Abstract: The infusion of TIL586 along with interleukin-2 (IL-2) into the autologous patient with metastatic melanoma resulted in the objective regression of tumor. A gene encoding a tumor antigen recognized by TIL586 was previously isolated and shown to encode gp75 or TRP-1. The present invention relates to the identification of a second tumor antigen recognized by a HLA-A31 restricted CTL clone derived from the TIL586 cell line. This antigen derived from the TRP-2 protein tumor antigen and peptides thereof are capable of sensitizing target cells for lysis by a CTL clone at 1 nM peptide concentration. Modified peptides were also recognized by the CTL clone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides MHC Class II restricted melanoma antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells. This invention further provides prophylactic and therapeutic applications for the Class II restricted melanoma antigens. In particular, this invention provides tyrosinase Class II restricted melanoma antigens, as well as tyrosinase immunogenic peptides which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. These antigens can serve as an immunogens or vaccines to prevent or treat melanoma. In addition a method for isolating Class II restricted melanoma antigens or identifying new Class II restricted melanoma antigens is provided.

Abstract: A method for installing a constrained layer damper on a product of manufacture is disclosed. The method includes applying a layer of first polymeric material to a substrate of the product, wherein the first polymeric material is visco-elastic when solidified. Then, a second layer of polymeric material, which is stiff when solidified, is applied to the first polymeric material such that said first polymeric material is constrained between the second polymeric material and the substrate of the product. At least one of the layers of polymeric materials is dispensed in fluid form during the manufacture of the product from a bulk source of fluid material. The polymeric materials are chosen such that they do not require the application of heat above room temperature to solidify.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: Recombinant dendritic cells are made by transforming a stem cell and differentiating the stem cell into a dendritic cell. The resulting dendritic cell is an antigen presenting cell which activates T cells against MHC class I-antigen targets. Kits, assays and therapeutics are based upon the activation of T cells by the recombinant dendritic cell. Cancer, viral infections and parasitic infections are all ameliorated by the recombinant dendritic cells, or corresponding activated T cells. Therapeutic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and potent tumor antigen capable of causing T cells to elicit an immune response and methods of its use in the detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer, preferably melanoma, in mammals. More specifically, this invention relates to the identification of a novel tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2), specifically TRP2-6b protein, and peptides derived from said protein. The present invention therefore also relates to nucleic acid sequences that encode the TRP2-6b protein or peptide fragments thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant dendritic cells are made by transforming a stem cell and differentiating the stem cell into a dendritic cell. The resulting dendritic cell is an antigen presenting cell which activates T cells against MHC class I-antigen targets. Kits, assays and therapeutics are based upon the activation of T cells by the recombinant dendritic cell. Cancer, viral infections and parasitic infections are all ameliorated by the recombinant dendritic cells, or corresponding activated T cells. Therapeutic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: A polyurethane adhesive which is useful in bonding porous and non-porous surfaces is provided. The adhesive is especially useful in bonding windshield glass into automotive frames under a variety of environmental conditions, particularly in after market windshield replacement applications. The polyurethane includes at least one urethane prepolymer which is based on at least one thermoplastic polyol. In one embodiment, the urethane prepolymer may be formed from one or more polyisocyanates, one or more polyetherpolyols and one or more thermoplastic polyesterpolyols, wherein the prepolymer has a free isocyanate content of from about 0.6 to about 3.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the polyurethane. In another embodiment, a one-part adhesive composition is provided which includes an isocyanate-functional and thermoplastic polyurethane prepolymer having a free isocyanate content of from about 0.6 to about 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preventive, therapeutic, and diagnostic compositions and methods employing lymphocytes having T-cell receptors and chimeric receptors. In particular, the invention relates to pre-selected dual-specificity lymphocytes having endogenous T-cell receptors and chimeric T-cell receptors that recognize a strong antigen and tumor associated antigens where the pre-selected population of adoptively transferred lymphocytes is activated by in vivo immunization, thereby increasing the effectiveness of adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: Chimeric receptor genes suitable for endowing lymphocytes with antibody-type specificity include a first gene segment encoding a single-chain Fv domain of a specific antibody and a second gene segment encoding all or part of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, and optionally the extracellular domain, of an immune cell-triggering molecule. The chimeric receptor gene, when transfected to immune cells, expresses the antibody-recognition site and the immune cell-triggering moiety into one continuous chain. The transformed lymphocytes are useful in therapeutic treatment methods.

Abstract: Primary human cells which are genetically engineered with DNA (RNA) encoding a marker or therapeutic which is expressed to be expressed in vivo. Such engineered cells may be used in gene therapy.

Abstract: This invention describes methods of vaccination for the effective generation of an antigen-specific immune response. More particularly, this invention describes the use of heterologous vaccination vectors for eliciting an enhanced boosting immunization response. Methods of treatment and prevention of diseases using the vaccination schemes of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of treating or protecting against melanoma that comprises (a) obtaining a melanoma cell line that expresses one or more shared immunodominant melanoma antigens, (b) modifying the melanoma cell line to render it capable of producing an increased level of a cytokine relative to the unmodified cell line, and (c) administering the melanoma cell line to a mammalian host that has melanoma or is at risk for developing melanoma. Preferably the melanoma cell line is allogeneic and is not MHC-matched to the host.

Abstract: The infusion of TIL586 along with interleukin-2 (IL-2) into the autologous patient with metastatic melanoma resulted in the objective regression of tumor. A gene encoding a tumor antigen recognized by TIL586 was previously isolated and shown to encode gp75 or TRP-1. The present invention relates to the identification of a second tumor antigen recognized by a HLA-A31 restricted CTL clone derived from the TIL586 cell line. This antigen derived from the TRP-2 protein tumor antigen and peptides thereof are capable of sensitizing target cells for lysis by a CTL clone at 1 nM peptide concentration. Modified peptides were also recognized by the CTL clone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that the normal melanogenic gene, gp75 gene, encodes a gene product, a 24 amino acid peptide of ORF3, which is processed to an antigenic cancer peptide recognized by T lymphocytes. The cancer peptide of the invention derived from ORF3 is recognized by cancer antigen specific T lymphocytes as a tumor rejection antigen. The products of this gene are promising candidates for immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of patients with cancer.

Abstract: The infusion of TIL586 along with interleukin-2 (IL-2) into the autologous patient with metastatic melanoma resulted in the objective regression of tumor. A gene encoding a tumor antigen recognized by TIL586 was previously isolated and shown to encode gp75 or TRP-1. The present invention relates to the identification of a second tumor antigen recognized by a HLA-A31 restricted CTL clone derived from the TIL586 cell line. This antigen derived from the TRP-2 protein tumor antigen and peptides thereof are capable of sensitizing target cells for lysis by a CTL clone at 1 nM peptide concentration. Modified peptides were also recognized by the CTL clone.