Abstract: A novel polypeptide that functions as an IL-18 receptor is disclosed. The receptor is multimeric and includes at least one AcPL polypeptide, or fragment thereof, and at least one IL-1Rrp1 polypeptide, or fraction thereof. The receptor binds IL-18 and finds use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by IL-18.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant comprising: a sheet of bacterial cellulose having a macro-pattern positioned on at least a portion thereof. The invention also relates to a method for making such an implant.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3, 5, and 7, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 4, and 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: A novel adaptor protein and its gene are provided. The novel adaptor protein has a property of binding to mammalian Toll-like receptor 3, which controls type I interferon production that is effective for prevention/treatment of viral infectious disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the like, treatment of tumors, and the other purposes. Novel adaptor protein TICAM-1, which has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, specifically binds to the mammalian Toll-like receptor 3 and induces production of type I interferon. A mutant of the adaptor protein TICAM-1 has similar properties, provided that it has TIR domain (an amino acid sequence ranging from 394-position to 532-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence ranging 396-position to 534-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4). The gene is a gene encoding the adaptor protein TICAM-1.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to antibodies to troponin I as well as methods of use thereof. In particular, such antibodies may be used to detect Troponin I in a patient and may also be used in the diagnosis of, for example, a myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for enhancing recombinant antibody production by co-expressing in a host cell a recombinant antibody and ERp23 protein, which facilitates oxidative folding and stability of the recombinant antibody thereby enhancing production.

Abstract: The present invention features a chemoselective ligation reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the invention involves condensation of a specifically engineered phosphine, which can provide for formation of an amide bond between the two reactive partners resulting in a final product comprising a phosphine moiety, or which can be engineered to comprise a cleavable linker so that a substituent of the phosphine is transferred to the azide, releasing an oxidized phosphine byproduct and producing a native amide bond in the final product. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provides for its application in vivo (e.g., on the cell surface or intracellularly) and in vitro (e.g., synthesis of peptides and other polymers, production of modified (e.g., labeled) amino acids).

Abstract: The present invention provides replication competent polynucleotides that include a coding sequence encoding a hepatitis C virus polyprotein having adaptive mutations. The invention also includes methods for malting replication competent polynucleotides, identifying a compound that inhibits replication of a replication competent polynucleotide, selecting a replication competent polynucleotide, and detecting a replication competent polynucleotide.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a promoter for inducing expression selectively and strongly in an immunocompetent cell and/or a blood cell such as a lymphocyte. In the invention, the object was achieved by finding that HHV6 MIE promoter, HHV7 MIE promoter and HHV7 U95 promoter unexpectedly induce a specific expression in an immunocompetent cell and/or a blood cell such as a T lymphocyte. By utilizing the promoters, a selective delivery of a DNA vaccine or the like can be realized.

Abstract: Modified FGF-21 polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a promoter for inducing expression selectively and strongly in an immunocompetent cell and/or a blood cell such as a lymphocyte. In the invention, the object was achieved by finding that HHV6 MIE promoter, HHV7 MIE promoter and HHV7 U95 promoter unexpectedly induce a specific expression in an immunocompetent cell and/or a blood cell such as a T lymphocyte. By utilizing the promoters, a selective delivery of a DNA vaccine or the like can be realized.

Abstract: A proteolysate of a seed material derived from a plant species of the Asteraceae family, such as sunflower, has improved properties as a constituent of a culture medium for culturing eukaryotic, in particular animal cells. The seed material is defatted and is hydrolysed to a degree of 10-50% and subsequently separated from insolubles. The cells are particularly cultured for producing desired protein products.

Abstract: Provided are processes for culturing cells derived from embryonic retinoblast cells immortalized by adenovirus E1 sequences, such as PER.C6® cells, to improve product yields from such cells. Feed strategies for such cells and cultures with very high cell densities are provided, resulting in high yields of products, such as recombinant antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of functionalizing proteins, particularly antibodies, at oligosaccharide linkages, methods of humanizing antibodies by modifying glycosylation, as well as to novel antibodies linked to modified oligosaccharides. The invention further relates to kits that may be used to produce the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a culture medium for culturing an animal cell, which is characterized by containing a peptide comprising, as a constituent unit, an amino acid residue selected from the amino acid group consisting of serine, tyrosine and cysteine. The culture medium is suitable for the high level production of a protein by an animal cell.

