Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides comprising: (i) a protein transduction domain consisting of ZEBRA or a fragment thereof that retains the capacity of internalization, (ii) at least one CD4+ epitope; and (iii) at least one CD8+ epitope. It also relates to antigen presenting cells loaded with said polypeptides, and the use thereof in immunotherapy including prevention and/or treatment of cancers or infectious diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.

Abstract: The present specification discloses SNAP-25 compositions, methods of making ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, methods of detecting BoNT/A activity, and methods of detecting neutralizing ?-BoNT/A antibodies.

Abstract: Peptide vaccines against cancer are described herein. In particular, epitope peptides derived from the TTK gene that elicit CTLs are provided. Antigen-presenting cells and isolated CTLs that target such peptides, as well as methods for inducing the antigen-presenting cell, or CTL are also provided. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredients peptides derived from TTK or polynucleotides encoding the peptides. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis (i.e., prevention) of cancers (tumors), and/or the prevention of postoperative recurrence thereof, as well as methods for inducing CTLs, methods for inducing anti-tumor immunity, using the peptides derived from TTK, polynucleotides encoding the peptides, or antigen-presenting cells presenting the peptides, or the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy chain and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody. In addition, the invention provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods and uses thereof. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies of the invention. Further, the invention provides a novel cancer-associated antigen and its uses thereof.

Abstract: Chimeric fHbps that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for different fHbp variant strains of N. meningitidis, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: Chimeric fHBPs that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for different fHBP variant strains of N. meningitidis, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 35, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include one of the above mentioned amino acid sequences with substitution, deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 45, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include the above mentioned amino acid sequence with substitution deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for diagnosing or treating cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) antigens are disclosed. The compositions include a multiple epitope fusion protein comprising more than one epitope of an immunogenic STEC protein from more than one STEC serotype. Additional compositions include at least two purified STEC proteins, wherein the STEC proteins are selected from a full-length STEC protein, an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof, wherein at least one of the STEC proteins generates antibodies that react with STEC O157 and at least one other STEC serotype.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) promoter operatively associated with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12. The invention also provides a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) promoter operatively associated with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12, wherein the NFAT promoter is located 3? of the nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12. Also provided are related recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides the use of the inventive nucleic acids or related materials in the treatment or prevention of cancer or an infectious disease in a mammal and in the induction of IL-12 expression in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel adenovirus strains with an improved sero-prevalence. In one aspect, the present invention relates to isolated polypeptides of adenoviral capsid proteins such as hexon, penton and fiber protein and fragments thereof and polynucleotides encoding the same. Also provided is a vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide according to the invention and adenoviruses comprising the isolated polynucleotides or polypeptides according to the invention and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said vector, adenovirus, polypeptide and/or polynucleotide. The invention also relates to the use of the isolated polynucleotides, the isolated polypeptides, the vector, the adenoviruses and/or the pharmaceutical composition for the therapy or prophylaxis of a disease.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and processes for the production of proteins, particularly glycoproteins, by animal cell or mammalian cell culture, preferably, but not limited to, fed-batch cell cultures. In one aspect, the methods comprise at least two temperature shifts performed during the culturing period, in which the temperature is lower at the end of the culturing period than at the time of initial cell culture. Throughout their duration, the culturing processes of the invention involving two or more downward shifts in temperature sustain a high viability of the cultured cells, and can yield an increased end titer of protein product, and a high quality of protein product, as determined, e.g., by sialic acid content of the produced protein. In another aspect, the methods comprise the delayed addition of polyanionic compound during the culturing period.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel Plasmodium falciparum antigens and novel polynucleotides encoding these antigens. Also provided by the subject invention are methods of using these antigens and polynucleotides.

