Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating an immune response. The method of the present invention involves administration of an effective amount of nucleic acid molecules encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon-gamma (IFN-?), or a combination thereof, to a patient in need of such treatment. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain nucleic acid molecules encoding IL-12 and/or IFN-? and an operably-linked promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention concerns expression vectors containing a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12 and IFN-?, and an operably-linked promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention concerns cells genetically modified with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12 and IFN-?.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating an immune response. The method of the present invention involves administration of an effective amount of nucleic acid molecules encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon-gamma (IFN-?), or a combination thereof, to a patient in need of such treatment. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain nucleic acid molecules encoding IL-12 and/or IFN-? and an operably-linked promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention concerns expression vectors containing a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12 and IFN-?, and an operably-linked promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention concerns cells generally modified with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12 and IFN-?.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a patient by decreasing the endogenous protein kinase C (PKC) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administration of a PKC inhibitor. The present inventor has determined that decreasing normal endogenous PKC activity is inhibitory to RSV infection of human cells. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a PKC inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for treatment of inflammatory and cell proliferation disorders, such as cancer, by administering an agent that reduces atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) activity. In one aspect, the invention concerns a method for treatment of inflammatory and cell proliferation disorders, such as cancer, by administration of an effective amount of natriuretic hormone peptide (NP), or a polynucleotide encoding NP and an operably-linked promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent that reduces the activity of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), and an anti-cancer agent. In another aspect, the present invention further concerns a method for identifying an agent useful for treating an inflammatory or cell proliferation disorder, comprising determining whether the agent reduces the activity of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a patient by decreasing the endogenous protein kinase C (PKC) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administration of a PKC inhibitor. The present inventor has determined that decreasing normal endogenous PKC activity is inhibitory to RSV infection of human cells. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a PKC inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are provided by the present invention for reducing activity of a natriuretic peptide receptor and other signals. Therapeutic treatments are provided by use of polynucleotides encoding a natriuretic peptide or by regulating the expression of natriuretic peptide receptor, such as NPRA and NPRC, or combinations of these therapies. Routes used for delivering polynucleotides encoding a natriuretic peptide, or, for example, siRNA that down regulates natriuretic peptide receptor include subcutaneous injection, oral gavage, transdermal and intranasal delivery routes. Compositions can include chitosan, chitosan derivatives, and chitosan derivative and a lipid. Transdermal delivery can use a transdermal cream. Intranasal delivery can use a dropper or an aspirator for delivery of a mist. Oral gavage delivers equivalent to oral delivery.

Abstract: Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) complexed with nanochitosan for use in the delivery of bioaffecting substances and diagnostic applications. fSWCNT complexed with the chitosan NG042 were used for delivery of DNA-encoding EGFP reporter protein and peptide. The results demonstrate that shown CNT-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles exhibit significantly higher transfection efficiency in vivo than chitosan alone. Furthermore, the functionalized nanotubes were tested for peptide transfer into HEK293 cells. The results showed that the hybrid nanoparticles efficiently transferred peptides. Together, these results show that hybrid SWCNT-chitosan particles increase DNA and peptide transfer into cells.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting an RNA virus infection within a patient by increasing the amount of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 AS) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administering a nucleotide encoding 2-5 AS, or at least one catalytically active fragment thereof, such as the p40, p69, p100 subunits, to a patient in need thereof. The present inventors have determined that overexpression of 2-5AS causes a reduction in epithelial cell damage, reduction in infiltration of mononuclear cells in the peribronchiolar and perivascular regions, and reduction in thickening of the septa in the lungs. Levels of chemokines, such as MIP1-?, are also reduced upon overexpression of 2-5AS. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a nucleotide sequence encoding 2-5 AS and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as vectors for delivery of the 2-5 AS nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems for the administration of active molecules, peptides, DNA and/or other hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules, the composition of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems, and the procedure for their development and use. These nanoparticles are made up of hyaluronic acid in salt form, preferentially the sodium salt of the polymers or hybridized with magnetic Fe particles. The nanoparticles are basically from natural polymers, biocompatibles and biodegradables. The nanoparticles allow the controlled release of the active molecules they transport and their orientation towards the target tissues. The present invention teaches a procedure to elaborate particles of hyaluronic acid with a diameter less than 180 nm., that incorporate an active ingredient, independent of its hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature. Procedures to produce the particles are described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nano-based sensing device (a sensor) comprising a nano-scale working electrode that can be used for the ultra-sensitive detection of blood analytes, disease biomarkers, and other target molecules. The present invention also pertains to a method for detecting analytes using the sensor as the sensor element of a microfluidic device.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting an RNA virus infection within a patient by increasing the amount of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 AS) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administering a nucleotide encoding 2-5 AS, or at least one catalytically active fragment thereof, such as the p40, p69, p100 subunits, to a patient in need thereof. The present inventors have determined that overexpression of 2-5AS causes a reduction in epithelial cell damage, reduction in infiltration of mononuclear cells in the peribronchiolar and perivascular regions, and reduction in thickening of the septa in the lungs. Levels of chemokines, such as MIP1-?, are also reduced upon overexpression of 2-5AS. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a nucleotide sequence encoding 2-5 AS and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as vectors for delivery of the 2-5 AS nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-? production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preventing a respiratory infection by administering an effective amount of an agent for regulating ICAM-1 expression. Also provided is a composition for the prevention of respiratory infection including an agent which regulates ICAM expression. method of preventing RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent that interferes with the binding of RSV to ICAM-1. A method of preventing RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent that down regulates the expression of ICAM-1, thereby decreasing RSV binding to ICAM-1 is also provided. There is provided a method of treating RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent for down regulating ICAM-1 expression. A method of blocking RSV-ICAM-1 interaction by administering an effective amount of agents for blocking ICAM sites of binding is provided. Also provided is a compound for blocking RSV-ICAM-1 interaction including an agent for blocking ICAM sites of binding.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a patient by decreasing the endogenous protein kinase C (PKC) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administering a PKC inhibitor, to a patient in need thereof. The present inventor has determined that decreasing normal endogenous PKC activity is inhibitory to RSV infection of human cells. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a PKC,inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting an RNA virus infection within a patient by increasing the amount of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 AS) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administering a nucleotide encoding 2-5 AS, or at least one catalytically active fragment thereof, such as the p40, p69, p100 subunits, to a patient in need thereof. The present inventors have determined that overexpression of 2-5AS causes a reduction in epithelial cell damage, reduction in infiltration of mononuclear cells in the peribronchiolar and perivascular regions, and reduction in thickening of the septa in the lungs. Levels of chemokines, such as MIP1-&agr;, are also reduced upon overexpression of 2-5AS. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a nucleotide sequence encoding 2-5 AS and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as vectors for delivery of the 2-5 AS nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an effective therapy for asthma, including allergic disease, using cytokine gene expression therapy. The subject invention further pertains to the use of adenovirus-medicated IFN-&ggr;(Ad-IFN-&ggr;)gene transfer to prevent or treat allergic disease and asthma, including associated conditions such as allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The subject invention includes a method for effectively attenuating allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness by administering to the respiratory tract Ad-IFN-&ggr;, to affect IL-12 and Stat-4 levels. The subject invention also provides compositions for gene therapy for asthma by the transfer of IFN-&ggr;.

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-&ggr; production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: A method of preventing a respiratory infection by administering DNA which encodes IFN is provided. Also provided is a therapy for the prevention of a respiratory infection containing DNA which encodes IFN.

Abstract: A method of preventing a respiratory infection by administering DNA which encodes IFN is provided. Also provided is a therapy for the prevention of a respiratory infection containing DNA which encodes IFN.