Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant firefly luciferase consisting of a mutant amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence of a wild-type firefly luciferase by at least substitution (a), (b), or (c) below and having luminescence intensity higher than that of the wild-type firefly luciferase.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of chemokines, the CX3C family, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A low cell density fermentation process for the production of heterologous proteins in microorganisms. The cell culture obtained by cultivating host microorganisms transformed with a vector carrying genetic material for the said proteins and an inducible promoter under batch fermentation conditions is fed with a feed medium after an OD600 of 0.16 to 8 has been achieved or after 0 to 4 hrs from the start of the fermentation process. The feed medium comprises 5 to 30% of carbon source and 1 to 30% of nitrogen source and 0 mg to 400 mg antibiotics and 2.5 to 4.25% inorganic phosphates and trace elements. The concentration of the carbon source in the feed medium is 10 to 30 and the amino acid content in nitrogen source is 45 to 95%. The initial feed rate is in the range of 0 ml/hr to 12 ml/hr and is raised exponentially by an exponent in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 and/or linearly with the slope of the curve in the range of 0.5 to 3. The production of the heterologous proteins is induced with 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric CD154, comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding an extracellular subdomain of non-human CD154, preferably murine CD154, that replaces a cleavage site of human CD154, and a second nucleotide sequence encoding an extracellular subdomain of human CD154 that binds to a human CD154 receptor. The present invention also provides for the chimeric CD154 that is encoded by the above-described polynucleotide sequence, an expression vector and a genetic vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the expression vector or the genetic vector, a process for producing the chimeric CD154, and methods for utilizing the expression vectors and genetic constructs containing the chimeric CD154 polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A novel cytokine designated TRAIL induces apoptosis of certain target cells, including cancer cells and virally infected cells. Isolated DNA sequences encoding TRAIL are disclosed, along with expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing TRAIL polypeptides. Antibodies that specifically bind TRAIL are provided as well.

Abstract: A transmembrane fusion protein including ubiquitin or a ubiquitin-like protein, a membrane translocation sequence linked to the C-terminus of the ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like protein, and a biologically active molecule linked to the C-terminus of the membrane translocation sequence is disclosed herein. A polynucleotide encoding the transmembrane fusion protein, a recombinant expression vector including the polynucleotide sequence, a cell transformed by the recombinant expression vector, and a method of delivering the biologically active molecule into a cell using the transmembrane fusion protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of peptides, and the peptides produced accordingly. Peptides produced according to the invention may be produced more efficiently than peptides produced according to prior art processes. The production process of the invention may lead to advantages in yield, purity, and/or price. Methods of marketing peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the generation of lymphocytes having a unique antigen specificity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of virally infecting cells from bone marrow with one or more viral vectors that encode antigen-specific antibodies for the production of, for example B cells and T cells. In some embodiments, the viral vectors include an IRES or 2A element to promote separation of, for example, the ? subunit and ? subunit of a T cell receptor (TCR) or heavy and light chains of a B-cell antibody. The resulting lymphocytes, express the particular antibody that was introduced in the case of B cells and TCR in the case of T cells. The lymphocytes generated can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes including the treatment of various cancers and the generation of a desired immune response to viruses and other pathogens. The resulting cells develop normally and respond to antigen both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to glutamine-free cell culture media supplemented with arginine. The invention further concerns the production of recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, in arginine-supplemented glutamine-free mammalian cell culture.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing mixtures of antibodies from a single host cell clone, wherein, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain and nucleic acid sequences encoding different heavy chains are expressed in a recombinant host cell. The recombinantly produced antibodies in the mixtures according to the invention suitably comprise identical light chains paired to different heavy chains capable of pairing to the light chain, thereby forming functional antigen-binding domains. Mixtures of the recombinantly produced antibodies are also provided by the invention. Such mixtures can be used in a variety of fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel expression cassettes and vectors for efficiently producing authentic recombinant human proteins from stable cultures of novel human cell lines, the authentic recombinant proteins produced therefrom, and antibodies raised against those authentic recombinant proteins.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for producing and/or enhancing an immunological response in a subject against a target moiety such as a disease-related moiety by administration of an antigenic version of the target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid and/or by administration of an antibody against a version of a target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid which antibody is cross reactive with the natural target moiety.

Abstract: Human G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a first biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium and a second biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium. The term “biological molecule” includes proteins and nucleic acids. Preferred Neisseria species are N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides isolated from the extracellular domain of OX40 Ligand (OX40L) capable of binding OX40 Receptor (OX40R) and inhibiting OX40R-OX40L interaction. Such peptides, fusion proteins comprising them, as well as peptides and other molecules designed on their sequences, can be used as OX40R binding agents competing with natural OX40L for blocking OX40R-mediated cell signaling in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases related to activated T cells.

