Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of treating cancer in a subject. This involves co-administering a replicating virus and a matrix metalloproteinase to the subject under conditions effective to treat cancer. It also relates to a method of enhancing the delivery to and distribution within a tumor mass of therapeutic viruses. This involves co-administering a replicating virus and a matrix metalloproteinase to the tumor mass under conditions effective to enhance the delivery to and distribution within the tumor mass of therapeutic viruses. Another aspect relates to a cancer therapeutic. This involves a replicating virus and a matrix metalloproteinase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating stem cells into vascular cells by culturing them in the form of a three-dimensional cell cluster and the use of the three-dimensional cell cluster for angiogenesis. Specifically, the present invention teaches a method for differentiating stem cells into vascular cells comprising culturing stem cells by adhering them onto a culture plate with a surface having a hydrophobic property or a culture plate onto which a growth factor is immobilized, wherein the cultured stem cells are later detached from the culture plate as their density increases to form a three-dimensional cell cluster and grown in the form of a three-dimensional cell cluster while differentiating into vascular cells. Also disclosed is the use of a three-dimensional cell cluster composed of the vascular cells differentiated from stem cells by the above method as a cell therapy agent for angiogenesis.

Abstract: The methods of the present application describe that introduction of physiologically relevant miRNAs can enhance or modulate somatic cell reprogramming, generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). These miRNAs did not further enhance reprogramming in the presence of cMyc. Furthermore, unlike previously described methods of generating iPS cells, such as through the introduction of genetic elements using viruses, the methods of the present invention reduce the risk of activating oncogenes in the iPS cells. The methods of the invention generate iPS cells that can be free of genetic modifications and thus have greater potential for use as therapeutic agents than those generated by existing methods.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture of at least one degradable hydrogel and at least one kind of degradable and surface cross-linked particle. The at least one kind of degradable and surface cross-linked particle comprises a material which degrades faster than the degradable hydrogel. The composition can further comprise one or more species of living cells. The invention relates also to a method of manufacturing the composition, as well as to a method of manufacturing a scaffold for tissue engineering using the composition.

Abstract: With an aim to provide a novel factor inducing proliferation of neural stem cells and differentiation of these cells into nerve cells, a pharmaceutical composition comprising 1) CRBN, 2) a nucleic acid encoding CRBN, or 3) a stem cell or a neural progenitor cell in which CRBN is expressed, a method including administering the pharmaceutical composition to a non-human animal and inducing proliferation of neural stem cells or neural progenitor cells of the non-human animal and differentiation of these cells into nerve cells, and a method for screening for a therapeutic drug for a disease of cerebral cortex or a surgical injury of cerebral cortex, using CRBN, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creation of vector nucleic acid sequences (e.g., retroviral nucleic acid sequences) that comprise two or more exogenous nucleic acid sequences that encode highly homologous (e.g., identical) polypeptide sequences, yet wherein at least one of the exogenous nucleic acid sequences has been mutated using degenerate codons for purpose of reducing homology between the two or more exogenous nucleic acid sequences while maintaining the encoded polypeptide sequence. Preferred nucleic acid sequences include those encoding multi-chimeric immune receptor (CIR) genes. Specific nucleic acid sequences of such CIR genes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biological pacemakers engineered to intrinsically generate rhythmic excitations are disclosed. In addition, methods of producing the biological pacemakers are disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing arrhythmia and heart disease associated with a defective pacemakers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant, derivative or fusion thereof, which is capable of binding specifically to and lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide exhibits greater lytic activity on cells of Clostridium difficile than the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides means for producing the same, methods for killing bacterial cells such as cells of Clostridium difficile, as well as methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a probiotic to normalize abnormal inflammation markers. The present invention also relates to use of a probiotic for preventing and/or treating low-grade inflammation. Further, the present invention relates to use of a probiotic for preventing and/or treating disorders and/or diseases relating to low-grade inflammation.

Abstract: A method for preparing a blood component composition for reducing risk of transfusion related injury includes passing a blood component composition through a tangential flow filter unit comprising one or more filter membranes. A diafiltration solution is added to the blood component composition during the filtration process. Non-cellular plasma components, including antibodies, are removed from the blood component composition by the tangential flow filtration.

