Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming Te-containing thin films, such as Sb—Te, Ge—Te, Ge—Sb—Te, Bi—Te, and Zn—Te thin films are provided. ALD processes are also provided for forming Se-containing thin films, such as Sb—Se, Ge—Se, Ge—Sb—Se, Bi—Se, and Zn—Se thin films are also provided. Te and Se precursors of the formula (Te,Se)(SiR1R2R3)2 are preferably used, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are alkyl groups. Methods are also provided for synthesizing these Te and Se precursors. Methods are also provided for using the Te and Se thin films in phase change memory devices.

Abstract: Provided are an organometallic compound, an organic light-emitting device including the organometallic compound, and an organic light-emitting apparatus including the organic light-emitting device. The organometallic compound has the structure M(L1)n1(L2)n2, wherein M is a transition metal, L1 is a ligand represented by the following structure: wherein n1 is 1, 2, or 3, and when n1 is two or more, two or more L1(s) are identical to or different from each other, L2 is an organic ligand, and n2 is 0, 1, or 2, and when n2 is two or more, two or more L2(s) are identical to or different from each other. The sum of n1 and n2 is 2 or 3. More details about Formula 2 is provided in the disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are messenger RNA molecules and related compositions incorporating a 4?-thio modification in the furanose ring of at least one nucleotide residue, and methods of using these mRNAs to produce an encoded therapeutic protein in vivo and to treat or prevent diseases or disorders. In certain embodiments, the 4?-thio modified mRNA provides for enhanced stability and/or reduced immunogenicity in in vivo therapies.

Abstract: Cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP), including 2?3-cGAMP, 2?2-cGAMP, 3?2?-cGAMP and 3?3?-GAMP, are used in pharmaceutical formulations (including vaccine adjuvants), drug screens, therapies, and diagnostics.

Abstract: Provided are deglycosylation methods designed to optimize the yield of a Veratrum alkaloid from Veratrum plant material and/or from an extract of Veratrum plant material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel glucocorticoid compounds. The invention also relates to methods of using these compounds, the synthesis of these compounds, and to compositions and formulations comprising the glucocorticoid compounds, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel acylating agent, a method for its preparation, and a method of using it for acylating one or more amino groups of an amino acid, a peptide, or a protein. The novel acylating agent may be a compound which comprises a structural element —HN—(CH2)2-(O—((CH2)2)k-O—(CH2)n-CO—, wherein k is an integer in the range of 1-10, and n is an integer in the range of 1-2, being esterified at its —CO-end to the hydroxy group of 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonic acid (3,5-DC-2-HBSA). This novel acylating agent has an improved stability. Using this agent the acylation process is improved as regards robustness, as well as improving yield and overall production economy. The novel acylating agent is useful for acylating pharmaceutical peptides and proteins such as GLP-1, insulin, pYY, and amylin. The invention also relates to a number of novel GLP-1 precursor peptides and derivatives in which the two N-terminal amino acids have been deleted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bio-manufacturing process that enables continuous production of a therapeutic protein with reduced heterogeneity. The bio-manufacturing process disclosed herein utilizes a multi column chromatography system that performs the unit operations of reducing heterogeneity in a therapeutic protein, capturing the therapeutic protein and inactivating viruses, purifying the therapeutic protein, and polishing the purified therapeutic protein. The process disclosed herein can reduce heterogeneity of a therapeutic protein by reducing a proportion of basic isoforms of the therapeutic protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of chromatography and more specifically to producing protein affinity chromatography resins comprising affinity ligands based on a N-terminal fragment of a split intein, such as DnaE from Nostoc punctiforme, as well as methods for using the same. The N-terminal fragments are produced in inclusion bodies in bacterial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are monoacylated Toll-like receptor 2 ligands which can be used in both the development of targeted agents for the imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer as well as other cancers, and as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy. The monoacylated compounds disclosed herein have a higher binding affinity for TLR2 relative to a known potent diacylated agonists, but only ?½ the bioactivity. Competition of the monoacylated compound with the diacylated compound for binding TLR2 was confirmed. Hence, the reported monoacylated compounds are inhibitors/antagonists of TLR2 activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which effectively inhibit the melanin synthesis in human melanocytes and are thus suitable for the treatment of senile lentigines, for smoothening skin color irregularities and/or for lightening natural skin color.

Abstract: Provided herein are water soluble salts of Formula I, wherein R1, A, and M are defined herein. Also provided herein are methods of preparing the salts of Formula I and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides novel guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) agonists and their therapeutic use. The agonists may be used either alone or in combination with one or more additional agents.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed in non-limiting embodiments to compounds, compositions, and methods of treating conditions and diseases associated with activation of the gonadotropin GnRH receptor (GnRHR), particularly those involving GnRHR activating autoantibodies (GnRHR AAbs). In one non-limiting embodiment, the disease is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The therapeutic compounds in at least certain embodiments include peptides which at least partially comprise D-amino acids, such as retro-inverso D-amino acid (RID) peptides, which are able to bind with high affinity to GnRHR AAbs.

