Abstract: The present invention encompasses replication deficient or a replication competent adenoviral vectors which may comprise moieties covering and shielding the vector from the effects of humoral immune responses, as well as a method of constructing and using such vectors. The preferred viral constructs may incorporate the shielding moieties into the pIX coat protein of the adenovirus vectors. The invention also provides recombinant viral vectors with both shielding and specific targeting abilities. Preferably, the viral vector may comprise a nucleic acid sequence, which codes for therapeutically important genes. Methods for treating of a host with an effective amount of adenovirus vector of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Restenosis in a subject can be treated by administering to a tissue, e.g., a blood vessel, of the subject an agent that increases SERCA activity. For example, a stent that is coated with the agent can be introduced into a blood vessel.

Abstract: Agents and methods for enhancing recombinant virus transduction in the bladder epithelium are described. A first method involves contacting the luminal surface of the bladder with a composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus. Alternatively, the luminal surface of the bladder can be contacted first with a pretreatment composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and, subsequently, with a composition comprising an oncolytic virus. Bladder treatment compositions comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus are also described.

Abstract: Agents and methods for enhancing recombinant virus transduction in the bladder epithelium are described. A first method involves contacting the luminal surface of the bladder with a composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus. Alternatively, the luminal surface of the bladder can be contacted first with a pretreatment composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and, subsequently, with a composition comprising an oncolytic virus. Bladder treatment compositions comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing engraftment of stem cells in a subject by treating the cells with a G?s activator. The invention further provides methods for identifying G?s activators for use in increasing engraftment of stem cells in a subject.

Abstract: A method of purifying a subpopulation of naive T cells that have recently emigrated from the thymus, comprising (a) contacting a biological sample susceptible of containing T cells with at least four different ligands, namely ligands directed to the markers CD3, CD4, CD45RA, and CD31; (b) sorting the cells so as to recover T cells having a phenotype comprising at least the following four markers CD3+, CD4+, CD45RA+ and CD31hi, whereby a subpopulation of naive T cells is purified.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes methods for the long-term augmentation and/or repair of skin defects (scars, skin laxness, skin thinning, and skin augmentation), cellulite, breast tissue, wounds and burns, urological and gastroesophageal sphincter structures, hernias, periodontal disease and disorders, tendon and ligament tears and baldness, by the injection or direct surgical placement/implantation of autologous cultured cells and/or cultured cell-produced extracellular matrix that is derived from connective tissue, dermis, fascia, lamina propria, stroma, adipose tissue, muscle, tendon, ligament or the hair follicle. The corrective application is done on tissue proximal or within the area of the defect. The method involves retrieving viable cells from the subject, a neonate or human fetus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating and implanting mesenchymal stem cells for tissue repair or formation, without prior culture expansion of the mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, the invention relates to methods of isolating mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, for repairing or inducing formation of bone, without prior culture expansion of the mesenchymal stem cells. The invention further relates to an isolated, non-culurally expanded human adult mesenchymal stem cell population.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to compositions and methods of reprogramming a somatic cell to give rise to an autologous embryonic stem cell. These methods involve providing a somatic cell of a donor subject, introducing the somatic cell into an embryo of a recipient subject to produce a chimeric embryo, allowing the chimeric embryo to develop further wherein the somatic cell will reprogram, and then selecting an autologous embryonic stem cell that has developed from the somatic cell. The methods and composition of producing pluripotent embryonic stem cells from a donor's own somatic cells invite the possibility of a number of therapeutic applications, including organ transplant and treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and degenerative disorders such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

Abstract: This invention provides a eukaryotic cell that stably expresses exogenous, ectopic SID-1 to confer enhanced polynucleotide, e.g. siRNA or dsRNA, uptake. Thus, in one aspect, this invention provides a eukaryotic cell which stably expresses exogenous SID-1 polynucleotide and is. The cells stably expressing SID-1 are particularly useful for high throughput screening of gene activity using RNA interference. Methods for producing and using the cells also are provided in this application.

