Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter relates to an engineered T3 or T4 viral DNA-packaging motor connector protein that can be incorporated into a lipid membrane to form an electroconductive aperture, and which can be provided for other uses described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers stabilized in a prefusion mature closed conformation and methods of their use and production are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers are also provided. In several embodiments, the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be used to generate an immune response to HIV-1 in a subject, for example, to treat or prevent an HIV-1 infection in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to PGT121-germline-targeting designs, trimer stabilization designs, combinations of those two, trimers designed with modified surfaces helpful for immunization regimens, other trimer modifications and on development of trimer nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Particles, including nanoparticles and microparticles, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, comprising conjugates of an active agent such as a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agent attached to a targeting moiety via a linker have been designed which can provide improved temporospatial delivery of the active agent and/or improved biodistribution. Methods of making the conjugates, the particles, and the formulations thereof are provided. Methods of administering the formulations to a subject in need thereof are provided, for example, to treat or prevent cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a secretagogue compound derived from oxalate degrading bacteria, for use in the treatment of an oxalate related disease and/or oxalate related imbalance in a subject, wherein the administration of the secretagogue results in a reduction of urinary oxalate and/or plasma oxalate in the subject. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a secretagogue compound, a method for treating a subject suffering from an oxalate related disease, and to a method for preparing a secretagogue.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are provided that comprise a cholera toxin B subunit variant having one or more modifications to increase the expression of the polypeptide in a plant cell. Nucleic acids sequences, vectors, and plant cells for expressing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides are also provided. Further provided are methods for producing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides that include the steps of transforming a plant cell with a nucleic acid encoding the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides; expressing the variant polypeptides; and purifying the polypeptides. Still further provided are methods of isolating the variant polypeptides that include the steps of obtaining a plant cell expressing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides; extracting the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides from the plant cell; and purifying the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the disclosure provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides, isolated polynucleotides encoding same, nucleic acid constructs comprising same, transgenic cells expressing same, transgenic plants expressing same and method of using same for increasing yield, abiotic stress tolerance, growth rate, biomass, vigor, oil content, photosynthetic capacity, seed yield, fiber yield, fiber quality, fiber length, early flowering, grain filling period, harvest index, plant height, and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant.

Abstract: Provided is a green-yellow fluorescent protein with high pH stability (with reduced pH sensitivity). In one or more embodiments, the fluorescent protein is a fluorescent protein comprising an amino acid sequence from position 2 to 225 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least a mutation being introduced into the sequence, wherein the above-mentioned mutation is selected from the group consisting of F149T or S or A, L158T or S or A, H160T or S or A, Y174T or S or A, and Y192T or S or A as well as combinations of 2 to 5 thereof.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a cell with a peptidic agent that modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a TRPV channel. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a peptidic agent that selectively modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner. Also provided are methods of treating a condition in a subject by selectively modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding TRPV channel. Also provided are screening methods to identify candidate agents that modulate calcineurin protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: The present application discloses a secretory protein, including polypeptide sequence, nucleic acid sequence, operating principle and application area of sDSS1 protein. The sDSS1 protein is a secretory protein of higher primate, and can be detected in human serum and CSF. The sDSS1 protein can be combined with oxidation protein under nonenzymatic condition to form polymer or with A? polypeptide to reduce formation of A? oligomer. The addition of sDSS1 protein to culture medium can shield the cytotoxicity induced by oxidation protein, A? oligomer, amylin oligomer and glycosylated protein, so as to protect the cells against these toxoproteins. The sDSS1 protein can prolong survival time of senescence-accelerated mice significantly.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion polypeptides comprising the extracellular domain of growth hormone linked either directly or indirectly to a polypeptide wherein the polypeptide is not growth hormone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fusion protein comprising at least one FGF-21 (fibroblast growth factor-21) compound and at least one GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) agonist as well as to pharmaceutical compositions, medical uses and methods of treatment involving the fusion protein, particularly in the field of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and/or adipositas.

