Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for treating Interleukin 18 (IL-18)-associated diseases and disorders. In particular, the present invention discloses antibodies specific for free IL-18 and IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP) for use in such treatments and for the diagnosis of the diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents comprising a substituted acyl borate or a substituted hydroxylamine, to a method of synthesizing a carrier-linked prodrug using said reagents and to carrier-linked prodrugs obtainable by said method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof and humanized versions thereof having binding specificity for IL-6. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making the anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-IL-6 antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to individual peptide immunogen constructs targeting portions of the Tau protein for the treatment and/or prevention of tauopathies. The present disclosure is also directed to compositions containing the peptide immunogen constructs, methods of making and using the peptide immunogen constructs, and antibodies produced by the peptide immunogen constructs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutated histidine decarboxylase suitable for a practical use. Specifically, the present invention provides a mutated histidine decarboxylase having at least one amino acid residue mutated as compared to a wild-type histidine decarboxylase, and having higher histidine decarboxylase activity and/or stability than the wild-type histidine decarboxylase, and also a use thereof. The mutated histidine decarboxylase has Motifs (1) to (6), and an amino acid residue in at least one motif thereof can be mutated. The mutated histidine decarboxylase can also have a mutation of at least one amino acid residue in an amino acid sequence designated by SEQ ID NO: 3 and in a homologous sequence thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In order to develop tools and methods useful in a variety of applications, including the research and development of medical treatments which involve the modification of collagen protein and use of the same, the present invention provides a modified collagen protein expressed in a transformed cell and capable of forming collagen fibers outside of the cell, wherein the transformation is performed by introducing, into the cell, polynucleotides coding the modified collagen protein.

Abstract: Described herein are anti-microbial and UV-protective biological devices and extracts produced therefrom. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing proteins such as, for example, zinc-related protein/oxidase, silicatein, silaffin, and alcohol dehydrogenase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. Methods for producing and using the devices are also described herein. Finally, compositions and methods for using the devices and extracts to kill microbial species or prevent microbial growth and to reduce or prevent UV-induced damage or exposure to materials, items, plants, and human and animal subjects are described herein. Also disclosed are biological devices producing polyactive carbohydrates and carbo sugars, as well as compositions and articles incorporating both extracts from these devices and the anti-microbial and UV-protective extracts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions of fusion proteins, e.g., insulin-Fc fusion proteins, and their use to treat cancer cells and cancer tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine and provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the following isolated amino acid sequences comprising or, alternatively, consisting of, SEQ. ID No.: 3, and/or SEQ. ID No.: 1, and/or SEQ ID No.: 2, kits and conjugates comprising one or more of the above mentioned amino acid sequences. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the pharmaceutical compositions, kits and conjugates of the present invention as a medicament, in particular in the treatment of an infectious disease, or of an inflammatory condition related to an infectious disease, or of an inflammatory disease related to the presence of a product derived from an infectious agent. The present invention also provides a device for selective binding and separation of at least one component from an aqueous solution wherein the device comprises one or more of the above mentioned amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying compounds that cause structural changes in a protein bound to an actin filament. The methods include the use of cells that include two actin-binding proteins, each labeled with a chromophore, and exposing the cells to a test compound. The method further includes detecting a change in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the chromophores.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of immune cells presenting a target molecule or a fragment thereof and provides compositions and methods of producing immune cell therapies with targeted activity against cancer. Methods for conditioning a subject receiving the immune cell therapy of the disclosure are additionally disclosed. The immune cell therapies of the present disclosure can be administered to a subject in need thereof for diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides modified biotin-binding proteins which can be expressed in soluble form in high yield in bacteria. Also provided are fusion proteins comprising the modified biotin-binding protein and an antigen. The disclosure further provides non-hemolytic variants of alpha-hemolysin from S. aureus and fusion protein comprising non-hemolytic variant of alpha-hemolysin and a biotin-binding domains. Immunogenic compositions comprising the proteins are also disclosed and use of such immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response or for vaccinating a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a composition comprising ferulic acid. An aspect of the invention is a composition comprising hydrolysed wheat bran for use in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery vector for transferring a small peptide coding sequence to a cell for expression of the small peptide coding sequence within the cell. The delivery vector comprises a secretory signal sequence; a sequence encoding a carrier protein operatively associated with the secretory signal sequence; a sequence encoding a cleavage site operatively associated with the sequence encoding a carrier protein; and a sequence encoding a small peptide operatively associated with the sequence encoding a cleavage site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of modulating an immune response in an individual. The present disclosure provides methods of treatment. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor to an individual. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) to an individual who is undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: Method of producing an activated clostridial neurotoxin. Composition comprising an activated clostridial neurotoxin. Method of treatment using a composition comprising an activated clostridial neurotoxin.