Abstract: An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the ? chain are deleted, and a ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the ? chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to novel processes for protein purification in high salt solutions such as cell culture broth by increasing the dynamic binding capacity of a resin with the addition of polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing pancreatic hormone-expressing cells by first differentiating pluripotent cells in cell culture so as to produce endodermal cells, the endodermal cells being competent to further differentiate into hormone-expressing cells capable of secreting at least one pancreatic hormone in response to a physiological signal, and then, transplanting the cultured endodermal cells into an organism, such as an organism in need of an endocrine cell therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing liver precursor cells as well as hepatocyte cells form pluripotent and/or multipotent cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of enriching isolating and/or purifying liver precursor cells and/or hepatocyte cells. Further disclosed are compositions comprising cell cultures and cell populations that are enriched for liver precursor cells or hepatocyte cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chimp sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of recombinant expression of polypeptides in animal cell culture. More particularly, the invention concerns improved selection in cells of recombinantly engineered vectors designed to express polypeptides.

Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.

Abstract: The proposed patent describes a commercially viable process for production of biosurfactants and biopolymers by employing environmentally safe utilization of waste oil after recycling or during the early stage recycling. The process described eliminates use of strong solvents or acids during the process as has been suggested by other inventors. The entire process is achieved without addition of any nutrients during fermentation and there will not be any waste produced for disposal. The end products are natural and biodegradable and have many useful industrial and commercial applications. The invention is one of the many application of patented biodispersion technology (U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,888). The invention describes production of biosurfactant from both marine water and fresh water as a source for fermentation. Three byproducts are produced during the process namely 1. Oil for recycling/blending, 2. Process water for production of biosurfactants and 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The invention s based, in part, on the demonstration that Flk-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk-1. These results indicate a major role for Flk-1 in the signaling system during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells that express Flk-1 and the uses of expressed Flk-1 to evaluate and screen for drugs and analogs of VEGF involved in Flk-1 modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is described. The invention also relates to the use of FLK-1 ligands, including VEGF agonists and antagonists, in the treatment of disorders, including cancer, by modulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost inoculation regimen. The present invention relates to a method of virus amplification in primary cells which are cultivated in a serum free medium. Viruses produced by this method are advantageously free of any infectious agents comprised in animal sera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost innoculation regimen. The present invention relates to a method of virus amplification in primary cells which are cultivated in a serum free medium. Viruses produced by this method are advantageously free of any infectious agents comprised in animal sera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of exogenous sequences into the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus genome. The present invention further provides plasmid vectors to insert exogenous DNA into the genome of MVA. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant MVA comprising an exogenous DNA sequence inserted into said new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for transporting sugars across cell membranes using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: Methods of culturing cells capable of producing desired proteins to obtain the proteins by use of a medium from which biological components are excluded as much as possible are provided. Specifically, a culture method characterized by culturing while maintaining a specific amino acid in a culture solution at a high concentration, and a cell culture fed-batch medium for use in the method are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diluent for a Norovirus or Sapovirus specimen, the diluent containing an alkaline buffer of pH 9.0 to 10.0, and to a method for detecting a Norovirus or a Sapovirus through use of the diluent. According to the present invention, a Norovirus or a Sapovirus can be detected in a Norovirus- or Sapovirus-containing specimen such as stool, vomit, body fluid, blood, body tissue, or food, in a convenient manner without use of a special machine such as a centrifuge, with an improved detection sensitivity, and with complete elimination of non-specific factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies with decreased deamidation profiles, and methods for producing antibodies with decreased deamidation profiles.

Abstract: Novel genes significantly homologous to organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 have been successfully isolated by screening a fetal gene library by random sequencing. Proteins encoded by these genes function as transporters of various organic cations.