Abstract: Provided are a polypeptide and nucleic acid for encoding the polypeptide, a nucleic-acid construct, an expression vector, and a host cell containing the nucleic acid, an antigen-presenting cell presenting the polypeptide on the surface of the cell, and immune effector cell thereof, a pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide, a vaccine containing the nucleic acid, the nucleic acid construct, the expression vector, the host cell, the antigen-presenting cell, and the immune effector cell, and an antibody recognizing the polypeptide. Also provided is a therapeutic method using the polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the pharmaceutical composition, the vaccine, and the antibody. Also provided are a diagnosis method and diagnosis apparatus for detecting the described polypeptide. Also provided is an application of the polypeptide in preparing a vaccine, a tumor diagnosis kit, or a pharmaceutical composition, and an application of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid as a test target in tumor diagnosis.

Abstract: Provided are a polypeptide and nucleic acid for encoding the polypeptide, a nucleic-acid construct, an expression vector, and a host cell containing the nucleic acid, an antigen-presenting cell presenting the polypeptide on the surface of the cell, and immune effector cell thereof, a pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide, a vaccine containing the nucleic acid, the nucleic acid construct, the expression vector, the host cell, the antigen-presenting cell, and the immune effector cell, and an antibody recognizing the polypeptide. Also provided is a therapeutic method using the polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the pharmaceutical composition, the vaccine, and the antibody. Also provided are a diagnosis method and diagnosis apparatus for detecting the described polypeptide. Also provided is an application of the polypeptide in preparing a vaccine, a tumor diagnosis kit, or a pharmaceutical composition, and an application of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid as a test target in tumor diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemistry of peptides, pharmacology and medicine, and specifically to a new group of peptides having the property of stimulating sexual and genital function and having increased storage stability. For this purpose, peptides of general formula (I) are proposed: A-Thr-Lys-Hyp-B-C-D-X, in which A is 0, Met, Met(0), Thr, Ala, His, Phe, Lys, Gly; B is 0, Gly, Asp, Trp, Gin, Asn, Tyr, Hyp, Arg; C is 0, Arg, Phe, Tyr, Gly, His, Hyp, Lys; D is 0, Val, Gly, Tyr, Trp, Phe, His; X is OH, OCH3, NH2; where 0 is the absence of an amino acid residue, provided that if A?0, then B and/or C and/or D?0, if B?0, then C and/or D?0, excluding the tetrapeptides, as well as the peptides Phe-Thr-Lys-Hyp-Gly, Thr-Lys-Hyp-Hyp-Arg and Thr-Lys-Hyp-Arg-Gly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multimers of polypeptides which are covalently bound to molecular scaffolds such that two or more peptide loops are subtended between attachment points to the scaffold. The invention also describes the multimerization of polypeptides through various chemical linkers and hinges of various lengths and rigidity using different sites of attachments within polypeptides. In particular, the invention describes multimers of peptides which are high affinity binders and activators of CD137. The invention also includes drug conjugates comprising said peptides, conjugated to one or more effector and/or functional groups, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide ligands and drug conjugates and to the use of said peptide ligands and drug conjugates in preventing, suppressing or treating a disease or disorder mediated by CD137.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a peptide including a tau peptide, methods of making the peptide, and methods of using the peptide. In some embodiments, the peptide prevents the mislocalization of tau that leads to tau-mediated synaptic deficits. In some cases, the peptide includes a protein transduction domain. In some embodiments, the peptide may be administered to a subject is at risk of or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and/or another tauopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for producing microcystin and recombinant cells capable of producing microcystin. The recombinant cells express exogenous microcystin synthase polypeptides under the control of an exogenous promoter, and further express an exogenous phosphopantethienyl transferase (PPTase). The present invention further relates to microcystin as produced in recombinant cells by the methods described herein.

Abstract: New designed ankyrin repeat domains with binding specificity for serum albumin, recombinant binding proteins comprising at least two designed ankyrin repeat domains with binding specificity for serum albumin, as well as recombinant binding proteins comprising at least one designed ankyrin repeat domain with binding specificity for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), at least one designed ankyrin repeat domain with binding specificity for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), and at least two designed ankyrin repeat domain with binding specificity for serum albumin are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such designed ankyrin repeat domains and recombinant binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such designed ankyrin repeat domains, recombinant binding proteins or nucleic acids and the use of such designed ankyrin repeat domains, recombinant binding proteins, nucleic acids or pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to create a novel engineered Protein A ligand having better antibody dissociation properties in the acidic condition compared with known engineered Protein A ligands. The present invention provides a protein having an affinity for an immunoglobulin, including an amino acid sequence obtained by introducing, into an amino acid sequence derived from any of E, D, A, B and C domains of Protein A, at least one amino acid substitution at any one or more of amino acid residues corresponding to positions 31 to 37 of the A, B and C domains (positions 29 to 35 of the E domain, positions 34 to 40 of the D domain), which are conserved in all the domains, the protein having a lower affinity for an Fab region of an immunoglobulin than a protein having the amino acid sequence before introduction of the substitution.

