Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing cardiomyogenesis and expansion of cardiac progenitors in a population of stem cells or progenitor cells, the methods generally involving inducing a canonical Wnt signaling pathway in the stem cells or progenitor cells. The present invention provides methods of generating a population of cardiomyocytes or cardiac progenitors from a population of stem cells or progenitor cells, the methods generally involving contacting the stem cells or progenitor cells with an agent that induces canonical Wnt signaling. A subject method is useful for generating a population of cardiomyocytes or cardiac progenitors, which can be used in research and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention provides an anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against renal cell cancers expressing a G250 antigenic marker. Preferred immunogenic agents comprise a chimeric molecule comprising a kidney cancer specific antigen (G250) attached to a granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The agents are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: Compositions comprising osteogenic factors fused with membrane transduction domains of viral proteins are provided. Also provided are methods of expression and use of such compositions. Further, the methods of making such compositions are also provided. The methods involve transfecting the cells with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a LIM mineralization protein operably linked to a promoter and optionally a membrane transduction domain of a viral protein. Transfection may be accomplished ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked DNA, or by a nonviral vector such as a plasmid. Methods for treating disc disease associated with trauma or disc degeneration are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vivo using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a transgene, such as a gene encoding TM protein or its variant.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to anti-A? antibodies. For example, anti-A? antibodies, methods for making anti-A? antibodies, and methods for using an anti-A? antibody to treat or prevent an amyloid condition (e.g., AD).

Abstract: Described herein is a method for reprogramming a somatic cell using an inducible lentiviral vector that permits the expression of stem-cell associated genes to be turned off or on as necessary by one of skill in the art. Inducible expression of stem-cell associated genes permits the genes to be expressed until such time that induction of iPS cells occurs and then expression can be turned off to prevent the pathological growth of cells leading to e.g., cancer or teratoma. Also described herein are secondary cell compositions, the use of which can speed the production of iPS cells, providing for a faster, more efficient system for iPS cell induction.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for delivering a heterologous gene to a cell body of a neuron by contacting a muscle tissue innervated by the neuron with a viral vector comprising a heterologous gene, wherein the viral vector enters said neuron and is retrogradely moved to the cell body. Additionally, methods for expressing secreted proteins from a nerve cell body as well as methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are described.

Abstract: Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating the recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins and a library from which the capsids are selected are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for measuring transporter activity using budding baculoviruses that do not express endogenous transporters on their envelope have a low background level and can measure the target activity with a high sensitivity. Such methods can be used to measure functional changes due to transporter SNPs over a more extensive range of substrates, and can be applied to tailor-made therapies.

Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of epitope-specific T-cells and target epitopes of reactive T-cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vectors comprising a first promoter which is specifically inducible by the epitope-specific contact with a T-cell in antigen-presenting cells, a nucleic acid which is functionally linked to this first promoter and which encodes a marker gene, a second promoter which is constitutive in antigen-presenting cells, and a nucleic acid which is functionally linked to said second promoter. Furthermore, the present invention relates to antigen-presenting cells which are transduced with the vectors according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for sustained expression of an exogenous gene forms a circular episomal plasmid to solve the problem of transient expression of baculovirus in the transduced mammalian cells caused by the dilution and degradation when mammalian cells replicate and also prevents dysfunctional cell metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides systemic nucleic acid sequence delivery without conventional systemic administration aids (SAAs). In certain embodiments, vascular permeability agents (VPAs), such as VEGF, are used in conjunction with nucleic acid viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV). The present invention also provides methods of treating disease by co-administration of nucleic cid sequences encoding Igf-1 and dystrophin or dystrophin-like proteins.

Abstract: A method for producing a clone of an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte, comprising the step of transforming human B memory lymphocytes using Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator. The method is particularly useful in a method for producing a clone of an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody with a desired antigen specificity, comprising the steps of: (i) selecting and isolating a human memory B lymphocyte subpopulation; (ii) transforming the subpopulation with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator; (iii) screening the culture supernatant for antigen specificity; and (iv) isolating an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte clone capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody having the desired antigen specificity.