Abstract: Isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell populations from mammalian kidney tissue are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and purification of the mammalian kidney-derived cell population. Methods for treating kidney disease are provided by administration of the isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell population to a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of constitutively active Notch 2 to function as an inhibitor of breast cancer. The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting breast cancer cells by using hNotch2ICD polypeptides.

Abstract: The method for increasing lactose tolerance in subjects exhibiting lactose intolerance symptoms implements a protocol where the subjects ingest a gradually increasing amount of lactose containing product over a six week period. At various points during the six week period the subject ingests the lactose containing product once a day and then twice a day. The lactose containing product can be in liquid form, such as for example, milk, and is preferably in a powder form which is taken either by ingesting capsules having the lactose powder or in a granular form mixed with water or other non-lactose containing liquid. At the end of the six week period, the subject's tolerance for lactose containing products is substantially increased, with the potential of eliminating the subject's lactose intolerant behavior indefinitely.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to digestive disorders, and in particular to methods for treating irritable bowel syndrome by increasing carbohydrate absorption by administering a composition containing a Bacillus coagulans bacterium.

Abstract: Modified biosynthetic polypeptide fusion inhibitors, methods for manufacturing, and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: Compositions that may be usefully employed to alleviate symptoms resulting from deficiencies in carbohydrate enzymes, together with methods for the treatment of disorders that are characterized by such deficiencies, such as autism, are provided. The compositions preferably comprise transglucosidase isolated from A. niger.

Abstract: Taught is a composition for enhancing potency and/or for prolonging the duration of action of an anesthetic comprising dexamethasone, compound vitamin B, metronidazole, berberine, etamsylate, gentamicin, chymotrypsin, methylene blue trihydrate, and 5% sodium bicarbonate aq. When administered with an anesthetic, the composition shortens the onset time of the anesthetic, and prolongs the duration of anesthesia.

Abstract: Methods for the production of purified, catalytically active, recombinant memapsin 2 have been developed. The substrate and subsite specificity of the catalytically active enzyme have been determined. The substrate and subsite specificity information was used to design substrate analogs of the natural memapsin 2 substrate that can inhibit the function of memapsin 2. The substrate analogs are based on peptide sequences, shown to be related to the natural peptide substrates for memapsin 2. The substrate analogs contain at least one analog of an amide bond which is not capable of being cleaved by memapsin 2. Processes for the synthesis of two substrate analogues including isosteres at the sites of the critical amino acid residues were developed and the substrate analogues, OMR99-1 and OM99-2, were synthesized. OM99-2 is based on an octapeptide Glu-Val-Asn-Leu-Ala-Ala-Glu-Phe (SEQ ID NO:28) with the Leu-Ala peptide bond substituted by a transition-state isostere hydroxyethylene group (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for protecting cells from the toxicity of mutant huntingtin (Htt) protein and for treatment of Huntington's disease (HD). The methods generally involve administering to cells or a patient an effective amount of an IKK inhibitor. In addition, methods are provided for identifying therapeutics for the treatment of HD.

Abstract: A water soluble globulin concentrate is described. The globulin concentrate is administered through the animals' water supply and is effective in increasing growth and weight gain in animals. The concentrate is especially effective in reducing morbidity in underweight, stressed pigs, post-weaning.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the finding that tolerance can be induced by inhibition of CD4+ cells (and optionally CD8+ cells). Accordingly, the optimized dosing methods of the invention are useful in treating a primate, e.g., a human, by inhibiting CD4+ T cells to induce tolerance to at least one antigen, e.g., self or foreign, such as for inducting tolerance in a primate against a soluble or a cell bound antigen (e.g., an allogeneic or xenogeneic transplanted antigen).

