Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a proliferative disease (such as cancer) in an individual, comprising administering to the individual a non-naturally occurring fusion molecule comprising an antibody against one or more tumor-associated antigen (“TAA Ab”) attached to an interferon (IFN) molecule (hereinafter “TAA Ab-IFN fusion molecule”), as monotherapy at therapeutically effective low doses, or in combination with immunotherapy, wherein the combination therapy provides increased effector cell killing. The methods of the present invention are particularly effective treating recurrent, resistant, or refractory proliferative diseases.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof for treatment of autoimmune diseases. More specifically, the present invention provides novel genetically engineered fusion molecules comprising an interferon (IFN) molecule attached to an antibody (Ab) which targets an antigen which is differentially expressed or up-regulated on activated T cells as compared to resting T cells, wherein the fusion molecule when contacted to an activated T cell results in induced apoptosis and programmed cell death or impairment of functions of said activated T cell.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to engineered fusion molecules comprising an antibody (Ab) which can target tumor cells (e.g., RITUXIN®), fused to one or more biologic moieties capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, e.g., tumor necrosis factor super family (TNFSF) member ligands such as TNF-?, CD40L, CD95L (also “FasL/Apo-1L”) and TRAIL/Apo-2L. Importantly, the engineered fusion molecules of the present invention retain the death-inducing properties of the biologic moiety at optimum concentrations and with reduced systemic toxicities.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof for treatment of autoimmune diseases. More specifically, the present invention provides novel genetically engineered fusion molecules comprising an interferon (IFN) molecule attached to an antibody (Ab) which targets an antigen which is differentially expressed or up-regulated on activated T cells as compared to resting T cells, wherein the fusion molecule when contacted to an activated T cell results in induced apoptosis and programmed cell death or impairment of functions of said activated T cell.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to engineered fusion molecules comprising an antibody (Ab) which can target tumor cells (e.g., RITUXIN®), fused to one or more biologic moieties capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, e.g., tumor necrosis factor super family (TNFSF) member ligands such as TNF-?, CD40L, CD95L (also “FasL/Apo-1L”) and TRAIL/Apo-2L. Importantly, the engineered fusion molecules of the present invention retain the death-inducing properties of the biologic moiety at optimum concentrations and with reduced systemic toxicities, thus improving the therapeutic index of the engineered fusion molecules.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-?) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-? mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-? fusion molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides mice that have had their PTP-1B genes disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. The mice have no detectable PTP-1B protein, yet appear to be physiologically normal. However, in the fed state on a normal diet, the mice have half the level of circulating insulin as their wild-type littermates. In glucose and insulin tolerance tests, the mice show an increased insulin sensitivity. When fed a high fat, high carbohydrate diet, the mice show a resistance to weight gain as compared to their wild-type littermates. Methods of making the mice and cell lines derived from the mice are also provided. The present invention also provides methods of idendifying inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of PTP-1B as well as inhibitors identified by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides mice that have had their PTP-1B genes disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. The mice have no detectable PTP-1B protein, yet appear to be physiologically normal. However, in the fed state on a normal diet, the mice have half the level of circulating insulin as their wild-type littermates. In glucose and insulin tolerance tests, the mice show an increased insulin sensitivity. When fed a high fat, high carbohydrate diet, the mice show a resistance to weight gain as compared to their wild-type littermates. Methods making the mice and cell lines derived from the mice are also provided. The present invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of PTP-1B as well as inhibitors identified by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides mice that have had their PTP-1B genes disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. The mice have no detectable PTP-1B protein, yet appear to be physiologically normal. However, in the fed state on a normal diet, the mice have half the level of circulating insulin as their wild-type littermates. In glucose and insulin tolerance tests, the mice show an increased insulin sensitivity. When fed a high fat, high carbohydrate diet, the mice show a resistance to weight gain as compared to their wild-type littermates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binding assay for proteases and phosphatases, which contain cysteine in their binding sites or as a necessary structural component for enzymatic binding. The sulfhydryl group of cysteine is the nucleophilic group in the enzyme's mechanistic proteolytic and hydrolytic properties. The assay can be used to determine the ability of new, unknown ligands and mixtures of compounds to competitively bind with the enzyme versus a known binding agent for the enzyme, e.g., a known enzyme inhibitor. By the use of a mutant form of the natural or native wild-type enzyme, in which serine, or another amino acid, e.g., alanine, replaces cysteine, the problem of interference from extraneous oxidizing and alkylating agents in the assay procedure is overcome. The interference arises because of oxidation or alkylation of the sulfhydryl, --SH (or --S.sup.-), in the cysteine, which then adversely affects the binding ability of the enzyme.