Abstract: Elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity, including ligand stimulated Hh pathway activity, was detected in prostate tumors, and determined to be associated with growth and proliferation of the cancer cells. Accordingly, methods are provided for treating a prostate cancer associated with elevated Hh pathway activity by reducing or inhibiting the Hh pathway activity. Also provided are methods of determining the responsiveness of a prostate tumor to treatment with an Hh pathway antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising a glycoprotein having an Fc region, wherein about 80-100% of the glycoprotein in the composition comprises a mature core carbohydrate structure which lacks fucose, attached to the Fc region of the glycoprotein. The preferred glycoprotein is an antibody or immunoadhesin.

Abstract: Human CDK9 genes are identified as modulators of the IGF pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGF function. Methods for identifying modulators of IGF, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of CDK9 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining whether a subject has neoplasia, for assessing the efficacy of therapy to treat neoplasia in a subject who has undergone or is undergoing treatment for neoplasia, and for assessing the prognosis of a subject who has neoplasia. The present invention further provides kits for use in detecting neoplasia. The present invention also provides methods for treating or preventing neoplasia. Additionally, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating or preventing neoplasia in subjects to whom the compositions are administered. The present invention further provides methods for identifying agents for use in treating and/or preventing neoplasia. Also provided are agents identified by these methods, and use of these agents in methods for treating or preventing neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody composition comprising an antibody molecule which specifically binds to human interleukin-5 receptor ? chain and has complex type N-glycoside-linked sugar chains in the Fc region, wherein the complex type N-glycoside-linked sugar chains have a structure in which fucose is not bound to N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end in the sugar chains; a transformant which produces the antibody composition; a process for producing the antibody composition; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating, preventing, slowing the progression of, or ameliorating the symptoms of T cell mediated immunological diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases (e.g., autoimmune diabetes (i.e. type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)) and multiple sclerosis) through the use of anti-human CD3 antibodies. The antibodies of the invention of the invention are preferably used in low dose dosing regimens, chronic dosing regimens or regimens that involve redosing after a certain period of time. The methods of the invention provide for administration of antibodies that specifically bind the epsilon subunit within the human CD3 complex. Such antibodies modulate the T cell receptor/alloantigen interaction and, thus, regulate the T cell mediated cytotoxicity associated with autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof having a variable region comprising at least two complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and at least three framework regions. The the framework regions are, or are derived from New World primate framework regions, and at least one of the CDRs is a non-New World primate CDR.

Abstract: Methods for treating MM using anti-CS1 antibodies are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen binding molecules (ABMs). In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to recombinant monoclonal antibodies, including chimeric, primatized or humanized antibodies specific for human EGFR. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such ABMs, and vectors and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the ABMs of the invention, and to methods of using these ABMs in treatment of disease. In addition, the present invention relates to ABMs with modified glycosylation having improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating autoimmune diseases using lower doses of anti-CD20 antibodies effective to deplete B cells in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are an antibody against human para-thyroid-hormone-related protein, a DNA coding for the antibody, a recombinant vector containing the DNA, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector, a method for preparation of the antibody, and uses of the antibody.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification and preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor-E (VEGF-E). VEGF-E is a novel polypeptide related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 1. VEGF-E has homology to VEGF including conservation of the amino acids required for activity of VEGF. VEGF-E can be useful in wound repair, as well as in the generation and regeneration of tissue.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for downmodulation of immune responses, e.g., autoimmune responses. For example, methods of downmodulating an immune response using agents that specifically block CD28-mediated signaling are provided. The subject methods are useful for both prophylactic and therapeutic downmodulation of immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17, IL-23 via it's p19 subunit or both IL-17 and IL-23 (via p19). IL-17 and IL-23 are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antibody fragments thereof that bind to and activate an erythropoietin receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating the endogenous activity of an erythropoietin receptor in a mammal using said antibodies as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies.

Abstract: The present application relates to immunogenic compositions comprising a mixture of staphylococcal antigens which combines antigen having different functions, for instance, combinations including a staphylococcal extracellular component binding protein and a staphylococcal transporter protein or a staphylococcal extracellular component binding protein and a staphylococcal regulator of virulence or toxin or a staphylococcal transporter protein and a staphylococcal regulator of virulence or toxin. Vaccines, methods of treatment, uses of and processes to make a staphylococcal vaccine are also described.

Abstract: A composition comprising an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof specific for at least one epitope of hsp90 from an organism of the Aspergillus genus, and at least one antifungal agent selected from the group consisting of: itraconazole and voriconazole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RUNX2 and RUNXdelta8, and their use in modulating conditions and diseases associated with angiogenesis and cell proliferation. For example, RUNX2delta8 can be utilized to inhibit tumor growth and to prevent or inhibit angiogenesis. The present invention also relates to antibodies which specifically recognize RUNX2delta8, and distinguish it from RUNX2.

