Abstract: The disclosure is related generally to methods for testing mammary fluid (including milk) to establish or confirm the identity of the donor of the mammary fluid. Such methods are useful in the milk-bank business to improve safety.

Abstract: Methods for identifying at least one conserved peptide block in three or more homologous polypeptides are provided and compositions comprising conserved peptides are provided. More particularly, methods for selecting conserved peptides in variable viral polypeptides for use in immunogenic compositions are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-EMR1 antibodies and methods of using such antibodies to treat EMR1-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are transplantable graft-specific induced tolerogenic dendritic cells (itDCs), as well as related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are induced tolerogenic dendritic cells (itDCs) produced by combining itDCs with externally loadable MHC Class I-restricted epitopes, as well as related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are antigen-specific induced tolerogenic dendritic cells (itDCs) that generate regulatory B cells, as well as related compositions and methods.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to find a ligand for a DCIR and to search for an agonist and an antagonist for the DCIR. Specifically, disclosed are: a dendritic cell immunoreceptor agonist containing keratan sulfate-II (KS-II) as an active ingredient; an antibody against dendritic cell immunoreceptor, having a keratan sulfate-II-like dendritic cell immunoreceptor agonism; and an antibody against a dendritic cell immunoreceptor, having a keratan sulfate-II inhibitory dendritic cell immunoreceptor antagonism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to binding agents useful in the selective depletion of T cells in vivo. More specifically, the invention relates to ICOS-binding agents which once bound to ICOS expressed on the surface of cells, in particular ICOS-bearing activated T cells, result in the in vivo depletion of cells to which they are bound. Methods of treating T cell related diseases using said ICOS-binding agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ICOS-binding agents, a method of identifying an ICOS-binding agent, and monoclonal anti-ICOS antibodies capable of eliminating cells in vivo which express ICOS on their surface are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of genetic variants. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose and/or predict susceptibility to Crohn's Disease in an individual by determining the presence or absence of anti-Cbir1 reactivity and the presence or absence of TLR5 risk variants. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of NFKB1 haplotype H3 and/or ASCA expression. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of Cbir1 specific peripheral blood T cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in competitive analyte immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads opsonized for leukocytes; and (b) performing a competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a process for measuring the relative potency of a test batch of glatiramer acetate. In addition, the subject invention provides a process for preparing a batch of glatiramer acetate as acceptable for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: Method for the isolation and purification of nTreg cells from a biological sample, preferably from an individual having an inflammatory or autoimmune disease. Furthermore, the invention additionally relates to a kit for the isolation or purification of nTreg cells from a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing isolated monocyte-derived mature dendritic cells loaded with OFA/iLRP, or a fragment thereof that selectively stimulates T cytotoxic lymphocytes, and a carrier, vaccine compositions containing effective dosage amounts of the dendritic cells, methods of making the vaccines, and methods of cancer treatment or therapy that entail administration of the vaccines to cancer patients.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that isolated lymphocytes, such as human B-cells and CD4+ T-cell can be used to determine an amount of lymphocyte-associated anthrax lethal toxin activity present. Methods of using isolated lymphocytes to identify anthrax therapeutic agents and to determine the efficacy of a potential anthrax therapeutic are disclosed. Methods are also provided for diagnosing and treating anthrax infections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for promoting function, activation and proliferation of T helper lymphocytes such as those that express IL17 and IL22 (Th-IL17+ and Th-IL22+ T cells). The method features isolating a population of T cells from a subject such as a human and incubating the population of T cells in a serum-free culture medium that contains one or more cytokine. The T cells may be memory T cells (TM) such as, for example, CCR6+CD45RO+ memory T cells (TM), and the one or more cytokine may be, for instance, one or more of IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15. Likewise, the invention provides a method for expanding an activated population of T helper lymphocytes by the same means.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for detecting PNH Type II cell populations in biological samples as well as methods for determining whether a patient is at an increased risk for developing thrombocytopenia or thrombosis based on the percentage of PNH Type II cells in the patient's blood. The disclosure also features reagents and conjugates for use in the methods.