Abstract: The present invention relates novel cells and their use in methods for determining the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP) in a sample.

Abstract: The activity of a number of therapeutic antibodies is mediated in part by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). An engineered effector cell line expressing the low affinity Fc receptor, Fc?R111a (CD16), that responds to ligation of the Fc moiety of antibody bound to the specific antigen expressed on target cells by activation of a NFAT responsive reporter gene is described. In this cell line the firefly luciferase (FL) reporter gene is regulated by a novel synthetic chimeric promoter containing binding sites for NF-AT, AP1, NFkB, and STAT5 that confers improved sensitivity, an improved dynamic range, an improved tolerance to human serum and a reduced incubation time, relative to engineered effector cell lines that express a NFAT regulated reporter-gene, when used in an ADCC assay together with engineered target cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell for use in a one-step cell-based assay for an extracellular ligand (e.g., IFN?) that initiates a ligand-specific signal at the nucleus of the cell and for neutralizing antibodies against the extracellular ligand. The cell-based one-step assay allows both the extracellular ligand concentration and the neutralizing antibody titer to be quantified in a single sample (e.g., serum) without the need for sample dilution and addition of exogenous extracellular ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell for use in a one-step cell-based assay for an extracellular ligand (e.g., I FN?) that initiates a ligand-specific signal at the nucleus of the cell and for neutralizing antibodies against the extracellular ligand. The cell-based one-step assay allows both the extracellular ligand concentration and the neutralizing antibody titer to be quantified in a single sample (e.g., serum) without the need for sample dilution and addition of exogenous extracellular ligand.

Abstract: Ongoing pathogenic immune reactions and the severity of an incipient or prospective immune reaction may be downregulated or reduced by locally administering Type I interferon at a site remote from the ongoing, incipient or prospective immune reaction. The amount of interferon to be administered is that which is effective to induce trafficking of antigen-presenting cells to the site of interferon administration, and away from the site of the immune reaction. It is administered in the course of the ongoing immune reaction, or concurrently with the provocation of an immune reaction.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the immune response to an antigen or vaccine comprising administering an effective amount of a Th1 stimulatory cytokine, preferably interferon, oromucosally at substantially the same time as administration of an effective amount of an antigen or vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-a administration corresponding to the cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. NO. 1. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same geneis also envisaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monoclonal antibody directed against the human interferon class I receptor (IFN-R) characterized by the following properties: it recognizes the extracellular domain of the human IFN-R, and it has a neutralizing capacity against the biological properties of the human type I-IFN. It further concerns their use for the diagnosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to identification of previously known genes as being genes upregulated by interferon-? administration, in particular the human genes corresponding to the cDNA sequence in GenBank designated g4758303, g5453897, g4505186, g2366751, g33917, g4504962, g3978516, g5924396, g4505656, g1504007, g3702446, g4001802, g292289, g4557226, g4507646 and g4507170. Determination of expression products of these genes is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides of about 9-12 amino acids having a sequence derived from the interferon binding site of the IFNAR1 chain of the Type 1-interferon (Type 1-IFN) receptor for use as a Type 1-IFN antagonist. In particular, the invention provides peptides having the 9 mer sequence FSSLKLNVY (SEQ ID no. 1) and analogues thereof for use as Type 1-IFN antagonists. Particularly preferred for this purpose is the peptide of SEQ ID no. 1 and analogues thereof including SEQ ID no. 1 having an additional asparagine residue (N) at the C-terminus and/or additional glutamic acid residue (E) at the N-terminus.

Abstract: Oromucosal administration of antagonists of cytokines associated with stimulation or enhancement of T helper 1 cell responses, preferably for example a Type 1-interferon antibody, is disclosed for inhibition or prevention of auto immune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-? administration corresponding to the cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. NO. 1. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to identification of genes upregulated by interferon-? administration, in particular the human genes corresponding to the cDNA sequences in GenBank designated g4586459, g2342476, g3327161 and g4529886. Determination of expression products of these genes is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the proteins encoded by the same genes is also envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-administration corresponding to the cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon- and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-? administration corresponding to the cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-? administration corresponding to the cDNA sequences set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1 or in SEQ. ID. No. 3. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-? and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: Constitutive expression of the tumor suppressor genes p53 and IRF1 (interferon regulatory factor 1) is required for the maintenance of the cellular growth control during genotoxic damage or abberant proliferation. A transcriptional regulatory element within the promoter region of both the p53 and IRF-1 genes which binds a positive transcription factor, denoted GAAP-1 or GAAP-2 (IRF1 p53 common sequence binding factor). The invention relates to the identification and cloning of the GAAP-1 (or GAAP-2 cDNA and to the identification of the encoded protein corresponding to the 75 kDa product of the alternatively sliced PRDII-BF1 messenger RNA precursor.

Abstract: Water-soluble polypeptides having high affinity for interferons &agr; and &bgr;; DNA sequences and expression cells; a preparation method therefor; drugs; compositions containing same; and uses thereof as a diagnostic agent or for producing antibodies.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a carton concaving device capable of manipulating and maintaining the shape of a carton being sealed on a packaging machine. The device has a shaft which rotates with the movement of a conveyor chain thereby allowing for indexed movement of the device. The device has a plurality of rollers for deflecting the sidewalls of a carton about to be sealed at a top sealing station on a packaging machine. The device may be an add-on component or an integrated component of a packaging machine. The device reduces the number of bulged cartons being dispensed from a packaging machine.

Abstract: The subject rotor comprises a disklike body having hub and rim sections joined by a web section. The body is cast, molded or otherwise suitably formed of powdered silicon (and a binder, if necessary, to make it retain its shape until finally treated) which is reaction bonded to convert the silicon particles into a unitary mass. During the casting, molding or other forming step, one or more reinforcing rings of hot pressed silicon nitride or other suitable ceramic are embedded in the body. The ceramic selected must be one which will unite with the silicon during the reaction bonding operation to make a unitary mass. The reinforcing ring or rings are located in regions exposed to unusual stress in the use of the rotor to achieve the required strength.