Abstract: Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described.

Abstract: An oral formulation as described herein can comprise pomegranate extract, panax ginseng extract, and c. sinensis, where each is present in an amount effective to counteract and/or prevent effects of aging in a subject when administered to the subject. The effects of aging can include age-related changes in gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides albumin-binding probes capable of reversibly linking to short-lived amino-containing drugs and non-covalently associating with albumin in-vivo, thereby converting said drugs into inactive reactivable prodrugs having prolonged lifetime in-vivo. The invention further provides conjugates of said probes with amino-containing drugs, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: A stabilized superoxide dismutase (SOD1) analogue, wherein the side chains of two amino acids on two different SOD1 monomers are connected is provided. A method of producing a stabilized superoxide disumutase (SOD1) analogue comprises reacting a first SOD1 monomer, a second SOD1 monomer, and a cross-linker.

Abstract: Presented are mechanism based compositions and methods for treatment of SCD and SCD associated symptoms and disorders, particularly increased RBC sickling, HbS polymerization, hemolysis, tissue congestion and disruption and organ damage or failure in a mammal. The disclosed methods feature the identification of the heretofore unknown role of adenosine levels and signaling in the development of SCD and SCD associated symptoms and disorders. This discovery has lead to the identification of compositions for use as therapies for SCD and SCD associated disorders and symptoms in a mammal.

Abstract: Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods to predict, in subjects affected by type II diabetes (T2D), the probability of developing complications which include, but are not limited to, micro/macrovascular disorder, hypertension, neuropathy, atrial fibrillation, nephropathy and other major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that are associated with the disease, by detecting one or more genetic features. The genetic features that are useful in prediction include, but are not limited to, genes, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genomic markers. The invention further involves characterizing individuals based on the probability of developing complications related to T2D, such as, micro/macrovascular disorder, hypertension, neuropathy, atrial fibrillation, nephropathy or MACE, based on the identification of one or more aforementioned genetic features. Also described are combinations and kits for carrying out the above-described methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides e.g. protease resistant polypeptides, immunoglobulin (antibody) single variable domains e.g. which are protease resistant and also to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists comprising these. The invention further relates to uses, formulations, and compositions comprising such polypeptides e.g. for delivery to the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for screening compounds and/or mutant ribosomal proteins in a eukaryotic cell that increase or decrease the translation of a target gene and thereby ameliorate or revert a defective and/or undesired translation of a target gene. Disclosed are compounds and proteins as identified with the methods and systems of the invention, pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions thereof, their uses for the preparation of a medicament, methods of treatment of a disease or condition or cosmetic condition related to the defective translation of a gene, for example genetic diseases such as Epidermolysis bullosa, as well as diagnostic measures practical for the clinical evaluation of such diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molecule comprising an albumin binding domain (ABD) and an FcRn binding moiety, wherein said molecule has enhanced pharmacologic properties in vivo.

Abstract: The role of AMPK in arcadian rhythms and methods of screening for agents that modulate such rhythms are disclosed. Compositions that are useful for modulating such rhythms and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Measurement of a single gene expressed by tumor cells (LMO2) and a single gene expressed by the immune microenvironment (TNFRSF9), which determination may be referred to herein as a two gene score (TGS), powerfully predicts overall survival in patients with NHL, particularly overall survival in the context of anthracycline-based chemotherapy or co-treatment with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and anti-CD20 immunotherapy. It is shown herein that increased levels of LMO2 and TNFRSF9 correlate with a positive patient response and improved prognosis.

Abstract: New compounds, compositions and methods of inhibition of Provirus Integration of Maloney Kinase (PIM kinase) activity associated with tumorigenesis in a human or animal subject are provided. In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions are effective to inhibit the activity of at least one PIM kinase. The new compounds and compositions may be used either alone or in combination with at least one additional agent for the treatment of a serine/threonine kinase- or receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated disorder, such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of altering properties of Fc-containing molecule, comprising altering the sialylation of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region. Proteins having Fc regions having altered sialylation patterns are also provided.

