Abstract: The present invention is directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising an isolated polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also discloses an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that bind to the isolated polypeptide. Methods of inhibiting cancer cells growth are also disclosed, comprising administering the isolated polypeptide or the antibody described herein to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A ligand includes each of the complementary-determining regions (CDRs) set forth in SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3 SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5 and SEQ ID No. 6 or any sequence having either number of substituted aminoacids within said sequences as indicated in the following, from 0 to 3 in CDR1 (SEQ ID No.1), from 0 to 2 in CDR2 (SEQ ID No.2), from 0 to 2 in CDR3 (SEQ ID No.3), from 0 to 1 in CDR4 (SEQ ID No.4), from 0 to 4 in CDR5 (SEQ ID No.5), from 0 to 2 in CDR6 (SEQ ID No.6), or aminoacids substituted with other aminoacids having equivalent chemical functions and properties, within said sequences SEQ ID No. 1 to SEQ ID No. 6.

Abstract: Antagonists of human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (“PCSK9”) are disclosed. The disclosed antagonists are effective in the inhibition of PCSK9 function and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for use in the treatment of conditions associated with PCSK9 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antagonists, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antagonists. Methods of making PCSK9-specific antagonists as well as methods of using the antagonists for inhibiting or antagonizing PCSK9 function are also disclosed and form important additional aspects of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided are methods employing antibodies directed against the signal peptide (SP) domain of various disease-associated polypeptides. These anti-SP antibodies detect cell surface expression of these SP domains and are used in methods of diagnosis and/or therapy. Provided is a method for determining the suitability for treatment of a subject suffering from a disease, whereby detection of cell surface expression of a specific SP indicates that the subject would benefit from therapy directed against this SP. Further, provided are methods for diagnosis of diseases based on the detection of endogenously produced anti-SP antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and uses for the prevention and intervention of Type 1 diabetes comprising administration of a modulator of CD3 and a GLP-1 compound.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating, preventing and/or remedying psoriasis, based on compounds that have a calcitonin-related gene peptide (CGRP) antagonistic effect. Methods are also disclosed for identifying compounds with CGRP antagonist activity which thereby are suitable candidate compounds for treating psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides, and fragments thereof, and antibodies, or fragments thereof comprising the same, wherein the peptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution compared to wild type 5c8 antibody. The present invention also provides compositions and methods of treating CD154-related diseases or disorders in a subject.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for diagnosing melanoma or basal cell carcinoma based on mutations in the DDR2 gene. Further, a distinct subgroup of BRAF-mutated melanomas have somatic mutations in the DDR2 gene as well. Applications of this finding to routine diagnostics include the molecular stratification of melanoma, and the tissue identification of targetable DDR2 kinase mutations in routine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. Described herein are methods, compositions and kits related to the discovery that DDR2 mutations may be markers for melanoma generally, and BRAF-mediated melanoma in particular, opening up the possibility of dual therapy for melanoma by targeting both DDR2 and BRAF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating ovarian cancer in a subject by administering to the subject an anti-activin-A compound, such as an anti-activin-A antibody or an activin-A-binding receptor. In some embodiments, at least two compounds are administered to the subject, where the first compound is an anti-activin A compound, and the second compound is a chemotherapeutic compound, for example capecitabine. The invention further relates to methods of identifying subjects for treatment by evaluating the subject's expression levels of specific biomarkers or angiogenic factors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using SerpinF2-binding molecules for preventing and/or reducing organ damage, functional disability or mortality in a patient at risk due to the activity of SerpinF2 and/or plasminogen activators on tissue injury. Also provided are compositions and methods of using SerpinF2-binding molecules for inhibiting hemorrhage, edema, and apoptosis. Methods for the preparation of medicaments for such methods of treatment and prevention are provided.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to elucidate a novel genetic mutation which is a cause of cancer, and thereby, to provide a method for detecting the genetic mutation, or a protein which has the mutation, a method for detecting the presence of cancer in a subject, a method for diagnosing cancer in a subject, and a primer set, a probe and a detecting kit for the methods. [Means for Solution] A method for detecting a fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) mutant in a subject, which comprises a step of detecting the presence of the mutation of glycine at position 183 in a FGFR4 tyrosine kinase domain to cysteine in a sample obtained from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting a tau protein such as h-tau42 or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof, methods of treating a disease caused by a tau protein such as h-tau42, and methods to identify agents that may inhibit a tau protein such as h-tau42. The methods for identifying an agent effective to inhibit a tau protein may feature administering an agent; and observing either i) a reduction in biological activity of the tau protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof or ii) a reduction in phosphorylation of the tau protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a tissue in a mammal from the effects of reperfusion using flagellin

