Abstract: This invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the alpha-folate receptor. In some embodiments, the antibodies inhibit a biological activity of folate receptor-? (FR-?). The antibodies are useful in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly cancers that have increased cell surface expression of the alpha-folate receptor (“FR-?”), such as ovarian, breast, renal, colorectal, lung, endometrial, or brain cancer. The invention also relates to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, and methods of detecting and 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. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.

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 effector function of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased effector function.

Abstract: The protein and nucleic acid sequences of mesovt2, specific antibodies thereto, methods for targeting and/or inhibiting the growth of cells bearing mesovt2, and methods of use of mesovt2 for diagnosing malignancy are provided. Methods of use of the mesovt2 antibodies in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly cancers that have increased cell surface expression of the mesovt2 antigen, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, lung carcinoma, and ovarian cancer, also are provided. The invention also relates to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives, and fragments.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. Cells may be selected for expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), stimulated to produce AID, or manipulated to express AID for further enhancement of hypermutability. 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.

Abstract: A new gene in the G-coupled protein receptor family is discribed that is induced by IL-9, thereby providing a therapeutic target in IL-9 mediated development of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias. A method for recombinantly producing the polypeptide encoded by the gene is disclosed. A method for identification and use of agonist and antagonists of GCR9 to treat atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias is also included. A method for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias by measuring the level of GCR9 in biological samples using antibody specific for the GCR9 polypeptide or nucleic acid probes specific for GCR9 nucleic acids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new gene in the Ras family that is induced by IL-9, thereby providing a therapeutic target in IL-9 mediated development of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias. A method for the identification and use of small molecule inhibitors of Ras to treat these disorders. A method for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas and leukemias by measuring the level of Ras in biologic samples using antibody specific for the Ras protein.

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.