Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic antigen-presenting matrices, their methods of making and their methods of use. One such matrix is cells that have been transfected to produce MHC antigen-presenting molecules and assisting molecules such as co-stimulatory molecules. The matrices can be used to activate CD8+ T-cells to produce cytokines and become cytotoxic.

Abstract: Materials and methods for activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a method for producing a synthetic antigen presenting cell line for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: T cell responses are often diminished in humans with a compromised immune system. We have developed a method to isolate, stimulate and expand naive cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) to antigen-specific effectors, capable of lysing tumor cells in vivo. This ex vivo protocol produces fully functional effectors. Artificial antigen presenting cells (AAPCs; Drosophila melanogaster) transfected with human HLA class I and defined accessory molecules, are used to stimulate CD8+ T cells from both normal donors and cancer patients. The class I molecules expressed to a high density on the surface of the Drosophila cells are empty, allowing for efficient loading of multiple peptides that results in the generation of polyclonal responses recognizing tumor cells endogenously expressing the specific peptides. The responses generated are robust, antigen-specific and reproducible if the peptide epitope is a defined immunogen.

Abstract: Materials and methods for activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a method for producing a synthetic antigen presenting cell line for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: Materials and methods for activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a method for producing a synthetic antigen presenting cell line for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: A transgenic animal with alterations in an H2-O gene is prepared by introduction of an altered H2-O gene into a host animal. The resulting transgenic animals produce a substantially greater frequency of high affinity antibodies compared to H2-O wild type animals. A method for the production of high affinity antibodies is disclosed.

Abstract: Materials and methods of activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a synthetic antigen presenting matrix for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: A transgenic animal with alterations in an H2-O gene is prepared by introduction of an altered H2-O gene into a host animal. The resulting transgenic animals produce a substantially greater frequency of high affinity antibodies compared to H2-O wild type animals. A method for the production of high affinity antibodies is disclosed.

Abstract: Materials and methods of activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a method for producing a synthetic antigen presenting drosophila cell line for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic antigen-presenting matrices, their methods of making and their methods of use. One such matrix is cells that have been transfected to produce MHC antigen-presenting molecules with one or more accessory molecules. The matrices are used to activate naive CD4+ T cells as well as shift the ongoing activation state into a preferred differentiated population of either Th1 or Th2 cells.

Abstract: Materials and methods of activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, fragments of cells for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing synthetic matrix for activating T lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for activating T lymphocytes using a synthetic matrix, and for specifically activating T lymphocytes reactive to a specific peptide.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse with alterations in an abc1 gene is prepared by introduction of an altered abc1 gene into a host animal. The resulting transgenic mice do not produce functional ABC1 protein molecules. Cells and cell lines derived from these animals also contain the altered abc1 gene.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse with alterations in a PA28&bgr; gene is prepared by introduction of an altered PA28&bgr; gene into a host mouse. The resulting transgenic animals do not produce functional PA28 molecules. Cells and cell lines derived from these animals also contain the altered PA28&bgr; gene.

Abstract: A transgenic animal with alterations in an IRAK gene is prepared by introduction of an altered IRAK gene into a host animal. The resulting transgenic animals do not produce functional IRAK molecules. Cells and cell lines derived from these animals also contain the altered IRAK gene.

Abstract: This invention provides proteins which selectively inhibit the proliferation of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. This invention also provides a nucleic acid molecule encoding the instant proteins, including a nucleic acid molecule suitable for use in gene therapy for treating a subject afflicted with androgen-independent prostate cancer. This invention further provides a composition of matter which selectively kills androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, and comprises the instant proteins and a toxic moiety operably affixed thereto. Finally, the instant invention provides related pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rational, elegant means of producing, loading and using Class I molecules to specifically activate CD8 cells in vitro, and their therapeutic applications in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including cancer, tumors or neoplasias, as well as viral, retroviral, autoimmune, and autoimmune-type diseases. The present invention also relates to vectors, cell lines, recombinant DNA molecules encoding human .beta.2 microglobulin or Class I MHC molecules in soluble and insoluble form, and methods of producing same.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse with alterations in the H2-Ma gene is prepared by introduction of an altered H2-Ma gene into a host mouse. The resulting transgenic mice do not produce functional H2-M molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rational, elegant means of producing, loading and using Class I molecules to specifically activate CD8 cells in vitro, and their therapeutic applications in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including cancer, tumors or neoplasias, as well as viral, retroviral, autoimmune, and autoimmune-type diseases. The present invention also relates to vectors, cell lines, recombinant DNA molecules encoding human .beta.2 microglobulin or Class I MHC molecules in soluble and insoluble form, and methods of producing same.