Abstract: The invention provides anti-FRA antibodies with novel N-linked neutral glycan profiles in that the relative amounts of one or more neutral glycans are increased or decreased compared to anti-FRA antibodies produced under reference cell culture conditions. The invention further provides anti-FRA antibodies with altered binding to FRA, altered antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or altered rate and/or efficiency of internalization in a cell expressing FRA. In related aspects, the invention provides cell cultures comprising an anti-FRA antibody of the invention, a cell isolated from such a culture, kits and compositions comprising an anti-FRA antibody of the invention, methods of producing an anti-FRA antibody of the invention and diagnostic and therapeutic uses of an anti-FRA antibody of the invention.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel binding molecules that specifically bind endosialin (TEM-1) including antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies, or antigen-binding portions of antibodies, and methods and compositions comprising such binding molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and become internalized by mesothelin-positive cells and also induce an immune effector activity such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to mesothelin expressing cells as well as eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as human, humanized, and chimeric monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, mammalian cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives and fragments, and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation.

Abstract: A novel TH2 associated gene that is induced by IL-9 has been identified and isolated, thereby providing a therapeutic target for IL-9 mediated diseases such as atopic allergy and asthma-related disorders. The invention also includes methods for the identification and use of small molecule inhibitors of this gene and its products to treat these disorders, methods for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy or asthma-related disorders by measuring the level of gene expression in biologic samples using antibody specific for this protein. The use of this protein as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is also indicated.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production. The invention also provides methods for increasing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating asthma or allergy in a mammal by administering a 3-aminosteroid compound to a mammal in need thereof. The 3-aminosteroid compound being capable of down regulating the IL-9 pathway and alleviating asthmatic responses to allergen. Exemplary 3-aminosteroid compounds used in the methods of the invention include compounds having the chemical formula (I), wherein X, R1, R2, R3, and R4 groups are as defined herein. The invention also relates to certain novel compounds of formula (I). Moreover, the invention also provides methods for identifying an immunomodulatory 3-aminosteroid compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression vectors containing nucleic acid sequences encoding one or more proteins of interest linked to one or more selection markers that can be used to select cells null for such vector and to such null cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and have the ability in the alternative to become internalized by cells expressing endosialin and to induce an immune effector activity such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to endosialin-expressing cells as well as in eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor and neovascular cells and precursors. The invention is also related to nucleotides encoding the antibodies of the invention, cells expressing the antibodies; methods of detecting cancer and neovascular cells; and methods of treating cancer and neovascular disease using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and have the ability in the alternative to become internalized by cells expressing folate receptor alpha (FRA) and to induce an immune effector activity such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to FRA-expressing cells as well as in eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to nucleotides encoding the antibodies of the invention, cells expressing the antibodies; methods of detecting cancer cells; and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and become internalized by mesothelin-positive cells and also induce an immune effector activity such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to mesothelin expressing cells as well as eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as human, humanized, and chimeric monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, mammalian cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives and fragments, and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.

Abstract: Bacteria are manipulated to create desirable output traits using dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair proteins. Enhanced hypermutation is achieved by combination of mismatch repair deficiency and exogenously applied mutagens. Stable bacteria containing desirable output traits are obtained by restoring mismatch repair activity to the bacteria.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and other proteins that specifically bind to cells positive for endosialin are provided. The antibodies and proteins are useful in the isolation of endosialin-positive cells, particularly cells associated with neovascularization associated with cancer and neovascular disease. The invention is also related to cells that are isolated using monoclonal antibodies; antibody derivatives, such as chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies; antibody fragments; mammalian cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives and fragments; and methods of detecting and isolating endosialin-positive cells using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.

Abstract: Dominant-negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into mammalian cells new cell lines with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation or introduction of mutations by chemical mutagens. These methods are useful for generating novel and highly active antimicrobial molecules as well as superior antimicrobial agents from pre-existing chemicals. These methods are also useful for generating cell lines expressing novel antimicrobials that are useful for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Methods of generating mutations in genes of interest and of making various cells mismatch repair defective through the use of chemicals to block mismatch repair in in vivo are disclosed.

Abstract: Yeast cells are mutagenized to obtain desirable mutants. Mutagenesis is mediated by a defective mismatch repair system which can be enhanced using conventional exogenously applied mutagens. Yeast cells with the defective mismatch repair system are hypermutable, but after selection of desired mutant yeast strains, they can be be rendered genetically stable by restoring the mismatch repair system to proper functionality.

Abstract: Blockade of mismatch repair in a plant can lead to hypermutation and a new genotype and/or phenotype. One approach used to generate hypermutable plants is through the expression of dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair genes in transgenic plants or derived cells. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic plants, new cell lines and plant varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Moreover, methods to inhibit the expression and activity of endogenous plant MMR genes and their encoded products are also useful to generate hypermutable plants.