Abstract: C-terminal endostatin polypeptides are disclosed herein. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide, host cells transformed with the polynucleotides, and methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed. Uses of these polypeptide, polynucleotides and expression vectors include the treatment of fibrosis in a subject. Thus, methods are provided for treating fibrosis, including fibrosis of the skin and/or the lung.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel enhancer of protein production in host cells. It discloses a vector for expressing recombinant proteins in these cells, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a) a secretion peptidic signal, b) a 6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase enzyme (MGMT, EC 2.1.1.63), a mutant or a catalytic domain thereof, and c) a recombinant protein. Said MGMT enzyme is preferably the so-called SNAP protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Pre-Ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD) polypeptides which inhibit multimerization of a receptor complex comprising an IL-17R family member. Related PLAD-binding polypeptides, chimeric proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, and methods are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a series of eukaryotic expression vectors utilizing the reduction of transcription read-through events to create stable and high-yield cell lines for recombinant protein expression. The vectors comprise more than one polyadenylation signal or one or more polyadenylation signals plus other DNA fragment which is known to enhance transcription termination to control the expression level of selection marker, with the configuration to transcribe the minimal level of full-length bicistronic mRNA to express the selection marker, which can be used to create stable cell lines at high expression levels, without the need for drug selection or drug mediated gene amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid fragments and constructs comprising genomic nucleotide sequences from the promoter region of a 60S ribosomal protein L32 gene (RPL32), for the production of a gene product of interest in a eukaryotic, preferably mammalian, host cell in the presence of a stringent selectable marker. The invention further relates to host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs, to methods for generating the host cells and to methods for producing a gene product of interest using the host cells.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated paramyxovirus, a morbillivirus (FmoPV), isolated nucleic acids encoding the genome of FmoPV, isolated amino acid sequences of FmoPV proteins, antibodies to FmoPV and its proteins, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified FmoPV is a feline morbillivirus. Also described herein is a recombinant FmoPV comprising a modified FmoPV gene or gene segments and the use of such a virus. The recombinant FmoPV may be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to FmoPV or as a delivery vector. Also described herein is a diagnostic assay for the FmoPV. In certain embodiments, the FmoPV causes kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is in felines. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is tubulointerstitial nephritis (“TIN”). Also described herein is a quantitative assay for the detection of the FmoPV, natural or artificial variants, analogs, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant biologically contained influenza virus that is a PB2 knockout virus, e.g., one that is useful to generate a multivalent vaccine, and methods of making and using that virus.

Abstract: Novel collectin related molecules i.e., a novel collectin gene comprising a nucleotide sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 1, and a novel collectin comprising an amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, which are expected to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral activity or the like especially in human body, and methods in which these molecules are used are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides comprising portions of the influenza virus hemagglutinin, compositions comprising such polypeptides that can be used as immunogens in vaccines and methods of their use to generate an immune response against multiple influenza subtypes in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to potato virus NIa protease variants or fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.

Abstract: Described are parvovirus variants derived, e.g., from H-1PV, showing higher anti-tumor potential compared to the wild type parvovirus, wherein said variant is characterized by (a) an amino acid substitution, alteration or addition, preferably substitution at position Lys96 of NS-2 and/or position Leu103 of NS-2 (together with a amino acid substituion at position Tyr595 of NS-1 in the latter case), or (b) an in-frame deletion in the parvovirus genome, preferably a deletion resulting in a large amino acid deletion in both the central part (aa 96-133) of NS-2 and the C-terminal part (aa 587-624) of NS-1. The present invention also relates to the use of said parvovirus variants for cancer therapy.

Abstract: Provided are polynucleotides and proteins encoded by them which are useful for stimulating an immune response against Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in swine. The compositions can contain a newly discovered PRRSV strain or recombinant versions of it or polynucleotides isolated or derived from it, which can be provided as pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating a glutamine synthetase (GS) gene, using fusion proteins comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding said fusion proteins are also provided, as are cells comprising said polynucleotides and fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid fragments and constructs comprising genomic nucleotide sequences, which are present upstream of Rb1 and p15C that are associated with intergenic transcription, for the production of a gene product of interest in a eukaryotic, preferably mammalian, host cell in the presence of a stringent selectable marker. The invention further relates to host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs, to methods for generating the host cells and to methods for producing a gene product of interest using the host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated DNA sequences having protein production increasing activity and more specifically to the use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) for increasing protein production activity in a eukaryotic cell. Also disclosed is a method for the identification of said active regions, in particular MAR nucleotide sequences, and the use of these characterized active MAR sequences in a new multiple transfection method.

