Abstract: The present embodiments provide for combinations of modulators that increase hematopoietic stem cell engraftment or increase mobilization in vivo. Methods and compositions for modulating the mobilization of stem cells, particularly for promoting or increasing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood are disclosed. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of a CXCR4 antagonist that act in concert with specific molar ratios of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) modulator agents to promote HSC mobilization. The invention also relates to methods of using these combinations of CXCR4 antagonists and S1PR1 modulator agents for enhancing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells when harvesting of the stem cells, for example for the treatment of diseases, disabilities or conditions whereby transplantation of such cells would be beneficial in ameliorating a symptom associated with such diseases, disabilities or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of in vitro preparation of a parental cell bank (PCB) from foetal tissue consisting of foetal epiphyseal tissue, foetal Achilles tendon tissue and foetal skin tissue, using a rapid mechanical primary cell culture selection of cell type to be used in methods for wound and tissue repair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of GHRH agonists and peptides, and methods to treat diabetes. In one embodiment, a method of promoting survival of grafted cells and/or tissues may involve exposing the cells and/or tissues to an effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH. In some embodiments, the grafted cells and/or tissues may be pancreatic cells. In some embodiments, the grafted cells may be islet cells co-cultured with non-pancreatic cells. In a further embodiment, a method of treating a patient diagnosed with diabetes involves transplanting and/or grafting the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells into a patient, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH to the patient. In some embodiments, the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells may be optionally exposed to GHRH and/or at least one agonist of GHRH prior to transplantation into a patient.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating or preventing vasculopathy in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a prostacyclin and a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or a MSC-conditioned culture medium or administering to the subject a MSC or a MSC-conditioned culture medium that has treated with prostacyclin. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for such treatments are also provided.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: Methods and devices for exchanging therapeutic agents, such as cells, from one liquid medium to another liquid medium are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the methods include transferring a therapeutic agent from a first medium, such as a freezing, storage or shipping buffer, into a second medium, such as a sterile physiologically compatible buffer. In certain aspects, the transfer of the therapeutic agent from a first medium to a second medium involves the use of acoustic-focusing, or acoustophoresis. Embodiments of the subject methods may facilitate the transfer of a therapeutic agent from a storage medium to an infusion medium, and in certain embodiments include administering the therapeutic agent contained in the infusion medium to the subject. Also provided by the present disclosure are devices for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a probiotic composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in association with a suitable carrier. The probiotic composition has many probiotic effects such as intestinal adherence, intestinal persistence, positive modulation of the intestinal microflora, protection against intestinal pathogens, immunomodulation, protection against systemic inflammation, protection against intestinal inflammation, protection against allergies, protection against diarrhea, protection against diabetes, protection against hyperlipidemia and protection against colon cancer. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of treatment and/or prevention of a number of diseases for which the composition has a beneficial effect.

Abstract: A method for liver protection of a mammal is provided and includes administering an effective amount of isolated Lactobacillus plantarum CMU995 thereto. Providing a new use of Lactobacillus plantarum CMU995, which is deposited at the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) in Taiwan under accession number BCRC 910472 and in the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ) under accession number DSM 23780.

Abstract: A method of manipulating allogeneic cells for use in allogeneic cell therapy protocols is described. The method provides a composition of highly activated allogeneic T-cells which are infused into immunocompetent cancer patients to elicit a novel anti-tumor immune mechanism called the “Mirror Effect”. In contrast to current allogeneic cell therapy protocols where T-cells in the graft mediate the beneficial graft vs. tumor (GVT) and detrimental graft vs. host (GVH) effects, the allogeneic cells of the present invention stimulate host T-cells to mediate the “mirror” of these effects. The mirror of the GVT effect is the host vs. tumor (HVT) effect. The “mirror” of the GVH effect is the host vs. graft (HVG) effect. The effectiveness and widespread application of the anti-tumor GVT effect is limited by the severe toxicity of the GVH effect. In the present invention, the anti-tumor HVT effect occurs in conjunction with a non-toxic HVG rejection effect.