Abstract: Human and animal serum contains naturally occurring autoantibodies that develop at birth in absence of deliberate immunization. These antibodies are predominantly of IgM isotype but can include all immunoglobulin isotypes such as IgD, IgA and IgG. Here we describe IgM anti-lymphocyte autoantibodies (IgM-ALA) and show that these antibodies are heterogenous with some antibodies binding to chemokine receptors such as CCR5 and CXCR4 and others binding to other lymphocyte receptors including CD3, CD2, CD4 and CD81. These IgM-ALA, unlike IgG antibodies, are not cytolytic to cells at 37 C and hence function to alter lymphocyte function including cytokine production and act as “blocking antibodies to inhibit binding of chemokines and viruses including HIV-1 and Hepatitis C. IgM antibodies that bind to receptors on lymphocyte also bind to the same or similar class of receptors on other leucocytes and other cells such as cancer cells and endothelial cells.

Abstract: A conjugate molecule comprising an oligo- or polysaccharide covalently bound to a carrier and its use as potential vaccine against infection by S. Flexneri.

Abstract: An anti-VEGF method for treating undesirable conditions resulting from radiation-induced vasculopathy. In a specific application, the method is applied to these undesirable conditions found in an eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a formulation including an acetic acid buffer, a glutamic acid buffer or a succinic acid buffer with a pH from about 4.5-7.0, at least one excipient comprising a sugar or a polyol and an effective amount of a therapeutic antibody. The buffer can include a salt of acetate, glutamate or succinate and the sugar or polyol can include glycerol, sucrose, trehalose or sorbitol. The therapeutic antibody can include a human antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, or a functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a chronic pain by administering to an individual in need of such treatment with a pharmaceutically effective amount of a blocking reagent for ephrinB-EphB signaling. Preferably, the chronic pain comprises a neuropathic pain.

Abstract: A method of preventing pain in a sickle cell patient is disclosed. The method includes orally administering to the patient, an amount of an active agent effective on oral administration to inhibit binding of the patient's sickle erythrocytes to P-selectin on the patient's vascular endothelium. The inhibition may be evidenced in a number of ways. The active agent administration inhibits the adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to vascular endothelium in the patient, thereby preventing patient pain associated with vascular occlusion. Also disclosed are compositions useful in practicing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for detecting liver cancer capable of detecting liver cancer with high specificity and a diagnostic therefor, as well as a novel therapeutic drug for cancer having an excellent anticancer effect. The method for detecting liver cancer cells in a sample utilizes as an index the expression of dlk gene. The expression of dlk gene may be measured by immunoassay using an anti-dlk antibody or by measuring mRNA of dlk gene. The therapeutic drug for cancer comprises as an effective ingredient an antibody which undergoes antigen-antibody reaction with Dlk expressing on surfaces of cancer cells and which exerts anticancer action against the cancer cells.

Abstract: Anti-ErbB2 antibodies are described which bind to an epitope in Domain 1 of ErbB2 and induce cell death via apoptosis. Various uses for these antibodies are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for more effective treatment of patients susceptible to or diagnosed with tumors overexpressing ErbB, as determined by a gene amplification assay, with an ErbB antagonist. Such method comprises administering a cancer-treating dose of the ErbB antagonist, preferably in addition to chemotherapeutic agents, to a subject in whose tumor cells ErbB has been found to be amplified e.g., by fluorescent in situ hybridization. ErbB antagonists described include an anti-HER2 antibody. Pharmaceutical packaging for providing the components for such treatment is also provided.

