Abstract: The invention provides viable near-infrared fluorochrome labeled cells and in vivo imaging methods for tracking, locating or determining the quantity of the viable cells once they have been administered to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell culture system comprising a three-dimensional, biocompatible frame structure and biocompatible nanoparticles, a method for the cultivation of cells, and the preparation of cells or cell products and tissues per se by means of such a cell culture system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: The current invention is related to a method for the production of a human monoclonal antibody from a immunodeficient non-human animal, said method comprising contacting a new borne immunodeficient non-human animal with a human fetal liver stem cell (FL cell) to generate an immune transplanted non-human animal (reconstituted animal), subsequently contacting said reconstituted animal with a antigen, collecting from said reconstituted animal a human cell producing human antibody against said antigen, and isolating said antibody from said antibody producing cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mutagenesis of target genes that takes advantage of the natural mutagenic capabilities of B cells, and enhances those capabilities by bringing the process of diversification under control. The invention provides a method for rapidly and inducibly generating point mutations and other types of diversification in expressed genes, such as antibody genes. This method can be coupled with selection to identify B cell clones that produce, for example, antibodies of high affinity or specificity. The diversification process can be modulated, accelerated, halted, switched between methods of mutagenesis and the like. The modulation of diversification in accordance with the invention is both inducible and reversible. The invention provides a means of rapid and feasible development of a repertoire of variant immunoglobulins and other polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of enhancing recovery of function of injured tissue through administration of a composition comprising a relatively pure populations of B lymphocyte cells in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the injured tissue. Kits are provided to aid in purification of B cells from heterogeneous mixtures of cells and administration of B cells to injured tissue.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a cell culture system especially for investigating the sensitizing, allergenic and/or irritating effect of substances, comprising a first and a second compartment that can communicate with each other via a permeable interlayer, whereby the first compartment has an epidermis model and the second a cell culture based on immune cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing the proliferation of non-tumorigenic B cells. The methods involve administering PCDGF and optionally other B cells stimulators (e.g., IgM, LPS) to B cells resulting in an increase in B cell proliferation. The methods of the invention can be used, for example, to establish B cells lines, to sort B cells from a mixed population of cells, or to activate resting B cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide compositions which bind to cell surface epitopes and, in multivalent forms, cause or lead to the killing of cells including lymphoid tumor cells, and in the case of monovalent forms, cause immunosuppression or otherwise inhibit activation of lymphocytes. The invention further relates to nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, methods for the production of the polypeptides, methods for killing cells, methods for immunosuppressing a patient, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and multivalent compositions and kits comprising the polypeptides and uses of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a natural killer cell, NK-92, modified to express an Fc receptor on the surface of the cell, such as CD16 (Fc?RIII-A), or other Fc? or Fc receptors. The modified NK-92 cell can be further modified to concurrently express an associated accessory signaling protein, such as Fc?RI-?, TCR-?, or to concurrently express interleukin-2 (IL-2) or other cytokines. Additional methods are disclosed for various assays, assessments, and therapeutic treatments with the modified NK-92 cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for maintaining cell lines from primary cells, i.e., non-transformed cells, using expression of the signal transducer of activation and transcription (STAT). The methods are particularly suitable for maintenance of B-cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for cyclization of polymers such as peptides.

Abstract: A method of inoculating a culture medium including providing a droplet including a single cell type on a droplet actuator and inoculating a culture medium with the droplet. A method of providing a metabolically useful substance to a cell culture, including providing a droplet actuator including a cell culture droplet loaded thereon, the sample droplet including cells and a cell culture medium, and a second droplet comprising a metabolically useful substance. The method also includes conducting one or more droplet operations to combine the cell culture droplet with the second droplet on the droplet actuator. Related methods, droplet actuators, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Vectors capable of stably integrating a transgene in the genome of a non-dividing cell or of a slowly-dividing cell, said vector comprising or expressing at least one immortalization molecule and cells immortalized with said vectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the treatment of hematopoietic tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.

