Patents Examined by Ulrike Winkler
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Patent number: 7247439Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying whether a compound inhibits entry of a virus into a cell which comprises: (a) obtaining nucleic acid encoding a viral envelope protein from a patient infected by the virus; (b) co-transfecting into a first cell (i) the nucleic acid of step (a), and (ii) a viral expression vector which lacks a nucleic acid encoding an envelope protein, and which comprises an indicator nucleic acid which produces a detectable signal, such that the first cell produces viral particles comprising the envelope protein encoded by the nucleic acid obtained from the patient; (c) contacting the viral particles produced in step (b) with a second cell in the presence of the compound, wherein the second cell expresses a cell surface receptor to which the virus binds; (d) measuring the amount of signal produced by the second cell in order to determine the infectivity of the viral particles; and (e) comparing the amount of signal measured in step (d) with the amount of signal produced in the aType: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Monogram Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Richman, Mary T. Wrin, Susan Little, Christos J. Petropoulos, Neil T. Parkin, Jeannette M. Whitcomb, Wei Huang
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Patent number: 7235356Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying whether a compound inhibits entry of a virus into a cell which comprises: (a) obtaining nucleic acid encoding a viral envelope protein from a patient infected by the virus; (b) co-transfecting into a first cell (i) the nucleic acid of step (a), and (ii) a viral expression vector which lacks a nucleic acid encoding an envelope protein, and which comprises an indicator nucleic acid which produces a detectable signal, such that the first cell produces viral particles comprising the envelope protein encoded by the nucleic acid obtained from the patient; (c) contacting the viral particles produced in step (b) with a second cell in the presence of the compound, wherein the second cell expresses a cell surface receptor to which the virus binds; (d) measuring the amount of signal produced by the second cell in order to determine the infectivity of the viral particles; and (e) comparing the amount of signal measured in step (d) with the amount of signal produced in the aType: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Monogram Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Christos J. Petropoulos, Neil T. Parkin, Jeanette Whitcomb, Wei Huang
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Patent number: 7211659Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV polypeptides are also described. Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV polypeptides are described, as are uses of these polynucleotides and polypeptide products therefrom, including formulations of immunogenic compositions and uses thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventors: Jan zur Megede, Susan Barnett
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Patent number: 7202079Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Tianci Luo, Robert David Berkowitz, Michael Kaleko
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Patent number: 7169551Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying whether a compound inhibits entry of a virus into a cell which comprises: (a) obtaining nucleic acid encoding a viral envelope protein from a patient infected by the virus; (b) co-transfecting into a first cell (i) the nucleic acid of step (a), and (ii) a viral expression vector which lacks a nucleic acid encoding an envelope protein, and which comprises an indicator nucleic acid which produces a detectable signal, such that the first cell produces viral particles comprising the envelope protein encoded by the nucleic acid obtained from the patient; (c) contacting the viral particles produced in step (b) with a second cell in the presence of the compound, wherein the second cell expresses a cell surface receptor to which the virus binds; (d) measuring the amount of signal produced by the second cell in order to determine the infectivity of the viral particles; and (e) comparing the amount of signal measured in step (d) with the amount of signal produced in the aType: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Monogram Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Christos J. Petropoulos, Neil T. Parkin, Jeanette Whitcomb, Wei Huang
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Patent number: 7148341Abstract: The present invention relates to an AAV DNA having helper virus sequences which are necessary for developing AAV viral particles, a system containing such a DNA and the use of both.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignees: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung des Offentlichen Rechts, Transgene S.A.Inventors: Jürgen Kleinschmidt, Dirk Grimm, Karola Rittner
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Patent number: 7132232Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a virus in breast ducts are provided. In addition, antiviral therapy for treating a virally infected breast duct is also provided. Patients with a viral infection identified in the breast ducts may be at risk for developing breast precancer or cancer.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventor: David Hung
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Patent number: 7132521Abstract: The exposure of cells, tissues and organs to “stress,” such as elevated temperature, stimulates production of active heat stress transcription factors (HSF), which in turn, induce expression of genes regulated by stress promoters. Normally, the activity of stress promoters declines after cells, tissues and organs are returned to a normal condition. Mutant forms of HSF, however, can constitutively transactivate stress genes, in the absence of stress. By taking advantage of such mutant HSF, molecular circuits can be devised to provide a sustained expression of a gene of interest using a single application of stress.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Inventor: Richard Voellmy
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Patent number: 7125712Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Tianci Luo, Robert David Berkowitz, Michael Kaleko
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Patent number: 7108988Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying a compound that induces loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr; and compounds identified by the screening methods. The compounds are useful for treating a lentiviral infection. The present invention further provides methods of inducing loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; methods of inhibiting lentivirus viral replication; and methods of treating a lentivirus infection in an individual. The methods generally involve administering to an individual infected with the lentivirus an effective amount of a compound that induces Vpr loss and/or that inhibits PPIase activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: The J. David Gladstone InstitutesInventors: Michael Sherman, Warner Greene, Ulrich Schubert, Victor Wray, Uwe Tessmer, Peter Henklein, Karsten Bruns
