Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro diagnosis of heart failure. More specifically, the invention relates to specific antibodies of a peptide domain which is situated on either side of hinge region R76S77 of proBNP(1-108). In particular, the invention relates to a method of obtaining the aforementioned antibodies and to the use thereof in detecting blood proBNP(1-108) with the exception of BNP(1-76) and BNP(77-108). The invention also relates to a method of detecting blood proBNP(1-108), reagents and a kit for same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a rabbit-derived immortal B-lymphocyte capable of fusion with a rabbit splenocyte to produce a hybrid cell that produces an antibody. The immortal B-lymphocyte does not detectably express endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and may contain, in certain embodiments, an altered immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene. A hybridoma resulting from fusion between the subject immortal B-lymphocyte and a rabbit antibody-producing cell is provided, as is a method of using that hybridoma to produce an antibody. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different diagnostic, therapeutic and research applications.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for VEGF as an antigen were developed to detect VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the epitope which comprises the tyrosine at position 1214 in the amino acid sequence of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, KDR/Flk-1, as a marker in the measurement of a change in the activation state of the KDR/Flk-1 receptor and to probes, such as antibodies, which recognize said epitope. The invention also relates to the use of KDR/Flk-1 epitope Y1214 as a marker in the detection of and/or measurement of the level of the KDR/Flk-1 receptor and to assays which utilize the use of the Y1214 epitope and to compounds derived from said assays.

Abstract: Antibodies, humanized antibodies, resurfaced antibodies, antibody fragments, derivatized antibodies, and conjugates of these molecules with cytotoxic agents, which specifically bind to and inhibit insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, antagonize the effects of IGF-I and are substantially devoid of agonist activity toward the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. These molecules can be conjugated to cytotoxic agents for use in the treatment of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian carcinoma, synovial sarcoma and pancreatic cancer. These molecules can also be labeled for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic uses, such as in the diagnosis and imaging of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor.

Abstract: In the serum, PSP94 occurs as a free form or is associated with a carrier protein. PSP94 in its bound form has been quantified in the blood of prostate cancer patients and these measurements have shown utility as evaluation or prognosis of prostate cancer. Diagnostic assays, methods, and kits for detecting a free form of PSP94, and reagents such as antibodies able to bind to a free form of PSP94 are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising antibodies or fragments thereof that immunospecifically bind to one or more antigens of a flavivirus, particularly of West Nile Virus (WNV), and methods for preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with a flavivirus, particularly of West Nile Virus (WNV), infection utilizing said compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with WNV infection, said methods comprising administering to a human subject an effective amount of one or more antibodies or fragments thereof that immunospecifically bind to a WNV antigen. The present invention also relates to detectable or diagnostic compositions comprising antibodies or fragments thereof that immunospecifically bind to a WNV antigen and methods for detecting or diagnosing WNV infection utilizing said compositions.