Abstract: Methods for modulating production of a T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated cytokine, in particular interleukin-4, by modulating the activity of a transcription factor, in particular the proto-oncoprotein c-Maf, that regulates expression of the Th2-associated cytokine gene are disclosed. Methods for modulating development of T helper type 1 (Th1) or T helper type 2 (Th2) subsets in a subject using agents that modulate transcription factor activity are also disclosed. The methods of the invention can further involve use of agents that modulate the activity of additional transcription factors that contribute to the regulation of Th1- or Th2-associated cytokines, such as a Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NF-AT) protein and/or an AP-1 family protein. Compositions for modulating Th2-associated cytokine production, recombinant expression vectors and host cells, as well as screening assays to identify agents that modulate c-Maf activity, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect novel fusion partner cells that ectopically express one or more genes that alter the phenotype of a hybrid cell made from a fusion of the fusion partner cell and a fusion cell, hybrid cell lines produced using the fusion partner cells. The invention in another aspect provides antibodies produced by certain hybrid cell lines, and compositions containing one or a combination of such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The invention also provides in another aspect methods of using the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof for diagnosis and treatment of diseases characterized by the antigens specifically bound by the antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for inducing differentiation of a B cell progenitor into a memory B cells and/or a plasma cell. The method includes contacting a population of cells including a mature B cell or a B cell progenitor with an effective amount of IL-21, and isolating memory B cells or plasma cells. In one embodiment, the B cell progenitor is an immature B cell. A method is also disclosed for enhancing an immune response. The method includes contacting a population of cells including a B cell progenitor with an effective amount of IL-21, and isolating memory B cells or plasma cells. The memory B cells and/or the plasma cell are then introduced into the subject to enhance the immune response. A method is also disclosed for treating a subject with a condition comprising a specific deficiency of at least one of memory B cells and plasma cells. A method is disclosed for identifying an agent with a physiological effect on one or more of a memory B cell and a plasma cell differentiation.

Abstract: Antibodies which are specific for human interleukin-4 and their use in the treatment of IL-4 and/or IgE mediated diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising recombinant expression vector elements (rEVEs) to enhance the level of expression of recombinant proteins are described. Other compositions and methods for lowering, substantially suppressing, or essentially silencing expression of a recombinant protein are also described.

Abstract: HCV variants are described. The variants include polynucleotides comprising non-naturally occurring HCV sequences and HCV variants that have a transfection efficiency and ability to survive subpassage greater than HCV that have wild-type polyprotein coding regions. Expression vectors comprising the above polynucleotides and HCV variants are also described, as are the provision of cells and host cells comprising the expression vectors. Methods for identifying a cell line that is permissive for infection with HCV are also provided, as are vaccines comprising the above polynucleotides in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Additionally, methods for inducing immunoprotection to HCV in a primate are described, as are methods for testing a compound for inhibiting HCV replication.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods useful in the preparation of immunostimulatory vaccines which include as one of their components, activated antigen presenting cells which are characterized by having an ability to stimulate a therapeutic T cells response in vivo.

Abstract: New applications for the use of distinguishable particulate labels available in a variety of hues and sized in the submicron range are described. These applications include profiling of cellular components, obtaining secretion patterns, identifying a multiplicity of components in chromatographic or electrophoretic techniques and identification of desired immunoglobulin secreting cells.

Abstract: There is provided a human myeloma cell tine for use in a method for producing a human monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the presence or amount of newly synthesized antibody in a sample in response to an immunogen by detecting the released antibodies or parts thereof in a sample containing lymphocytes which have been disrupted whereby to release the synthesized antibodies or parts thereof associated with said lymphocytes whereby to determine the presence or amount of newly synthesized antibody in said sample, methods of diagnosis using said method and kits for performing the method. The method may also be modified to allow detection of non-specific infection indicators.

Abstract: A B-lymphocyte classifying method includes the steps of (1) preparing a measurement sample by mixing a blood sample with a lysing reagent to lyse erythrocytes and to shrink the B-lymphocytes in the blood sample, (2) letting the measurement sample flow through a flow cell of a flow cytometer, (3) radiating a light beam onto a cell in the measurement sample that is flowing through the flow cell, (4) detecting at least two scattered light emitted from the irradiated cell, (5) specifying a region of a B-lymphocyte cluster in accordance with the detected scattered light, and (6) counting the number of B-lymphocytes in the specified region.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods relating to cell membrane fragments associated with microbeads, so that the characteristics of the cells the fragments originated from can be determined. The fragments can be oriented with what was the outer surface of the cell membrane facing outwardly, so that the antigens associated with the membrane can be contacted with ligands (including antibodies) to antigens in the membranes which would be accessible to antibodies in vivo. The system is useful, inter alia, for detection of panel reactive antibodies in donor serum, as well as detection of other cell membrane antigens; or quantitation of particular cell membrane antigens.