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Patent number: 7097970Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying whether a compound inhibits entry of a virus into a cell which comprises: (a) obtaining nucleic acid encoding a viral envelope protein from a patient infected by the virus; (b) co-transfecting into a first cell (i) the nucleic acid of step (a), and (ii) a viral expression vector which lacks a nucleic acid encoding an envelope protein, and which comprises an indicator nucleic acid which produces a detectable signal, such that the first cell produces viral particles comprising the envelope protein encoded by the nucleic acid obtained from the patient; (c) contacting the viral particles produced in step (b) with a second cell in the presence of the compound, wherein the second cell expresses a cell surface receptor to which the virus binds; (d) measuring the amount of signal produced by the second cell in order to determine the infectivity of the viral particles; and (e) comparing the amount of signal measured in step (d) with the amount of signal produced in the aType: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Monogram Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Christos J. Petropoulos, Neil T. Parkin, Jeanette M. Whitcomb, Wei Huang
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Patent number: 7098317Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel antibodies directed to the C-terminal part of the PrPSc isoform of prions. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of such antibodies in the diagnosis of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the new variant form of Creutzfeld Jacobs Disease (vCJD). In addition, the present invention relates to the peptide recognized by the antibodies and its use in the immunization and/or treatment of BSE, CJD, vCJD and other TSE related diseases.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Blood Transfusion Center of SloveniaInventor: Vladka {hacek over (C)}urin-{hacek over (S)}erbec
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Patent number: 7094553Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind with a high degree of binding affinity to a native ungulate PrPC and/or a denatured ungulate PrPSc, but not to a native ungulate PrPSc. Preferred antibodies find native bovine PrPC and treated PrPSc but not native bovine PrPSc and can be used in an assay to determine if a sample is infected with infectious prions, i.e. PrPSc.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The Scripps Research InstituteInventors: Stanley B. Prusiner, Jiri G. Safar, R. Anthony Williamson, Dennis R. Burton
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Patent number: 7090852Abstract: Using the MBGV GP, NP, and virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with MBGV in nonhuman primates is described.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Michael C. Hevey, Diane L. Negley, Peter Pushko, Jonathan F. Smith, Alan L. Schmaljohn
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Patent number: 7087234Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses, containing more than one exogenous gene inserted into either the thymidine kinase gene, the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof. Disclosed is the use of the multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses as vaccines to immunize felines against subsequent challenge by feline pathogens. Also disclosed is a method of making a multivalent recombinant raccoon poxvirus by a recombination process involving the construction of an insertion vector into which the exogenous genes are inserted, and flanking the inserted genes are sequences which can recombine into the raccoon poxvirus thymidine kinase gene, or the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof; introducing both the insertion vector containing the exogenous genes, and raccoon poxvirus into susceptible host cells; and selecting the recombinant raccoon poxvirus from the resultant plaques.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Fred W. Scott, Christopher K. Ngichabe, Liangbiao Hu, Joseph J. Esposito
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Patent number: 7087740Abstract: A kit for use in detecting a bacterium having resistance to streptogramin A and related compounds is provided. A kit for use in detecting a bacterium harboring at least one polynucleotide encoding VgaB in a biological sample is also provided. The kits comprise at least one oligonucleotide probe and at least one reagent for performing a nucleic acid hybridization reaction.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Institut PasteurInventors: Névine El Solh, Jeanine Allignet
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Patent number: 7078512Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified DNA encoding feline CD80 (B7-1) ligand, feline CD86 (B7-2) ligand, feline CD28 receptor, or feline CTLA-4 (CD152) receptor, as well as vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a host cells transformed with CD80-encoding vectors, CD86-encoding vectors, CD28-encoding vectors, or CTLA-4-encoding vectors. The invention provides polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignees: Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation, The Texas A & M University SystemInventors: Ellen W. Collisson, InSoo Choi, Barbara J. Winslow, Mark D. Cochran
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Patent number: 7078044Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-amoebic vaccine containing an oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The anti-amoebic vaccines are particularly effective against inflammation and liver abscesses resulting from amoebic invasion when administered to patients.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: CBR Institute for Biomedical Research, Inc.Inventor: Roberto Rodolfo Kretschmer Schmid
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Patent number: 7074620Abstract: Method for reducing the level and/or activity of a target protein in a eukaryotic cell via activation of ubiquitination of the target protein wherein the cell is contacted with the compound having a ubiquitination recognition element covalently linked to a target protein binding element. The ubiquitination and recognition element can bind to either the E3 or E2 elements of the ubiquitination system and the target protein binding element is able to bind specifically to the target protein. The target protein binding element has a molecular weight of less than 30,000 and has a binding affinity for the target protein greater than 105M31 1.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Proteinix, Inc.Inventors: John H. Kenten, Steven F. Roberts
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Patent number: 7070785Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of heat shock proteins to enhance production of one or more chemokines by a cell. The present invention also relates to the use of a heat shock protein in the treatment or prophylaxis of an infectious disease. The present invention also relates to a peptide from an extracellular domain of CCR5 and the use of the peptide in the treatment or prophylaxis of an infectious disease.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventors: Thomas Lehner, Charles George Kelly, Yufei Wang