Abstract: Filovirus subunit protein immunogens are produced using a recombinant expression system and combined with one or more adjuvants in immunogenic formulations. The subunit proteins include GP95, GP-FL, VP40, VP24, and NP derived from Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus. Adjuvants include saponins, emulsions, alum, and dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. The disclosed immunogenic formulations are effective in inducing strong antibody responses directed against individual Filovirus proteins and intact Filovirus particles as well as stimulating cell-mediated immune responses to the Filoviruses.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zyctor17, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zyctor17, are located on chromosome 5, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody against FGF-8, particularly a humanized antibody against FGF-8 and the antibody fragment thereof, a DNA sequence encoding the above antibody or the antibody fragment, a vector comprising the DNA sequence and a host cell transformed by the vector, a production process of the above antibody or the antibody fragment using the host cell, and a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent for cancer using the antibody or the antibody fragment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for producing biologically functional hepcidin in Pichia pastoris. The invention further provides novel tagged hepcidin, antibodies and their uses in therapy and immunoassays.

Abstract: Novel cell surface molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies against a cell surface molecule of lymphocytic cells that play an important role in autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases have been isolated, identified, and analyzed for their functions. The cell surface molecules are expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, and induce cell adhesion. Antibodies against the cell surface molecules significantly ameliorate pathological conditions of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases.

Abstract: An isolated nucleotide sequence or fragment thereof encoding the porcine intrinsic factor, wherein the porcine intrinsic factor comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 85% amino acid sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 6, and SEQ ID NO: 9. The invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid sequence or fragment thereof comprising, or complementary to, a nucleotide sequence having at least 85% nucleotide sequence identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 4, and SEQ ID NO: 7. The porcine intrinsic factor can be use is an assay to determine the quantity of vitamin B12 in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for producing an immunoglobulin or an immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragment containing at least the variable domains of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains. The processes can use one or more vectors which produce both the heavy and light chains or fragments thereof in a single cell. The invention also relates to the vectors used to produce the immunoglobulin or fragment, and to cells transformed with the vectors.

Abstract: A cell extract for cell-free protein synthesis is produced by removing substances, which bind to an affinity support to be used in purification or interaction analysis, from a cell extract having protein synthetic activity. Then, a target protein is synthesized by using the cell extract for cell-free protein synthesis. The synthesized target protein can be purified by using the affinity support and used in interaction analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of specific binding proteins, such as immunoglobulins, that are designed to be true combinations, essentially all components of the combination being functional and compatible with each other. The invention further provides a method for producing a composition comprising at least two different proteinaceous molecules comprising paired variable regions, the at least two proteinaceous molecules having different binding specificities, comprising paired variable regions, at least two proteinaceous molecules having different binding specificities, comprising contacting at least three different variable regions under conditions allowing for pairing of variable regions and harvesting essentially all proteinaceous molecules having binding specificities resulting from the pairing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for raising antibodies generally comprising 1) providing highly immunogenic vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and 2) immunizing animals with the said antigen-bearing vesicles to induce antigen-specific antibody responses. The invention also relates to methods of screening antibody repertoires comprising 1) providing vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and one marker and 2) isolating antibody-producing cells or particles with defined antigen specificity using the said antigen- and marker-bearing vesicles. Antibodies with defined antigen specificity can then be prepared from isolated antibody-producing cells using known methods of the art. This invention can be used in experimental, research, therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic areas.

Abstract: A reporter vector which can evaluate the ability of a drug to induce CYP1A2 or both of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 and a method for evaluation of the ability of a drug to induce CYP1A2 or both of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 by using the reporter vector. A reporter system which can evaluate the ability of a drug capable of inducing CYP1A2 or both of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 is completed by constructing a reporter vector having a reporter gene linked to the 3? end of a region between CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 or a reporter vector having different reporter genes linked to the both ends of the region, respectively, so as to sandwich the region, and a reporter vector having a deletion mutation in the region, and confirming that the expression of a reporter molecule is increased by the drug capable of inducing CYP1A2 or both of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in the reporter system using the reporter vector.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel composition of matter obtained from the leaves of green plants, which is useful in promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Specifically, that the invention describes a hydrolysate prepared from plant leaf biomass (leaf biomass hydrolysate or ‘LBH’) which dramatically stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Use of LBH as a fermentation substrate can also stimulate rapid production of organic acids and other organic compounds. LBH can be used as a substrate to promote the fermentation-based production of biobased industrial chemicals or biofuels, LBH can be utilized as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial probiotic organisms, hi addition, LBH may also be useful in stimulating the fermentation-based production of other products, examples of which include preservatives, antibiotics, antigens, vaccines, amino acids, vitamins, recombinant proteins, bioremediation treatments, and immobilized enzymes.