Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human antimicrobial peptide which is a member of the defensin superfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human antimicrobial peptide. Antimicrobial peptide are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting disorders related to the immune system and therapeutic methods for such disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immortalized human cardiomyocyte cell line. The present invention further provides a method for preparing a human immortalized cell line derived from a post-mitotic primary cell culture.

Abstract: This invention provides: a heteromyeloma, other than B6B11, capable of producing a trioma when fused with a human lymphoid cell, wherein the trioma is capable of producing a monoclonal antibody-secreting tetroma when fused with a second, antibody-secreting human lymphoid cell; a trioma fusion partner which does not produce antibody, obtained by fusing a heteromyeloma which does not produce antibody with a human lymphoid cell; a monoclonal antibody-secreting tetroma, obtained by fusing a trioma which does not produce antibody with an antibody-secreting human lymphoid cell; a method of producing a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes an antigen associated with a condition; a method of identifying an antigen associated with a condition using the trioma fusion partner; a method of diagnosing a condition using the trioma fusion partner; a method for preventing a condition; and compositions and therapeutic compositions comprising monoclonal antibodies produced using the trioma fusion partner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel TRAF-Protein-Binding-Domain polypeptides (TPBDs). The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding TPBDs, vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules and host cells containing the vectors. The invention also provides antibodies that can specifically bind to invention TPBDs. Such TPBDs and/or anti-TPBD antibodies are useful for discovery of drugs that suppress autoimmunity, inflammation, allergy, allograph rejection, sepsis, and other diseases.

Abstract: An antibody or a functional fragment thereof, acting agonistically or antagonistically on CD40.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies which bind specifically to Fc alpha receptor (CD89), including monoclonal antibodies which react specifically to Fc receptor for IgA of human effector cells are disclosed. The binding agents, e.g., antibodies are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against a target cell (e.g. a cancer cell, an infectious agent, etc.). For this purpose, bifunctional antibodies or heteroantibodies can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc-alpha receptor antibody and the binding region of a target-specific antibody. Targeted effector cells can specifically lyse target cells.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-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 present invention relates to 87 novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: A method is described for treating biological cells and/or their cell components with electrical fields in a reaction medium, in which an inhibitor is added to the reaction medium to counteract the action of enzymes that break down protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically altered hybridomas, myelomas and B cells. The invention also relates to utilizing genetically altered hybridomas, myelomas and B cells in methods of making monoclonal antibodies. The present invention also provides populations of hybridomas and B cells that can be utilized to make a monoclonal antibody of interest.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a culturable cell with no nucleus, showing mitochondrial activity, comprising: performing cell fusion between a nucleus-less cell having mitochondrial DNA and a mitochondrial DNA-less cultured cell derived from a cancer cell; culturing resulting cybrid cells; and recovering floating cells from obtained cultured cells, and a cell obtained by the method.

Abstract: A?N3pE-42 is a ? amyloid protein that accumulates specifically as a major constituent of senile plaque in the brains of both sporadic and familial Alzheimer's disease patients. The invention provides antibodies that specifically recognize A?N3pE-42 and can be expected to have a strong ? amyloid-removing action. Particularly, humanized antibodies against A?N3pE-42 are useful to treat human neurodegenerative diseases. Further, since A?N3pE-42 is localized in the brain, the antibodies of the invention can avoid side effects such as kidney disorders caused by the formation of antigen-antibody complex in the blood. An agent for gene therapy using a vector in which a cDNA encoding a protein comprises the antigen-binding region of the antibody can be an efficient therapeutic drug for removing ? amyloid from the brain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of vertebrate Delta genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. In a specific embodiment, the vertebrate Delta protein is a human protein. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of Delta which comprise one or more domains of the Delta protein, including but not limited to the intracellular domain, extracellular domain, DSL domain, domain amino-terminal to the DSL domain, transmembrane region, or one or more EGF-like repeats of a Delta protein, or any combination of the foregoing. Antibodies to Delta, its derivatives and analogs, are additionally provided. Methods of production of the Delta proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means, are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, among other things, molecular markers for categorizing the neoplastic state of a patient, methods for using the molecular markers in diagnostic tests, nucleic acid and amino acid sequences related to the molecular markers, reagents for detection of molecular markers, and methods for identifying candidate molecular markers in highly parallel gene expression data.

