Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of engineering a bi-specific T-cell expressing chimeric antigen receptors for promoting the in vivo expansion and activation of an effector cell and a second chimeric antigen receptor or TcR specific for a ligand on a tumor. Methods of administering to subjects in need, bi-specific chimeric antigen receptor bearing cells are also provided.

Abstract: The Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM18775 is used as a biopreservative culture in a wide range of meat products due to its production of bacteriocin. The present invention relates to Lactobacillus curvatus strains having an extended lag phase of at least 24 hours at 30° C. relative to DSM18775. In a presently preferred embodiment, the strains are mutants of DSM18775, such as the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM32590 and the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM 32591. Further, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting Listeria in a food product comprising adding bacteria of a Lactobacillus curvatus strain according to the invention to a food product in a concentration of at least 105 CFU/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid regulatory elements that are able to enhance endothelial cell-specific expression of genes, methods employing these regulatory elements and uses of these elements. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these nucleic acid regulatory elements are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy, more particularly endothelial cell-directed gene therapy, and for vaccination purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more glycosidases in the process for the production and/or purification of a produced desired oligosaccharide. The process is preferably a microbial fermentation process using a host microorganism, which may also comprise nucleic acids expressing sugar catabolic pathway proteins suitable for the degradation of saccharides otherwise hindering the purification of the desired oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting or determining the severity of myasthenia gravis in a subject. The invention also provides compositions and methods for preventing or treating myasthenia gravis in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions are peptides that bind to monoclonal antibodies that bind to the main immunogenic region of an acetylcholine receptor, and in some instances block pathogenic antibody combining sites. In other embodiments, the peptides further comprise an antibody heavy chain fragment. Kits for detecting or determining the severity of and preventing or treating myasthenia gravis are also provided.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector production system comprises (a) a lentiviral culture supplement to control cell growth, (b) a transfection reagent comprising DHDMS, DOPE, and cholesterol to increase transfection efficiency, (c) a lentiviral production enhancer comprising sodium propionate, sodium butyrate, and caffeine to boost lentiviral production, wherein the lentiviral vector production system is serum-free. A method of lentiviral vector production comprises using the lentiviral production system. Another method for lentiviral vector production comprises (a) culturing eukaryotic cells in a serum-free medium, (b) providing a lentiviral culture supplement to control cell growth, (c) transfecting the cells with a lentiviral vector using a transfection reagent comprising DHDMS, DOPE, and cholesterol to increase transfection efficiency, and (d) providing a lentiviral production using a lentiviral production enhancer comprising sodium propionate, sodium butyrate capable of boosting lentiviral production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods related to antibody or antibody fragments that specifically bind PSMA.

Abstract: Novel hyperthermophilic Dictyoglomus beta-mannanases are provided for use in high temperature industrial applications requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of 1,4-?-D-mannosidic linkages in mannans, galactomannans, and glucomannans. Also provided are methods and compositions for fracturing a subterranean formation in which a gellable fracturing fluid is first formed by blending together a hydratable polymer and a Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase as an enzyme breaker. An optimized and stabilized recombinant Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase is provided that shows superior performance/effectiveness and properties in degrading guar and derivatized guars at pH ranges from 3.0 to 12 and temperatures ranging from 130° F. to in excess of 270° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical and food compositions for inducing satiation and prolonging satiety in subjects in need thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of inducing satiation in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a ClpB protein or an effective amount of a bacterium that expresses the ClpB protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA polymerase including the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 or a sequence which is at least 70% identical thereto, but wherein the aspartic acid residue at position 18 of SEQ ID NO. 1, or the equivalent aspartic acid residue in other sequences, has been replaced by a non-negatively charged amino acid residue. It further provides DNA polymerases comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO. 2, 11 and 12 and variants thereof. The present invention also provides nucleic acids encoding the DNA polymerases, a method of producing said DNA polymerases, and compositions, expression vectors and host cells or viruses comprising said DNA polymerases. The present invention also provides uses of said DNA polymerases in nucleotide polymerisation, amplification and sequencing reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides biochemical pathways, glyoxylate producing recombinant microorganisms, and methods for the production and yield improvement of glycolic acid and/or glycine via a reverse glyoxylate shunt. The reverse glyoxylate shunt comprises an enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) to oxaloacetate (OAA), or an enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate (OAA) or an enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of pyruvate to malate or a combination of any of the previous reactions; an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of malate to malyl-CoA; an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of malyl-CoA to glyoxylate and acetyl-CoA; and optionally an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate (OAA) to malate. Glyoxylate is reduced to produce glycolate. Alternatively, glyoxylate is converted to glycine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the general field of recombinant expression of polypeptides in animal cell culture. More specifically, the invention concerns improved selection of cells transfected with recombinantly engineered vectors designed to express polypeptides, in particular heteromultimeric polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides which are at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NOs: 202-219, 221-292, 295-327, 4064-4175, 4177-4210, 4212-4580, 4582-4603, 4605-4749, 4751-4778, 4780-5223, 5225-5493, 5522-5807, 5812, 5815-5816, 5828-6679, 6689-6690, 6708-6785, 6792-6892 or 6893, isolated polynucleotides which are at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 1-91, 94-201, 328-2317, 2320-2321, 2323, 2326-3835, 3838-3840, 3842-3843, 3848, 3850-3852, 3854, 3856-3953, 3955-4061 or 4062, nucleic acid constructs comprising same, transgenic cells expressing same, transgenic plants expressing same and method of using same for increasing yield, abiotic stress tolerance, growth rate, biomass, vigor, oil content, photosynthetic capacity, seed yield, fiber yield, fiber quality, fiber length, and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant.