Abstract: Chimeric and other variant ?-glucuronidase enzymes with enhanced properties as compared to unmodified enzyme are provided. The enzymes of the invention advantageously exhibit enhanced enzymatic activity, enhanced substrate range, enhanced pH range, enhanced temperature range and/or enhanced enzyme stability. Methods of using the variant enzymes for hydrolysis of glucuronide substrates, including opiates and benzodiazepines, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing the yield, stability, or both of an acid sensitive protein in a plant is provided. The method comprises introducing a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid into the plant, or portion of the plant. The first nucleic acid comprises a first regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding the acid sensitive protein. The second nucleic acid comprises a second regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a channel protein, for example but not limited to a proton channel protein. The plant or portion of the plant is incubated under conditions that permit the expression of the nucleic acids, thereby increasing the yield of the acid sensitive protein when compared to the yield of the acid sensitive protein produced in the plant or portion of the plant produced under the same conditions, and in the absence of the proton channel protein.

Abstract: A method identifies glycopeptides in a sample. The method includes converting a mass spectrum of MS1 precursors of the sample into a plurality of nodes in a graph, each node corresponding to one mass and one retention time of a glycopeptide to be identified in the sample; calculating differences in the mass and/or retention time between all combinations of pairs of the nodes; generating a graph theoretic network of the nodes; and predicting compositions of the glycopeptides in the sample based on the graph theoretic network of the nodes so as to identify the glycopeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for producing a recombinant protein of interest (POI) is provided, comprising the steps of (a) culturing cells in a cell culture medium to express said POI by adding a feed comprising at least one substrate to said cell culture, (b) applying a feeding strategy based on calculating, setting and optionally controlling the specific substrate uptake rate qs of the cells during the induction phase and/or production phase of the POI, wherein qs is set to be close to the maintenance rate of the cell culture; and (c) isolating said POI from the cell culture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant immunomodulatory polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising the variant immunomodulatory peptides. The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and compositions comprising same, where the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides comprise a variant immunomodulatory polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptides, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating the activity of a T cell; the methods comprise contacting the T cell with a T-cell modulatory multimeric polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Three-dimensional, living, self-regenerative structures of predetermined geometry comprising solidified print material comprising a biofilm of Bacillus subtilis comprise a TasA-R protein, wherein R is a recombinant, heterologous functional group, wherein the TasA-R provides a preferably tunable physiochemical property like viscosity, reactivity, affinity as a function of the R group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating the mannose content of recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use pertaining to rAAV-mediated delivery of therapeutically effective molecules for treatment of diseases such as Pompe disease. These compositions in combination with various routes and methods of administration result in targeted expression of therapeutic molecules in specific organs, tissues and cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an infrared assay which allows the secondary structure analysis of alpha-synuclein from complex fluids like serum, blood plasma or cerebrospinal fluid without prior isolation, concentration or pretreatment. The secondary structure profile provides an indication of the proportion of alpha-synuclein in aggregated form and/or extent of aggregation of alpha-synuclein in aggregated form.

Abstract: This invention is intended to identify a gene cluster involved in biosynthesis of a cyclic peptide compound produced by a filamentous fungus of the Curvularia species and to establish a system for synthesizing such cyclic peptide compound. The gene is composed of a first module to a tenth module and encodes a protein having activity of synthesizing a nonribosomal peptide constituting a basic peptide backbone of a cyclic peptide compound produced by a filamentous fungus of the Curvularia species.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein is directed to methods of modifying the micro-environment of a target cell or The methods comprise systemically administering to a subject a composition comprising a vector, wherein the vector comprises a construct for the expression of a trap in the target cell, wherein the trap is expressed in the target cell thereby modifiying the micro-environment. Also described herein are methods of reducing metastasis of a cancer comprising, systemically administering to a subject suffering from the cancer, a composition comprising a vector, wherein the vector comprises a construct for the expression of a trap, wherein the trap is delivered to and then expressed in tissue susceptible to metastasis, wherein metastasis of the cancer to the tissue is reduced. Compositions for carrying out the methods are also described.

Abstract: A multi-chromophore virus particle is constructed by covalent binding of chromophores and provides super-radiant behavior. A virus-enabled targeted vector is provided for imaging with qualitatively different optical emission properties from state-of-the-art agents. Bright emission is obtained through quantum coherence, which in turn is facilitated by the symmetry of the virus shell. In an exemplary embodiment the targeted vector is used in laser-guided surgery, specifically for the treatment of in brain cancer.

