Abstract: This invention is directed to a modified cyclosporin A and to a modified, genetically engineered version of its receptor, cyclophilin. This invention is further directed to a method for treating host versus graft disease following blood marrow transplantation by transfecting stem cells so that after introduction into a patient the stem cells will express the modified cyclophilin, and, as necessary, administer the modified cyclosporin A to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detection and prediction of mastitis. The method comprises the steps of determining the values of mastitis indicators and comparing the values with predetermined standards, wherein deviation from the standards provides a measure of mastitis.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies having high affinity for N-terminus pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are described. The monoclonal antibodies are prepared against a synthetic peptide having the Sequence ID No. 1. Specifically, the monoclonal antibodies described are produced from two hybridoma cell lines, 6G11-F11-D12 and 1C3-E11-R9, deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under Accession Numbers PTA-4844 and PTA-4845 respectively. The monoclonal antibody antibodies can be used as reagents in an immunoassay system to identify blood, serum or plasma levels of NT-proBNP. Such an immunoassay system can be used for diagnosing and quantifying congestive heart failure (CHF).

Abstract: A human stanniocalcin-alpha polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for the regulation of electrolyte imbalances which can lead to renal, bone and heart diseases and osteoporosis and Paget's Disease. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use in the regulation of electrolyte imbalances which can lead to hypocalcemia and osteoporosis are also disclosed. Use of the stanniocalcin-alpha sequence as a diagnostic to detect diseases or the susceptibility to diseases related to a mutated form of stanniocalcin-alpha sequences is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel follistatin-3 protein which is a member of the family of inhibin-related proteins. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human follistatin-3 protein. Follistatin-3 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of follistatin-3 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting reproductive system-related disorders and disorders of the regulation of cell growth and differentiation and therapeutic methods for treating reproductive system-related disorders and disorders of the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for qualitative determination of low molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins separately. The present invention also provides antibodies specific to high molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins. Further, the present invention provides a measurement method for specifically determining the quality or quantity of high molecular weight soluble CD14 proteins using the antibodies with high sensitivity, simplicity and specificity.

Abstract: Fc fusion proteins of human EPO with increased biological activities relative to rHuEPO on a molar basis are disclosed. The HuEPO-L-vFc fusion protein comprises HuEPO, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such HuEPO-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended serum half-life and increased biological activities, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: The present invention discloses Growth Factor HTTER36 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Also disclosed are antibodies and fragments thereof that specifically bind to such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and therapeutic uses of the polypeptides which include stimulating cellular growth and differentiation, bone formation and wound healing. Also disclosed are antagonists against such polypeptide and their use as a therapeutic to treat neoplasia and to prevent the formation of extracellular matrix molecules in the liver and lung. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention and mutations in the nucleic acid sequences which encode the polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for VEGF as an antigen were developed to detect VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: Provided are cytokines and methods of modulating activity of the immune system using cytokine agonists and antagonists. Also provided are methods of treatment of immune and proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zalpha11, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zalpha11, are located on chromosome 16, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-TNF antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-TNF antibody, TNF, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The motility of sperm in a biological sample is increased by inactivating or reducing the biological activity of inflammatory cytokines present in the sample.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies that bind human RANKL polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to soluble proteins which bind to the molecule known as IL-TIF/IL-22. The proteins can antagonize the effect of IL-TIF/IL-22 on target cells. The nucleic acid molecules encoding the proteins, and uses of the protein, are also described.

Abstract: Chimeric antibodies, as well as fusion proteins which comprise chimeric antibodies, are disclosed. The antibodies bind to GM-CSF, CD-30, and G250 antigen. The fusion proteins include biologically active portions of tumor necrosis factor, or full length tumor necrosis factor. Expression vectors adapted for production of the antibodies, as well as methods for manufacturing these, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chimeric, humanized and other IL-18 mAbs, derived from high affinity neutralizing mAbs, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, methods of treatment and diagnostics are provided.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vecotors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated fully human antibodies that immunoreacts with human tissue factor (TF) to inhibit the binding of coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa).

Abstract: Antibodies to Tumor Necrosis Factor receptors (TNF-Rs) which inhibit the cytocidal effect of TNF but not its binding to the TNF-Rs, and ligands interacting with other receptors of the TNF/NGF family, are provided together with methods of producing them. The antibodies preferably bind to the fourth cysteine rich domain of the p75 TNF receptor or to the region between said fourth cysteine rich domain and the cell membrane.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-&tgr;-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, occular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor &agr; (hTNF&agr;) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNF&agr; (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNF&agr; dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNF&agr; activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNF&agr; and for inhibiting hTNF&agr; activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNF&agr; activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to interleukin 5 (IL-5), which is preferably human IL-5. The invention also relates to human anti-IL-5 antibodies, including chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules derived from anti-IL-5 antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such molecules. The present invention also relates to methods of making anti-IL-5 antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions thereof for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-IL-5 antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are human VEGF-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or variants thereof. Also provided are processes for producing such antibodies. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more VEGF-2 antibodies or fragments or variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody which immunologically reacts with human VEGF receptor Flt-1 and cells in which human VEGF receptor Flt-1 is expressed on the cell surface and a monoclonal antibody which inhibits binding of human VEGF to human VEGF receptor Flt-1. It also provides a means for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases in which their morbid states progress by abnormal angiogensis, such as proliferation or metastasis of solid tumors, arthritis in rheumatoid, arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, psoriasis, and the like.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody useful for the treatment of various diseases caused by human connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and preventing the onset of the above diseases; medicinal uses thereof; and various monoclonal antibodies having various characteristics against various mammalian CTGFs useful for detecting and assaying CTGFs present in body fluids of mammals suffering from various diseases.