Abstract: The present invention provides new tumor-associated antigens, binding molecules that specifically bind to the antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The new tumor-associated antigen are expressed on cancer cells and binding molecules capable of specifically binding to the antigens can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Death Receptor 4 (DR4) antibodies are provided. The DR4 antibodies may be included in pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, or kits. Methods of treatment and diagnosis using the DR4 antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and treating obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disorders are provided. One aspect provides a method for the evaluation of risk and progression of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in mammalian subjects. The method includes measuring the concentration of circulating lipocalin-2 in a subject and comparing the measured level to lipocalin-2 to a reference level. Another aspect provides methods of treating insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and other related complications by administering to a patient a composition that can reduce the circulating levels of lipocalin-2, for example a lipocalin-2 antagonist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monoclonal antibody or derivative or fragment thereof that is derived from a parental monoclonal antibody, that recognizes the Lewis Y antigen, characterized in that the Fc region or region equivalent to the Fc region of said antibody or derivative or fragment thereof carries a bi-sected hybrid type N-glycosylation pattern and that said antibody shows at least 10 fold increased ADCC and at least 10% reduced CDC activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human antibodies, that bind to CD64 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for treating autoimmune disorders, transplant rejection, Graft Versus Host Disease, or cancer and for enhanced presentation of antigen using conjugates of an antigen and an anti-CD64 antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that react against high molecular weight melanoma-associated antigen. These antibodies may be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating endotoxin-related diseases and conditions, as well as methods for making and using such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising NKT cell agonist compounds and a physiologically acceptable vehicle are provided. Methods of stimulating an NKT cell and enhancing an immune response are also disclosed. Further provided are vaccine preparations comprising NKT cell agonist compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A vaccine for preventing formation of blood vessels, for example neoangiogenesis, as well as repressing existing vascularization associated with tumors and other diseases, comprising angiomotin, for example as a whole molecule or fragment thereof or encoded as a gene or mRNA, or administered as dendritic cells (DC cells) expressing angiomotin, which may be utilized to generate immune responses to the angiomotin molecule. Inhibition of angiogenesis and delay in tumor outgrowth in animal models of cancer is achieved.

Abstract: A method of treating prostate cancer in a human using a prostate-specific antigen peptide vaccine and a dosing regimen for administering said vaccine is provided.

Abstract: A novel immunogenic HIV-1 Env, particularly gp120, DNA construct is disclosed in which either the V1/V2 loop and the V4 loop, or all three variable loops, including V3, are replaced with a V3 sequence each of which is from a different viral isolate. Preferably, each replacement V3 loop is a consensus sequence of V3 of a different clade. Such constructs are useful as immunogens as each presents three independent V3 epitopes, so that the immunized subject generates a more broadly reactive neutralizing antibody response than with conventional gp120 or V3 DNA or polypeptide immunogens. Also disclosed are methods of using the DNA construct to immunize a mammal, preferably a human, particularly in a priming regiment in which the DNA immunogen is followed by administration of a V3 fusion protein boosting immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 and uses of such polypeptides. SEQ ID NO: 1 is a truncated derivative of a full length S. aureus polypeptide. The full-length polypeptide is based on full-length SA0024. A His-tagged derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 was found to produce a protective immune response against S. aureus.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide molecules that encode Chlamydia polypeptides which can be used in methods to prevent, treat, and diagnose Chlamydia infection. In one form of the invention, the polynucleotide molecules encode polypeptides CPN100988 RY-68 (SEQ ID Nos:13 and 26).

Abstract: Mycobacterium strains that have an enhanced ability to elicit a MHC-Class I-restricted CD8+ T cell immune response are provided. The Mycobacterium strains are genetically engineered to express: a endosomolytic protein that is active at neutral pH (e.g. Perfringolysin O), permitting escape of the Mycobacterium from endosomes into the cytoplasm of the cell; and antigens of interest, such as tuberculosis antigens. The invention also provides vaccine preparations containing such Mycobacterium strains.

Abstract: Iscom particles can be used as an adjuvant for preparing of an antigenic composition which comprises live micro-organisms and/or killed micro-organisms and/or antigenic molecules. A composition may comprise at least one iscom particle and one or more live micro-organisms and/or killed micro-organisms and/or antigenic molecules. A kit can comprise at least one compartment containing at least one living organism and at least one compartment containing at least one iscom particle.