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: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: This invention provides non-naturally occurring and isolated naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins designated pro-Yama, p11 Yama and p20 Yama. This invention also provides recombinant polynucleotides coding for these proteins. Also provided by this invention is a non-naturally occurring nucleic acid molecule encoding mutant CrmA protein and a dominant inhibitory Yama. Vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules are further provided. Methods of modulating a cellular function regulated by the Fas receptor pathway in a cell is provided herein. In one aspect, this method comprises introducing into the cell a nucleic acid molecule coding for a gene product having CrmA biological activity such as dominant inhibitory Yama or alternatively, the CrmA gene product.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating viable cells from cell suspensions using hydrocyclones, which method can, especially, be carried out continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating cells using immunorosettes. The method involves contacting a sample containing nucleated cells and red blood cells with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the nucleated cells and the red blood cells to form. The antibody composition preferably contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the production of interferons in animal cell culture are described. These methods rely on the manipulation of the cellular levels of certain inducers of interferon production, in particular cellular levels of double-stranded-RNA-dependent kinase (dsRNA-PKR, or PKR). In cell cultures that overproduce PKR, interferon synthesis is induced to high levels, and significant amounts of interferon can be recovered without conventional induction of interferon by virus.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to antibodies that have binding specificity for an antigen that is expressed on a subset of human, hematopoietic mononuclear cells, including a hematopoietic stem cell population, but is not expressed on normal, mature myeloid cells. In one embodiment, a monoclonal antibody, MG1, is provided. This antibody is useful in methods of isolating cell suspensions from human blood and marrow that can be employed in bone marrow transplantation, genetic therapy, and in treating other diseases of the hematopoietic system. Cell suspensions containing MG1+ human hematopoietic cells are also provided, as well as therapeutic methods employing the cell suspensions. The subject invention also pertains to the novel antigen recognized by the subject antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides cells and methods of using the cells for the propagation of replication-deficient adenoviral vectors. The cells comprise at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence which upon expression produces at least one non-adenoviral gene product that complements in trans for a deficiency in at least one essential gene function of one or more regions of an adenoviral genome so as to propagate a replication-deficient adenoviral vector comprising an adenoviral genome deficient in the at least one essential gene function of the one or more regions when present in the cell.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a vector for the expression of immunoglobulin-cytokine fusion proteins in malignant B cells at least containing operably linked to each other (a) a region of at least 1.5 kb which is homologous to a region of the &mgr; intron or the &kgr; intron and which lacks a functional C&mgr; or C&kgr; enhancer or contains a non-functional C82 or C&kgr; enhancer; (b) at least one DNA sequence encoding a domain of an immunoglobulin or a part thereof; (c) a DNA sequence encoding a cytokine; and (d) a marker gene selectable in eukaryotic B cells and lacking a functional enhancer region wherein the expression of said marker following integration is controlled by the cellular C&mgr; or C&kgr; enhancer.

Abstract: The invention demonstrates that the transcription factor XBP-1 is a regulator of hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and T cell subset activity. Methods for identifying modulators of hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity, using XBP-1-containing indicator compositions or XBP-1-deficient cells, are provided. Methods of modulating hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity (e.g., Th2 cytokine production) using agents that modulate the activity of XBP-1 are also provided. Methods for diagnosing disorders associated with aberrant hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity, by assessing a change in XBP-1 expression, are also provided. XBP-1 deficient cells, animals and embryos, as well as kits for the methods of the invention, are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially pure population of viable pancreatic progenitor cells, and methods for isolating such cells. The present invention further concerns certain therapeutic uses for such progenitor cells, and their progeny.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mammalian cell line which when co-cultured with lymphocytes during which allogenic stimulation is avoided activates lymphocytes fo form tumoricidal cells, a process for the production of tumoricidal T lymphocytes by co-culturing lymphocytes with this cell line, the tumoricidal T lymphocytes obtained by means of this process and the use of the cells according to the present invention for the production of a therapeutic agent which can be used in tumour therapy.

