Abstract: The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells.

Abstract: We found mutations of the R132 residue of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the majority of grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas as well as in glioblastomas that develop from these lower grade lesions. Those tumors without mutations in IDH1 often had mutations at the analogous R172 residue of the closely related IDH2 gene. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant gliomas.

Abstract: An antibody having an antigen binding region capable of binding an epitope located in an extracellular portion of MRP3 and methods of utilizing same are provided. In particular, the invention provides antibodies targeted at a MRP3 antigen present on cells expressing MRP3 and methods useful in detecting or targeting cells expression the MRP3 antigen, as well as kits, nucleic acids, polypeptides, and cells for providing the antibodies.

Abstract: Chondroition sulfate proteoglycans represent excellent targets for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Antibodies which target such proteoglycans can be used alone, in combinations, armed with a cytotoxic payload or unarmed. Combinations of such antibodies can target different epitopes of the proteoglycans. Internalization of the antibodies can increase the toxicity of the payloads. Single chain variable regions are especially advantageous for such anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Abstract: We tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a recombinant bispecific immunotoxin that recognizes both EGFRwt and tumor-specific EGFRvIII receptors. A single chain antibody was cloned from a hybridoma and fused to toxin, carrying a C-terminal peptide which increases retention within cells. The binding affinity and specificity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin for the EGFRwt and the EGFRvIII proteins was measured. In vitro cytotoxicity was measured. In vivo activity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin was evaluated in subcutaneous models and compared to that of an established monospecific immunotoxin. In our preclinical studies, the bispecific recombinant immunotoxin, exhibited significant potential for treating brain tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays for detecting a tumor in a subject, comprising producing an antibody that specifically binds to tenascin, contacting the antibody with a biological sample suspected of containing tumor cells and determining the binding of the antibody to the biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a subject for treatment of a tumor. Kits for direct or indirect immunohistochemical or immunocytochemical assays are also provided. A novel polyclonal antibody that binds to tenascin domain TNfn C-D is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays for detecting a tumor in a subject, comprising producing an antibody that specifically binds to tenascin, contacting the antibody with a biological sample suspected of containing tumor cells and determining the binding of the antibody to the biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a subject for treatment of a tumor. Kits for direct or indirect immunohistochemical or immunocytochemical assays are also provided. A novel polyclonal antibody that binds to tenascin domain TNfn C-D is further provided.

Abstract: This invention provides for nucleic acids encoding immunotoxins comprising a Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that does not require proteolytic activation for cytotoxic activity attached to an Fv antibody fragment having a variable heavy chain region bound through at least one disulfide bond to a variable light chain region. The combination of a "disulfide-stabilized" binding agent fused to a PE that does not require proteolytic activation provides an immunotoxin having surprising cytotoxic activity.

Abstract: This invention provides for immunotoxins comprising a Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that does not require proteolytic activation for cytotoxic activity attached to an Fv antibody fragment having a variable heavy chain region bound through at least one disulfide bond to a variable light chain region. The combination of a "disulfide-stabilized" binding agent fused to a PE that does not require proteolytic activation provides an immunotoxin having surprising cytotoxic activity.