Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting a target protein in a sample and methods for detecting a target protein and a target nucleic acid in a sample. Kits for carrying out the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors replication specific for cells expressing ?-fetoprotein (AFP) and their methods of use are provided. By providing for a transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon AFP expression, virus replication is restricted to target cells expressing AFP, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The adenovirus vectors can be used to detect and monitor samples for the presence of AFP-producing cells as well as to kill selectively malignant cells producing AFP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising vesicles released from activated T lymphocytes, as well as to methods for their production and uses. Said vesicles contain a set of bioactive molecules which confer remarkable properties, such as antigen recognition, antigen presentation and other regulatory and effector functions. This invention also relates to methods for transferring or delivering antigenic molecules (e.g., peptides, peptide/MHC complexes, TCR or subunit thereof, etc.) to antigen presenting cells (APCs) using said vesicles, to induce specific immune responses, particularly specific CTL responses. The invention further relates to methods of delivering molecules selectively or specifically to target cells using said vesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing biological material, for use in various experimental, diagnostic or therapeutic uses, including immunotherapy treatment or prophylaxy of tumors. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of preparing membrane vesicles (in particular exosomes) released by various types of mammalian cells, comprising diafiltration and/or density cushion centrifugation. The invention also provides novel methods for characterizing and analyzing exosome preparations, which can be used in quality control assay for the purpose of pharmaceutical product production. The invention is suitable to produce pharmaceutical grade preparations of such membrane vesicles and to fully characterize said preparations, for use in human beings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing biological material, for use in various experimental, diagnostic or therapeutic uses, including immunotherapy treatment or prophylaxy of tumors. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of preparing membrane vesicles (in particular exosomes) released by various types of mammalian cells, comprising diafiltration and/or density cushion centrifugation. The invention also provides novel methods for characterizing and analyzing exosome preparations, which can be used in quality control assay for the purpose of pharmaceutical product production. The invention is suitable to produce pharmaceutical grade preparations of such membrane vesicles and to fully characterize said preparations, for use in human beings.

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors replication specific for cells expressing &agr;-fetoprotein (AFP) and their methods of use are provided. By providing for a transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon AFP expression, virus replication is restricted to target cells expressing AFP, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The adenovirus vectors can be used to detect and monitor samples for the presence of AFP-producing cells as well as to kill selectively malignant cells producing AFP.

Abstract: Replication-competent adenovirus vectors specific for cells expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and methods of use of such viruses are provided. These viruses comprise an adenoviral gene under control of a CEA transcriptional regulatory element (CEA-TRE). The gene can be, for example, a gene required for viral replication or the adenovirus death protein gene (ADP). The viruses can also comprise at least one other adenoviral gene under control of another transcriptional regulatory element specific to cells capable of which allow a CEA-TRE to function, such as a variant of a CEA-TRE. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon CEA expression, virus replication can be restricted to target cells which allow a CEA-TRE to function, such as cells expressing CEA, particularly carcinoma cells capable of expressing CEA. An adenovirus of the present invention can further comprise a heterologous gene such as a reporter gene under transcriptional control of a CEA-TRE.

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors replication specific for cells expressing &agr;-fetoprotein (AFP) and their methods of use are provided. By providing for a transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon AFP expression, virus replication is restricted to target cells expressing AFP, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The adenovirus vectors can be used to detect and monitor samples for the presence of AFP-producing cells as well as to kill selectively malignant cells producing AFP.

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors replication specific for cells expressing &agr;-fetoprotein (AFP) and their methods of use are provided. By providing for a transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon AFP expression, virus replication is restricted to target cells expressing AFP, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The adenovirus vectors can be used to detect and monitor samples for the presence of AFP-producing cells as well as to kill selectively malignant cells producing AFP.