Abstract: Novel infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus not protectable by the conventional IBD vaccines was isolated and a novel vaccine efficacious to said virus is provided. Novel IBD virus TY2 strain was isolated and its passage strains were obtained. TY2 strain has a distinct genetic type from those of the known IBD viral strains wherein a hypervariable region in VP2, a major host protective antigenic region of said virus, is cleaved with neither TaqI nor SspI but cleaved with MvaI into fragments of about 52 bp and about 422 bp. TY2 strain or the passage strain of said virus allows for production of an excellent vaccine to IBD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Marek's disease virus having a mutation in one or both Meq genes thereof such that the virus is non-pathogenic. The present invention also relates to a vaccine comprising such a virus, and the use of the virus in medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing vaccine potency whereby a subject's immune system is first primed with an Ii-Key hybrid peptide construct before the subject subsequently receives a vaccine for a pathogen of interest. The vaccine may be comprised of a protein or portion thereof that is encoded by the genome of the pathogen. The vaccine may also be a DNA vaccine comprised of DNA encoding a protein of the pathogen. The Ii-Key hybrid peptide construct includes the LRMK residues of Ii-Key protein and an MHC Class II epitope of the protein or portion thereof which is used in the vaccine. The Ii-Key construct may be administered in the form of a nucleic acid construct encoding the Ii-Key hybrid peptide. Priming with Ii-Key peptides enhances the immunogenicity of rHA protein and HA and HIV DNA vaccines. Methods are described relating to the use of Ii-Key hybrid constructs in vaccine protocols wherein the pathogen is HIV or Influenza A, including H5N1.

Abstract: Method and device for the creation of vaccines using ultrasonic waves, comprised of an ultrasound generator and a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves, is disclosed. The transducer has a specific ultrasound tip depending upon the type of delivery method utilized and depending on the shape of the vial containing the solution of the virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent. The apparatus delivers ultrasonic waves to solution either directly through the insertion of the ultrasound tip into the solution, through a coupling medium adjacent to the vial or near the vial, or through an air or gas medium. The ultrasound waves have the effect of destroying the viable virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent and of releasing the appropriate antigens, thus resulting in a vaccine for that virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of eliciting antibodies and neutralizing of binding antibodies against a hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1E2 or E2 antigen using HCV E2 or HCV E1E2 polypeptides and/or HCV E2 or E1E2 polynucleotides. Elicitation of anti-E2 antibodies and anti-E2 NOB antibodies can be used, inter alia, to provide model systems to optimize anti-E2 antibody responses and/or anti-E2 NOB antibody responses to HCV and to provide prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against HCV infection.

Abstract: A homeopathic agent containing Ledum palustre in the form of a homeopathic dilution in an inert carrier material and at least one secretion from a parasite, a sufferer of a disease caused by parasites, or from an intermediate host in the form of a homeopathic dilution in an inert carrier material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs A) to lymphocytes responsible for the rejection of transplanted tissues, such as kidneys or hearts or bone marrow cells; B) the use of a non-toxic naturally existing delivery system to transport high concentrations of radiosensitizers to cancer cells; and C) to the targeted delivery of drugs in medical diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions having a carrier protein and an antigen of interest entrapped in a complex, methods of making such vaccines, and methods of vaccine administration.

Abstract: A host is immunized against infection by a strain of Chlamydia by initial administration of an attenuated bacteria harbouring a nucleic acid encoding a Chlamydia protein followed by administration of a Chlamydia protein in ISCOMs. This procedure enables a high level of protection to be achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides a method comprising detecting autoantibodies to BORIS in a sample obtained from a mammal, as well as BORIS polypeptides and epitopes, and kits comprising the BORIS polypeptides and epitopes, and a method of inducing an immune response to BORIS in a mammal.

Abstract: Compositions containing a protease inhibitor and methods of use and production are described. The compositions contain an effective amount of a protease inhibitor in a carrier or diluent and are used for the treatment of inflammatory or hyperproliferic mucocutaneous disorders. The carrier or diluent is preferably a gelling agent, and the composition is a topical gel formulation containing alpha 1-antitrypsin in an aqueous liquid or viscous gel formulation.

Abstract: A cosmetic soap composed of soap matrix and skin beneficial agents. The soap produced by a process comprising the steps of: storing and maintaining the previously prepared molten soap matrix in a first container at a first predetermined temperature, storing and maintaining the previously prepared beneficial agents in a second container at a second predetermined temperature; the second predetermined temperature higher than the solidification temperature of the molten soap matrix. The process further comprises the steps of: delivering the molten soap matrix and the beneficial agents to a mold wherein they are allowed to mix up, cool, and subsequently cure for a certain time, and subjecting the mixture to further conventional curing treatment thereby obtaining the final product of the cosmetic soap; the molten soap matrix and the beneficial agents are to be delivered separately from their respective containers.

Abstract: A cosmetic candle comprising tiny grains embedded therein. The grains impart a mechanical property that can be exploited for scrubbing skin to peel off old or dead tissue with a concomitant massaging of molten waxes into the skin. Crushed pits and seeds of olives, apricots, peaches, citrus fruits and/or plums are natural products that can be used as grains in embodiments of the invention. In addition, solid salt grains, such as natural salts from the Dead Sea, or sugar grains, may also be used to that effect.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clear cosmetic stick that has a clarity that is stable over a temperature of 5 to 45 degrees Centigrade for a time period of at least about twelve months. The clear cosmetic stick includes one or more of a branched chain fatty acid surfactant and a straight-chain fatty alcohol surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle systems for the release of biologically active molecules formed by the chitosan polymer or its derivatives, chemically modified with polyethylene glycol and crosslinked with a crosslinking agent. These systems are especially useful for pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and cosmetic formulations.