Abstract: Formulations of VLA-4 binding antibody are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination therapy involving a type I anti-CD20 antibody and a type II anti-CD20 antibody for the treatment of a patient suffering from cancer, particularly a CD20-expressing cancer. An aspect of the invention is a composition comprising a type I anti-CD20 antibody and a type II anti-CD20 antibody. Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a type I anti-CD20 antibody and a type II anti-CD20 antibody. Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from cancer comprising co-administering, to a patient in need of such treatment, a type I anti-CD20 antibody and a type II anti-CD20 antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides for prevention and/or treatment of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders involving abnormal D1-D2 dopamine receptor coupling and/or activation. Methods and agents are provided for modulating dopamine receptor function arising from D1-D2 coupling and/or activation. Agents of the present invention include fragments of D2 receptor or D1 receptor that can disrupt D1-D2 coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising a stress protein fused with an engineered antibody or fragment that binds to mesothelin, or a stress protein fused with a biotin-binding protein in combination with a biotinylated engineered antibody or fragment that binds to mesothelin. The invention also relates to fusion proteins comprising a stress protein fused with an antibody binding protein in combination with an engineered antibody or fragment that binds to mesothelin. The invention also relates to fusion proteins comprising an engineered antibody or fragment that binds specifically to mesothelin fused in frame with a biotin binding protein. The invention also provides fusion proteins comprising an engineered antibody or fragment, that binds to mesothelin, fused with an antibody binding protein. The invention also relates to methods of using fusion proteins of the invention to induce an immune response to mesothelin and to treat disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are bispecific binding proteins comprising a antibody/soluble receptor bispecific binding protein that reduces the biological activity of both VEGF-A and FGF. The FGF binding moieties are generally soluble FGFR3 or FGFR2. An Fc polypeptide is fused to the C-terminus of the FGF binding moiety and VEGF-A binding moiety are polypeptides fused using peptide or polypeptide linker sequences, and can be expressed as single bispecific binding protein. The bispecific antibody/soluble receptor binding proteins can be used to treat cancers characterized by solid tumor growth as well as other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a monoclonal antibody to fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of predicting the response of a patient affected with cancer to a treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, wherein the said method comprises detecting the level of expression of the phosphoprotein pP70S6k in sample from said subject. The invention also provides methods of treatment of cancer and or predicting the outcome of cancer.

Abstract: Use of a monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of hepatocyte growth factor is disclosed for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of tumors and/or metastases and of a diagnostic tool for detecting neoplastic cells as well as vectors comprising at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding the anti-Met monoclonal antibody, products containing the anti-Met monoclonal antibody and/or at least one fragment thereof and at least one kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel target for production of immune and non-immune based therapeutics and for disease diagnosis. More particularly, the invention provides therapeutic antibodies against VSIG1, ILDR1, LOC253012, AI216611, C1ORF32 or FXYD3 antigens, which are predicted co-stimulatory family members and which are differentially expressed in cancers including, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. The use of these antibodies for modulating B7 costimulation and related therapies such as the treatment of autoimmunity are also provided. This invention further relates to the discovery of extracellular domains of VSIG1 and its variants, FXYD3 and its variants, ILDR1 and its variants, LOC253012 and its variants, AI216611 and its variants, and C1ORF32 and its variants which are suitable targets for immunotherapy, cancer therapy, and drug development.