Abstract: The invention relates to hESF I, II and III polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: A hybridoma is selected that produces a monoclonal antibody exhibiting high reactivity to soluble hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (soluble HAI-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: It is an object to utilize a novel HSCA-3 antigen occurring in immature hemopoietic stem cells and a monoclonal antibody recognizing said antigen in 1) the immunoassay or flow cytometry involving antibody labeling and 2) the isolation and purification of immature hemopoietic stem cells from human bone marrow cells, umbilical code blood or blood enriched in human hemopoietic stem cells by mobilization with G-CSF. It is directed to a novel HSCA-3 antigen occurring in immature hemopoietic stem cells and to a monoclonal antibody or an immunoreactive fragment thereof which recognizes said antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antigen-presenting cell(APC)/tumor cell conjugate, wherein the antigen-presenting cell (APC) is modified by a cytokine gene selected from the group consisting of IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IFN?, IFN?, IFN?, TNF, TGF, GM-CSE, and the combination thereof. The conjugate is useful as a tumor vaccine to significantly induce an immunity specifically against the tumor cell The present invention also provides the method for preparing the conjugate and a pharmaceutical composition containing said conjugate.

Abstract: A gene encoding a novel membrane protein polypeptide having pre-B cell growth-supporting ability and a membrane protein polypeptide consisting of 180 amino acid residues having pre-B cell growth-supporting ability. This gene encodes the membrane protein having pre-B cell growth-supporting ability. A method for producing a membrane protein having pre-B cell growth-supporting ability by transforming a host cell with a vector containing a gene encoding it and culturing the resulting transformants. A monoclonal antibody recognizing this membrane protein. The homogeneous and purified novel membrane protein pelypeptide can be produced in large quantities and used to produce monoclonal antibodies useful for identifying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and for the preparation of reagents for the clinical diagnosis thereof.

Abstract: A human EMAP III 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 preventing and/or treating neoplasia. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antibody which recognizes an active hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA) and does not substantially recognize inactive HGFA is provided. Also disclosed is a monoclonal antibody thereof, and a hybridoma cell line for producing the monoclonal antibody. There is further provided a method for measuring active HGFA using the antibody, and a method for detecting a disease, by detecting or measuring active HGFA using the antibody.

Abstract: Detection of mutations associated with hereditary diseases is complicated by the diploid nature of mammalian cells. Mutations present in one allele are often masked by the wild-type sequence of the other allele. Individual alleles can be isolated from every chromosome within somatic cell hybrids generated from a single fusion. Nucleic acids from the hybrids can be analyzed for mutations in an unambiguous manner. This approach was used to detect two cancer-causing mutations that had previously defied genetic diagnosis. One of the families studied, Warthin Family G, was the first kindred with a hereditary colon cancer syndrome described in the biomedical literature.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies specific for HIV env, including monoclonal antibodies and related hybridomas. The antibodies block CD4/g120 binding and reduce reverse transcriptase activity in vitro.

Abstract: Methods of identifying inhibitors of the fusion of two types of cells, particularly when fusion is mediated by the interaction of a viral protein and such cellular proteins as CD4 and chemokine receptors, are disclosed. The methods are suitable for identifying substances that are useful for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. Particularly preferred methods are useful for the identification of inhibitors of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: A cell surface molecule that is expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes. This molecule is involved in signal transmission of the secondary signal (costimulatory signal) essential for the activation of lymphocytes such as T cells and regulates functions of activated lymphocytes such as activated T cells. Disclosed are an antibody or a portion thereof, which binds to a polypeptide of the cell surface molecule, a polypeptide fragment thereof, or a fusion polypeptide comprising the fragment; a cell secreting the antibody or its portion; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody; and methods of using the compositions for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or experimental purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ester-group-cleaving enzyme obtainable by culturing the microorganism Thermomonospora fusca in a suitable nutrient medium, optionally in the presence of an inducer.

Abstract: The invention teaches human-compatible monoclonal antibodies which are specific against human CD28 and human T-lymphocytes of several to all sub-groups to activate without occupancy of an antigen receptor of the human T-lymphocytes and thus antigen-non-specifically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humanized anti-B7-2 antibody that comprises a variable region of nonhuman origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also pertains to methods of treatment for various autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases by administering humanized anti-B7-2 and/or anti-B7-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to P. aeruginosa mucoid exopolysaccharide. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of P. aeruginosa infection and related disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis). Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing of multiple mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides.

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: The invention relates to humanized anti-B7-2 and anti-B7-1 antibodies, wherein each comprise a variable region of non-human origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also pertains to methods of treatment for various autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases by administering humanized anti-B7-2 and/or anti-B7-1 antibodies.

