Abstract: The present invention discloses the identification and isolation of novel MHC class II epitopes derived from the cancer antigen, NY ESO-1. The novel MHC class II epitopes from NY-EsO-1 are recognized by CD4+ T lymphocytes in an HLA class II restricted manner, in particular HLA-DR or HLA-DP restricted. The products of the gene are promising candidates for immunotherapeutic strategies for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of patients with cancer.

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: A method is provided for multiple target screening for drug assays utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing a drop containing a plurality of drug targets and another drop containing a plurality of drug candidates upon a test substrate. The drops are merged and a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred between the drops. If such a reaction has occurred, the reacting drug targets and drug candidates are tested individually.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, cost-effective method of preparing a composition comprising natural killer (NK) cells useful for administering to a human. The method comprises (i) depleting CD3+ cells from a population of PBMCs comprising NK cells, and (ii) co-culturing cells from (i) with irradiated PBMCs that are autologous to the NK cells. Further provided by the invention are the compositions prepared thereby and methods of treating or preventing a disease or immunodeficiency in a host.

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: Nucleic acids encoding antitumor TCRs recognizing MART-1, NY-ESO-1, and melanoma gp100 peptides; vectors and cells comprising the same; and methods of using the foregoing.

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 seciuences that encode the TRP2-6b protein or peptide fragments thereof.

Abstract: Immunogenic peptides of a melanoma antigen recognized by T cells, designated gp100, bioassays using the peptides to diagnose, assess or prognose a mammal afflicted with cancer, more specifically melanoma or metastatic melanoma, and use of the proteins and peptides as immunogens to inhibit, prevent or treat melanoma.

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 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 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 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 MRT-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: Immunogenic peptides of a melanoma antigen recognized by T cells, designated gp100, bioassays using the peptides to diagnose, assess or prognose a mammal afflicted with cancer, more specifically melanoma or metastatic melanoma, and use of the proteins and peptides as immunogens to inhibit, prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing autologous T-lymphocytes for re-introduction into a patient having cancer, which method comprises obtaining peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a patient immunized with an antigen of the cancer, stimulating the PBMCs with the antigen of the cancer in vitro, transducing the PBMCs with a retroviral vector, which (a) comprises and expresses a human interleukin-2 (IL-2) coding sequence operably linked to a retroviral promoter, (b) does not comprise an exogenously introduced gene that enables phenotypic selection, and (c) comprises a viral envelope that efficiently transduces CD8+ T-lymphocytes; compositions comprising cells obtained in accordance with such methods; and methods of treating a patient having cancer by administering to the patient cells obtained in accordance with such methods or compositions comprising same.

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: Electronic writing systems and methods are described. In one aspect, an electronic writing system includes an elongated housing, an inertial sensor, an optical sensor, and a tracking module. The elongated housing has an optical input. The inertial sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data indicative of movement of the housing relative to an inertial reference frame. The optical sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data from light received through the optical input. The tracking module is operable to compute relative displacement data from inertial movement data corresponding to data generated by the inertial sensor. The tracking module also is operable to detect at least one calibrated position from calibration data encoded in optical data generated from light received by the optical sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a T lymphocyte, or a population thereof, expressing at least one recombinant polynucleotide encoding a cytokine that enhances T lymphocyte survival during the contraction phase of an immune response. The invention further provides an isolated T lymphocyte, or population thereof, expressing at least one recombinant polynucleotide encoding the cytokine, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a non-native coding sequence encoding the cytokine. Also provided is the use of such compositions and T lymphocytes, or populations thereof, for the treatment or prevention of a medical condition e.g., cancer. A method of preparing the a T lymphocyte with enhanced T cell survival is further provided herein.

Abstract: The invention presents methods of using splice variants and reagents thereof for diagnosing and monitoring the status of transplants and immune disorders including diagnosing, monitoring and predicting transplant rejection or non-rejection, steroid responsiveness, and onset or flare of immune disorders.

Abstract: A process for recovering alumina values from a first liquor having an initial concentration of aluminate ions and hydroxyl ions in solution is described. The first liquor is treated with a hydroxide of a metal other than aluminium to form an aluminium-bearing layered double hydroxide and produce a treated stream of first liquor, the treated stream of first liquor having a final concentration of aluminate ions less than the initial concentration of aluminate ions. The aluminium-bearing layered double hydroxide is separated from the treated stream of first liquor. Thereafter the clarified treated stream of first liquor is returned to a first location within an alumina refinery. The separated aluminium-bearing layered double hydroxide is contacted with a solution containing carbonate ions to form a slurry comprising an insoluble salt of the metal other than aluminium and a second liquor comprising aluminate ions released from the aluminium-bearing layered double hydroxide.