Abstract: Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing bladder cancer (BLC) are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a BLC-associated gene that discriminates between BLC cells and normal cells. The present invention further provides means for predicting and preventing bladder cancer metastasis using BLC-associated genes having unique altered expression patterns in bladder cancer cells with lymph-node metastasis. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of bladder cancer, methods of treating bladder cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against bladder cancer. In particular, the present application provides novel human genes C2093, B5860Ns and C6055s whose expression is markedly elevated in bladder cancers.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of one or more strains of Chikungunya virus, as well as other alphavirus-mediated diseases.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a modified polypeptide comprising three contiguous segments N, L and C represented by the formula N?L?C and comprising: a N-helix region of gp41 (N), a C-helix region of gp41 (C), and a connecting loop comprising a synthetic linker (L) between the N and C-helices, the linker replacing amino acids 593-617 of gp41, the numbering scheme being based upon the prototypic isolate HIV-1 HxB2 Clade B strain, said polypeptide comprising the calveolin-1 neutral izing and 98.6 D epitopes, but not 2F5 and 4E10 epitopes, not the fusion peptide, the polypeptide having a minimal immunogenic cross-reactivity with human interleukin 2 (IL2).

Abstract: The invention relates to CT polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules that encode them. The invention further relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and fragments thereof in methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases, such as cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to the discovery of a novel cancer/testis (CT) antigens CT1.1 (CTSP-5), CT1.11 (CTSP-6), CT1.19 (CTSP-7), CT1.26 (CTSP-8), and CT1.29 (CTSP-9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences that are characteristic of tumor tissues such as ovarian tumor and lung tumor tissues and which represent targets for therapy or diagnosis of tumor diseases in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom that are capable of inducing immune responses to a human immunodeficiency virus. Compositions and methods for utilizing polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Pol, Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Pol, Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.

Abstract: An immunogenic fusion protein includes at least, on the C-terminal side, a first peptide composed of the S protein deleted of the transmembrane domain thereof located at the N-terminal end thereof, of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolate, and on the N-terminal side, a second peptide composed of the transmembrane domain and of the ectodomain of at least one envelope protein of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. A hybrid nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein, and a vector including the hybrid nucleic acid molecule, a subviral particle including the fusion protein, an immunogenic composition including at least the fusion protein, or at least the hybrid nucleic acid molecule, or at least the subviral particle, and a cell line for the production of the fusion protein, or of the hybrid nucleic acid molecule, or of the subviral particle are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening an inhibitory agent of HBV proliferation by measuring the interaction (binding strength) between capsid protein and surface protein, necessary for the proliferation of HBV, by using cellular imaging, more precisely a method for measuring changes on cellular imaging caused by the interaction between a fusion protein containing PreS domain of HBV surface protein and PH (Pleckstrin homology) domain sequence and a fusion protein containing capsid protein and fluorescence protein (GFP) interacting with the said fusion protein. The method of the present invention detecting the interaction between proteins necessary for HBV proliferation at cellular level can be effectively used for the screening of a novel inhibitory agent of HBV proliferation at cellular level.

Abstract: Streptococcus proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an antithrombin III composition comprising an antithrombin III molecule having complex type N-glycoside-linked sugar chains, wherein the complex type N-glycoside-linked sugar chains have a structure in which fucose is not bound to N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end in the sugar chains.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to secreted and transmembrane polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation of angiogenesis. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small organic molecules, antibodies, peptides, cyclic peptides, nucleic acids, antisense nucleic acids, RNAi, and ribozymes, that modulate angiogenesis; as well as to the use of expression profiles and compositions in diagnosis and therapy of angiogenesis and cancer.