Abstract: The invention includes a thioamide-modified peptide, wherein the thioamide modification increases the in vivo half-life of the peptide. The invention further includes methods of treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a thioamide-modified peptide of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing a recombinant polypeptide containing two chains, such as an immune mobilizing monoclonal T-cell receptor against cancer (ImmTAC) protein including an alpha chain and a beta chain. In particular, methods are provided for producing heterologous secretory proteins in bacteria through utilization of optimized expression vectors and culture processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR), wherein the TCR has antigenic specificity for mutated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) presented by a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class II molecule. Related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for an HLA-A2-restricted epitope of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7, E711-19. Related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and populations of cells are also provided. Antibodies, or an antigen binding portion thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the TCRs of the invention are also provided. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the presence of a condition in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing a condition in a mammal, wherein the condition is cancer, HPV 16 infection, or HPV-positive premalignancy.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods to generate MHC multimers and methods to improve existing and new MHC multimers. The invention also describes improved methods for the use of MHC multimers in analysis of T-cells in samples including diagnostic and prognostic methods. Furthermore, the use of MHC multimers in therapy are described, e.g. anti-tumour and anti-virus therapy, including isolation of antigen specific T-cells capable of inactivation or elimination of undesirable targeT-cells or isolation of specific T-cells capable of regulation of other immune cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inhibiting atherosclerosis using FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG). Osteoclasts are induced to produce FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG) through introduction of a low-dose of a RANK agonist such as RANKL. The RANKL was found to best work when provided in accordance with a schedule resulting in a pulsed administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides and uses thereof for reducing CD95-meditated cell motility.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are provided. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are provided, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors.

Abstract: Among other aspects, the present invention relates to cell culture conditions for producing high molecular weight vWF, in particular, highly multimericWF with a high specific activity and ADAMTS13 with a high specific activity. The cell culture conditions of the present invention can include, for example, a cell culture medium with an increased copper concentration and/or cell culture supernatant with a low ammonium (NH4+) concentration. The present invention also provides methods for cultivating cells in the cell culture conditions to express high molecular weight vWF and rA13 having high specific activities.

Abstract: Peptides suitable for preparation of lung surfactants are described. Examples include one that include a first fragment comprising the amino acid sequence of XWLXRALIKRIQAZI (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a first amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a second fragment comprising the amino acid sequence of RZLPQLVXRLVLRXS (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a second amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein X is any amino acid but at least one amino acid at the X positions is not cysteine, or Z is any amino acid but at least one amino acid at the Z positions is not methionine. Surfactants that contain such peptides, and related compositions, methods of preparing and using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: There are disclosed TIMP-3 muteins, variants and derivatives, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of making and using them.

Abstract: The present invention provides heterodimer pairs that can comprise a first heterodimer and a second heterodimer wherein each heterodimer comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain or fragment thereof and an immunoglobulin light chain or fragment thereof. At least one of the heterodimers can comprise one or more amino acid modifications in the CH1 and/or CL domains, one or more amino acid modifications in the VH and/or VL domains, or a combination thereof. The modified amino acid(s) can be part of the interface between the light chain and heavy chain and are typically modified to create preferential pairing between each heavy chain and a desired light chain such that when the two heavy chains and two light chains of the heterodimer pair are co-expressed in a cell, the heavy chain of the first heterodimer preferentially pairs with one of the light chains rather than the other. Likewise, the heavy chain of the second heterodimer typically preferentially pairs with the second light chain rather than first.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeled chimeric non-therapeutic antibodylike protein comprising, in a hypervariable region thereof, an enzyme cleavable peptide sequence derived from a hypervariable region of a reference therapeutic antibody

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating hypercytokinemia and viral infections associated with hypercytokinemia using a mast cell stabilizing compound, optionally in combination with an antiviral agent. The invention further relates to compositions and dosage forms comprising mast cell stabilizing agents, optionally with an antiviral agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition including a recombinant nucleic acid sequence that encodes an antibody. Also disclosed herein is a method of generating a synthetic antibody in a subject by administering the composition to the subject. The disclosure also provides a method of preventing and/or treating disease in a subject using said composition and method of generation.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a detection marker that can simply and rapidly detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is a pathogen of mycoplasma pneumonia, at a high sensitivity, a specific antibody against the marker, and also an immunological detection method and a kit containing the antibody. [Solution] Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be rapidly and specifically diagnosed by producing an antibody specifically reactive to P30 protein of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and performing an immunological assay using the P30 protein as a detection marker. The present invention enables easy and rapid detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and diagnosis of infection with the bacteria at a hospital or the like without need of specialized instruments or skilled techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing protein biomolecule production in which a) a cell that produces a heterologous protein biomolecule is cultured, and b) an Additive and/or a source of the Additive is added to the culture medium in an amount sufficient to (i) increase a total yield of the heterologous protein biomolecule secreted into the cell culture media and/or (ii) increase a specific cellular productivity of the heterologous protein biomolecule secreted into the cell culture media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selecting a headache patient responsive to treatment with an anti-CGRP antibody and to methods for reducing headache frequency in the selected patient comprising administering an anti-CGRP antibody.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to SSEA-4 are disclosed herein, as well as methods of use thereof. Methods of use include, without limitation, cancer therapies and diagnostics. The antibodies of the disclosure can bind to certain cancer cell surfaces. Exemplary targets of the antibodies disclosed herein can include carcinomas, such as those in brain, lung, breast, mouse, esophagus, stomach, liver, bile duct, pancreas, colon, kidney, cervix, ovary, and/or prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for generating a genetically modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain, wherein the T cell exhibits prolonged exponential expansion in culture that is ligand independent and independent of the addition of exogenous cytokines or feeder cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved method for preparing a highly concentrated immunoglobulin composition from pooled plasma for subcutaneous injection. A composition comprising 20% or more immunoglobulin suitable for subcutaneous use is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myopia in a subject, wherein said agents are capable of decreasing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and/or signaling of another receptor susceptible for amphiregulin in a subject in a direct or indirect manner. The present invention further relates to agents for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hyperopia in a subject, wherein said agents are capable of increasing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and/or signaling of another receptor susceptible for amphiregulin in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for HGF. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-HGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-HGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-HGF antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with HGF.