Abstract: A method of reducing a symptom of a clinical disorder characterized by aberrantly elevated circulating aP2 is carried out by administering to a subject an inhibitor of secreted aP2, secretion of aP2, or a serum aP2 blocking agent. For example, glucose intolerance is reduced following administration of such an inhibitor or agent. Exemplary compositions inhibit cellular secretion of aP2 or bind to circulating aP2, thereby reducing the level or activity of aP2 in blood or serum.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a human gene, Complement Factor H (CFH), associated with the occurrence for developing age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is useful for identifying or aiding in identifying individuals at risk for developing AMD, as well as for diagnosing or aiding in the diagnosis of AMD.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed which are useful of the treatment and prevention of proliferative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) at least one iron uptake inhibitor, and b) at least one vitamin D and/or at least one analog thereof and/or at least one vitamin D receptor modulator, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An antibody binding to IPC was obtained by using an animal cell in which a cell membrane protein associatable with ILT7 was co-expressed as an immunogen. The antibody of the invention has a high specificity which allows immunological distinction between other ILT family molecules and ILT7. The anti-ILT7 antibody of the invention bound to IPC and inhibited the activity thereof. With the anti-ILT7 antibody of the invention, the IPC activity can be inhibited and an interferon-related disease can be treated or prevented. ILT7 expression is maintained even in IPC in the presence of IFN?. Therefore, an inhibitory action of IPC activity by the anti-ILT7 antibody can be expected even in an autoimmune disease patient with an increased production of IFN?.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods of use involving binding proteins, e.g., antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) protein (MMP9 is also known as gelatinase-B), wherein the binding proteins comprise an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (or functional fragment thereof) and an Ig light chain (or functional fragment thereof).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antibodies directed to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (“TNF-?”) and uses of such antibodies, for example, to treat diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of TNF-?.

Abstract: Ultra high affinity antibodies with binding affinities in the range of 1010 M?1, and even 1011 M?1 are disclosed. Such antibodies include antibodies having novel high affinity complementarity determining regions (CDRs), especially those with framework and constant regions derived from either humans or mice. Methods of preparing and screening such antibodies, as well as methods of using them to prevent and/or treat disease, especially virus-induced diseases, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of preparations enriched with anti LPS antibodies, such as those derived from mammalian colostrum or avian eggs, and optionally further antibodies against disease-associated antigens, colostrums, milk or milk product component/s and any adjuvants for treating, delaying or preventing the progression of a pathologic disorder such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and any complication or disorder associated therewith. The invention further relates to combined compositions comprising a combination of anti-LPS enriched antibody preparations and antibodies recognizing at least one antigen specific for a pathologic disorder and uses thereof in the treatment of immune-related disorders.

Abstract: Anti-K63-linked polyubiquitin monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro prognosis, diagnosis and/or monitoring of an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in a subject, said method comprising detecting, in a sample of cells of the immune system from the subject, the presence of a Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 (CRMP2) which is phosphorylated on tyrosine 479 (Y479), and optionally further phosphorylated on serine 465 (S465), wherein the detection of the presence of Y479-phosphorylated CRMP2, which is optionally further phosphorylated on serine 465, is indicative of an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.

Abstract: An isolated human antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof which binds to human interleukin-4 receptor alpha (hIL-4R?) with an affinity constant (KD) of less than 200 pM, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, is provided.

Abstract: Compositions specific for TNF-receptor superfamily member 25 (TNFRSF25, DR3) modulate the immune response by regulating T regulatory cells.

Abstract: Cell suicide (apoptosis) is associated with pathogenesis, for example, it is the major cause for the loss of neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Caspase-3 is critically involved in the pathway of apoptosis. Superantibody (SAT)-trans-membrane technology has been used to produce antibodies against the caspase enzyme in an effort to inhibit apoptosis in living cells. The advantage of using trans-membrane antibodies as apoptosis inhibitors is their specific target recognition in the cell and their lower toxicity compared to conventional apoptosis inhibitors. It is shown that a MTS-transport-peptide modified monoclonal anti-caspase-3 antibody reduces actinomycin D-induced apoptosis and cleavage of spectrin in living cells. These results indicate that antibodies conjugated to a membrane transporter peptide have a therapeutic potential to inhibit apoptosis in a variety of diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for preventing, reducing or inhibiting an amount of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (CD45) expressed or activity of CD45 in a cell or a subject. Also disclosed are methods for preventing, inhibiting or treating an infection in a cell or a subject immunizing a subject or enhancing a subject's immune response against an infection preventing, reducing or inhibiting the susceptibility of a cell or a subject to an infection or subsequent pathogenesis and morbidity due to the infection and preventing, reducing, and inhibiting apoptosis caused by or resulting from a biological agent in a cell or a subject which comprises preventing, reducing or inhibiting an amount of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (CD45) expressed or activity of CD45 in the cell or the subject.