Abstract: Humanized monoclonal antibodies against the vaccinia virus B5R surface antigen. The antibodies are effective in treating smallpox infection. Also disclosed are nucleic acids that encode the heavy and light chains of such antibodies and cells that express them.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the discovery that the EGFR pathway can stimulate a previously unknown tumorigenic function of CA IX, via phosphorylation of the sole tyrosine residue present in CA IX's intracellular domain. EGFR-phosphorylated CA IX then interacts with the p85 subunit of PI3K to activate Akt, which in turn is associated with anti-apototic function and increased cell survival. The latter finding indicates that there is a positive feedback loop for CA9 expression mediated by the PI3K pathway in preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases. Disclosed herein are novel therapeutic methods for treating preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases associated with abnormal MN/CA IX expression, using EGFR pathway inhibitors. Preferably, the EGFR pathway inhibitors are tyrosine kinase inhibitors or EGFR-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer and other diseases using molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly immunoglobulins (e.g., antibodies), comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds Fc?RIIIA and/or Fc?RIIA with a greater affinity, relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The methods of the invention are particularly useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function (e.g., ADCC) mediated by Fc?R is desired, e.g., cancer, infectious disease. The methods of the invention are also of use in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and preparation of immunogenic antigens for the production of customized cancer vaccines that include dendritic cells that are contacted with an antigen that includes heat-shocked cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising mutant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumolysin proteins. The invention further relates to such proteins and nucleic acids encoding these proteins. In particular embodiments, the invention is directed to an isolated mutant pneumolysin (PLY) protein, wherein the mutant PLY protein differs from the wild type PLY protein by the presence of a mutation within the region of amino acids 144 to 161 of the wild type sequence, such that the toxicity of the mutant is reduced relative to that of the wild-type protein. In particular embodiments, the mutant PLY protein differs from the wild type protein by the substitution or deletion of amino acids within this region, including the deletion of two adjacent amino acids within the region of amino acids 144 to 151 of the wild type sequence.

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 polypeptides relate to the 98 KDa OMP antigen designated CPN100686 RY 54 (SEQ ID No:14, encoded in one form by SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracts of ganoderma species plant material prepared by supercritical CO2 extractions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for refining Ganoderma spore polysacchoride. The process comprise the step of: Remove the impurity in the Ganoderma spores, warm water extraction, alcohol precipitation, separate precipitate, obtain the impure polysacchoride, adjust pH to 7.5-8.5, centrifuge to removal deposit, take out supernatent, add H2O2 to decolor, deproteined by sevag method, dialyses, alcohol precipitation, wash the precipitate, dry in the vacuum to get the pure Ganoderma spore polysacchoride.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of nicotinamide derivatives combined with wakame seaweed, wakame extracts, or glycosaminoglycans, and their use in treating skin diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel avian herpesvirus (NAHV) vector and recombinant vaccines made therefrom that are useful to immunize avian species against Marek's disease, infectious laryngotracheitis and Newcastle disease. Methods of immunizing an avian species against Marek's disease, infectious laryngotracheitis and Newcastle disease are also provided.

Abstract: Heat treated bacterins, a method of producing heat treated bacterins, and emulsion vaccines prepared from such heat treated bacterins are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns promoters, in particular for the expression of genes and/or coding sequences in vaccinia viruses such as Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). The invention further concerns expression cassettes comprising said promoter, vectors comprising said expression cassettes as well as pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a papillomavirus-like particle, characterized as having conformational epitopes, comprising a papillomavirus L1 product and a papillomavirus L2 fusion product; and related synthetic DNA molecules, host cells, methods and vaccines.

Abstract: Described are methods for inducing both a mucosal and a systemic immune response in the respiratory, digestive or urogenital tracts of a mammal to a microbial pathogen. The methods comprise topically administering onto the sublingual mucosa of the mammal an amount of an antigen effective to induce the mucosal and systemic immune responses and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms for immunizing a mammal against a microbial pathogen to elicit a mucosal and systemic immune response in the respiratory, digestive or urogenital tracts are also described.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using same to direct an immune response thereby enhancing the efficacy of an antigen containing vaccine by combining a chemokine in conjunction with the vaccine, wherein the choice of the chemokine directs the immune response in either the Th1 or Th2 direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supertype epitope which effectively induce a cell-mediated immune response and its use, specifically, a supertype epitope which effectively induce the cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific to HCV and come from conservative region of a HCV polyprotein, an expression vector comprising the oligonucleotide coding the said supertype epitope, a vaccine composition comprising the said supertype epitope or the said expression vector and its use for treatment of hepatitis C.

Abstract: A method for treatment of HIV infection includes administering at least one anti-HIV drug, such as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, to a patient in need of such treatment and administering an extract from inflammatory tissue inoculated with vaccinia virus to the patient following the administration of the at least one anti-HIV drug. The extract maintains suppressive action on HIV replication, even if the administration of the anti-HIV drug is terminated.