Patents Examined by Thomas M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5976535
    Abstract: Methods for targeting cytotoxins to target sites by administration of a combination of conjugates are provided. Novel cytotoxic combinations for use in such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: NeoRx Corporation
    Inventors: Alan R. Fritzberg, Paul G. Abrams, John M. Reno, Donald B. Axworthy, Scott S. Graves, Sudhakar Kasina
  • Patent number: 5976531
    Abstract: This invention concerns a subset of composite Hum4 V.sub.L, V.sub.H antibodies with high affinities to a high molecular weight, tumor-associated sialylated glycoprotein antigen (TAG-72) of human origin. These antibodies have variable regions with (1) V.sub.L segments derived from the human subgroup IV germline gene, and (2) a V.sub.H segment which is capable of combining with the V.sub.L to form a three dimensional structure having the ability to bind TAG-72. In vivo methods of treatment and diagnostic assay using these composite antibodies is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Peter S. Mezes, Ruth A. Richard, Kimberly S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5977321
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heterodimeric T lymphocyte receptor subunit. The subunit consists of variable, joining, constant, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic regions.The structure, amino acid, and nucleotide sequence of the lymphocyte receptor subunit were determined using cDNA clones derived from a functional murine cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone. The genes corresponding to these cDNA are expressed and rearranged specifically in T cells and have significant sequence homologies to immunoglobulin V and C genes.T cell receptor subunits may be produced from the cDNA clones. The protein molecules may be further used for the production of T-cell clone specific antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Haruo Saito, David M. Kranz, Herman N. Eisen, Susumu Tonegawa
  • Patent number: 5976845
    Abstract: This invention concerns a subset of composite Hum4 V.sub.L, V.sub.H antibodies with high affinities to a high molecular weight, tumor-associated sialylated glycoprotein antigen (TAG-72) of human origin. These antibodies have variable regions with (1) V.sub.L segments derived from the human subgroup IV germline gene, and (2) a V.sub.H segment which is capable of combining with the V.sub.L to form a three dimensional structure having the ability to bind TAG-72. In vivo methods of treatment and diagnostic assay using these composite antibodies is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Peter S. Mezes, Ruth A. Richard, Kimberly S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5973122
    Abstract: Previously unisolated serum immunoregulatory polypeptides (SIPs) having a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 to 31,000 are provided. The SIPs may be obtained from hemorrhagic serum of mammals and have been shown to activate suppressor T-cells and suppress lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin production. There is a significant homology between SIPs of different mammalian species. The amino acid sequence of an SIP having a molecular weight of about 16,000 is provided. In addition, immunosuppressive polypeptides are identified which have the formula (SEQ ID NO:2):X-Met-Asp-Ala-His-Pro-Pro-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ala-Cys-Ser-Ywherein X is an amino acid sequence having from 0 to 10 amino acids and Y is an amino acid sequence having from 0 to 110 amino acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yi-Han Chang, Edward Abraham
  • Patent number: 5962319
    Abstract: An element for specifying the condition and type of immune-related diseases on the basis of the knowledge about the polarization of distribution of Th1/Th2 subsets of helper T cells. The element for specifying or correcting the polarization of the Th1/Th2 subsets is implemented by use of a recombinant vector, a transformant, a human-Th1-specific protein, and an antibody which uses the human-Th1-specific protein as an antigen. A human-Th1-specific gene is prepared and specified by a subtraction technique and is incorporated into the recombinant vector. The transformant is formed by transforming the recombinant vector. The Th1-specific protein is encoded by the gene derived from the transformant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: BML, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ogawa, Kazuya Tanaka, Kinya Nagata, Shoichi Takano
  • Patent number: 5959087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ligands which bind to human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in a manner such that upon binding of these ligands to TNF the biological activity of TNF is modified. In preferred forms the ligand binds to TNF in a manner such that the induction of endothelial procoagulant activity of the TNF is inhibited; the binding of TNF to receptors on endothelial cells is inhibited; the induction of fibrin deposition in the tumour and tumour regression activities of the TNF are enhanced; and the cytotoxicity and receptor binding activities of the TNF are unaffected or enhanced on tumour cells. The ligand is preferably an antibody, F(ab) fragment, single domain antibody (dABs) single chain antibody or a serum binding protein. It is preferred, however, that the ligand is a monoclonal antibody or F(ab) fragment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Peptide Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Deborah Ann Rathjen, Roger Aston
  • Patent number: 5935797
    Abstract: Present invention based on the identification of the molecular interaction that forms the basis of the immunosuppressive activity of peptides comprising residues 71-80 of an MHC Class II protein (Class II peptides). Specifically the present invention discloses that Class II peptides bind to members of the PCNA family of proteins. Based on this observation, present invention provides methods for identifying agents that can be used to modulate immune system activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Stanford University
    Inventors: Carol Clayberger, Alan M. Krensky
  • Patent number: 5932694
    Abstract: The invention involves the identification of an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a tumor rejection antigen. Various uses of this nucleic acid molecule and the protein it encodes are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Pierre van der Bruggen, Susanna Mandruzzato, Thierry Boon-Falleur
  • Patent number: 5928901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a molecule comprising one or more peptide sequences of formula:Leu-Ala-Lys-Glu-Lys-Leu-Gln-X-Gln-Gln-Ser-Asp-Leu- Glu-Gln-Glu-Argin which X is Glu or Gly. It also relates to the utilisation of these molecules in assays and in vitro diagnostic kits for malaria on a biological sample derived from the individual in whom the disease is to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Pasteur