Abstract: We describe (1) a method of enhancing antigen presentation, comprising the step of supplying to an antigen presenting cell such as a dendritic cell, or precursor cell, an inhibitor of Toll-related receptor (TRR) signalling and (2) a method of inhibiting antigen presentation, comprising the step of supplying to an antigen presenting cell such as a dendritic cell, or precursor cell, an enhancer of Toll-related receptor (TRR) signalling. The inhibitor of TRR signalling may be a dominant negative mutant of MyD88, for example MyD881pr.

Abstract: Using the nontoxic PA protein from B. anthracis, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against anthrax in subjects is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and constructs for selectively expressing an Apoptosis-Inducing Gene (AIG) in a population of cells that overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to induce apoptosis in the cell. To achieve this goal a chimeric gene construct is used that comprises a cyclooxygenase-2 promoter (COX-2 promoter) that is operably linked to at least one AIG such that the COX-2 promoter is activated in cells that overexpress COX-2, thereby resulting in transcription and translation of the AIG, which in turn activates apoptosis in the cell. Thus, apoptosis is selectively induced in only those cells capable of overexpressing COX-2.

Abstract: Described are recombinant AAV vectors characterized in that they carry capsid protein modification(s) resulting in a reduced or eliminated heparin binding function. The AAV vectors of the present invention are particularly suitable for gene therapy by systemic application, since (a) transduction of the liver is eliminated or at least drastically reduced and (b) the transduction efficiency of non-hepatic tissues is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for adenoassociated virus-mediated site-specific integration of a transgene into a stem cell. Stem cells having a transgene integrated therein, and differentiated cells generated from the stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: Trans-lentiviral gene transfer vectors, vector systems, vector particles, and methods for transduction of primary nondividing cells using the same, are described. Further described are modifications to the gene transfer vectors that improve transduction efficiency and/or gene expression, e.g., by incorporating the cis-acting sequences, PPT-CTS and/or WPRE, and derivatives or analogs thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved VP2-modified recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, expression systems, and rAAV virions that are fully virulent, yet lack functional VP2 protein expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, virus particles, host cells, and pharmaceutical formulations that comprise these modified vectors useful in the expression of therapeutic proteins, polypeptides, peptides, antisense oligonucleotides and/or ribozymes in the cells and tissues of selected mammals, including, for example, human tissues and host cells.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that immunotherapy using cell-based tumor cells genetically modified to express heat shock proteins is particularly effective in preventing, prognosing and/or treating cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer). Accordingly, the invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for preventing, prognosing and/or treating cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer).

Abstract: An adenovirus, including adenoviral capsid proteins, and a replication-defective adenoviral vector that includes a 5? retroviral LTR nucleic acid sequence, a 3? retroviral LTR nucleic acid sequence, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a portion of a retroviral envelope protein adjacent to either the 5? LTR or the 3? LTR nucleic acid sequence, a retroviral packaging sequence and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a transgene located between the 5? LTR and the 3? LTR is provided. Host cells infected with this adenovirus are also provided. An adenoviral vector is provided that includes an adenoviral polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid encoding a transgene, a retroviral packaging signal, a 5? and a 3? retroviral LTR, and a portion of a retroviral envelope polypeptide, wherein the adenoviral polynucleotide sequence does not encode one or more of E1, E3 or E4.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method using human soluble ErbB3, for example p85-sErbB3, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 activation. The present invention also discloses p85-sErbB3 binding to heregulin with an affinity comparable to that of full-length ErbB3, and competitively inhibiting high affinity heregulin binding to ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers on the cell surface of breast carcinoma cells. The present invention also uses p85-sErbB3 to inhibit heregulin-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 in cells, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated signal transduction, and as a block for cell growth. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding p85-sErbB3, host cells harboring such expression vectors, and methods of producing the protein. The present invention discloses a method of therapeutically treating human malignancies associated with heregulin-mediated cell growth such as breast and prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified paramyxovirus containing a reduced amount of receptor-binding protein compared with the wild type; a method of preparing a modified paramyxovirus, comprising the following steps: (1) a step for introducing a nucleic acid that suppresses the expression of a receptor-binding protein of a paramyxovirus into an animal cell, (2) a step for infecting the paramyxovirus to the cell, and (3) a step for isolating paramyxovirus particles replicated in the cell; and a modified paramyxovirus prepared by the method of preparation mentioned above.

Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant herpesvirus, a method for producing the recombinant herpesvirus, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the recombinant herpesvirus, are provided with a method for producing a recombinant herpesvirus using a BAC vector sequence. In addition, a vector comprising a herpesvirus genomic gene and a BAC vector sequence, a cell comprising the vector, and a nucleic acid cassette comprising a fragment, which is capable of homologous recombination with a herpesvirus genome, and a BAC vector sequence, are provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing uptake of DNA by a host cell line comprises introducing the DNA into the host cell and contacting the host cell with non-infectious viral particles. The non-infectious particles may be L-particle or PREPS (pre-viral DNA replication envelope particles), for example, those derived from alpha herpesvirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides new uses of recombinant adenoviral vectors in vaccination regimens, such as prime/boost set-ups and subsequent vaccinations and applications for gene therapy. Moreover, the invention provides new assays to determine the best regimen for applying the most suitable recombinant viral vector in a vaccination or gene therapy setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, large non-human animal models of diseases and conditions, as well as methods of making and using such animal models in the identification and characterization of therapies for the diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 184P1E2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 184P1E2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 184P1E2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 184P1E2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 184P1E2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: Live, attenuated, phenotypically stable HSV-2 viruses and methods of making and using the virus are provided. Live, attenuated HSV-2 viruses are constructed using recombinant techniques and can be used in a pharmaceutical composition for prophylactic treatment of HSV-2 infections and for treatment of recurrent HSV-2 related diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing hyperpolarization-activated cation inward current and disrupting inwardly rectifying potassium current of cells are described. The compositions and methods may be employed to cause the cells to become biological pacemaker cells, e.g. to become more like SA node cells, and to undergo spontaneous oscillating action potentials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing hyperpolarization-activated cation inward current and disrupting inwardly rectifying potassium current of cells are described. The compositions and methods may be employed to cause the cells to become biological pacemaker cells, e.g. to become more like SA node cells, and to undergo spontaneous oscillating action potentials.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, large non-human animal models of diseases and conditions, as well as methods of using such animal models in the identification and characterization of therapies for the diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nuclear reprogramming factor having an action of reprogramming a differentiated somatic cell to derive an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The present invention also relates to the aforementioned iPS cells, methods of generating and maintaining iPS cells, and methods of using iPS cells, including screening and testing methods as well as methods of stem cell therapy. The present invention also relates to somatic cells derived by inducing differentiation of the aforementioned iPS cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant Adenoviruses (Ad) which function as helper viruses to gutted Ad viruses lacking viral coding sequences. The recombinant Ad of the present invention comprise a binding site of the E. coli Lac repressor protein embedded within the packaging domain. Available Lac repressor protein binds to its operator site within the helper virus packaging domain, precluding the binding of natural packaging factors. The present invention also provides recombinant Ad which in addition to having a binding site for the Lac repressor protein within the packaging domain, also comprise coding sequence for the Lac repressor protein under the control of a promoter which functions in producer cells. Methods for suppressing packaging of helper Ad during packaging of a gutted Ad vector are also provided as are methods of producing recombinant helper Ad using lactose or lactose derivative as a regulatory molecule. Temperature shift may also be used to regulate growth of a recombinant helper Ad.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one step selected from induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte using a medium containing serum and plasma at a total concentration of 0% by volume or more and less than 5% by volume, in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of increasing the expansion and/or differentiation of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) comprising: (a) increasing the level and/or activity of a polypeptide encoded by at least one gene selected from trim27, xbp1, sox4, smarcc1, sfpi1, fos, hmgb1, hnrpdl, vps72, tcfec, klf10, zfp472, ap2a2, gpsm2, gpx3, erdr1, tmod1, cnbp1, prdm16, hdac1, pml and ski, or a functional variant of said polypeptide, in said cell; (b) increasing the level of a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide or functional variant of (a) in said cell; or (c) any combination of (a) and (b).