Abstract: Rev-caspases comprising a primary product in which the small subunit is N-terminal to the large subunit are provided. Rev-caspases are used for screening and identifying caspase inhibitors and enhancers. Rev-caspase genes can be delivered to cells for gene therapy.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF&agr;) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF&agr;-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to IL-15 (e.g., human IL-15), and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. The human antibodies can be produced in a transfectoma or in a non-human transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies by undergoing V-D-J recombination and isotype switching. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, non-human transgenic animals, and hybridomas which produce the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF&agr;) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF&agr;-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides TCCV-1 or TCCV-2 from human, reagents related thereto including polynucleotides encoding TCCV-1 or TCCV-2, purified polypeptides, and specific antibodies. Methods of making and using these reagents, in particular, methods for screening compounds which modulate TCCV-1 or TCCV-2 activity are provided. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-IL-12 antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-12 antibody, IL-12, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: ES-2 polypeptide encoding nucleic acid has been cloned from Schistosoma mansoni and shown to bind and inhibit chemokine function, including CC chemokines such as MIP-1&agr; and/or RANTES, CXC chemokines such as IL-8, C chemokines and CX3C chemokines, both in vivo and in vitro. The polypeptide is useful in therapy of inflammatory disorders and other diseases, and in assaying for substances with ability to potentiate or inhibit its anti-chemokine function, which substances have additional therapeutic potential.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zalpha11, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zalpha11, are located on chromosome 16, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Fc fusion proteins of human G-CSF with increased biological activities relative to rhG-CSF on a molar basis are disclosed. The hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion protein comprises hG-CSF, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended serum half-life and increased biological activities, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time.

Abstract: A hybridoma is selected that produces a monoclonal antibody exhibiting high reactivity to soluble hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (soluble HAT-1), the target monoclonal antibody is prepared from culture supernatant of the obtained hybridoma, and by using the antibody soluble HAI-1 is measured.

Abstract: Chimeric, humanized and other IL-5 mAbs, derived from high affinity neutralizing mAbs, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, methods of treatment and diagnostics are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel hedgehog protein, i.e., a Desert hedgehog protein of human origin including mature and precursor forms, a DNA encoding the protein, a monoclonal antibody recognizing the protein, a process for producing the protein, and a method for detecting the protein. The hedgehog protein is useful in establishment of hybridomas which produce antibodies recognizing the protein, and the monoclonal antibody is useful in detection and purification of the protein. The hedgehog protein, DNA, and monoclonal antibody of this invention have efficacy in elucidation of hereditary morphological abnormalities in humans to establish their treatments and diagnoses.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ and bodily part function and viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals including human beings by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin:

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating the heterotypic adhesion between E-cadherin expressing cells and T lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to E-cadherin and isolated peptides which mimic the binding function of E-cadherin also are provided. The antibodies and peptides are useful in screening assays to identify pharmaceutical lead compounds which are capable of modulating adhesion between T lymphocytes and E-cadherin expressing cells. Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mucosal immune response of a subject also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a flow cytometric method for measuring dendritic cell function in whole blood, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a whole blood sample with a dendritic cell activator; (b) adding to the sample a plurality of dendritic cell-distinguishing antibodies and at least one cytokine-specific antibody; and then (c) flow cytometrically assaying the sample for the binding of the cytokine-specific antibody by at least one distinguishable DC subset.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunointeractive molecules and their use inter alia in the detection and/or purification of T-cell antigen binding molecules (TABMs). The ability to determine the presence and levels of particular TABMs provides a useful diagnostic procedures for a variety of disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel KDI protein which is a member of the interferon family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding a human interferon polypeptide, called “KDI”. KDI polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of KDI activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide capable of binding a cytokine to form a nonfunctional complex. It also provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide and methods of making and uses for the fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-8. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides not only a smooth muscle growth inhibitory composition and a composition for inhibiting expression of adhesion molecules in vascular endothelial cells, each comprising the adipose tissue-specific secretory factor apM1 as an active ingredient, but also a method for diagnosis of arteriosclerosis which comprises assaying apM1 in a sample, an antibody against apM1, and a diagnostic kit for arteriosclerosis which comprises the antibody as an active component, all of which contribute to the elucidation of obesity-related genes and corresponding expression products which are useful for the etiologic exploration and establishment of therapeutic modalities for various obesity-related diseases, particularly arteriosclerosis inclusive of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. By utilizing the information thus obtained, therapeutic and diagnostic methods for various diseases can be established.

Abstract: An infectious clone based on the genome of a wild-type RNA virus is produced by the process of providing a host cell not susceptible to infection by the wild-type RNA virus, providing a recombinant nucleic acid based on the genome of the wild-type RNA virus, transfecting the host cell with the recombinant nucleic acid and selecting for infectious clones. The recombinant nucleic acid comprises at least one full-length DNA copy or in vitro-transcribed RNA copy or a derivative of either. The infectious clones can be used in single or dual purpose vaccines and in viral vector vaccines.