Abstract: Described herein is an animal model useful for identifying therapeutic agents that can inhibit the physiological effects or symptoms of COVID-19 infection, including the effects of the following on one or more organs of the animal: inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrin deposition, blood brain barrier breakdown, clotting, and vascular problems.

Abstract: This application relates generally to the production of modified, non-natural ?1-?2 domains of NKG2D ligands with attached polypeptides having specific target-binding properties, for example, antibodies or variable fragments of antibodies, that are selectively delivered to Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) comprised of modified, non-natural NKG2D receptors on engineered mammalian cells. The targeting of surface-expressed molecules includes those of virus-infected cells that can then be attacked and ablated by engineered cells of the immunity system expressing CARs cognate to the modified, non-natural ?1-?2 domains of NKG2D ligands with attached polypeptides.

Abstract: Described herein is an animal model useful for identifying therapeutic agents that can inhibit the physiological effects or symptoms of COVID-19 infection, including the effects of the following on one or more organs of the animal: inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrin deposition, blood brain barrier breakdown, clotting, and vascular problems,

Abstract: This application relates generally to the production of modified, non-natural ?1-?2 domains of NKG2D ligands with attached polypeptides having specific target-binding properties, for example, antibodies or variable fragments of antibodies, that are selectively delivered to Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) comprised of modified, non-natural NKG2D receptors on engineered mammalian cells. The targeting of surface-expressed molecules includes those of virus-infected cells that can then be attacked and ablated by engineered cells of the immunity system expressing CARs cognate to the modified, non-natural ?1-?2 domains of NKG2D ligands with attached polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that inhibits an activity of a lentiviral Vif protein. The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that increases the level of active APOBEC3G in a cell. The present invention provides agents identified by a subject screening method; and further provides methods for treating lentivirus infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that inhibits an activity of a lentiviral Vif protein. The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that increases the level of active APOBEC3G in a cell. The present invention provides agents identified by a subject screening method; and further provides methods for treating lentivirus infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying a compound that induces loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr; and compounds identified by the screening methods. The compounds are useful for treating a lentiviral infection. The present invention further provides methods of inducing loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; methods of inhibiting lentivirus viral replication; and methods of treating a lentivirus infection in an individual. The methods generally involve administering to an individual infected with the lentivirus an effective amount of a compound that induces Vpr loss and/or that inhibits PPIase activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that inhibits an activity of a lentiviral Vif protein. The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that increases the level of active APOBEC3G in a cell. The present invention provides agents identified by a subject screening method; and further provides methods for treating lentivirus infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying a compound that induces loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr; and compounds identified by the screening methods. The compounds are useful for treating a lentiviral infection. The present invention further provides methods of inducing loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; methods of inhibiting lentivirus viral replication; and methods of treating a lentivirus infection in an individual. The methods generally involve administering to an individual infected with the lentivirus an effective amount of a compound that induces Vpr loss and/or that inhibits PPIase activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sandwich method and a kit for assaying interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) in a sample. The method comprises determining reactivity of said sample with a plurality of ligands, each said ligand having binding affinity for a specific site on the receptor, said site being different for each said ligand and distinct from interleukin-2 binding site on the receptor. The invention also discloses a method of detecting such disturbed or abnormal conditions in humans which release soluble IL-2R in the body fluid.