Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a polypeptide that is capable of high level presentation of antigenic peptides on antigen-presenting cells, wherein the polypeptide comprises a ?2-microglobulin molecule that is linked through its carboxyl terminal to a bridge peptide which spans the whole distance to the cell membrane, said bridge peptide being linked to a polypeptide stretch consisting of the full or partial transmembrane and/or cytoplasmic domains selected from the group consisting of a toll-like receptor (TLR) polypeptide, a CD40 polypeptide, and TLR and CD40 polypeptides fused in tandem, that allows the anchorage of the ?2-microglobulin molecule to the cell membrane, and through its amino terminal to at least one antigenic peptide comprising an MHC class I epitope, wherein said antigenic peptide is preferably derived from a tumor-associated antigen or from a pathogenic antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for designing a register layout. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a technology specification is combined with project specifications to produce a set of project specific layout constraints. The project specific constraints may be used to produce a layout.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA molecules encoding a chimeric polypeptide comprising (a) a component of a MHC molecule capable of association on a cell surface with an endogenous MHC molecule component of the same class, and (b) an intracellular region of a signal transduction element capable of activating T cells. Component (a) may be a monomorphic component and is preferably beta 2-microglobulin, or a polymorphic class I or class II component. The signal transduction element (b) capable of activating T cells may be a component of T-cell receptor CD3, preferably the CD3 zeta (zeta) polypeptide, a B cell receptor polypeptide or an Fc receptor polypeptide. Immune cells such as a CTLs expressing said chimeric MHC molecules specifically eliminate or inactivate harmful T cells and are useful for treating graft rejection and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising a beta2-microglobulin molecule linked through its carboxyl terminal to a polypeptide stretch that allows the anchorage of the beta2-microglobulin molecule to the cell membrane, and through its amino terminal to at least one antigenic peptide comprising a MHC class I epitope, wherein said antigenic peptide is not related to an autoimmune disease and is preferably derived from a tumor-associated antigen or from a pathogenic antigen. Antigen presenting cells, and DNA and cellular vaccines for treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA molecules encoding a chimeric polypeptide comprising (a) a component of a MHC molecule capable of association on a cell surface with an endogenous MHC molecule component of the same class, and (b) an intracellular region of a signal transduction element capable of activating T cells. Component (a) may be a monomorphic component and is preferably beta 2-microglobulin, or a polymorphic class I or class II component. The signal transduction element (b) capable of activating T cells may be a component of T-cell receptor CD3, preferably the CD3 zeta (zeta) polypeptide, a B cell receptor polypeptide or an Fc receptor polypeptide. Immune cells such as a CTLs expressing said chimeric MHC molecules specifically eliminate or inactivate harmful T cells and are useful for treating graft rejection and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Chromium containing natural compositions are isolated and purified from natural sources including yeast. Compositions of chromium containing natural compounds are formulated for use in animals and humans. Methods for use of the chromium containing compounds alone, or in combination with other antioxidant agents, for regulating glucose and lipid levels in diabetes, CVD, inflammatory and cell proliferative diseases and in skin conditions, are presented.

Abstract: Compositions having hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity are isolated from natural sources including yeast and Saltbush (Atriplex halimus). In addition, synthetic chromium complexes were prepared. Compositions possessing hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity with or without chromium containing natural and synthetic compounds are formulated for use in animals and humans. Methods for use of the compositions alone, or in combination with antioxidant agents, for regulating glucose and lipid levels in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and cell proliferative diseases and in skin conditions, are presented.

Abstract: Compositions having hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity are isolated from natural sources including yeast and Saltbush (Atriplex halimus). In addition, synthetic chromium complexes were prepared. Compositions possessing hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity with or without chromium containing natural and synthetic compounds are formulated for use in animals and humans. Methods for use of the compositions alone, or in combination with antioxidant agents, for regulating glucose and lipid levels in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and cell proliferative diseases and in skin conditions, are presented.

Abstract: Compositions having hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity are isolated from natural sources including yeast and Saltbush (Atriplex halmus). In addition, synthetic chromium complexes were prepared. Compositions possessing hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic activity with or without chromium containing natural and synthetic compounds are formulated for use in animals and humans. Methods for use of the compositions alone, or in combination with antioxidant agents, for regulating glucose and lipid levels in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and cell proliferative diseases and in skin conditions, are presented.