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay, and in particular in non-competitive immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads; and (b) performing a non-competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing, ascertaining the clinical course of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and ascertaining response to a therapy regimen of myelodysplastic syndrome. Specifically the invention provides methods and kits useful in the diagnosis and determination of clinical parameters associated with MDS based on surface markers unique to MDS.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing high affinity human sequence antibodies. The invention is also directed to human sequence antibodies specific for human antigens, such as, human CD4. The invention is also directed to methods for producing human sequence antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptides derived from amino acid sequences (or from combinations thereof) of fusion and other protein regions of various viruses, including but not limited to, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, herpesvirus saimiri, human herpesvirus 6, Lassa virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Mopeia virus, Tacaribe virus, Friend murine leukemia virus; human T lymphotropic virus type 1; herpesvirus ateles; Marburg virus; Sudan Ebola virus; Zaire Ebola virus, and comprising L- and/or D-amino acids and combinations thereof, which affect T cells by acting on the T cell antigen receptor (TCR). More specifically, the peptides act on the TCR??-CD3??-CD3??-?? signaling complex. Yet more specifically, the peptides act on the TCR?/CD3??/?? signaling module of TCR. The present invention further relates to the prevention and therapy of various T cell-related disease states involving the use of these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating Tr1 cells, resting Tr1 cells and/or activated Tr1 cells, to methods for enriching or depleting a cell population in Tr1 cells, resting Tr1 cells and/or activated Tr1 cells and to methods and kits for treating chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, cancer and organ transplantation conditions.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory NY-ESO-1 epitopes recognized by MHC-DRB3*0202 (DR52b) or DRB1*0101 (DR1) restricted T cells are described. Methods for their use in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are also provided. Further, methods for the generation and isolation of MHC class II molecules, either “empty” or peptide-loaded, are provided. Methods for the assembly of MHC class II multimers, for example, tetramers, are also provided. Methods for the detection of T cells binding to specific peptide-loaded MHC class II molecules are also described herein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of identifying individuals susceptible to familial hypercholesterolemia and which method comprises identifying in a sample from said individual at least one polymorphism at position 1706-2 of the coding region (41902 of the genomic DNA) in the low density lipoprotein receptor gene, and wherein the presence of at least one said polymorphism is indicative of said individual being of a higher susceptibility to familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: A mouse with a humanization of the mIL-3 gene and the mGM-CSF gene, a knockout of a mRAG gene, and a knockout of a mII2rg subunit gene; and optionally a humanization of the TPO gene is described. A RAG/II2rg KO/hTPO knock-in mouse is described. A mouse engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that maintains a human immune cell (HIC) population derived from the HSCs and that is infectable by a human pathogen, e.g., S. typhi or M. tuberculosis is described. A mouse that models a human pathogen infection that is poorly modeled in mice is described, e.g., a mouse that models a human mycobacterial infection, wherein the mouse develops one or more granulomas comprising human immune cells. A mouse that comprises a human hematopoietic malignancy that originates from an early human hematopoietic cells is described, e.g., a myeloid leukemia or a myeloproliferative neoplasia.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of a cancer cell in an individual are provided. Methods and compositions for identifying a tumor-specific signature in an individual having cancer are also provided. Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of an infectious agent in an individual and/or for identifying an infectious agent-specific signature in an infected individual are provided. Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of a disease in an individual are also provided. Methods and compositions for identifying a disease-specific signature in an individual having the disease are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a therapeutic agent for treating a Germinal Center Kinase (GCK)-Like Kinase (GLK)-mediated disease are disclosed. Methods for detecting a modulation of GLK signaling by a lest compound are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for detecting the presence and/or severity of an autoimmune disease and/or cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antigenically effective peptide comprising, from the amino to the carboxylic terminal, the amino acid sequence: G P P W W P P I C D P P Q P S K T Q G Q S X1 G Q S X2 G X3 G X4 G X5 G X6 G X7 G K G K S X8 D K Q X9 K P G G P W X10 P E P (SEQ ID No. 1), wherein the amino acids X1-X10 are selected independently from an arginine residue or a citrulline residue and at least one of X1-X10 is a citrulline residue, or a functional fragment thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are irreversible kinase inhibitor compounds, methods for synthesizing such irreversible inhibitors, and methods for using such irreversible inhibitors in the treatment of diseases. Further described herein are methods, assays and systems for determining an appropriate irreversible inhibitor of a protein, including a kinase.