Abstract: Provided herein are proteins, antibodies, assays and methods useful for modulating growth factor levels and/or activities. In some embodiments, such growth factors are members of the TGF-? superfamily of proteins.

Abstract: IL-18 participates in both innate and acquired immunity. The bioactivity of IL-18 is negatively regulated by the IL-18 binding protein (IL18BP), a naturally occurring and highly specific inhibitor. This soluble protein forms a complex with free IL-18 preventing its interaction with the IL-18 receptor, thus neutralizing and inhibiting its biological activity. The present invention discloses binding molecules, in particular antibodies or fragments thereof, which bind IL-18 and do not bind IL-18 bound to IL-18BP (IL-18/IL-18BP complex). Apart from its physiological role, IL-18 has been shown to mediate a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The binding molecules of the inventions may be used as therapeutic molecules for treating IL-18-related autoimmune and inflammatory diseases or as diagnostic tools for characterizing, detecting and/or measuring IL-18 not bound to IL-18BP as component of the total IL-18 pool.

Abstract: An anti-IL-12 antibody or fragment thereof that binds to a portion of the IL-12 protein corresponding to at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of residues 15, 17-21, 23, 40-43, 45-47, 54-56 and 58-62 of the amino acid sequence of the p40 subunit of IL-12, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-12 antibody or fragment thereof, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The invention features methods for preventing or treating visceral pain, including pain associated with functional bowel disorder, inflammatory bowel disease and interstitial cystitis, by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for ACTH. Embodiments of this invention relate to the binding fragments of antibodies described herein, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and/or CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates anti-ACTH antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention further contemplates methods of making said anti-ACTH antibodies and binding fragments thereof.

Abstract: Antibodies or antigen binding fragment thereof specifically recognizing and binding an extracellular polypeptide region of human NBCn1 are provided. Moreover, the medical use of such antibodies is provided, in particular such use for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, or atherosclerosis and/or restenosis. Methods for producing such antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the anti-LAG-3 antibodies, LAG-3 mAb 1, LAG-3 mAb 2, LAG-3 mAb 4, LAG-3 mAb 5, and LAG-3 mAb 6, and to humanized and chimeric versions of such antibodies. The invention additionally pertains to LAG-3-binding molecules that comprise LAG-3 binding fragments of such anti-LAG-3 antibodies, immunocongugates, and to bispecific molecules, including diabodies, BiTEs, bispecific antibodies, etc., that comprise (i) such LAG-3-binding fragments, and (ii) a domain capable of binding an epitope of a molecule involved in regulating an immune check point present on the surface of an immune cells. The present invention also pertains to methods of detecting LAG-3, as well as methods of using molecules that bind LAG-3 for stimulating immune responses.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to compositions that include antibodies, e.g., monoclonal, chimeric, humanized antibodies, antibody fragments, etc., that specifically bind one or more epitopes within a CD33 protein, e.g., human CD33 or a mammalian CD33, and use of such compositions in preventing, reducing risk, or treating an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that bind human Siglecs having inhibitory activity in immune cells, and that neutralize the inhibitory activity of such Siglec. Such agents can be used for the treatment of cancers or infectious disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1-6, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods of generating chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). In some embodiments, library screening of CAR is performed by generating a vector encoding the CAR from random attachment of vectors from libraries of vectors encoding antigen-binding domains (e.g., scFv regions), hinge regions, and endodomains. In some embodiments, the vectors contain a transposon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to human B7-H4 (and optionally cynomolgus monkey, mouse, and/or rat B7-H4) and compositions comprising such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. In a specific aspect, the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to human B7-H4 increase T cell proliferation, increase interferon-gamma production, and/or deplete B7-H4 expressing cells via ADCC activity. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating disorders, such as cancer, by administering an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to human B7-H4.