Abstract: The present invention discloses a number of markers selectively deregulated in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. The invention relates to molecules able to modulate the expression and/or function of at least one such marker for use in the prevention and/or treatment of the tumor. Preferably the molecule specifically binds to the marker and induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The invention further relates to a molecule able to modulate the expression and/or function of at least one such marker for use in a method for in vivo depleting tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cell in a subject, or for use in a method to enhance tumor immunity in a subject. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a number of markers selectively deregulated in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. The invention relates to molecules able to modulate the expression and/or function of at least one such marker for use in the prevention and/or treatment of the tumor. Preferably the molecule specifically binds to the marker and induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The invention further relates to a molecule able to modulate the expression and/or function of at least one such marker for use in a method for in vivo depleting tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cell in a subject, or for use in a method to enhance tumor immunity in a subject. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the immune system of an individual, which comprises measuring, preferably by quantitative RT-PCR, the expression level of at least one microRNA (miRNA) gene product in a peripheral blood sample or in a biological fluid sample, and comparing said measured expression level with a reference level. In particular, the at least one miRNA gene product, which the method of the invention measures, is expressed by lymphocyte populations of an individual, in particular by naive CD4+T, TH1, TH2 and TH17 lymphocytes. The method of the invention is useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, control and/or the treatment of a pathological condition caused by or associated with an immune system dysfunction. Moreover, the method of the present invention is useful for monitoring, in an individual, the evolution of conditions mediated by the immune system, such as the response to a vaccination.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing or prognosticating hepatocellular carcinoma, also in the early stages, or for assessing the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, or for monitoring the effectiveness of an anti-tumour therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma by measuring the expression level of at least one miRNA gene product in a peripheral blood sample or in a biological fluid sample. Said method comprises measuring, in an isolated sample of peripheral blood or biological fluid, the expression level of at least one miRNA gene product, and comparing said measured expression level with a reference level. Such method can also be used to diagnose or assess the risk of developing liver cirrhosis in patients affected by chronic hepatitis, or to prognosticate the evolution of cirrhosis in patients affected by cirrhosis, or to monitor the effectiveness of a pharmacological therapy against liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: It has now been discovered that certain mutant forms of pro-urokinase (“pro-UK”), such as so-called pro-UK mutant “M5” (Lys300?His), perform in the manner of pro-UK in lysing “bad” blood clots (those clots that occlude blood vessels), while sparing hemostatic fibrin in the so-called “good” blood clots (those clots that seal wounds, e.g., after surgery or other tissue injury). Thus, these pro-UK mutants are excellent and safe thrombolytic agents. These advantages allow them to be used in a variety of new methods, devices, and compositions useful for thrombolysis and treating various cardiovascular disorders in clinical situations where administration of other known thrombolytic agents has been too risky or even contraindicated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing non-glycosylated, single-chain and two-chain pro-urokinase (pro-UK) mutants. The methods include cultivating a specific E. coli type B strain that has been transformed with specific plasmids carrying a cDNA sequence that encodes pro-UK mutants and carries specific promoter sequences. Products produced by the methods have medical use for thrombolysis performed while sparing hemostatic clots, e.g., for particular applications such as after a stroke or heart attack.

Abstract: It has now been discovered that certain mutant forms of pro-urokinase (“pro-UK”), such as so-called pro-UK mutant “M5” (Lys300?His), perform in the manner of pro-UK in lysing “bad” blood clots (those clots that occlude blood vessels), while sparing hemostatic fibrin in the so-called “good” blood clots (those clots that seal wounds, e.g., after surgery or other tissue injury). Thus, these pro-UK mutants are excellent and safe thrombolytic agents. These advantages allow them to be used in a variety of new methods, devices, and compositions useful for thrombolysis and treating various cardiovascular disorders in clinical situations where administration of other known thrombolytic agents has been too risky or even contraindicated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing non-glycosylated, single-chain and two-chain pro-urokinase (pro-UK) mutants. The methods include cultivating a specific E. coli type B strain that has been transformed with specific plasmids carrying a cDNA sequence that encodes pro-UK mutants and carries specific promoter sequences. Products produced by the methods have medical use for thrombolysis performed while sparing hemostatic clots, e.g., for particular applications such as after a stroke or heart attack.