Abstract: The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosaftey and promoters such as the EF1? promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for developing, generating and selecting tumor-free embryonic stem (ES)-like pluripotent cells using electroporation delivery of an inducible tumor suppressor mir-302 agent into mammalian cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and composition for generating a Tet-On/Off recombinant transgene capable of expressing a manually re-designed mir-302 microRNA (miRNA)/shRNA agent under the control of doxycyclin (Dox) in human somatic/cancer cells and thus inducing certain specific gene silencing effects on the differentiation-associated genes and oncogenes of the cells, resulting in reprogramming the cells into an ES-like pluripotent state.

Abstract: Attenuated pestiviruses, in particular attenuated BVDV, wherein at least one mutation is in the coding sequence for glycoprotein Erns and at least another mutation in the coding sequence for Npro which preferably leads to combined inactivation of the RNase activity residing in glycoprotein Erns in addition to the inactivation of the (hypothesized) immunomodulating activity residing in Npro. Methods for attenuating pestiviruses such as BVDV, nucleic acids encoding the pestiviruses, in particular BVDV, compositions and vaccines comprising the attenuated pestiviruses, in particular BVDV, of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for site-specific directed gene insertion of desired genes or foreign DNA into cellular genomes. The system includes novel vectors for integrating DNA into the genome of different hosts. Methods of using the vectors and transformed hosts are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the characterization of the porcine adenovirus E1 and E4 regions. The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of porcine adenovirus type 3 (PAV-3), providing the characterization of the PAV3 E1 region, is described herein. Methods for construction of infectious PAV genomes by homologous recombination in procaryotic cells are provided. Recombinant PAV viruses are obtained by transfection of mammalian cells with recombinant PAV genomes. The PAV-3 genome can be used as a vector for the expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences, for example, for the preparation and administration of subunit vaccines to swine or other mammals.

Abstract: To provide a transformed hair follicle and a method for transferring a gene to a mammal by means of the transformed hair follicle. The invention provides a method for producing a transformed hair follicle including transferring a gene into a hair follicle by use of a virus vector, characterized by including providing a lentivirus pseudo-typed with VSV-G as a virus vector and transfecting a hair follicle with the lentivirus ex vivo.

Abstract: Subject of the invention are peptides corresponding to a fragment of amino acids 240-290 of human prostatic acid phosphatase. The invention also relates to nucleic acids, antibodies, medicaments and diagnostics and their use and use of the peptides for the treatment and diagnosis of viral diseases, especially HIV disease.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of producing viral particles which include introducing into avian cells a nucleotide sequence encoding a replication deficient retroviral vector and introducing into the avian cells nucleotide sequence encoding products required for replication of the replication deficient retroviral vector, harvesting the viral particles and can include administering the viral particles to vertebrate cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that binds to a selected nucleic acid comprising contacting compound fluorescently labeled by a fluorescent protein with a cell having a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid in an array such that the nucleic acid can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled compound; and directly detecting the location of fluorescence within the cell, fluorescence aggregated at the site of the nucleic acid array indicating a compound that binds to the selected nucleic acid. In particular compounds such a transcription factors can be screened. Reagents for such method are provided including a mammalian cell having a plurality of steroid receptor response elements in an array such that the response element can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled steroid receptor and a chimeric protein comprising a fluorescent protein fused to a steroid receptor.

Abstract: Neurovascular disorder critically contributes to the development and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transcriptional profiling of human brain endothelial cells (BEC) defines a subset of age-independent genes significantly altered in AD including the homebox gene GAX whose expression controls vascular phenotype and is low in AD. By using viral-mediated GAX gene silencing and transfer, restoring GAX expression in AD BEC is angio-genic, transcriptionally suppresses the AFX1 forkhead transcription factor-mediated apoptosis, and increases the levels of a major amyloid ?-peptide (A?) clearance receptor, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) at the blood-brain barrier. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, deletion of the Gax gene results in reductions in brain capillary density and the resting cerebral blood flow, loss of angiogenic brain response to hypoxia, and an impaired A? brain efflux caused by reduced LRP-1 levels.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adenovirus fiber modified by mutation of one or several residues of the region included between residues 491 and 505 of SEQ ID NO: 1, the viral particles or pseudo-particles comprising such a fiber and their uses.