Abstract: The invention relates to novel molecules that can modulate one of the mechanisms leading to the massive deposition of cholesterol in the cardiomyocytes and/or in the smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall, during acute myocardial infarction or other clinical situations involving ischaemia. The invention also shows that the blockage of LRP1 by means of certain agents, including a recombinant expression vector, an RNAi, an antibody, a siRNA etc., prevents the overaccumulation of esterified cholesterol in the cardiomyocytes and/or in the smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall exposed to ischaemia. The invention also relates to the use of said molecules in the treatment and/or prevention of the changes in the metabolism of calcium and cardiac remodeling associated with ischaemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying candidate compounds for the treatment of type I diabetes comprising contacting pancreatic ? cells with an amount of apolipoprotein CIII (“apoCIII”) effective to increase intracellular calcium concentration, in the presence of one or more test compounds, and identifying those test compounds that inhibit an apoCIII-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in the pancreatic ? cells. The present invention also provides methods for treating patients with type I diabetes comprising administering to the patient an amount effective of an inhibitor of apoCIII to reduce apoCIII-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in pancreatic ? cells.

Abstract: Anti-LRP6 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are described. These anti-LRP6 antibodies can be used to enhance Wnt activity and/or antagonize Dkk1 activity. Also described are methods of therapy using such antibodies and antigen-binding regions to bind modulate Wnt/LRP6 signaling to promote tissue homeostasis, regeneration and repair in diseases such as, but not limited to, bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteolytic lesions caused by osteoarthritis and multiple myeloma, gastrointestinal disease and wound healing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modulating concentration of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) relevant proteins amyloid precursor protein (APP), beta (?) and gamma (?) secretases and amyloid beta peptide (A?), and also relates to a method of reducing A? shedding. Furthermore, this invention extends to a compound for use in the treatment of AD, and also to a method of treating AD.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the generation and utility of antibodies that can bind effectively to C?mX domain on membrane-bound IgE (mIgE) expressed on the surface of human B lymphocytes. The C?mX domain of 52 amino acid residues, located between the CH4 domain and the C-terminal membrane-anchor peptide on human membrane-bound epsilon chain, had been suggested as an antigenic site for immunological targeting of B cells expressing mIgE. Previous reported monoclonal antibodies, including a20, which bind to RADWPGPP (SEQ ID NO:1) peptide at the C-terminal of C?mX, have now been found to bind poorly to mIgE on human B cells. We have discovered that only monoclonal antibodies specific for certain segments, such as GLAGGSAQSQRAPDRVL (SEQ ID NO:2) and HSGQQQGLPRAAGGSVPHPR (SEQ ID NO:3), of C?mX can bind effectively to mIgE on human B cells and hence have the utility for targeting those B cells for the treatment of diseases mediated by IgE.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driver gene signature for predicting survival in patients with solid tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and breast cancer. The gene signature includes ten tumor-associated genes, SH2D4A, CCDC25, ELP3, DLC1, PROSC, SORBS3, HNRPD, PAQR3, PHF17 and DCK. A decrease in DNA copy number or mRNA expression of SH2D4A, CCDC25, ELP3, DLC1, PROSC and SORBS3 in solid tumors is associated with a poor prognosis, while a decrease in DNA copy number or mRNA expression of HNRPD, PAQR3, PHF17 and DCK in solid tumors is associated with a good prognosis. Methods of predicting the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with HCC or breast cancer by detecting expression of one of more tumor-associated genes, and methods of treating a patient diagnosed with HCC or breast cancer by administering an agent that alters expression or activity of one or more of the disclosed tumor-associated genes, are described.

Abstract: A method for the production of hydrolyzed allergens from allergens comprising the steps of: a) extracting a source of allergens comprising allergenic proteins to form an extract, b) purifying the extract to remove non-protein components to form a purified extract, c) denaturing the purified extract with a first denaturing agent to form a purified denatured extract, d) refining the purified denatured extract to remove impurities to form a refined denatured extract, e) denaturing the refined denatured extract with a second denaturing agent to form denatured allergen mixture, and f) hydrolyzing the denatured allergen mixture to form the hydrolyzed allergens.