Abstract: Isolated HXHV virus having the following characteristics: (i) a DNA genome which is at least partially single-stranded, (ii) the said genome comprises one reading frame (ORF) encoding one protein or one polyprotein (iii) the said genome comprises a nucleotide sequence which exhibits, for any segment of at least 40 nucleotides belonging to the said sequence, at least 90% homology with SEQ ID NO: 1 or with its complementary sequence, nucleic material and peptide material and uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, vaccines comprising said polypeptides; therapeutic antibodies directed to said polypeptides and methods to manufacture said polypeptides, vaccines and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising a Group I allergen and a Group II allergen from the genus Dermatophagoides, isolated nucleic acid coding for them and their use for the manufacture of a medicament to prevent or treat a mite allergic reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of proteolytically converting a precursor protein (e.g. tau) to a product fragment (e.g., a 12 kd fragment) in a stable cell line, wherein the precursor protein is associated with a disease state in which the precursor protein aggregates pathologically (e.g. a tauopathy), and the methods comprise: (a) providing a stable cell line transfected with nucleic acid encoding: (i) a template fragment of the precursor protein such that the template fragment is constitutively expressed in the cell at a level which is not toxic to the cell; and (ii) the precursor protein, which protein is inducibly expressed in the cell in response to a stimulus, whereby interaction of the template fragment with the precursor protein causes a conformational change in the precursor protein such as to cause aggregation and proteolytic processing of the precursor protein to the product fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression vectors containing in vivo urea cycle enzyme gene; transformants thereof; and the use of transformants for protein overexpression. During the overexpression of protein, if the animal cell transformed with expression vectors of the present invention is used, amounts of ammonia accumulation within cell culture medium will decrease and cell growth rate will increase, thus, it is advantageous to be capable of obtaining desired protein in high yields.

Abstract: Recombinant Human Mannan-Binding Proteins (rhMBP) having physiological activities which are substantially identical to those offered by Human Mannan-Binding Proteins (hMBP), as well as, in particular, a production system for homogenously producing rhMBP having the specific peaks at the molecular weight of 1,000˜1,300 kDa determined by absorbance (280 nm) in Gel-Filtration Chromatography are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a recombinant vector encoding and expressing at least three or more costimulatory molecules. The recombinant vector may additionally contain a gene encoding one or more target antigens or immunological epitope thereof. The synergistic effect of them costimulatory molecules on the enhanced activation of T cells is demonstrated. The degree of T-cell activation using recombinant vectors containing genes encoding three costimulatory molecules was far greater than the sum of recombinant vector constructs containing one costimulatory molecule and greater that the use of two costimulatory molecules. Results employing the triple costimulatory vectors were most dramatic under conditions of either low levels of first signal or low stimulator to T-cell ratios. This phenomenon was observed with both isolated CD4+and CD8+T cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant C. fetus strain in which one or more sapA homologs are altered by an inserted DNA cassette so that the encoded S-layer proteins represent a chimera between the native S-layer proteins and a heterologous peptide encoded by the inserted cassette. Preferably, the heterologous peptide is an immunogen of a pathogen and the mutant strain can be used to immunize a host to develop mucosal and systemic immune responses to such immunogen.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a multiple drug resistance protein of Aspergillus nidulans. Vectors and transformed host cells comprising the multiple drug resistance-encoding DNA of Aspergillus nidulans atrD are also provided. The invention further provides assays which utilize these transformed host cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated Staphylococcal GTPase obg gene and a Staphylococcal GTP-binding protein encoded thereby. A recombinant expression vector and an engineered host cell are also provided that include a polynucleotide encoding a Staphylococcal GTP-binding protein. The present invention further relates to a method of producing Staphylococcal GTP-binding protein and a method for high throughput screening to identify potential antimicrobial compounds useful against Staphylococcal bacterial strains.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherin the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs and to monitor the course of viral diseases.

Abstract: A recombinant lentiviral vector expression system comprises a first vector that comprises a nucleic acid sequence of at least part of the Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) genome. The vector contains at least one defect in at least one gene encoding an EIAV structural protein, but is preferably a gag/pol expression vector. The expression system further comprises a second vector, also comprising a nucleic acid sequence of at least part of the Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) genome, and additionally containing a multiple cloning site wherein a heterologous gene may be inserted. The expression system also comprises a third vector which expresses a viral envelope protein. The first and third vectors are packaging signal-defective. When the expression system is transfected into a lentivirus-permissive cell, replication-defective EIAV particles may be produced, which particles are useful in delivering heterologous genes to a broad range of both dividing and non-dividing cells.