Abstract: A method for cross-linking albumin for use as a sealant or glue for a biological system, for example to induce hemostasis and/or prevent leakage of any other fluid from a biological tube or tissue, such as lymph for example. The cross-linked albumin may optionally and preferably be applied as part of a bandage for example. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of enzymatically cross-linking globular proteins, by altering the structure of the protein to improve the accessibility of the protein to the cross-linking enzyme.

Abstract: A method for modifying access of cells to extravascular spaces and regions comprising administering to a patient an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans is provided. It has been found that administration of an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans to a patient disrupts extravasation of cells from the blood stream into tissue. The present invention provides methods of reducing penetration of cells associated with inflammation into tissue of a patient. Several methods are also provided for the regulation and suppression of inflammation comprising administering enzymes that digest chondroitin sulfates. Also provided are methods of treating and preventing inflammation associated with infection, injury and disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to phosphatases and more in specific to (genetically) modified phosphatases, pharmaceutical compositions comprising (genetically) modified phosphatases and the use of (genetically) modified phosphatases for treating or curing for example sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease or other inflammatory diseases, or renal failure. The invention further relates to a method for producing phosphatases.

Abstract: A method to treat cancer and other malignant diseases, said method comprising parenterally administering an agent which destroys blood extracellular DNA into the systemic circulation of a cancer patient to slow down cancer growth. The agent is embodied in the form of a DNase enzyme and, more particularly, as a DNase I enzyme. Doses from 50,000-250,000,000 Kunitz units/day are administered for 5-360 days.

Abstract: The present application provides for compositions comprising high concentrations of acid ?-glucosidase in combination with an active site-specific chaperone for the acid ?-glucosidase, and methods for treating Pompe disease in a subject in need thereof, that includes a method of administering to the subject such compositions. The present application also provides methods for increasing the in vitro and in vivo stability of an acid ?-glucosidase enzyme formulation.

Abstract: A composition for treating keratin surfaces to stimulate selective catabolysis and improve cellular viability comprising at least one autophagy activator and at least one DNA repair enzyme, and a method for improving selective catabolysis and cellular viability by treating with the composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of various pathological states, including cancer, chemotherapy resistance and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. The methods provided herein are based on the discovery that various proteins with a high level of sialylation are shown herein to be associated with disease states, such as, cancer, chemotherapy resistance and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Such methods provide a lysosomal exocytosis activity profile comprising one or more values representing lysosomal exocytosis activity. Also provided herein, is the discovery that low lysosomal sialidase activity is associated with various pathological states. Thus, the methods also provide a lysosomal sialidase activity profile, comprising one or more values representing lysosomal sialidase activity. A lysosomal sialidase activity profile is one example of a lysosomal exocytosis activity profile.

Abstract: Methods of using an ETB receptor agonist, such as IRL-1620, for the treatment of stroke or cerebrovascular accidents are disclosed. The ETB receptor agonist is used alone or in combination with a second agent useful in the treatment of stroke or other cerebrovascular accident.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the flexor retinaculum of the carpal tunnel, injecting an effective amount of an agent into at least a portion of flexor retinaculum or tissue adjacent thereto, wherein the agent is configured to weaken the flexor retinaculum. The system may further include means for increasing the tensile stress in the flexor retinaculum post-injection using hand exercises, thereby weakening its structural integrity and decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

Abstract: Described herein is secretory IgA isolated from the intestinal luminal fluid and intestinal mucosal of animals such as pigs and cows. Also included are methods of isolating secretory IgA. The secretory IgA is useful in food compositions such as animal and human food compositions as well as pharmaceutical compositions to increase growth rate, improve feed efficiency, reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, reduce a risk of gastrointestinal infection in the animal, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying patient who may benefit from treatment with an anti-cancer therapy comprising a VEGF antagonist. The invention also provides methods for monitoring a patients' response to the anti-cancer therapy. The invention also provides kits and articles of manufacture for use in the methods.