Abstract: This invention describes a protein nanoparticle system for targeting siRNA or other drugs into tumors. The basis of the protein system is elastin-like peptides that self-assemble once exposed to the nucleic acid of the siRNA. Specific targeting peptides are fused to the core ELP structure by standard genetic engineering techniques. These targeting peptides confer specific binding of the nanoparticle to receptors on the surface of tumor cells and allow for uptake of the nanoparticle into the tumor cells.

Abstract: Derivatives are synthesised of starting materials, usually polysaccharides, having sialic acid at the reducing terminal end, in which the reducing terminal unit is transformed into an aldehyde group. Where the polysaccharide has a sialic acid unit at the non-reducing end it may be passivated, for instance by converting into hydroxyl-substituted moiety. The derivatives may be reacted with substrates, for instance containing amine or hydrazine groups, to form non-cross-linked polysialylated compounds. The substrates may, for instance, be therapeutically useful drugs peptides or proteins or drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Auristatin peptides, including MeVal-Val-Dil-Dap-Norephedrine (MMAE) and MeVal-Val-Dil-Dap-Phe (MMAF), were prepared and attached to Ligands through various linkers, including maleimidocaproyl-val-cit-PAB. The resulting ligand drug conjugates were active in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Mammalian host cells for use in a cell-mediated tranfection process, which contain an RNAi molecule and an expression vector for a pro-apoptotic protein. The method includes inducing apoptotic cell (AC) death in mammalian cells that contain an RNAi molecule capable of downregulating a chosen target gene. Living cells expressing the target gene are then exposed to the ACs. The ACs are processed by the living cells, and the RNAi molecule in the ACs downregulates the expression of the target gene in living cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-155 plays a role in inflammation, hematopoiesis and myeloproliferation, and that dysregulation of microRNA-155 expression is associated with particular myeloproliferative disorders. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for diagnosing an treating disorders, including inflammation and myeloproliferation, modulating the levels of expression of one or more genes selected from the group consisting of Cutl1, Arntl, Picalm, Jarid2, PU.1, Csflr, HIFl?, Sla, Cepb?, and Bach1, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors, methods of preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases or disorders wherein the inhibition of Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase is known to show beneficial effect.

Abstract: The invention provides HVEM cis complexes which include, for example, HVEM/BTLA, HVEM/CD160 and HVEM/gD cis complexes. The invention provides ligands and agents that bind to HVEM cis complexes, such as antibodies. The invention further provides methods of use of the HVEM cis complexes, and the ligands and agents (e.g., LIGHT polypeptide sequence) that bind to the HVEM cis complexes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of wound healing or tissue regeneration due to disease (i.e., for example, cardiovascular diseases, osetoarthritic diseases, or diabetes) and to healing of internal injuries. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising molecules and nanoparticles with linked ?-gal epitopes for induction of recruitment and activation of macrophages localized within or surrounding damaged and/or injured tissue. The recruited macrophages further recruit stem cells into the injured tissues. The recruited macrophages and stem cells promote the repair and regeneration of the treated injured tissue. In some embodiments, the present invention provides treatments for tissue repair in normal subjects and in subjects having impaired healing capabilities, such as diabetic and aged subjects.

Abstract: The present invention concerns microvesicles isolated from mesenchymal stem cells as immunosuppressive agents for treatment of inflammatory and immune pathologies.