Abstract: The invention includes methods, apparatus, and systems for the conversion of hydrogen together with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide to methane using a population of microbes and a defined liquid medium. The microbial population maintains the amount of nutrients in the liquid medium within a relative range without requiring replenishment of the nutrients. Methods and apparatus for enriching the microbial population are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a novel material used to introduce an exogenous substance into cells. Also provided is a method for introducing an exogenous substance into target cells using this material. The present invention provides an exosome that is used to introduce an exogenous substance into target cells, wherein the exosome contains one type or two or more types of an exogenous substance and a substance that induces macropinocytosis in the target cells. The present invention also provides a composition containing the exosome and a method for introducing an exogenous substance into cells using this exosome.

Abstract: Methods of generating and optimizing stabilized (e.g., stapled and/or stitched) anti-microbial peptides (StAMPs) for the prophylaxis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant (e.g., colistin-resistant, methicillin resistant, meropenem-resistant) bacterial infections (e.g., Gram-negative, Gram-positive), and methods for using such peptides for experimental investigation, livestock management, management of crops/trees/plants, and/or therapeutic benefit. Also featured are methods for reducing renal toxicity of a StAMP.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to GDF/BMP antagonists and methods of using GDF/BMP antagonists to treat, prevent, or reduce the progression rate and/or severity of pulmonary hypertension (PH), particularly treating, preventing or reducing the progression rate and/or severity of one or more PH-associated complications. The disclosure also provides methods of using a GDF/BMP antagonist to treat, prevent, or reduce the progression rate and/or severity of a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary fibrosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The disclosure further provides methods of using a GDF/BMP antagonist to reduce right ventricular systolic pressure in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of purifying proteins containing Fc regions, such as antibodies and Fc fusion proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to a purification method resulting in reduced levels of aggregate protein comprising adsorbing an Fc region-containing protein to a temperature-responsive protein A resin and eluting the protein from the resin at a temperature below 35 C with an elution buffer comprising a chaotropic agent, a sugar alcohol, and at least one amino acid. Methods of separating fully assembled antibodies from half antibody forms thereof using the elution buffer are also described.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medicinal pharmacology. In particular, the invention relates to protease activated receptor type 3 (PAR3) modulating compounds (e.g., mimetic peptides), compositions comprising such modulating compounds, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of conditions involving PAR3 activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating an antibody binding to a cell surface protein of interest, the method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a non-human cell which does not express the endogenous form of the cell surface protein of interest but expresses an exogenous form of the cell surface protein of interest comprising at least one human segment; (b) immunization of a non-human animal with the cell line provided in step (a); (c) generation of hybridomas from the immunized non-human animal of step (b); (d) screening for an antibody that binds to the cell surface protein of interest by contacting the antibodies secreted by the hybridomas of step (c) with human cells which do not express the endogenous form of the cell surface protein of interest but express an exogenous form of the cell surface protein of interest comprising at least one human segment.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for stimulating immune responses. More particularly, these compositions and methods involve the use of an inhibitor of IL-25 function and an immune stimulator that stimulates an immune response to a target antigen for stimulating protective or therapeutic immune responses to a target antigen. The compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of infections and cancers.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for providing stress tolerant transgenic plants comprising a RING domain zinc-finger motif transcription factor protein. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a RING-H2 domain transcription factor protein for providing drought and salt tolerant plants, in particular comprising a recombinant XERICO gene and protein.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an animal cell culture method which is high in protein productivity. Provided is a method for culturing animal cells in a culture medium, wherein the culture medium comprises a nucleic acid component(s) (deoxyuridine, thymidine, and/or deoxycytidine, or a salt(s) thereof). Also provided is a method for producing a protein, the method comprising the step of culturing animal cells expressing the protein in a culture medium, wherein the culture medium comprises a nucleic acid component(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the C-type lectin CLEC11a as a bone growth factor. Clec11a-deficient mice showed reduced bone volume and mineralization, while bone resorption remained unchanged. Administration of recombinant Clec11a systemically promoted bone formation in mice at risk for osteoporosis.