Abstract: Serious hematologic malignancies are treated through high dose or lethal chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy conditioning regimens followed by rescue with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) or autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). These myeloablative/lymphoablative (M/L) treatment regimens involve the elimination of both the patient's hematopoietic stem cells and T-lymphocytes, often leading to serious complications including graft versus host disease (GVHD). The claimed invention addresses some of these problems by providing a conditioning regimen that is designed to eliminate the patient's T-lymphocytes while retaining a functional population of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). This non-myeloablative/lymphoablative (-/L) conditioning regimen involves the administration of one or more agents such as purine analogs (e.g., fludarabine), alkylating agents (e.g., bisulfan, cyclophosphamide), or anti-leukocyte globulins (e.g., anti-T lymphocyte globulin).

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated DNA molecule which is at least 30 nucleotides in length and which uniquely defines a herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. This invention provides an isolated herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. This invention provides an isolated peptide encoded by the isolated DNA molecule. Further, this invention provides an isolated DNA virus wherein the viral DNA is about 270 kb in size; wherein the DNA encodes a thymidine kinase; and wherein the viral DNA is capable of selectively hybridizing to a nucleic acid probe selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID NOs:10-12. This invention provides an antibody specific to the peptide. Antisense and triplex oligonucleotide molecules are also provided. This invention provides a transgenic nonhuman mammal and a cell line containing at least a portion of the isolated DNA molecule.

Abstract: We teach a strategy to obtain large quantities of desired APCs, activated B cells, which are superior in their capacity to present tumor protein antigen in a multiadministration protocol. Human B cells can be obtained from peripheral blood in large numbers. These cells can be activated in vitro by coculture with CD40L (CD40-B cells) and an immunosuppressive agent such as cyclosporin A. They can expanded up to 1×103 to 1×104 fold in 2 weeks or 1×105 to 1×106 fold in 2 months. We demonstrate these cells are most efficient APCs comparable to DCs in stimulating allogeneic CD4+ CD45RA+, CD4+ CD45RO+, and CD8+ T cells. In contrast to DCs, CD40-B cells are fully functional even in the presence of immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF&bgr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating cells using immunorosettes. The method involves contacting a sample containing nucleated cells and red blood cells with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the nucleated cells and the red blood cells to form. The antibody composition preferably contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of activating a T lymphocyte by contacting the T lymphocyte with a dendritic cell (DC) that presents a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TRT) peptide in the context of a MHC class I or MHC class II molecule. The DC may be pulsed with a TRT polypeptide or may comprise a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a TRT such as hTRT. The invention also provides DCs comprising a recombinant TRT polynucleotide. The methods and compositions of the invention are used in prevention and treatment of cancers and other cell proliferation diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying novel agents that increase glucose dependent insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells as well as methods of treating diabetes using the agents which have an inhibitory effect on the activity of pancreatic islet cell phosphodiesterases (“PDE”) enzyme, namely PDE1C. The methods described herein are based upon the inventor's surprising discovery that inhibition of PDE1C increases glucose dependent insulin secretion. Specifically, the present invention provides for a method of identifying therapeutic agents that act to increase the release of insulin from pancreatic islet cells. The method of identification provided herein is used to determine the effects of isozyme specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors on insulin secretion from cultured pancreatic &bgr;-cells. Also provided are agents that have an inhibitory effect on the activity of PDE1C in pancreatic cells.

Abstract: Constitutive and tissue-specific protein factors which bind to transcriptional regulatory elements of Ig genes (promoter and enhancer) are described. The factors were identified and isolated by an improved assay for protein-DNA binding. Genes encoding factors which positively regulate transcription can be isolated and employed to enhance transription of Ig genes. In particular, NF-kB, the gene encoding NF-kB, IkB and the gene encoding IkB and uses therefor.

Abstract: Genetically engineered, CD20-specific redirected T cells expressing a cell surface protein-having an extracellular domain comprising a receptor which is specific for CD20, an intracellular signaling domain, and a transmembrane domain. Use of such cells for cellular immunotherapy of CD20+ malignancies and for abrogating any untoward B cell function. In one embodiment, the cell surface protein is a single chain FvFc:&zgr; receptor where Fv designates the VH and VL chains of a single chain monoclonal antibody to CD20 linked by peptide, Fc represents a hinge-CH2-CH3 region of a human IgG1, and &zgr; represents the intracellular signaling domain of the zeta chain of human CD3. A method of making a redirected T cell expressing a chimeric T cell receptor by electroporation using naked DNA encoding the receptor.