Abstract: Provided herein are influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, nucleic acids encoding the variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, and host cells genetically modified with the nucleic acids. The variant Csy4 endoribonucleases find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting a specific sequence in a target polyribonucleotide; and methods of regulating production of a target RNA in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Described is an epitope tag useful in affinity-based applications. The invention further includes fusion proteins, methods for preparing fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins and recombinant host cells that contain these nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to nanobodies and other affinity ligands specifically recognizing the epitope tag, and uses thereof in affinity-based applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to truncated growth factors and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the truncated growth factors.

Abstract: A soluble multimeric protein or polypeptide is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more linked Fc binding regions, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor and, particularly, Fc?RIIa. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein or polypeptide and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chimeric receptors and methods of screening using the chimeric receptors. The chimeric receptors comprise an extracellular domain of a tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) receptor and an intracellular domain with kinase activity stemming from a receptor tyrosine kinase. According to an embodiment, the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length TNFRSF receptor. The present invention provides means for screening and testing of modulators of TNFRSF receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated viruses for use as vaccines and for the treatment and/or prevention of viral diseases and/or infections.

Abstract: Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the function of SGLT5 as a sodium dependent co-transporter of mannose and/or fructose. The invention provides nucleic acids and host cells for inducible expression of SGLT5. Based on an inducible expression system the invention provides methods, assays and test kits for the identification of compounds interacting with SGLT5, especially with human SGLT5.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, powdered nutritive medium, supplement, subgroup formulations, cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors for in vitro cell cultivation, buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent are provided. Particularly, methods of production of these media, supplement, subgroup, buffer formulations and kits, and methods for the cultivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using these dry powdered nutritive media, supplement, subgroup and buffer formulations are provided. Methods of producing sterile, powdered media or supplement (e.g., powdered FBS, powdered transferrin, powdered insulin, powdered organ extracts, powdered growth factors), media subgroup and buffer formulations by gamma irradiation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of attenuated live viruses useful as vaccine or medicament for preventing or treating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in swine, and is based on the surprising finding of a PRRS virus which is able to induce the interferon type I response of a cell infected by said virus. In one embodiment, the PRRS virus according to the invention is a PRRS virus mutant comprising, in comparison with the genome of a wild type strain, a mutation in the gene encoding the non structural protein 1 (nsp1) of said virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods to promote sialylation of glycoconjugates, including recombinant glycoproteins, in glycoconjugate production systems. The invention relates to methods to promote efficient glycoconjugate sialylation in recombinant expression systems, by providing simpler and more economical ways to produce large intracellular pools of sialic acid precursors. The invention is directed to nucleic acids, vectors, and cells harboring vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of sialic acid precursors, and cells harboring these nucleic acids in combination with nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferases, to facilitate the production of humanized recombinant glycoproteins in bacterial, fungal, plant, and animal cell expression systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a replication-deficient pseudoinfective virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that lack the capsid gene, where the replication-deficient pseudoinfective virus propagates only in cells expressing the capsid or capsid, prM and envelope protein of the flavivirus. The present also discloses the method of producing such viruses on a large scale and the use of these pseudoinfective viruses as vaccines for preventing diseases caused by infections of humans or animals by the viruses belonging to this family.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mammalian alpha-kinase proteins: melanoma alpha-kinase (MK), heart alpha-kinase (HK), kidney alpha-kinase (KK), skeletal muscle alpha-kinase (SK), and lymphocyte alpha-kinase (LK). In particular, a novel kinase type is herein provided, characterized by the presence of an alpha-kinase catalytic domain and an ion channel domain. Isolated nucleic acids of the alpha-kinases MK, HK, KK, SK and LK are provided. Methods for making the novel alpha-kinases, cells that express the alpha-kinases and methods for treating an animal in need of either increased or decreased activity of the alpha-kinases are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials by which glycosylation of glycoproteins can be regulated. Methods include the monitoring and regulation of parameters such that a glycoprotein having a desired product quality is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to multi-specific Fab fusion proteins (MSFP) which comprise an antibody Fab fragment with both N-termini fused to a fusion moiety (fusion moiety A or B). MSFP containing the Fab fragment exhibit significantly reduced binding ability of the Fab fragment to the Fab target. Binding of the Fab to its target is restored when the MSFP is clustered on a cell surface by binding of the fusion moieties to their target. The reduced binding of the Fab to its target, especially when presented on a cell surface in its native state, absent fusion moiety binding provides advantages such as: reduced side effects and allows desirable pharmacological effects of selectivity and specificity in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a previously unrecognized clade of HCV genotypes as well as to diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic applications of nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies to said protein, derived of or based on the newly characterized hepatitis C viruses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-binding polypeptides and methods for using these polypeptides to inhibit biological activities mediated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). The present disclosure also provides various improvements relating to single domain binding polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activity and the MSP/Ron pathway, in particular by regulating pro-MSP activation by hepsin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: IL4/IL13-binding proteins comprise binding domains, which inhibit IL4/IL13 binding to IL4Ralpaha and common gamma chain complexes (Type 1) and inhibit IL4 binding to IL4Ralpha and IL13Ralpha1 complexes (Type 2), and IL13 binding to IL13Ralpha1 and/or IL13Ralpha2, are useful in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, and other pathological conditions, such as allergic or fibrotic conditions, especially pulmonary conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV polypeptides. Uses of the polypeptides in applications including immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV polypeptides are also described. Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV polypeptides are described, as are uses of these polynucleotides and polypeptide products therefrom, including formulations of immunogenic compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new isolate of Neospora caninum and to the extracts which may be produced therefrom. Said isolate presents a high degree of attenuation, which makes it suitable for the development of vaccines against neosporosis, and of diagnostic tests to detect infection by Neospora caninum in animals. It also describes pharmaceutical compositions wherein said isolate or extracts thereof are used for the prevention and treatment of the infections caused by Neospora caninum in animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of host cell transduction utilising ecotropic retroviral vector particles. The retroviral vector particle may comprise an envelope of Friend murine leukaemia virus, in particular the envelope encoded by molecular clone PVC-211 and the host cell may be engineered to recombinantly express the Reel receptor. The retroviral vector particles and methods of the invention can be used to introduce expressible polynucleotide sequences of interest into host cells with high efficiency. This results in protein production methods with higher yield (mg/L) and a reduction in manufacturing costs that could be used in a range of applications including for example, the production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeted killing of a cell utilizing a chimeric polypeptide comprising a cell-specific targeting moiety and a signal transduction pathway factor. In a preferred embodiment, the signal transduction pathway factor is an apoptosis-inducing factor, such as granzyme B, granzyme A, or Bax.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the production of a recombinant protein in a mammalian cell and methods to enhance the production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells. More in particular, the invention provides a cell for the production of a recombinant protein of interest wherein said cell is permissive to a polyomavirus and wherein said cell comprises the genetic elements A and B wherein A encodes a polyomaviral large T antigen or a functional equivalent thereof and B comprises a gene encoding a protein of interest under the functional control of a polyomaviral origin of replication or a functional equivalent thereof, wherein said cell lacks the capability to express a polyomaviral small T antigen or a functional equivalent thereof as well as the capability to express a polyomavirus capsid protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic conjugates comprising an immunogenic region of human papilloma virus E7 protein and the fibronectin EDA region, as well to compositions comprising said conjugates and to dendritic cells obtained by stimulation with said conjugates and compositions. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of diseases caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) using said conjugates, compositions and dendritic cells.