Abstract: Described herein is a process of producing an organic compound, the process including: I) cultivating a genetically modified microorganism in a culture medium including sucrose as an assimilable carbon source to allow the genetically modified microorganism to produce the organic compound, and II) recovering the organic compound from the fermentation broth obtained in process step I) The genetically modified microorganism includes A) at least one genetic modification that leads to an increased activity of the enzyme encoded by the rbsK-gene, compared to the original microorganism that has not been genetically modified, and the original microorganism belongs to the family Pasteurellaceae. Also described herein are a genetically modified microorganism and the use thereof for the fermentative production of an organic compound from sucrose as an assimilable carbon source.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for highly expressing a target protein in a plant cell by using a glycosylation domain, a recombinant vector comprising a gene encoding a fusion protein of a glycosylation domain and a target protein, a recombinant cell, a transformed plant, and a method of producing a target protein using these.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered deoxyribose-phosphate aldolase polypeptides useful under industrial process conditions for the production of pharmaceutical and fine chemical compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro-methods of expanding a population of cells such as lymphocytes, comprising contacting a sample comprising a population of cells with a multimerization reagent. The multimerization reagent has reversibly immobilized thereon (bound thereto) a first agent that provides a primary activation signal to the cells and optionally, a second agent that provides a co-stimulatory signal. The invention also provides multimerization reagents, kits, arrangements and an apparatus for expanding cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to recombinant protein expression systems comprising genetically modified cells wherein the cells are transformed or transfected with tRNA genes to reduce base mismatch due to genetic degeneracy in the genetic code.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) polypeptide with a modified receptor binding domain (HC) having one or more amino acid mutations that modify the binding of the BoNT to the receptor. Specific mutations and combinations of mutations are also disclosed. Isolated modified HC, polypeptides comprising the modified HC, chimeric molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. Methods of identifying additional such modified receptor binding domains, are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glycosylated CEA-specific single-chain antibody, and a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting a glycosylated CEA, which can be used in manufacture of an agent or a medicament for diagnosis or treatment of a tumor overexpressing glycosylated CEA.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an endonuclease-based gene editing construct, wherein the construct comprises a CRISPR-associated endonuclease (such as Cas9 or Cpf1) or a derivative thereof and at least one or more hormone binding domains of the estrogen receptor (ERT2) or derivatives thereof. The present disclosure also describes a method of editing a genome of a host cell using the construct as disclosed herein, the method comprising transfecting the host cell with the nucleic acid sequence as defined herein and incubating the cell with an inducing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising: a) a mutant spr gene encoding a spr protein having a mutation at one or more amino acids selected from D133, H145, H157, N31, R62, I70, Q73, C94, S95, V98, Q99, R100, L108, Y115, V135, L136, G140, R144 and G147 and b) a gene capable of expressing or overexpressing one or more proteins capable of facilitating protein folding, such as FkpA, Skp, SurA, PPiA and PPiD, wherein the cell has reduced Tsp protein activity compared to a wild-type cell, methods employing the cells, use of the cells in the expression of proteins in particular antibodies, such as anti FcRn antibodies and proteins made by the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides culture mediums that are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins, such as ADAMTS13. Methods for the expression and purification of ADAMTS proteins are also provided. In some embodiments, the mediums and methods of the invention are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins having high specific activities. Also provided are ADAMTS, e.g., ADAMTS13, protein compositions with high specific activities, which are expressed and purified according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity and/or expression of GPR92, wherein said compounds can be incorporated into flavor compositions that can be used to modify the taste and/or palatability of pet food products. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for identifying a composition that modulates the activity of a GPR92 receptor comprising (a) contacting a test agent with a GPR92 receptor, (b) determining the activity of the GPR92 receptor, and (c) selecting as the composition, a test agent that increases the activity of the GPR92 receptor.

Abstract: Described are transgenic, non-human animals comprising a nucleic acid encoding an immunoglobulin light chain, whereby the immunoglobulin light chain is a common human, human-like, or humanized light chain. Further provided is methods for producing an immunoglobulin from the transgenic, non-human animal.