Abstract: A method of culturing a protein-producing cell, said method comprising co-culturing one transformed cell that can constitutively produce said protein with the parent cell of said transformed cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to hESF I, II and III polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: A rapid, simple-to-use method for preparing hybrid cells, applicable to fully differentiate, non-dividing cells, entails bringing at least two different cells into contact under conditions that promote cell fusion and then purifying the resultant hybrid without antibiotic or metabolic selection. This approach yields hybrid cells useful in a variety of applications, including clinical treatment regimens, as cellular modulators of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a LO-CD2a antibody and methods of using such antibodies or molecules that bind to the same epitope (or a portion thereof) to prevent and inhibit an immune response in human patients, preferably, where the immune response is mediated by the activation and proliferation of T cells or natural killer cells. The administration of an effective amount of the LO-CD2a antibody to a human patient will prevent or inhibit graft rejection, graft versus host disease or autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind senescent cell derived inhibitor protein (SDI-1), cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies, and the use of such antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making immune compatible tissues and cells for the purpose of transplantation and tissue engineering, using the techniques of nuclear transfer and cloning. Also encompassed are methods for determining the effect on immune compatibility of expressed transgenes and other genetic manipulations of the engineered cells and tissues.

Abstract: Immunization of human antibody-producing transgenic mice, which have been created using genetic engineering techniques, with AILIM molecule as an antigen resulted in various human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to AILIM and capable of controlling a variety of biological reactions (for example, cell proliferation, cytokine production, immune cytolysis, cell death, induction of ADCC, etc.) associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal (secondary signal) transduction. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the human monoclonal antibody is effective to treat and prevent various diseases associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal transduction, being capable of inhibiting the onset and/or advancement of the diseases.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for producing mammalian therapeutics free from prion contamination and cells for use in such methods. Such therapeutics are produced in somatic cells having a genome with an artificially altered PrP gene. The PrP gene in these cells may be ablated, or replaced by an exogenous inducible form of the PrP gene. The endogenous gene in the host cells may be disrupted, or disrupted and replaced by an exogenous PrP gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to modulate immune responses using antigen presenting human mesenchymal stem cells to induce specific T cell anergy. The present invention also provides a method to modulate immune responses using human mesenchymal stem cells as a platform to express molecules which will induce T cell anergy.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, which has reactivity with human von Willebrand factor, which has action to inhibit RIPA (ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation), BIPA (botrocetin-induced platelet aggregation), and SIPA (shear stress-induced platelet aggregation) of human platelet, and which does not express bleeding action in an medicinally effective dose to exhibit antithrombotic action, is used as an active ingredient of an antithrombotic agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of isolating CD8+ cells which employs an antibody which specifically binds to CD8 molecules present on the surface of CD8+ cells but does not activate the CD8+ cells once bound. This invention also provides related hybridoma cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, antigenic polypeptides, isolated CD8+ cells, and kits.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which interfere with the interactions between FDCs and B cells, thereby suppressing the proliferation and/or differentiation of B cells in lymphoid follicles. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are useful for treating follicular lymphomas, multiple myeloma as well as autoimmune diseases.

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

Abstract: A method for detecting broad spectrum of murine leukemia viruses belonging to any or all of the ecotropic, xenotropic, polytropic and amphotropic groups, has been described. The method utilizes a monoclonal antibody designated 83A25 which identifies almost all classes or groups of the murine leukemia virus with only a few exceptions.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to a 40 kDa protein which is expressed on tumors, but is not expressed on normal adult hemopoietic cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for production and the use of such antibodies.

Abstract: The structure and specificity of a recombinant &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase from Campylobacter spp., is disclosed. Also provided are methods for using the &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase in the production of desired carbohydrate structures and nucleic acids that encode the sialyltransferase.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of producing a multimeric protein from a hybrid cell formed from the fusion of two or more cells, each of which cell is engineered to express one component of the multimeric protein, as well as a method for screening for successful fusion of the cells to produce a desired hybrid cell. The methods of the invention are widely applicable to the production of proteins having two or more components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of directing a cellular response in a mammal by expressing in a cell of the mammal a chimeric receptor which causes the cells to specifically recognize and destroy an infective agent, a cell infected with an infective agent, a tumor or cancerous cell, or an autoimmune-generated cell. Also disclosed are cells which express the chimeric receptors and DNA encoding the chimeric receptors.