Abstract: The invention comprises a photoautotrophic organism, generally having simpler nutritional requirements than heterotrophic organisms, utilized as a chassis for the heterologous expression and function of enzymes, or derivatives of said enzymes, that show activity toward the degradation/detoxification of toxins known to be associated with and specific to harmful algal blooms. As an example, a cyanobacterial strain (Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803) modified to express Sphingomonas sp. USTB-05 MlrA enzyme functionality, showing the capability of degrading microcystins (results shown here) and nodularins, is presented. Under modelled natural conditions, results indicate that heterologous enzymatic activity against microcystin-LR is more stable over time when utilizing a photoautotrophic chassis in comparison to use of a heterotrophic bacterial strain. In addition, both the viability and cell density of the photoautotrophic host is maintained for a significantly longer period of time, compared to a heterotrophic host.

Abstract: This disclosure provides streptavidin monomers that bind biotin with high affinity and which possess slow dissociation rates. The disclosure also provides methods of making and using those monomers.

Abstract: The inventors provide a composition comprising an antimicrobial polypeptide comprising Blad or an active variant thereof for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy or prophylaxis, such as for use in a method of treating or preventing an infection in or on a subject by a microorganism. Also provided is the use of a composition comprising an antimicrobial polypeptide comprising Blad or an active variant thereof to kill, or inhibit the growth of, a microorganism that is pathogenic to a human or an animal at a site that is not on or in the human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention is intended to identify glutathione-S-transferase that exhibits the activities to metabolize and detoxify an isoxazoline derivative, such as pyroxasulfone. The invention provides a method for cultivating a transgenic plant into which a nucleic acid encoding a protein (a or b) below has been introduced in the presence of isoxazoline derivatives: (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having 80% or higher identity to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having the activity of glutathione-S-transferase.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining activity of mTOR variants upon exposure to mTOR inhibitors, such a rapamycin or rapalogs thereof, methods for determining kinase activity of a mTOR variant, and methods for determining tumor cell response to treatment with rapamycin or rapalogs thereof. A method for determining whether a compound inhibits mTOR activity in a cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human interleukin 15 (IL-15) variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making thereof. The present invention also provides fusion proteins comprising a human IL-15 variant. Also provided are methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal, and methods of treating a disorder (e.g., cancer) using the IL-15 variants or the fusion protein of such IL-15 variants.

Abstract: Provided herein are polynucleic acids and expression vectors for the expression and secretion of angiotensin peptide fragments (e.g., angiotensin-(1-7)) in probiotic bacteria. Provided herein are also probiotic compositions that enable efficient, cost-effective and patient friendly oral therapeutics for treating diverse pathological conditions that involve the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), e.g., pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, diabetic complications, cardiovascular diseases, and ocular inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody platform designed to be coupled to therapeutic peptides to increase the half-life of the therapeutic peptide in a subject. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for the preparation of peptides or proteins or derivatives thereof by expression of synthetic oligonucleotide encoding desired protein or peptide in prokaryotic cell as ubiquitin fusion construct.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a polypeptide compound of formula (I): A-C-B ??(I) wherein: A is the A chain of insulin or a functional derivative or variant thereof; B is the B chain of insulin or a functional derivative or variant thereof; C is a peptide of the formula: (X1)p—(X2)n—(X3)q wherein: each X1 and X3 is independently a basic amino acid; each X2 is independently a natural or unnatural amino acid; p is 1 or 2; q is 0, 1 or 2; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3. Further aspects of the invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptide compound, and therapeutic uses thereof. Another aspect relates to the use of said polypeptide compounds in the preparation of insulin and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are relaxin immunoglobulin fusion proteins useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of treating subjects afflicted with a photoreceptor disorder. Methods for treating a subject suffering from a disorder characterized by photoreceptor cell degeneration are provided, wherein a gene encoding a photosensitive protein is introduced into a retinal cell of a subject. In one aspect of the invention, the retinal cells which receive the photosensitive protein include non-photoreceptor cells such as horizontal cells, amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cryopreserved recombinant cells for screening drug candidates that transiently overexpress one or more drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes. Advantageously, such cells provide a cost-efficient consumable product that streamlines the process of screening whether drug candidates are substrates or inhibitors of drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cryopreserved recombinant cells for screening drug candidates that transiently overexpress one or more drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes. Advantageously, such cells provide a cost-efficient consumable product that streamlines the process of screening whether drug candidates are substrates or inhibitors of drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating an HHLA2-bearing tumor in a subject with a fusion protein comprising an IgV-like domain of a TMIGD2 sufficient to treat the HHLA2-bearing tumor. A fusion protein comprising an IgV-like domain of a TMIGD2 and related compositions and encoding nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the amelioration of inflammatory disorders comprising the intestinal expression of programmed death ligand 1.

