Abstract: Identification, isolation and partial sequencing of a cell density protein produced by fibroblastic cells. The cell density signal protein comprising a 14 amino acid peptide or a fragment, variant, mutant or analog thereof, the deduced cDNA sequence from the 14 amino acid peptide, a recombinant protein, protein and peptide-specific antibodies, and the use of the peptide and peptide-specific antibodies as therapeutic agents for regulation of cell differentiation and proliferation. A method for treatment and repair of connective tissue and tendon injuries, collagen deficiency, and connective tissue defects.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide at least 60% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5 or 18 encoding a SARP polypeptide; vectors comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding at least 11 consecutive amino acids of &agr;SARP polypeptide; a host cell transformed with an isolated polynucleotide or vector; antibodies specific for SARP and use of such polynucleotides and antibodies in diagnostic and therapeutic method. Therapeutic uses of antibodies and polynucleotides of sarp. Methods for treating diseases related to the regulation of SARP expression in tissue and bodily fluid samples, including cancers.

Abstract: The invention is a method of inhibiting a sarcoma, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, in a mammal. The method employs 6-demethyl-6-deoxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-3.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the field of immunology and human medicine, particularly with the generation and selection of a monoclonal antibody (Mab) that recognizes the N-glycolylated-galactose-glucose sialic acid olygosaccharide sequence presents in malignant tumors. One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a Mab of the IgG1 type that has the characteristic of recognizing with high specificity N-glycolylated-galactose-glucose sialic acid olygosaccharide sequence presents in malignant tissues of breast, melanomas and tumors of the liver, stomach, colon, rectum and kidneys. It also has the capacity of producing direct cytolysis of the tumoral cells bearing the N-glycolylated-galactose-glucose sialic acid olygosaccharide sequence, thus can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of certain neoplasic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant toxin and monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to glial-derived or meningioma-derived tumor cells. Also provided are various methods of screening for malignant gliomas and meningiomas. Further provided are methods of treating malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytomas.

Abstract: Increased expression of DR6 is associated with drug resistance of certain cells (e.g., cancer cells). The invention provides methods for identifying drug resistant cells by measuring the expression or activity of DR6, methods for identifying modulators of drug resistance, and methods for modulating drug resistance by modulating the expression or activity of DR6.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for modulating the activity of the protein p53 in cells by the addition of a peptide or protein having p33ING1 biological activity or a nucleic acid coding for such a peptide or protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics corresponding to part or to the entirety of the region encompassed by residues 360-386 of human p53, said peptides and peptidomimetics characterized by the ability to activate DNA binding of wild-type p53 and of select tumor-derived p53 mutants. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention and methods of using these compositions therapeutically are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described. Clearing agents and clearance mechanisms are also discussed.

Abstract: Novel humanized monoclonal antibodies, fragments or derivatives thereof which specifically bind carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are provided as well as methods for their manufacture. These humanized antibodies are useful in the treatment of cancers which express CEA as well as for diagnostic purposes, e.g., for in vivo imaging of tumors or cancer cells which express CEA.

Abstract: Diagnostic systems that rely on bioluminescence for visualizing tissues in situ are provided. The systems are particularly useful for visualizing and detecting neoplastic tissue and specialty tissue during surgical procedures. Kits that provide the components of the systems and methods using the systems for visualizing the tissue are also provided. The systems include compositions containing conjugates that include a tissue specific, particularly a tumor-specific, targeting agent linked to a targeted agent, a luciferase or luciferin. The systems also include a second composition that contains the remaining components of a bioluminescence generating reaction. Administration of the compositions results production of light by targeted tissues that permits the detection and localization of neoplastic tissue for surgical removal. Therapeutic methods in which photosensitizing compounds are administered are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods that can be used for diagnosis and prognosis of cellular proliferation. Also described herein are methods that can be used to screen candidate bioactive agents for the ability to modulate cellular proliferation. Additionally, methods and molecular targets (genes and their products) for therapeutic intervention in cancers are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a a pharmaceutical composition for treating solid tumors that overexpress HER-2, comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of (a) an isolated polypeptide having from about 50 to 79 amino acids taken from the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein the polypeptide binds to the extracellular domain ECD of HER-2 at an affinity of at least 108, (b) an isolated and glycosylated polypeptide having from about 300 to 419 amino acids taken from the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein the C terminal 79 amino acids are present, and wherein at least three N-linked glycosylation sites are present, (c) a monoclonal antibody that binds to the ECD of HER-2, and (d) combinations thereof, with the proviso that the agent cannot be the monoclonal antibody alone, and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

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: A cancer immunotherapy method and composition for treating cancer in a patient comprised of vaccinating a patient with a vaccine comprised of the patient's own malignancy and an immunologic adjuvant, removing primed peripheral blood T lymphocytes from the patient, stimulating the primed T lymphocytes to differentiate into effector lymphocytes in vitro, stimulating the effector T lymphocytes to proliferate in vitro, and infusing the effector T lymphocytes back into the patient.

Abstract: Protein compositions and methods of use are provided for human Severin. The uses include the preparation of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for diagnosing and staging the progression of metastatic tumors and other disorders of cellular growth regulation. Also provided are methods of screening to identify potential drug candidate molecules which modulate the human Severin activity and methods of use of such compounds to accelerate wound healing, or to treat a metastasis or growth disorder.

Abstract: Determining the presence of cancerous or pre-cancerous cervical lesions from ASCUS-diagnosed Pap smear cells by observing the distribution of MN/CA9 antigen expressed on atypical or normal cells and diagnosing (a) significant lesions when MN/CA9 antigen is observed on atypical cells, (b) low grade lesions when MN/CA9 antigen is absent from atypical cells but is present on normal endocervical cells, and (c) a benign condition when MN/CA9 antigen is absent from both atypical cells and normal endocervical cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mammalian cells conjugated to a hapten and methods of making and using thereof. Conjugating hapten to mammalian cells is a useful way of preventing cells from growing and may be used in the place of any conventional treatment, for example, irradiation. Thus, the invention relates to mammalian cells in general, for example human cells, which cells are in substantially no growth phase and a method of placing the cells in a substantially no growth phase by conjugating them to a hapten. The invention is further directed to compositions containing hapten-modified tumor cells and extracts and methods of treating cancer by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing a tumor cell or tumor cell extract to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive protective agent against P. vivax. The passive protective agent is an antibody that, when a concentration of the antibody is injected intravenously, protects a subject to the limits of that concentration of antibody from developing malaria when the subject is subsequently challenged with live, infectious P. vivax sporozoites. The invention includes methods of treatment and pharmaceutical formulations of the agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for evaluating the metastatic tendency of tumor cells by determining the level of expression (mRNA level) of the gene coding for the thrombin receptor (ThR) or by determining the level of the thrombin receptor present on the membranes or within the tumor cells. A high level of either of the above indicates a high metastatic tendency, a low level indicates a low metastatic tendency and an intermediate level indicates a moderate metastatic tendency. The present invention further concerns a kit for use in the above method.