Abstract: A new synapsin protein, designated synapsin III, its amino acid sequence, and its human gene have been isolated and characterized. Furthermore, isoforms of synapsin III, e.g., synapsin IIIa, IIIb and IIIc, and have isolated and characterized, and cDNA encoding these isoforms has also been isolated and characterized. The synapsin III gene is located on human chromosome 22, in the vicinity of a region previously identified as a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. The information and experimental tools provided by this discovery can be used to generate new therapeutic agents or diagnostic assays for this new protein, its associated mRNA or its associated genomic DNA. Due to its role in neurotransmission and synaptogenesis, isoforms of synapsin III are associated with the symptoms of psychiatric diseases, especially schizophrenia.

Abstract: A new synapsin protein, designated synapsin III, its amino acid sequence, and its human gene have been isolated and characterized. Furthermore, isoforms of synapsin III, e.g., synapsin IIIa, IIIb and IIIc, and have isolated and characterized, and cDNA encoding these isoforms has also been isolated and characterized. The synapsin III gene is located on human chromosome 22, in the vicinity of a region previously identified as a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. The information and experimental tools provided by this discovery can be used to generate new therapeutic agents or diagnostic assays for this new protein, its associated mRNA or its associated genomic DNA. Due to its role in neurotransmission and synaptogenesis, isoforms of synapsin III are associated with the symptoms of psychiatric diseases, especially schizophrenia.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing the characters on surfaces where alphanumeric identification code (“ID” for short) may be present such as a license plate. The present system is particularly adapted for situations where visual distortions can occur, and utilizes a highly robust method for recognizing the characters of an ID. Multiple character recovery schemes are applied to account for a variety of conditions to ensure high accuracy in identifying the ID. Accuracy is greatly enhanced by taking a comprehensive approach where multiple criteria are taken into consideration before any conclusions are drawn. Special considerations are given to recognizing the ID as a whole and not just the individual characters.

Abstract: This invention involves a mouse cardiac cell line (HL-1) derived from a transplantable mouse cardiomyocyte lineage (AT-1) which can be serially passaged in culture greater than two hundres times and retain the characteristics of adult atrial cardiac muscle cells. This invention also relates to a cell culture system which can be used as an in vitro model of cardiac muscle cells to screen and test cardiac drugs. This invention also relates to the use of this mouse cardiac cell line to produce factors in cardiac cells.

Abstract: The invention provides MurC polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding MurC polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing MurC polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA molecules comprising a sequence encoding a pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein selected from the group consisting of gI, gp50, and gp63, host cells transformed by said recombinant DNA molecule sequences, the gI, gp50 and gp63 polypeptides. The present invention also provides subunit vaccines for PRV, methods for protecting animals against PRV infection and methods for distinguishing between infected and vaccinated animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA molecules comprising a sequence encoding a pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein selected from the group consisting of gI, gp50, and gp63, host cells transformed by said recombinant DNA molecule sequences, the gI, gp50 and gp63 polypeptides. The present invention also provides subunit vaccines for PRV, methods for protecting animals against PRV infection and methods for distinguishing between infected and vaccinated animals.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which recognizes lipopolysaccharide binding site of macrophage cell surface receptor CD14 and has binding activity to monocyte or macrophage cells. The monoclonal antibody suppresses the production of an inflammatory mediator such as TNF, IL-6 or NO at early stages by recognizing CD14, and competitively inhibiting its binding with LPS. Therefore, it is useful for pathology analysis and the treatment of sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to nucleic acids containing at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a recombinant polypeptide, which recombinant polypeptide contains at least partially the primary sequence of the invariant chain and at least one primary sequence from a specific T-cell epitope and is processed in a desired manner in antigen-presenting cells for binding the specific T-cell epitope to MHC II molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a multiple drug resistance protein of Aspergillus nidulans. Vectors and transformed host cells comprising the multiple drug resistance-encoding DNA of Aspergillus nidulans atrD are also provided. The invention further provides assays which utilize these transformed host cells.