Abstract: A horseshoe crab Factor C protein having activity of Factor C, wherein the horseshoe crab is selected from Tachypleus tridentatus, Limulus polyphemus, and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, and wherein the horseshoe crab Factor C protein is produced through being recombinantly expressed from a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) DG44 cell or HEK cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibin analogs, their method of production and their use in the treatment and prophylaxis of disease or conditions associated with reduced levels of inhibin and activin-mediated signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions having one or more polysaccharide-protein conjugates in which polysaccharides obtained from bacterial capsules are conjugated to diphtheria toxin fragment B (DTFB) or a variant thereof. The immunogenic compositions may be multivalent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate compositions in which polysaccharides from one or more Steptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are conjugated to diphtheria toxin fragment B (DTFB) and, optionally, additional polysaccharides from one or more different Steptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are conjugated to one or more other carrier proteins.

Abstract: Provided are a method for obtaining an HNL gene and HNL derived from a millipede other than Chamberlinius hualienensis, and preparing a practically useable amount of HNL; and a method for producing optically active cyanohydrin using this HNL. A method for producing a millipede-derived HNL gene. A method that includes the selection of a gene having a base sequence that encodes a conserved amino acid sequence TAX1DIX2G (SEQ ID NO: 15) or VPNGDKIH (SEQ ID NO: 16) of millipede-derived HNL from genes present in an organism belonging to the Diplopoda. A protein having an amino acid sequence of any of (1)-(3) and having HNL activity. (1) An amino acid sequence listed in any of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 83, 85, 87, or 89; (2) an amino acid sequence having amino acids deleted, substituted, and/or added in an amino acid sequence of (1); or (3) an amino acid sequence having 90% or greater identity to an amino acid sequence of (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, among other things, antibody-drug conjugates comprising a STING agonist cyclic di-nucleotide conjugated to an antibody, preparation methods therefor, and uses therefor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating symptoms of conditions such as but not limited to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The methods may feature direct intraarticular injection of a recombinant self-complementary adeno-associated virus (sc-rAAV) with a vector adapted to express a modified IL-1Ra peptide. The methods of the present invention may express a therapeutically effective amount of the modified IL-1Ra peptide so as to ameliorating symptoms associated with the condition being treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of phosphotidylserine or pathogenic sugar targeted therapeutics for the management and treatment of microbial infections, including Zika, Dengue, West Nile, Ebola, H1N1, enteroviruses, Leishmaniasis, Malaria and Coronaviruses SARS-COV.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel reagents and a cloning procedure based on homologous recombination for the site-directed cloning of a DNA fragment to a vector at designed site(s). The cloning reagents are made of mixture of extracts from at least two different cell types, preferably a mixture made of extracts from wild-type E. coli and S. cerevisiae. Due to the activity of the mixture of cell extracts, recombination occurs between the 3? and 5?-ends of the target DNA and at the ends of linearized vector, which facilitates in-frame construction of expression vectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cell-free system for producing a glycosylated protein. This system comprises an isolated oligosaccharyltransferase capable of transferring a glycan from a lipid carrier molecule to a glycoprotein target, one or more isolated glycans, where each glycan is linked to a lipid carrier molecule, and a glycoprotein target comprising one or more glycan acceptor amino acid residues or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said glycoprotein target. The present invention further relates to kits and methods for producing a glycosylated protein in this cell-free system.

Abstract: This description provides novel strategies and methods for treatment of hyperproliferation conditions such as keloids, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer with the use of bi-functional molecules that target growth factors. A bifunctional hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF)-specific antibody for these methods comprises at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) specific for HDGF, at least one receptor domain that specifically binds to a growth factor selected from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF?).

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing allergic or pulmonary diseases characterized by endothelial dysfunction with Alda-1 are presented. Treatment of pulmonary endothelial cells subjected to hyperoxia with Alda-1 showed an increase in ALDH2 activity and expression. Treatment with Alda-1 also illustrated a decrease in oxidative stress, a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a decrease in apoptosis, a decrease in inflammation and an enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides new protease-resistant polypeptides, as well as compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions related to joint damage, including acute joint injury and arthritis.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an expression vector or a combination of at least two expression vectors comprising at least (a) a polynucleotide encoding a product of interest or an insertion site for incorporating a polynucleotide encoding a product of interest; (b) a polynucleotide encoding a first selectable marker (sm I); (c) a polynucleotide encoding a second selectable marker (sm II), which is different from the first selectable marker (sm I), wherein the activity of the selectable marker (sm I) or (sm II) is at least partially influenced by the activity of the other selectable marker and wherein the selectable markers (sm I) and (sm II) are involved in the folate metabolism. Also provided are suitable host cells, selection methods and methods for producing polypeptides with high yield.