Abstract: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids, as well as nucleic acid expression vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid vectors are provided. In addition, compositions containing M. hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids are provided for use in methods of treating swine to prevent enzootic pneumonia. Furthermore, the invention provides diagnostic tests for the detecting of M. hyopneumoniae infection in swine herds.

Abstract: Described herein are chemokine-binding domains of THAP-family polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions which include a polypeptide comprising a chemokine-binding domain of a THAP-family polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods of binding chemokines, inhibiting the activity of chemokines, detecting chemokines, and reducing the symptoms associated with a chemokine mediated or influenced condition by contacting the chemokine with an agent that includes a polypeptide comprising a chemokine binding domain of a THAP-family polypeptide.

Abstract: Provided is a fusion protein comprising a tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), integrin ligands of ?V?3 and ?V?5 and a linking peptide. Also provided are the expression method and simple separation and purification process for the production of the fusion protein which is soluble and has high content of the polymer, and use of the fusion protein for the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of tumor. The fusion protein has good tumor tissue targeting property, significantly enhanced anti-tumor effect, which can also reduce the dose of the needed protein for the target treatment effect, improve the bioavailability, reduce the treatment cost, decrease and overcome the potential toxic and side effects of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate or rodent receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a chimeric protein comprising the NTHi twitching pilus major subunit protein (PilA) presenting a portion of the NTHi OMP P5 protein. The invention provides for vaccine compositions comprising the recombinant chimeric protein and methods of eliciting an immune response using the recombinant chimeric proteins of the invention.

Abstract: An IL-17 binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human IL-17, more preferably a human antibody to human IL-17 is provided, wherein the hypervariable regions of the heavy and light chains have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment of an IL-17 mediated disease or disorder, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacteria that have increased levels of protein secretion due to genetic modification, to nucleotide sequences and gene structures containing at least one gene coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, to a SecA having increased levels of protein secretion, and to a method for producing desired proteins using the inventive bacteria. The invention also relates to nucleic acids coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, containing a SecA gene sequence or allele, a SecA homologue or derivative, or nucleotide sequences hybridising therewith and comprising at least one mutation. Surprisingly, just one mutation in a nucleotide of a SecA gene leads to increased levels of protein secretion or to protein secretion for the first time.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing a GAG binding site into a protein comprising the steps: identifying a region in a protein which is not essential for structure maintenance introducing at least one basic amino acid into said site and/or deleting at least one bulky and/or acidic amino acid in said site, whereby said GAG binding site has a GAG binding affinity of Kd?10 ?M, preferably ?1 ?M, still preferred ?0.1 ?M, as well as modified GAG binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mutants of lysine decarboxylase, nucleic acids encoding the mutants, and vaccines comprising the mutants for inhibiting and reducing the development of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. The vaccine composition comprises a recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant which is based on a native version of the enzyme from E. corrodens and induces production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of the lysine decarboxylase enzyme in the oral cavity. The recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant, in one version, comprises a mutation at residue 365 or at other locations within the active site, and in a preferred embodiment is produced from E. coli in large amounts and to form inclusion bodies. The purified inclusion bodies can then be used in the vaccine composition to induce in vivo production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of native E. corrodens lysine decarboxylase.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists comprising an IL-4 mutein receptor antagonist coupled to polyethylene glycol. Related formulations and dosages and methods of administration thereof for therapeutic purposes are also provided. These modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists, compositions and methods provide a treatment option for those individuals afflicted with a respiratory disorder such as asthma by inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13-mediated airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia. More particularly, these antagonists have an increased duration of effect versus unmodified IL-4RA by virtue of a greater plasma half-life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF proteins; to canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF proteins, respectively; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to inhibitory compounds that regulate such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to identify and obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a newly identified SDF-1 splice variant molecule, its polypeptide sequence, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence, and active fragments thereof. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques employing, for example, vectors and host cells. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides and modulators thereof for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, immune diseases, infectious diseases, and ischemic diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are several Y. pestis antigens that are particularly suitable for immunisation purposes, particularly when used in combinations.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to proteins derived from white spot syndrome virus, nucleic acid sequences encoding them, and their use in the manufacture of a vaccine for prophylaxis and/or treatment of white spot syndrome in crustaceans.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo animal or challenge model as a method to identify protective (recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. The invention further relates to vaccines directed against infection with parasites, such as Fasciola hepatica, which vaccines contain protective (recombinant) proteins identified and shown to be protective in studies using the ex vivo model. The invention further relates to protective (recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of Fasciola hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Current invention is related to the molecular pharmacology branch particularly to a peptide belonging to the Interleukin-15 sequence (IL-15) which is able to inhibit IL-15 biological activity, analogues or mimetic of such peptides. In the current invention it is shown that the peptide inhibits both IL-15-induced T cells proliferation upon binding to the IL15 receptor a subunit (IL15R?) and TNF?-mediated apoptosis. Besides, this invention is related to the use of this peptide in the treatment of several pathologies where aberrant IL-15 or IL-15R? expression is associated to the disease progression.