Abstract: Provided are a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide including a reporter moiety, a substrate moiety, and a destabilization moiety, a host cell including the same, and use thereof to measure the level of a protease by using the recombinant polynucleotide.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition is described that can be used for treating or prevention of diseases association with modulation of activity of human IL-1?. In certain aspects, the disclosed invention is based, on engineering of a heterodimeric protein assembly that is capable of binding to human IL-1? and attenuating its function. The heterodimeric protein assembly comprises extracellular portions of human IL1-R1 and of human IL-1RAcP, or their functional fragments. Each, the IL1-R1 portion and the IL-1RAcP portion, is fused to a distinct mutant of Fc portion of the human Ig Gamma-1. The two distinct Fc mutants in the heterodimeric protein assembly are engineered as to favor the heteromeric dimer formation between the two Fc mutants over any homomeric assembly. The therapeutic composition has been formulated for administration into humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipecolic acid 4-hydroxylase protein exemplified by the following (A), (B), and (C), having activity to react with L-pipecolic acid in the presence of 2-oxoglutaric acid and iron(II) ions to produce trans-4-hydroxy-L-pipecolic acid, and a method for producing 4-hydroxy amino acid, which method comprises reacting the pipecolic acid 4-hydroxylase protein, cells containing the protein, a treated product of the cells, and/or a culture liquid obtained by culturing the cells, with ?-amino acid to produce 4-hydroxy amino acid: (A) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or 18; (B) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or 18 except that one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted, and/or added, and having pipecolic acid 4-hydroxylase activity; and (C) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is not less than 80% identical to the amino acid sequence rep

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of fusion proteins. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to artificial fusion proteins comprising cytochrome P450 enzymes linked to reductase enzymes and uses thereof. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to corn-pounds produced by artificial cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansin-agarase enzyme complex and a method of degrading agar by using the same. The use of the enzyme complex according to the present invention can efficiently degrade agar obtained from marine biomass, and thus can efficiently provide not only galactose or glucose, necessary for ethanol production, but also useful biologically active substances, such as diose, triose, and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a new genetic perturbation and screening method that combines advantages of pooled perturbation with imaging assays for complex phenotypes. Specifically, the method may be used to screen pooled genomic perturbations to identify phenotypes and to identify perturbed genes at the single-cell level using optical barcodes. A major advantage offered by this approach is the ability to screen for any cellular phenotype that can be identified by high-resolution microscopy—including live-cell phenotypes, protein localization, or highly multiplexed expression profile and mRNA localization by RNA-FISH—in conjunction with a large array of genetic perturbations applied as a pool in a single test volume.

Abstract: Cell culture media are provided herein as are methods of using the media for cell culture and protein production from cells.

Abstract: The specification describes a composition comprising an improved eukaryotic cell culture medium, which can be used for the production of a protein of interest. Taurine can be added to the serum-free media or chemically-defined media to increase the production of a protein of interest. Methods for recombinantly expressing high levels of protein using the media compositions are included.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and systems comprising engineered cells useful for the measurement of autophagy induction, maturation and flux in a high-throughput manner. In particular, provided herein are human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells that express the native autophagy substrate and marker protein LC3 fused to Dendra2, a photoconvertable fluorescent protein; this manipulation allows assessment of all three stages of autophagy (e.g., induction, maturation, and cargo degradation), noninvasively in living cells, without the need for protein overexpression that may interfere with autophagy activity.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the systems, methods and compositions provided herein relate to a compound protease. In some embodiments, the compound protease includes a protease domain and a cut site for another enzyme. In some embodiments, the compound protease includes an association domain. In some embodiments, the compound protease is part of a protein circuit.

Abstract: Bifunctional conjugate compositions are provided comprising a Signal-1 moiety bound to a first polymer carrier, wherein the combined size of the Signal-1 moiety and the first polymer carrier is about 1 nanometer to about 500 nanometers; and a Signal-2 moiety bound to a second polymer carrier, wherein the combined size of the Signal-2 moiety and the second polymer carrier is about 1 nanometer to about 500 nanometers. In some embodiments, the Signal-1 moiety and the Signal-2 moiety are bound to the same polymer carrier. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described is a method aiding in the assessment of the presence of cancer. The method uses the soluble DPPIV/seprase protein complex (DPPIV/seprase) as a universal marker of different cancer types. Measurement of DPPIV/seprase complex can, e.g., be used in the early detection or diagnosis of cancer or in the surveillance of patients who undergo surgery.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first portion of a Family B G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that comprises transmembrane helix (TM)-1, TM2 and TM3 of the GPCR; b) a stable protein domain; and c) a second portion of the GPCR comprising TM4, TM5, TM6 and TM7 of the GPCR. The invention also provides a method of crystallising a GPCR comprising providing the fusion protein of the invention and crystallising it to obtain crystals.

Abstract: The invention provides combinatorial peptide or polypeptide libraries that can become membrane tethered once expressed in cells. The invention additionally provides methods for selecting peptide modulators (e.g., agonists) of GPCRs from the combinatorial libraries of the invention. The invention also provides novel GPCR polypeptide modulators, e.g., biased polypeptide agonists of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R). The invention further provides methods of promoting insulin sensitivity, lowering blood glucose, and reducing body weight as well as methods for treating various diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: Methods for producing a trans-splicing intein-modified protease with enhanced solubility and regulating its activity are described. Intein-modified proteases having enhanced solubility and polynucleotides encoding the same are provided. Methods of storing trans-splicing proteases are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a TLR5 agonist protein. According to the present disclosure, the TLR5 agonist protein can be easily separated and purified after biotechnological production. In particular, the fusion partner used for separation and purification is effectively removed so as to minimize the possibility of inhibiting binding to TLR5 and inducing an immune response by the fusion partner.