Abstract: Nanobiopolymeric conjugates based on biodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic poly (?-L-malic acid) PMLA covalently linked to molecular modules that include morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (AONa), an siRNA or an antibody specific for an oncogenic protein in a cancer cell, and an antibody specific for a transferrin receptor protein, are provided. Methods for treating a cancer in subject with nanobiopolymeric conjugates are described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to antibodies directed to the antigen CD3 and uses of such antibodies. In particular, the present invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to CD3. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, are provided. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF-mediated disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful to treat respiratory diseases such as whooping cough. Further, compositions and methods of immunizing are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human PDGFR-beta with high affinity. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PDGFR-beta signaling and/or PDGFR-beta cellular expression, such as ocular diseases, fibrotic diseases, vascular diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates neutralising epitopes of IL-17A and IL-17F and antibodies which bind those epitopes. The present invention also relates to the therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing them.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody comprising human IgG1 or IgG3 heavy chain constant domains that are glycosylated with a sugar chain at Asn297, said antibody being characterized in that the amount of fucose within said sugar chain is at least 99%, and in addition the amount of NGNA is 1% or less and/or the amount of N-terminal alpha 1,3 galactose is 1% or less, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided are humanized anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and methods for treating disease characterized by expression of CD40 antigen.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and kits used in the identification of invasive glioblastoma based upon the expression of Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3. The methods and kits also allow prediction of disease outcome and staging of patients with regard to therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug fusions that have improved serum half lives. These fusions and conjugates comprise polypeptides, immunoglobulin (antibody) single variable domains and GLP and/or exendin molecules. The invention further relates to uses, formulations, compositions and devices comprising such drug fusions and conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved binding proteins, for use as a medicament, in particular for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, for example allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. The invention more specifically relates to a soluble protein, comprising a complex of two heterodimers, wherein each heterodimer essentially consists of: (i) a first single chain polypeptide comprising: (a) an antibody heavy chain sequence having VH, CH1, CH2, and CH3 regions; and (b) a monovalent region of a mammalian binding molecule fused to the VH region; and (ii) a second single chain polypeptide comprising: (c) an antibody light chain sequence having a VL and CL region; and (d) a monovalent region of a mammalian binding molecule fused to the VL region; characterised in that each pair of VH and VL CDR sequences has specificity for an antigen, such that the total valency of said soluble protein is six.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of GDNF across the blood brain barrier while allowing its activity to remain substantially intact. The GDNF is transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems.

Abstract: Compositions comprising TL1A-Ig fusion proteins and methods of their use, e.g., for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with antigen-specific immune responses, are described. Also described are combination therapies that include the administration of a TNFRSF25 agonist and an interleukin (e.g., IL-2) and/or an mTOR inhibitor (e.g., rapamycin).