Abstract: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic Eimeria polypeptides, DNA-fragments encoding those peptides, recombinant DNA molecules comprising such DNA-fragments, live recombinant carriers comprising such DNA-fragments or recombinant DNA molecules and host cells comprising such DNA-fragments, recombinant DNA molecules or live recombinant carriers. Furthermore, the invention relates to antibodies against the polypeptides and to coccidiosis vaccines based upon said polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of such antibodies and vaccines, and to methods for the detection of Eimeria parasites and antibodies against Eimeria parasites.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof, S. aureus AhpC-AhpF compositions, and uses of such polypeptides and compositions. SEQ ID NO: 1 has a full length S. aureus AhpC sequence. A derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 containing an amino His-tag and three additional carboxyl amino acids was found to produce a protective immune response against S. aureus.

Abstract: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: A modified human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) is produced by culturing a microorganism transformed with an expression vector comprising a gene encoding a modified hG-CSF to produce and secrete the modified hG-CSF to periplasm, said modified hG-CSF being obtained by replacing at least one of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 17th amino acids of wild-type hG-CSF (SEQ ID NO: 2) with other amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding BGS-4 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel BGS-4 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new family of human proteins, designated as “Zven,” as agents that stimulate gastrointestinal contractility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and treating gastroparesis. The Zven1 gene, which resides in human chromosome 3p21.1-3p14.3, is expressed in testicular tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The invention also provides methods for using the antibodies to detect the presence of the protein with antibodies and methods for using the polynucleotides to detect the presence of Zven RNA.

Abstract: A novel CXC-chemokine binding protein is cloned from the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used as anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory compounds and in the treatment or prevention of CXC-chemokine-related diseases.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for genetically engineering host cells that lack an endogenous pathway for fucosylating N-glycans of glycoproteins to be able to produce glycoproteins with fucosylated N-glycans.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthetic gene coding for hG-CSF which enables expression in E. coli with an improved expression level of the recombinant hG-CSF regarding the total cellular proteins after expression.

Abstract: A method for increasing the stability and uniformity of a PEGylated G-CSF polypeptide having at least one PEG moiety attached to the epsilon amino group of a lysine residue or the N-terminal amino group and at least one PEG moiety attached to a hydroxyl group, comprising subjecting the polypeptide to an elevated pH of above 8.0 for a period of time suitable to remove PEG moieties attached to a hydroxyl group, and reducing the pH to about 8.0 or lower; as well as PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions produced according to the method and methods for increasing neutrophil levels in a patient using the PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions.

Abstract: New hybrid or chimeric fusion polypeptide transcription regulators which induce interferon target gene expression are provided for use in anti-viral and anti-proliferative applications. The hybrid fusion proteins comprise the p48 interferon regulatory factor protein, or a functional portion thereof, fused to a transcriptional activation domain (TAD), or a functional portion thereof. More specifically, the p48 interferon regulatory factor protein is fused to a STAT transcriptional activation do main (TAD) (p48-STAT TAD). A particular p48-STAT TAD is p48-S2C, in which S2C is the TAD of STAT2. Another p48-TAD is p48-VP16 TAD, in which p48 is fused to the transcriptional activation domain of the VP16 protein of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The p48-TAD nucleic acid sequences and encoded polypeptides can be employed for anti-viral treatment and for the treatment of cancers, tumors and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: Chimeric polypeptide antagonists that include an interleukin-4 (IL-4) mutein linked to an interleukin-9 (IL-9) mutein are provided, as are polynucleotides encoding the IL-4 and IL-9 chimeric mutein antagonists. Also provided are methods of using the chimeric mutein antagonists and encoding polypeptides to reduce or inhibit the responsiveness of a cell to a cytokine such as IL-4, IL-9 and/or interleukin-13. Methods using the compositions to treat disorders such as pulmonary disorders (e.g., asthma) also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel combination therapy useful in the treatment of autoimmune disease that increases or maintains the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal by killing or inactivating autoimmune cells and re-educating the host immune system.