Abstract: A method is provided for screening anti-adenovirus agents. The method includes reducing the activation of the immune system of a small mammal, administering a human adenovirus vector to the small mammal, monitoring the tumor cells in the mammal, and analyzing infectious virus units within the tumor cells and the organs of the small mammal. Specifically, the immune system of the small mammal is suppressed using cyclophosphamide. The small mammal may be, but is not limited to, one of the following: mice, rabbits, cotton rats, hamsters, rats, and other small rodents.

Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening anti-adenovirus agents. The method includes reducing the activation of the immune system of a small mammal, administering a human adenovirus vector to the small mammal, monitoring the tumor cells in the mammal, and analyzing infectious virus units within the tumor cells and the organs of the small mammal. Specifically, the immune system of the small mammal is suppressed using cyclophosphamide. The small mammal may be, but is not limited to, one of the following: mice, rabbits, cotton rats, hamsters, rats, and other small rodents.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting apoptosis of a cell expressing a death receptor of the TNFR family is disclosed. The method involves treating the cell with a Receptor Internalization and Degradation (RID) protein complex containing RID? (10.4K) and RID? (14.5K) proteins encoded by the E3 region of adenovirus. The cell can be treated by administering to the cell a polynucleotide expressing the RID complex or by administering to the cell a composition containing the RID complex. Compositions containing a RID complex are also disclosed. The compositions and method are useful in the treatment of cancer, degenerative and immune disorders, as well as in promoting survival of tissue transplants. An adenovirus vector for delivering the RID complex to cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel adenovirus vectors which overexpress an adenovirus death protein and which are replication-competent in and, preferably, replication-restricted to cells expressing telomerase. One embodiment provides for efficient destruction and removal of viral-infected host cells expressing telomerase. Still further, another embodiment provides for additional restriction and safety by disrupting E1A's ability to bind p300 and/or members of the Rb family members. Compositions of the novel vectors and methods for promoting death of cells expressing telomerase with these vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting apoptosis of a cell expressing a death receptor of the TNFR family is disclosed. The method involves treating the cell with a Receptor Internalization and Degradation (RID) protein complex containing RID&agr; (10.4K) and RID&bgr; (14.5K) proteins encoded by the E3 region of adenovirus. The cell can be treated by administering to the cell a polynucleotide expressing the RID complex or by administering to the cell a composition containing the RID complex. Compositions containing a RID complex are also disclosed. The compositions and method are useful in the treatment of cancer, degenerative and immune disorders, as well as in promoting survival of tissue transplants. An adenovirus vector for delivering the RID complex to cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel adenovirus vectors which overexpress an adenovirus death protein and which are replication-competent in and, preferably, replication-restricted to cells expressing telomerase. One embodiment provides for efficient destruction and removal of viral-infected host cells expressing telomerase. Still further, another embodiment provides for additional restriction and safety by disrupting E1A's ability to bind p300 and/or members of the Rb family members. Compositions of the novel vectors and methods for promoting death of cells expressing telomerase with these vectors are also disclosed.