Abstract: The present invention relates to mammalian anthrax toxin receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same as well as related polypeptides and polynucleotides, vectors containing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, host cells containing related polynucleotide molecules, and cells displaying no anthrax toxin receptor on an exterior surface of the cells—minus cell lines and animals. The present invention also relates to methods for identifying molecules that bind the anthrax toxin receptor and molecules that reduce the toxicity of anthrax toxin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for treating human and non-human animals suffering from anthrax.

Abstract: Apoptosis-modifying fusion polypeptides, and the corresponding nucleic acid molecules, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and the use of these polypeptides to modify apoptosis are also provided.

Abstract: Apoptosis-modifying fusion polypeptides, and the corresponding nucleic acid molecules, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and the use of these polypeptides to modify apoptosis are also provided.

Abstract: A method and compositions for delivering a compound to the cytoplasm of a cell are disclosed. The compound to be delivered may be an antigenic compound, may be linked to a polycationic affinity handle, or both. In one of the methods disclosed, the B moiety of a toxin, such as the anthrax PA polypeptide, is also provided to enhance delivery of the compound to the cytoplasm of the cell.

Abstract: New therapeutic methods and compositions are provided for treating against an infectious agent in a mammal by administration of a polymeric material having linked thereto a plurality of therapeutic agents against the infective agent, wherein the polymer comprises polymerized dextran or ethylene glycol units. The compositions and methods of the invention are particularly useful to treat against bacterial infections, including treatment of mammalian cells infected with gram-negative bacteria or gram-positive bacteria. The compositions of the invention can be useful for treating against anthrax, staphylococcus, pneumococcus and other bacteria, parasites, fungi, viral and protozoan infections.

Abstract: Disclosed are diphtheria toxin polypeptides having multiple mutations, which render the polypeptides useful as vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are diphtheria toxin polypeptides having multiple mutations, which render the polypeptides useful as vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides mutant forms of pore-forming toxins. These mutant toxins may be used in vaccines for the prevention of bacterial infection. Additionally, dominant negative mutants may be administered as therapeutics for the treatment of bacterial infection.

Abstract: Diphtheria toxin polypeptides comprising a mutant R binding domain exhibit reduced target cell binding and may be used as vaccines to immunize a mammal against infection by Corynebacterium diphtheria.

Abstract: The invention features a polypeptide consisting of amino acids 379-535 of diphtheria toxin, and portions thereof. This region, shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to comprise the receptor binding domain of diphtheria toxin, is used as an immunogen and clinical therapeutic against diphtheria.

Abstract: The invention provides a cytotoxicity-based genetic selection (TOXSEL) method and related testing kit for the identification and positive selection of molecules or mutations that are capable of disrupting a specific protein--protein interaction. The invention enables positive selection of molecules disruptive of specific protein--protein interactions by virtue of the presence in the TOXSEL system of a toxin reporter gene. A disrupted protein--protein interaction precludes expression of the toxin reporter gene and, consequently, allows survival of the host cell. TOXSEL technology enables large-scale screening for drugs or small molecules capable of disrupting specific protein--protein interactions critical in processes such as cellular signalling, carcinogenesis, etc.

Abstract: A DNA encoding an immunologically cross-reactive form of diphtheria toxin Fragment A, wherein the codons corresponding to Val-147 and Glu-148 of naturally-occurring diphtheria toxin are deleted from the DNA.

Abstract: Diphtheria toxin, fragment A, which has been modified by the deletion of Glu-148 or the substitutions of Glu-148 with Asp is catalytically inactive and immunologically cross-reactive with naturally occurring diphtheria toxin, fragment A. The modified diphtheria toxin is compounded with a pharmacologically suitable vehicle to form a vaccine that is innoculated into a mammal to generate immunological protection against diphtheria toxin. The modified diphtheria toxin is produced by a cell that includes a vector having DNA encoding the non-toxic protein and regulatory DNA capable of effecting its expression.