Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods of measuring the activity and/or levels of ABCA1 protein, including the use of acceptors of ABCA1 substrates, as well as methods involving the measurement of ABCA1 mRNA and protein levels.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a multimeric polypeptide complex/antigen which may be utilized in detecting or diagnosing diseases of the breast such as breast cancer. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods and kits, for example, which utilize this antigen or an antibody thereto. The complex itself comprises at least one BU101 polypeptide and at least one Mammaglobin polypeptide. In addition, the complex may comprise at least one polypeptide having at least 20% identity with the amino acid sequence of the BU101 polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of the Mammaglobin polypeptide, and fragments thereof.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method is provided wherein intact bispecific or trispecific antibodies which at the same time bind to the T cell receptor complex of a T cell, to tumor-associated antigens on a tumor cell, and, via the Fc portion of the bispecific antibody, to Fc receptor-positive cells are used for the induction of an anti-tumour immunity in humans and animals.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel protein and peptide compositions comprising soluble and bound forms of immunologically-active blood group antigens including mammalian Rh antigens. In preferred embodiments methods for the isolation and purification of serologically-active human Rh antigens such as D, c, C, E, and e are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the adsorption of immunologically-active Rh antigens to solid supports. Diagnostic kits, methods, and devices for the detection of Rh antibodies in clinical and non-clinical samples are also disclosed. Devices, compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and quantitation of anti-Rh antibodies from solution are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to members of the SSX family of genes, as well as their uses. Also a part of the invention are peptides derived from SSX molecules and the NY-ESO-1 molecule, which form complexes with HLA molecules, leading to lysis of cells presenting these complexes, by cytolytic T cells.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing cancer by administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-neurotrophin agent is described. The anti-neurotrophin agent is preferably an anti-neurotrophin antibody, an antisense molecule directed to a neurotrophin, a small organic molecule which binds a neurotrophin, or a dominant-negative mutation of a trk receptor that binds a neurotrophin. This method is particularly preferred for the treatment of prostate or pancreatic cancer. The anti-neurotrophic agents neutralize NGF, BDNF, NT-3, NT-4/5, NT-6 or NT-7 and include humanized antibodies as well as fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing a compound having the structure: as well as other related glycoconjugates useful as vaccines for inducing antibodies to epithelial cancer cells in an adjuvant therapy therefore, and in a method for preventing recurrence of epithelial cancer. The present invention also provides a vaccine comprising an amount of the compound described above effective to prevent the recurrence of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs which contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by prostate specific antigen (PSA). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. PSA is secreted by prostatic glandular cells. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by PSA, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Novel sesquiterpene-&ggr;-lactones are also provided by the invention, and are designed to be linked to carrier moieties such as the peptides of the invention. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel prostate cell-surface antigen, designated Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA), which is widely over-expressed across all stages of prostate cancer, including high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate tumors. The invention also provides a method for detecting a Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA) protein of bone (SEQ ID NO:2), comprising obtaining a sample; contacting the sample with an antibody that recognizes and binds the PSCA protein; and, detecting binding of the antibody with the PSCA protein in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating human monoclonal antibodies, especially those that are specific for surface antigens representative of a particular cell type. The present invention also includes populations of monoclonal antibodies produced by the invention methods, populations of polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding the immunoglobulins or fragments thereof, which are capable of binding to antigens representative of a cell type of interest.

Abstract: A set of contiguous and partially overlapping cDNA sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby, designated as BS249 and transcribed from breast tissue, is described. These sequences are useful for the detecting, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, prognosticating, in vivo imaging, preventing or treating, or determining the predisposition of an individual to diseases and conditions of the breast, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic peptides which have amino acid sequences which correspond, in whole or in part, to the amino acid sequence of prothrombin and are antigenic, to the use thereof for the immunization of an animal and for the purification of specific antibodies, to antibodies against these peptides, and to the use of the antibodies for the determination of the fragments F2/F1+2. The antibodies hitherto used for the determination of the content of the fragments F2/F1+2 have been induced by immunization with natural, highly purified prothrombin fragments F2/F1+2. The isolation of these prothrombin fragments is elaborate and costly, and the antibodies generated therewith show cross-reactions with intact prothrombin. Used for the immunization according to the invention are synthetic peptides which have amino acid sequences which correspond, in whole or in part, to the amino acid sequence of prothrombin and are antigenic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel modified TIMP wherein the NH2-terminal &agr;-amino group thereof is modified with an electron-accepting group to substantially lose the ability to bind to a metalloproteinase.

Abstract: Cellular sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and progression through cell cycle is modulated through manipulation of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) activity. Phenotypic characterization of cells lacking TC-PTP demonstrates a defective progression through the cell cycle, and sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. Screening assays are provided for selecting agents that affect the activity of TC-PTP, including assays relating to the interaction of TC-PTP with its substrate, p62dok.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyspecific binding molecules and particularly single-chain polyspecific binding molecules that include at least one single-chain T-cell receptor (sc-TCR) covalently linked through a peptide linker sequence to at least one single-chain antibody (sc-Ab). Further disclosed are methods and compositions for testing and using the molecules.

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

Abstract: A panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing and binding to human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS or type II iNOS) enzyme have been developed. The monoclonal antibodies may also be employed in an assay to detect the presence and/or quantitate the amount of human iNOS.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which bind to the cancer associated antigen NY-ESO-1. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are part of the invention, as are chimeric forms of the antibodies, and binding portions of antibodies. Uses of these antibodies are described. Also described are truncated, recombinant forms of the cancer associated antigen.

Abstract: The identification and characterization of risk factors and their molecular implications in the pathophysiology of human diseases such as cancer is essential for designing efficient diagnostic assays and therapeutic compounds. Estrogenic steroids, under normal physiological conditions, have been shown to play a critical function in several tissues. The response of such a variety of tissues to estrogen stimulation can explain in part its active role in the development and progression of different human diseases, particularly breast cancer. Searching for estrogen-responding cellular factors in parental cells of primary human breast carcinomas obtained from tumour biopsies, two cellular markers, an isoenzyme of putative leucine aminopeptidase (LAPase; EC 3.4.11.1) from parental cells of primary human breast carcinomas obtained from tumour biopsies, and cytosolic NDP-Kinase/Nm23 (EC 2.7.4.6) from HL60 cells were identified. Monoclonal antibodies against each cellular marker have been produced.