Abstract: Cell surface TLR9 and TLR9 ligand binding agents are disclosed. The binding agents include antibodies and other proteins. The binding agents are useful as therapeutics, diagnostics or research reagents.

Abstract: HIV gp4l mimetibody polypeptides and encoding polynucleotides are disclosed. Methods of utilizing the polypeptides to reduce or inhibit HIV fusion with a cell membrane and entry into target cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for evaluating compounds that better correlate with therapeutic efficiency than evaluating compounds based on potency alone. In general, the inventive method comprises: (i) determining a potency value for a compound against its target receptor; (ii) determining a desensitization value for the compound against its target receptor; and (iii) comparing the potency value with the desensitization value. If the desired action of a compound is as a receptor agonist, then the compound's desensitization value should be larger than the compound's potency value. This ensures that the concentration of a compound required for potency will not also cause the receptor to desensitize at the same time, thus in an essence nullifying the desired effect. The inventive methods are used to evaluate novel motilide compounds as well as ABT-229 and EM-574, two motilide compounds for which clinical trials have been initiated.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and to the genes encoding same. More specifically, this invention relates to human monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with an epitope of the fusion (F) protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Such antibodies are useful for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of RSV infection in human patients, particularly infants and young children.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for evaluating compounds that better correlate with therapeutic efficiency than evaluating compounds based on potency alone. In general, the inventive method comprises: (i) determining a potency value for a compound against its target receptor; (ii) determining a desensitization value for the compound against its target receptor; and (iii) comparing the potency value with the desensitization value. If the desired action of a compound is as a receptor agonist, then the compound's desensitization value should be larger than the compound's potency value. This ensures that the concentration of a compound required for potency will not also cause the receptor to desensitize at the same time, thus in an essence nullifying the desired effect. The inventive methods are used to evaluate novel motilide compounds as well as ABT-229 and EM-574, two motilide compounds for which clinical trials have been initiated.