Abstract: This invention provides WT1 peptides and methods of treating, reducing the incidence of, and inducing immune responses against a WT1-expressing cancer, comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cancer vaccine composition for transdermal administration for inducing cellular immunity, comprising (i) a WT1 peptide and/or a modified WT1 peptide; and (ii) a cellular immunity induction promoter. The composition efficiently induces cellular immunity against a cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine composition for transdermal administration to induce cellular immunity, comprising an antigen, wherein Th1 cell ratio in a model animal for immunological evaluation that received the composition is 10% or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cancer vaccine composition for transdermal administration for cellular immunity induction, comprising (i) a WT1 peptide and/or a modified WT1 peptide; and (ii) a pharmacologically acceptable acid as a first cellular immunity induction promoter, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine composition for transdermal or transmucosal administration for inducing cellular immunity, comprising (i) an antigen; and (ii) a pharmacologically acceptable acid or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as a first cellular immunity induction promoter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cancer vaccine composition for mucosal administration for inducing cellular immunity, comprising (i) a WT1 peptide and/or a modified WT1 peptide; and (ii) a cellular immunity induction promoter. The composition efficiently induces cellular immunity against a cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV polypeptides. Uses of the polypeptides in applications including immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV polypeptides are also described. Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV polypeptides are described, as are uses of these polynucleotides and polypeptide products therefrom, including formulations of immunogenic compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for the production of flavivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) in a yeast system. In some cases, flavivirus structural proteins are expressed in a Pichia pastoris strain and isolated using pressurized mechanical lysis. The disclosed VLPs can be used as immunogenic compositions for the prevention or treatment of flavivirus infection. Also described are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a flavivirus capsid (C) protein; a flavivirus premembrane (prM) protein; and at least one flavivirus envelope (E) protein or a flavivirus E protein lacking the transmembrane domain (E?TM), wherein the nucleic acid molecule further encodes at least one foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A autocatalytic site (2A) positioned between two flavivirus protein coding sequences. Expression of such nucleic acid molecules in a host cell produces flavivirus VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) using a genetically modified CMV that is conditionally replication defective. The methods of the invention can be used to treat and/or prevent primary CMV infection, infection due to reactivation of a latent CMV and a super-infection of a different strain of CMV that had been previously encountered. The present invention also relates to a replication defective CMV which has been recombinantly altered to allow for external control of viral replication. Compositions comprising the replication defective CMV are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine composition containing an antigen for inducing cellular immunity, comprising at least one first cellular immunity induction promoter.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an antigenic composition comprising at least one antigen that comprises at least one antigenic epitope or antigenic determinant derived from a protein present in one or both of S. equi subsp. equi and subsp. zooepidemicus and use thereof for immunization of non-human mammals against S. equi subsp. equi and/or subsp. zooepidemicus. The present invention also discloses a vaccine composition comprising the aforesaid antigenic composition as immunizing component.

Abstract: A method for treating rheumatic heart disease comprising administering an immunogenic composition against group A beta hemolytic streptococcus

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel chimeric porcine circovirus infectious DNA clone and live attenuated chimeric virus with the PCV2, preferably of subtype PCV2b, capsid gene integrated into a non-pathogenic PCV1 virus genome. In a particular embodiment, the PCV2 capids gene is of subtype PCV2b, the predominant subtype circulating in pigs worldwide. The attenuated chimeric virus, designated PCV1-2b, effectively protects pigs from PCV2b challenges, and can be used as a live vaccine, as well as an inactivated (killed) vaccine, that provides protection and cross protection against PCV2b and PCV2a subtypes infection. The live attenuated vaccine of the present invention is also effective protecting pigs from porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD).

Abstract: A novel ascomycetous Xylogone ganodermophthora strain has antifungal activity. A composition includes the strain as an active ingredient for preventing plant diseases. The strain suppresses the growth of pathogenic fungi, including Phytophthora capsici, in plants. Therefore, the composition containing the strain, or a culture or extract thereof, as an active ingredient for preventing plant diseases has excellent antifungal activity and can thus be used as an environmentally friendly and pollution-free pesticide.

Abstract: An active ingredient derived from Torulaspora delbrueckii and the use thereof for improving and/or restoring the barrier function of the skin. Also, cosmetic compositions containing this active ingredient and a cosmetic care process for improving and/or restoring the barrier function of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one cell membrane fraction or parts thereof, for the reduction of lipolytic activity and/or to retard fat digestion, suppress appetite, body weight and/or lower blood lipids. The invention also relates to the use of said hydrophobic peptide in a pharmaceutical as well as a food composition and methods of treating a mammal with said composition.

Abstract: An active biologically active dietary additive for the normalization of the thyroid gland function contains roots, rhizomes or the herb of white cinquefoil, or their mixture, Echinacea purpurea, and Laminaria, the ratio in mass percent being: white cinquefoil—10-75, Echinacea purpurea—10-50, Laminaria—10-80.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors comprising the cell entry region of the Shigella ox EIEC invasion plasmid are provided, as well as, Shigella or EIEC strains comprising the recombinant vectors. The vectors provide an improved platform for developing attenuated vaccine strains of Shigella or EiEC and for delivering other foreign proteins of interest. The recombinant vectors and bacterial strains comprising the same may be used in methods of inducing an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to induce neutralizing antibodies in mammals to serotypes of dengue virus, measles virus, mumps virus, rubella and/or VZV virus.

Abstract: Peptides including an amino acid sequence of a fragment of mammalian Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), analogs and derivatives thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. Methods for modulating a TLR-4 mediated immune response, particularly stimulating TLR-4 mediated immune response, thereby treating infectious diseases and cancer.