Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise a WT1 polypeptide comprising an immunogenic portion of WT1, wherein said WT1 polypeptide comprises the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:144. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of Lol p V, a major protein allergen of the species Lolium perenne. Therapeutic peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen of Lol p V. Diagnostic peptides within the scope of the invention bind IgE. The invention also provides modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties or other desirable properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Use of the therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention in the manufacture of medicaments for treating sensitivity to Lol p V or an allergen immunologically related to Lol p V, or for general ryegrass sensitivity in an individual, is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for inducing an immune response in mammal to a specific antigen, where the vaccine comprises a unit dose of a binary toxin protective antigen and the antigen, which is bound to a binary toxin protective antigen binding protein. In one embodiment the vaccine is comprised of an anthrax protective antigen and the antigen bound to anthrax protective antigen binding protein. The present invention also provides a method of immunizing a mammal against an antigen using the vaccine, and a method of inducing antigen-presenting mammalian cells to present specific antigens via the MHC class I processing pathway.

Abstract: Immunogenic polypeptides comprising hepatitis C virus (HCV) immunogens are described. The HCV immunogen comprises the amino acid sequence Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-P he-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). The immunogenic polypeptide can be coupled to a bacterial toxoid, such as a diphtheria toxoid.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encodes JAK-3 protein. JAK-3 protein is a protein tyrosine kinase having a molecular weight of approximately 125 kDa which has tandem non-identical catalytic domains, lacks SH2 or SH3 domains, and is expressed in NK cells and stimulated or transformed T cells, but not in resting T cells. The protein itself and antibodies to this protein are also presented. Further, methods of identifying therapeutic agents for modulating the immune system make use of the foregoing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific polypeptides consisting of a series of one to 1000 peptide units selected from the group consisting of peptide units ?, ?, ? and ?, wherein ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?ETFTETWNRFITHTE?) (SEQ ID NO:1), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?GMLEASEGLDGWIHQ?) (SEQ ID NO:2), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?HQQGGWSTLIEDNI?) (SEQ ID NO:3), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?KQKHPKKVKQAFNPL?) (SEQ ID NO:4), ? and ? are each independently from 0 to 5 naturally occurring amino acids, and the polypeptide is capable of binding antibody in a specimen from an individual with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated disease are disclosed. Also disclosed are the use of these polypeptides for the production of polypeptide-specific antibodies and the diagnosis and treatment of EBV-associated disease.

Abstract: Chimeric antibodies for CD4 receptor comprising a variable or antigen binding region of a non-human origin specific for CD4 receptor and a constant region of human origin are disclosed. These antibodies are useful as therapeutic agents for auto-immune disorders.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies having high affinity for N-terminus pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are described. The monoclonal antibodies are prepared against a synthetic peptide having the Sequence ID No. 1. Specifically, the monoclonal antibodies described are produced from two hybridoma cell lines, 6G11-F11-D12 and 1C3-E11-R9, deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under Accession Numbers PTA-4844 and PTA-4845 respectively. The monoclonal antibody antibodies can be used as reagents in an immunoassay system to identify blood, serum or plasma levels of NT-proBNP. Such an immunoassay system can be used for diagnosing and quantifying congestive heart failure (CHF).

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for producing binding sites on polypeptides, and particularly for producing binding sites within the CDR regions of immunoglobulin heavy or light chains that are displayed on the surface of filamentous phage particles. The invention also describes oligonucleotides useful for preparing the binding sites, and human monoclonal antibodies produced by the present methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a secretor variant cell-line expressing the alpha moiety of human IgE binding protein to determine the allergic status of a given individual. Moreover, the cell-line is also used to provide an assay system for determining the allergenicity of substances and for subsequently providing therapeutic compositions which render said substances ineffective. In addition, the invention also relates to the use of said cell-line to determine the IgE independent irritancy of substances and compositions effective for attenuating the effects of said substances.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody specifically binding to a surface antigen of cancer cell membrane, an isolated DNA encoding the antibody, and a hybridoma producing the antibody. An anti-cancer formulation comprising the monoclonal antibody bonded to the surface of a liposome enclosing an anti-cancer agent or toxin is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of using Ig compositions to prevent and/or treat humans, livestock and/or domesticated animals suffering from stress induced respiratory disorders. The Ig composition comprises a concentrated amount of one or more immunoglobulins selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Preferably, the Ig composition comprises other antibodies identified as providing an immune response and/or immune factors such as complement and transfer factors. The Ig composition preferably includes immunoglobulins specific to a variety of antigens. In a preferred method, an equine Ig composition is used to treat exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses.

Abstract: Methods for treating cancer in a mammalian patient having cancer and a functional immune system, and for preventing recurrences of cancer following completion of cancer therapy, are described. The methods involve administration of a course of therapy with modified TALL-104 cells, without requiring the co-administration of an immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: A purified preparation of a peptide consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence identical to that of a segment of a naturally-occurring human protein, said segment being of 10 to 30 residues in length, inclusive, wherein said peptide binds to a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allotype.

Abstract: The hypervariable region (E2HV) of the putative hepatitis C virus (HCV) glycoprotein E2/NS1, between about amino acid 384 to about amino acid 414, is a rapidly evolving region of HCV, and is likely to be under positive immune selection. A newly discovered motif within this hypervariable region is immunogenic and conserved with respect to the character of the amino acids. In many isolates, this motif falls between amino acids 401 to 406 or 407. The discovery of this motif allows for additional materials and methods to treat and diagnose HCV.

Abstract: A method for providing passive immmunotherapy to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in a host is disclosed. The method includes administering to a host a human monoclonal antibody Fab fragment that neutralizes both antigenic subgroup A and subgroup B of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or a monoclonal antibody comprising the fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic treatment protocols designed for the treatment of B cell lymphoma. These protocols are based upon therapeutic strategies which include the use of administration of immunologically active mouse/human chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies, radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibodies, and cooperative strategies comprising the use of chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies and radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexes of human leukocyte antigen molecules and tyrosinase derived peptides SEQ ID NO: 2, on the surfaces of abnormal cells. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this observation are the subject of the invention.