Abstract: Methods useful for effecting prophylaxis or treatment of amyloidosis, including AA Amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, by administering peptides comprising neoepitopes, such as AA fragments from a C-terminal region of AA, and antibodies specific for neoepitopes of aggregated amyloid proteins, for example, antibodies specific for the C-terminal region of AA fibrils. Antibodies for inhibition of formation and/or increasing clearance of amyloid deposits in a patient thus effecting prophylaxis or treating amyloid disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties. It also relates to methods for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties using said cells and to molecules obtainable by said methods. The present invention further relates to molecules having an artificial glycosylation pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated rubella viral vector constructs that include a rubella non-structural protein open reading frame (ORF) with an in-frame deletion, a rubella structural protein ORF, and a heterologous antigenic insert. In one example, the in-frame deletion within the rubella non-structural protein ORF is an in-frame deletion between two NotI restriction enzyme sites. In some examples, the heterologous antigenic insert is positioned within the rubella non-structural protein ORF. In other examples, the heterologous antigenic insert is positioned within the rubella structural protein ORF. Exemplary antigenic inserts include a Gag antigenic insert, a gp41 antigenic insert or a gp120 antigenic insert. Also disclosed are uses of the isolated rubella viral vector, such as to induce an immune response to HIV-1, testing sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies, or screening antiviral drugs (such as protease inhibitors).