Abstract: An apparatus for performing a assays includes an axially rotatable substrate including a plurality of layers of a semiconductor material and numerous radially-arrayed reaction sites. The apparatus further includes a rotary stepper motor which rotates the substrate at an adjustable and substantially continuous speed and controls the rotation of the substrate by adjusting the speed and a direction of rotation. In addition, the apparatus includes a dual function head which has a fluid dispenser that has a fluid dispenser outlet and delivers a fluid to a reaction site and also has a readout device that has a sensor which receives an identifying signal from the reaction site on the substrate or scans the substrate to read identifying marks at the reaction site. Moreover, the apparatus may be aligned by a computer having a memory for storing a start location for the dispenser outlet on the substrate and additional electronics.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The reduction of levels of galactose alpha (1,3) galactosyl epitopes on the retroviral vector particles and/or the blockade of antibody binding to such epitopes have been found to render the particles less sensitive to inactivation by complement mediated mechanisms, and to thus allow transduction in the presence of complement containing body fluids. Means are provided for obtaining such reductions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The administration of soluble complement inhibitor molecules to body fluids prevents the complement mediated inactivation of the retroviral vector particles, and provides a safety mechanism for such gene therapy procedures, as the action of soluble complement inhibitors is transient, and any retroviral vector particles present after the return of uninhibited complement activity will be inactivated. Preferred soluble complement inhibitors for use in the practice of the present invention include complement inhibitory anti-complement component mAbs (including complement inhibitory anti C5 antibodies).