Abstract: Methods and materials for preventing and modulating atherosclerosis. In particular, small peptides that are capable of interacting with CD40, thereby interfering with the ability of CD40 to interact with CD154, which impacts inflammation and atherosclerosis. The use of such peptides in reducing atherosclerosis, and in particular, the autoimmune inflammatory response that may be a driving factor thereof. The use of such short peptides to lower LDL cholesterol. Methods and materials for detecting T-cells that express CD40 (Th40 cells). Methods and materials for preventing, modulating, reducing and/or reversing type 2 diabetes and auto-inflammatory disease. In particular, small peptides that are capable of interacting with CD40, thereby interfering with the ability of CD40 to interact with CD154, which impacts inflammation and type 2 diabetes. The use of such peptides in reducing type 2 diabetes, and in particular, the autoimmune inflammatory response that may be a driving factor thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) protein compositions and their use in the mitigation of autoimmune adverse events associated with cancer immunotherapy. Specifically, the disclosure provides a CTLA-4 protein comprising a mutant extracellular domain of CTLA-4, wherein the CTLA-4 protein exhibits reduced binding to an anti-CTLA-4 antibody as compared to a wild-type extracellular domain of CTLA-4, wherein the anti-CTLA-4 antibody has anti-cancer immunotherapeutic activity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a polypeptide comprising a truncated von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and a half-life extending moiety, for use in the treatment of a blood coagulation disorder, said treatment comprising administering the polypeptide to a subject having a blood coagulation disorder and having endogenous Factor VIII (FVIII), wherein the activity level of endogenous FVIII in said subject before treatment with said polypeptide is reduced relative to the activity level of FVIII in normal human plasma (NHP) provided that the activity level of endogenous FVIII in said subject is at least 0.5% of the activity level of endogenous FVIII in normal human plasma (NHP), wherein the polypeptide is capable of binding to endogenous FVIII and wherein the endogenous FVIII level is increased following administration of said polypeptide.

Abstract: A process for producing a plurality of biomolecule products from by-products of animal food processing is described. The process includes the steps of mixing the by-products with one or more digestive enzymes in the presence of an acid to promote hydrolysis of the by-product to release the biomolecules, thereby providing a hydrolysis mixture. The hydrolysis mixture is subjected to a density-based fractional separation, thereby providing an oil fraction, a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. Then the liquid fraction is separated from the oil and solid fractions and filtered with a molecular mass cutoff filter, thereby providing a peptide product and a glycosaminoglycan product. The oil fraction may be further refined to provide an oil product and the solid fraction may be further processed to provide bone-derived products such as gelatin, ossein and collagen.

Abstract: The present application provides fibronectin based scaffold proteins associated with improved stability. The application also relates to stable formulations of fibronectin based scaffold proteins and the use thereof in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The application further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising such polynucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a phage-displayed single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library, that comprised a plurality of phage-displayed scFvs characterized with (1) a specific CS combination; (2) a specific distribution of aromatic residues in each CDR; and (3) a specific sequence in each CDR. The present scFv library could be used to efficiently produce different antibodies with binding affinity to different antigens. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a potential means to generate different antigen-specific antibodies promptly in accordance with the need in experimental researches and/or clinical applications.

Abstract: Antibody variants originating from the monoclonal antibody 13C6, and wherein the N-glycosylation site within the constant region of the heavy chain contains a glycan that is either wild-type or largely devoid of fucose residues, will bind Ebola virus glycoprotein and provide surprising efficacy in treating animals or humans infected with Ebola virus when used in combination with one or more additional anti-Ebola mAbs. Such antibody cocktails are vastly superior to other known monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibody combinations in treating animals and humans infected with the Ebola virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody, a fragment or a derivative thereof, for use as an antiretroviral drug targeting a virus belonging to human endogenous retroviruses type W (HERV-W), wherein said antibody, fragment or derivative thereof is directed against HERV-W Envelope protein (HERV-W Env). The invention also relates to a composition comprising said antibody and a retroviral reverse-transcriptase inhibitory drug, for use as an antiretroviral drug targeting a virus belonging to HERV-W.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides antibodies that are useful for, among other things, inhibiting terminal complement (e.g., the assembly and/or activity of the C5b-9 TCC) and C5a anaphylatoxin-mediated inflammation and, thus, treating complement-associated disorders. The antibodies have a number of improved properties relative to eculizumab, including, e.g., increased serum half-life in a human.