    Inventors: Claudine Marchand, Pierre Druilhe, Odile Puijalon-Mercereau, Gordon Langsley
  • Patent number: 5928938
    Abstract: The invention involves the identification of peptides which complex with HLA-Cw.sup.* 16 molecules, and which may then provoke lysis of the cells to which they bind, by cytolytic T cells. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Pierre van der Bruggen, Etienne DePlaen, Thierry Boon-Falleur
  • Patent number: 5925729
    Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence which codes for an antigen expressed by tumor cells which is recognized by cytotoxic T cells, leading to lysis of the tumor which expresses it. Also described are cells transfected by the DNA sequence, and various therapeutic and diagnostic uses arising out of the properties of the DNA and the antigen for which it codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Thierry Boon, Pierre Van Der Bruggen, Benoit Van Den Eynde, Aline Van Pel, Etienne De Plaen, Christophe Lurquin, Patrick Chomez, Catia Traversari
  • Patent number: 5919639
    Abstract: Disclosed is a class of compounds referred to herein as effector compounds. Effector compounds are useful in connection with the modulation of an immune response. Modulation refers to the ability of the effector compounds of the present invention to either enhance (antigen supercharging) or inhibit (immunosuppressant activities) antigen presentation, depending upon the nature of the particular effector compound and the therapeutic context. Effector compounds include peptides, modified peptides and peptidomimetics. Also disclosed are methods for modulating presentation of an MHC class II restricted antigenic peptide to a T cell. Also disclosed are effector compounds demonstrated to act specifically on a human MHC class II allele. Also disclosed is a second class of compounds, referred to herein as immunomodulatory organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Robert E. Humphreys, Sharlene Adams, Minzhen Xu
  • Patent number: 5911991
    Abstract: A composition and method for inhibiting binding of malarial Duffy-binding ligand to Duffy blood group antigens on mammalian erythrocytes is disclosed. The composition includes a Duffy-related peptide which interferes with binding between Duffy antigen expressed on erythrocyte cell surfaces and the Duffy-binding ligands of merozoites. Particularly preferred peptides are the peptides having the sequences AELSPSTENSSQLDFEDVWNSSYGVNDSFPDGDYD (SEQ ID NO:1) or AELSPSTQNSSQLNSDLWNFSYDGNDSFPDVDYD (SEQ ID NO:4), as well as peptides which comprise either of those sequences in their primary structure, or other peptides having equivalent function. A method is disclosed which comprises administering a Duffy-based peptide which interferes with malarial binding to Duffy antigen in an amount sufficient to inhibit binding of merozoites to erythrocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: New York Blood Center, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Oscar Pogo, Asok Chaudhuri
  • Patent number: 5911990
    Abstract: A novel peptide from the T-cell receptor is shown to be effective in preventing the progression to AIDS in an animal model. Methods for delaying the progression to AIDS and restoring normal immunological responses in an animal model following infection are shown and comprise administering through various systemic routes T-cell receptor peptide V.beta. CDR1 to restore normal levels of Th1 cytokines interleukin 2 and interferon-.gamma., which are suppressed following infection, and those of Th2 derived cytokines interleukin 5, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and immunoglobulin G, which are stimulated following infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: John J. Marchalonis, Ronald R. Watson, Keivan Dehghanpisheh, Yuejian Wang, Dennis S. Huang
  • Patent number: 5897861
    Abstract: Bispecific molecules which react both with the high-affinity Fc.gamma. receptor (Fc.gamma.RI) of effector cells and with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or component thereof are disclosed. Binding of these bispecific molecules to the Fc.gamma.RI is not blocked by the binding of the Fc region of IgG to that same receptor, as the bispecific molecules are specific for an epitope on the Fc.gamma.RI distinct from the Fc binding epitope. The bispecific molecules are useful for targeting human effector cells to a target on HIV. Also disclosed are methods of treating HIV infection using these bispecific molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Medarex, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Fanger, Paul M. Guyre, Nathan B. Dinces
  • Patent number: 5891435
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns compositions and methods useful for the prevention or amelioration of autoimmune diseases. Specifically exemplified are compositions and methods useful in immunizing to prevent insulin dependent diabetes. In a preferred embodiment, diabetes is prevented by the parenteral administration of a composition comprising specific antigenic peptides of insulin and further comprising incomplete Fruend's adjuvant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Research Corporation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Muir, Noel K. Maclaren
  • Patent number: 5888512
    Abstract: Fragments from the polymorphic domains of Class I HLA antigen domains are used to modulate T-cell activity. The peptides are from the .alpha.1- or .alpha.2 domains, particularly of the HLA-A, and B antigens. The peptides may be conjugated to other compounds to be used in diagnosis and therapy. The peptides may block lysis, CTL proliferation or have other regulating effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Carol A. Clayberger, Alan M Krensky
  • Patent number: 5888519
    Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of antibodies against lipid A by using encapsulating slow-releasing delivery materials or devices containing concentrations of lipid A that are greater than could be given safely to humans in the absence of said materials or devices. The antibodies to lipid A can be used for binding the antibodies to the lipid A that are present in the lipopolysaccharide that coats the surface of the Gram-negative bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Carl R. Alving
  • Patent number: 5880273
    Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated and purified DNA encoding an amino acid sequence which comprises SEQ. ID. NO:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Adachi, Masafumi Tsujimoto, Hiroyuki Arai, Keizo Inoue