, which may appear due to stent deployment.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating leukemia, for example, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia (B-ALL). The invention also relates to at least one chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to CD123, vectors comprising the same, and recombinant T cells comprising the CD123 CAR. The invention also includes methods of administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR that comprises a CD123 binding domain. The invention also includes methods of bone marrow ablation for use in treatments necessitating bone marrow reconditioning or transplant.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine compositions containing at least one retrievable biocompatible macrocapsule containing immuno-isolated allogeneic cells that secrete an immunomodulator such as GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor) and an antigenic component such as autologous tumor cells or infectious agents. Also provided are kits and pharmaceutical compositions containing the vaccine compositions as well as methods of use thereof for therapeutic or preventative vaccination against tumors or infectious agents.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method for evaluating a medicinal substance targeting a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for evaluating the activity of a GPCR comprising a step of bringing a target substance into contact with a cell expressing a GPCR on the cell membrane; and a step of determining the diffusive dynamics of the GPCR on the cell membrane.

Abstract: Provided herein are antigen-binding proteins (ABPs) that selectively bind to GITR and its isoforms and homologs, and compositions comprising the ABPs. Also provided are methods of using the ABPs, such as therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and dosing regimens for safely and effectively treating androgen-dependent prostate cancer with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist without causing a testosterone spike and/or other side effect of GnRH agonist therapy such as a urinary tract infection, or an arthralgia-related or cardiovascular side effect.