Abstract: The use of beta2-microglobulin (?2m) as active ingredient, in particular in pharmaceutical compositions intended for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for raising an immune response in an animal. The method comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising a carrier and an antigen bound to a targeting moiety. The targeting moiety binds to at least one receptor that is upregulated on lymphocytes that home to MAdCAM+ mucosal lymphoid tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying the preferential target antigens of antitumoural T-cells of a tumour patient, comprising: a) providing T-cells from the blood of at least one tumour patient, b) providing dendritic cell (DCs) and/or B-lymphocytes (BLCs) that are autologous for said tumour patient, wherein said DCs and BLCs were transfected beforehand with a selection of mRNAs encoding for T-cell-immunogenic tumour-associated antigens (TAA), and express these, c) contacting said T-cells with the DCs and/or BLCs, d) identifying of those T-cells that recognize antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs, and e) identifying of the preferential target antigens of antitumoural T-cells of the at least one tumour patient on the basis of the T-cells that recognize antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs. The method can furthermore comprise the expansion of the T-cells that recognize the antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs.

Abstract: A novel method for determining the bioactivity of TGF-? in a sample of milk, raw protein source, or nutritional composition is provided. The method includes particular reconstitution steps, centrifugation steps, incubation steps, and activation steps. The bioactivity of the TGF-? in the sample may be measured in a HT-2 cell bioassay or a cellomics bioassay.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the determination of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell phenotype and/or frequency, which is useful for detecting or monitoring immune function, directing immunotherapy to the use of those epitopes or antigen fragments that elicit an allergic reaction (e.g., as measured by detection of a Th2 response) and/or promote immune deviation, monitoring an immune response to a particular antigen, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to integrin ligand discovery and to a method of integrin ligand discovery base upon induction of ligand-induced epitopes. Such ligands have the potential to be active agent as anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis and/or anti-thrombotic agents and for the treatment of integrin mediated diseases and/or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides suppressive and/or regulative human CD4+CD25+ T cells, a method for expanding same, and the use of the suppressive and/or regulative human CD4+CD25+ T cells and the expanded T cells as regulatory agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease, comprising as an active ingredient a substance that inhibits binding between Sema3A and a Neuropilin-1/Plexin-A1 heteroreceptor. The substance includes, for example, a Sema3A neutralizing antibody, a Neuropilin-1 neutralizing antibody, or a soluble Neuropilin-1 or derivative thereof. Also disclosed is a method for screening a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease utilizing a signal generated by the interactions of Neuropilin-1, Plexin-A1 and Sema3A as a marker.

Abstract: There is provided a method for determining whether a subject has a bacterial infection comprising: identifying an abnormal expression of one or more of CD49e, CD 14, CD11c, CD49f, and CD29 on leucocytes in a sample obtained from the subject; wherein an abnormal expression of CD49e, CD 14, CD11c, CD49f or CD29 is indicative of the subject having a bacterial infection.

Abstract: A peptide analogue which is not more than 50 amino acids in length, and which is capable of being recognized by a T cell receptor that recognizes an epitope comprising sequence 62PQPELPY68 (SEQ ID NO:1), and fusion proteins, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits comprising the same, are provided herewith. Also provided are methods of diagnosing coeliac disease, or susceptibility to coeliac disease, in an individual comprising contacting a sample from the individual with a peptide analogue and determining in vitro whether T cells in the sample recognize the peptide analogue.

Abstract: The methods and reagents described in this invention are used to analyze circulating tumor cells, clusters, fragments, and debris. Analysis is performed with a number of platforms, including flow cytometry and the CELLSPOTTER® fluorescent microscopy imaging system. Analyzing damaged cells has shown to be important. However, there are two sources of damage: in vivo and in vitro. Damage in vivo occurs by apoptosis, necrosis, or immune response. Damage in vitro occurs during sample acquisition, handling, transport, processing, or analysis. It is therefore desirable to confine, reduce, eliminate, or at least qualify in vitro damage to prevent it from interfering in analysis. Described herein are methods to diagnose, monitor, and screen disease based on circulating rare cells, including malignancy as determined by CTC, clusters, fragments, and debris. Also provided are kits for assaying biological specimens using these methods.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory methods and systems for treating or preventing atherosclerosis and/or a condition associated thereto in an individual.

Abstract: Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human DEC-205 and related antibody-based compositions and molecules are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Abstract: A method of determining risk of diabetes is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises: a) measuring the levels of a plurality of biomarkers in a blood samples obtained from a patient, wherein the plurality of biomarkers comprises at least five of the following biomarkers: glucose, adiponectin, CRP, IL2RA, ferritin, insulin and HbAIc; b) calculating a diabetes risk score for the patients using the levels and, optionally, patient age and/or gender. Results obtained from performing the assay on a reference population are similar or identical to those obtained using Formula I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for labeling, isolating, detecting, and/or enumerating a statistically significant number of biological cells, or other biological analytes of interest, present in a complex matrix sample. The isolation of a biological target of interest from a sample mixture is done by immunomagnetic separation. Upon introduction of the sample within an imaging chamber, the capture complex (biological target-magnetic capture agent) will be attracted by the magnetic field and will lay on the surface of the chamber in the focal plane of the imaging system.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing T cell receptor (TCR) like antibodies that recognize peptides displayed in the context of HLA molecules. Antibodies produced by methods provided herein have the specificity of a TCR and can be used as therapeutic, diagnostic and research reagents. Also provided are TCR-like antibodies which recognize Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptides displayed in the context of HLA molecules and are useful for the detection and treatment of EBV and EBV-linked diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved fluorescently labeled monosaccharide and low molecular weight oligosaccharide conjugates for immunofluorescent staining, confocal microscopic imaging and flow cytometry/fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). These fluorophore conjugates target cells, components of cell surfaces and extracellular components; and are useful as probes for tumor targeting and cellular uptake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.