Abstract: Multimeric fusion proteins of an Ig-like domain of Flt-1 are rendered functional by inclusion of a linker moiety. Vectors encoding the fusion proteins and host cells expressing the fusion proteins can be used therapeutically to block neovascularization in individuals with pathological conditions related to neovascularization. Such conditions include age-related macular degeneration, cancer, psoriasis, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, asthma, uveitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The same means of multimerization used for an Iglike domain of Flt-1, i.e., a linker and a multimerization domain, can be used for other polypeptides, including extracellular receptors, antibody variable regions, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating a subject suffering from a cutaneous wound comprising administering to the subject a CIRP inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antibody or antibody fragment capable of binding to phosphorylcholine and/or a phosphorylcholine conjugate, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment comprises a variable heavy chain (VH) domain and/or a variable light chain (VL) domain, and wherein (a) the VH domain comprises complementarity determining regions (CDRs) selected from the group consisting of: a CDR1 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7; a CDR2 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and a CDR3 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9 or 10; and/or (b) the VL domain comprises CDRs selected from the group consisting of: a CDR4 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR5 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; a CDR6 sequence having identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-HER antibodies, including multispecific anti-HER antibodies, compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies. Also provided herein are EGFR/HER3 multispecific antibodies that are less toxic than traditional EGFR antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bispecific anti-EGFR/anti IGF-1R antibodies, methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide representing part of the repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I and having the sequence of the pentasaccharide a-L-Rhap-(1?3)-?-D-Glcp-(1?4)-[a-L-Rhap-(1?3]-a-D-Glcp-(1?2)-a-D-Glcp or a synthetic fragment or derivative thereof. Preferably, the claimed synthetic oligosaccharide bears at least one linker L for conjugation to a carrier protein or for immobilization on a surface. Further aspects of the invention relate to advantageous methods for synthesizing said synthetic oligosaccharide and oligosaccharide-protein conjugate as well as to uses thereof, in particular as vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the membrane transporter NaPi2b (SLC34A2) as a target for therapy, including immunotherapy, and particularly cancer therapy. The SLC34A2 epitope peptide encompassing amino acids 312-340 of SLC34A2 has been identified as an ovarian cancer epitope using the monoclonal antibody MX35. The invention also relates to the use of SLC34A2 and particularly SLC34A2 peptides in generating antibodies which have anti-tumor or anti-cancer activity or in stimulating an immunological response. The invention further relates to antibodies specifically directed against NaPi2b (SLC34A2) and the SLC34A2 peptide(s), including veneered, chimeric, single chain and humanized antibodies. Methods for generating an immune response and for treatment of tumors and cancer are also provided. Assays for screening and identifying compounds directed against SLC34A2, including the SLC34A2 epitope peptide, and additional antibodies are provided.

Abstract: Herein is reported an antibody that specifically binds to human EPO receptor, wherein the antibody binds to EPO receptor fragment LPGPGGSVDIV (SEQ ID NO: 01) but that does not specifically bind to a protein obtainable from human endothelial cells that has a molecular weight of about 66 kD.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating diseases, particularly cancer, associated with differential expression of cancer-associated targets (CAT) in disease cells compared to healthy cells are provided. Also provided are antagonists and agonists of CAT, and methods for screening agents that modulate CAT level or activity in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monoclonal antibody binding to an ITM2A protein. This antibody is useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer such as Ewing's sarcoma, T cell leukemia, T cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, B cell tumor, and multiple myeloma. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, a cell growth inhibitor, and an anticancer agent containing the antibody as an active ingredient, and a method for treating cancer, a method for predicting the efficacy of cancer treatment, and a method for determining the presence of cancer in a test subject using the antibody.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody binding to human XCR1, wherein the antibody binds to linear or discontinuous epitopes which comprise at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of the 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 176th, and 177th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91.

Abstract: Fully human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human 4-1BB and that allow binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating a disease in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of diagnosing a viral disease in a patient by identifying one or more virus-specific elements or a patient antibody to a virus-specific element, as well as to kits for diagnosing a viral disease in a patient. The disclosure further relates to methods of monitoring disease progression and/or the efficacy of therapy by measuring the levels of a virus-specific element in a sample from a patient. In addition, the disclosure relates to methods of identifying therapeutic agents that show efficacy in reducing levels of virus-specific agents in vitro. The disclosure further relates to methods of treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as to methods of preventing viral infection, including Herpesvirus saimiri infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting lymphangiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CXCR4 inhibitor and/or a CXCL12 inhibitor to the subject. The invention further provides a method for inhibiting tumor lymphatic metastasis in a cancer patient, comprising administering to the subject (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a CXCR4 inhibitor and/or a CXCL12 inhibitor, in combination with (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a VEGF-C inhibitor and/or a VEGF-D inhibitor and/or a VEGFR-3 inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating responsiveness of a subject having cancer to treatment with an activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) antagonist are provided. Methods for selecting a subject for treatment with an ALK1 antagonist based on the subject being identified as responsive to such treatment are also provided. Some of the diagnostic methods provided herein are based on detecting an ALK1 agonist, e.g., an ALK1 ligand such as BMP9 or BMP10, in a sample obtained from the subject. Diagnostic reagents and kits for determining whether a subject is responsive to treatment with an ALK1 antagonist are also provided.