Abstract: A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. The NT-proBNP ELISA assay test employs the sandwich ELISA technique to measure circulating NT-proBNP in human plasma. In order to obtain antibodies with specific binding properties for targeted amino acid sequences within human proBNP, recombinant human proBNP (or rhproBNP) was expressed and purified for use as an immunogen. Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) to specific amino acid sequences were subsequently purified from goat serum by sequential affinity purification. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against specific polypeptides. Recombinant human NT-proBNP (or rhNT-proBNP) was expressed and purified in order to obtain material for use in calibration of a quantitative method for measurement of human NT-proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized Fc?RIIB antibodies, fragments, and variants thereof that bind human Fc?RIIB with a greater affinity than said antibody binds Fc?RIIA. The invention encompasses the use of the humanized antibodies of the invention for the treatment of any disease related to loss of balance of Fc receptor mediated signaling, such as cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The invention provides methods of enhancing the therapeutic effect of therapeutic antibodies by administering the humanized antibodies of the invention to enhance the effector function of the therapeutic antibodies. The invention also provides methods of enhancing the efficacy of a vaccine composition by administering the humanized antibodies of the invention. The invention encompasses methods for treating an autoimmune disease and methods for elimination of cancer cells that express Fc?RIIB.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunointeractive molecules and more particularly antibodies which bind to vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) or its functional or structural equivalent and inhibit the biological activity of VEGF-B. In particular, the present invention relates to deimmunized such as humanized or human antibodies that bind to VEGF-B and inhibit the biological activity of VEGF-B. These antibodies have uses in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with perturbations in normal vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular remodelling. The present invention further contemplates a method of modulating diseases associated with perturbations in normal vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular remodelling by the administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies which bind to VEGF-B and block the biological activity of VEGF-B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rabbit monoclonal antibody that binds to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein with high specificity and high affinity. The antibody has a binding constant, measured with respect to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein, equal to or greater than 1×108/molar. The antibody has no substantial cross-reactivity with other family Id proteins such as Id2, Id3, or Id4, or other endogenous proteins present in the cells that express Id1 protein. The high specificity and high affinity of the rabbit monoclonal antibodies of the present invention allows sensitive and specific detection and/or quantitation of Id1 protein in biological samples. The antibodies are useful in immunochemical-based assays such as ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining.

Abstract: Modified antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, to the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are provided. The modified anti-PSMA antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, have been rendered less immunogenic compared to their unmodified counterparts to a given species, e.g., a human. Pharmaceutical compositions including the aforesaid antibodies, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such antibodies and fragments are also disclosed. Methods of using the antibodies of the invention to detect human PSMA, or to ablate or kill a PSMA-expressing cell, e.g., a PSMA-expressing cancer or prostatic cell, either in vitro or in vivo, are also provided.

Abstract: Novels immuno-interactive fragments of the (alpha)C portion of a mammalian inhibin alpha subunit are disclosed, together with their variants and derivatives for producing antigen-binding molecules that are interactive with said (alpha)C portion, which are chemically well defined and which can be produced in commercially significant quantities. The antigen-binding molecules of the invention can be used for the detection of a mammalian inhibin and for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with aberrant levels of a mammalian inhibin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an immunological test for determining NT-proBNP comprising at least two antibodies to NT-proBNP, wherein at least one of the antibodies to NT-proBNP is a monoclonal antibody. One of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 38 to 50. In addition, one of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 1 to 37 or 43 to 76. The epitope recognized by the antibodies can slightly overlap.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are identified that bind the IL-21 protein. These antibodies are used to identify regions of the IL-21 protein to where binding neutralizes IL-21 activity. Hybridomas and methods of producing anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibodies are described. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in treating IL-21-mediated diseases, which may include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis, type I diabetes (IDDM), Graves Disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diverticulosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, graft vs.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Framework (FR)-patching is a novel approach to modify immunoglobulin for reducing potential immunogenicity without significant alterations in specificity and affinity. Unlike previous described methods of humanization, which graft CDRs from a donor onto the frameworks of a single acceptor immunoglobulin, we patch segments of framework (FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4), or FRs, to replace the corresponding FRs of the parent immunoglobulin. Free assortment of these FRs from different immunoglobulins and from different species can be mixed and matched into forming the final immunoglobulin chain. A set of criteria in the choice of these FRs to minimize or eliminate the need to reintroduce framework amino acids from the parent immunoglobulin for patching is described. The approach gives greater flexibility in the choice of framework sequences, minimizes the need to include parent framework amino acids, and, most importantly, reduces the chances of creating new T- and B-cell epitopes in the resultant immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Framework (FR)-patching is a novel approach to modify immunoglobulin for reducing potential immunogenicity without significant alterations in specificity and affinity. Unlike previous described methods of humanization, which graft CDRs from a donor onto the frameworks of a single acceptor immunoglobulin, we patch segments of framework (FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4), or FRs, to replace the corresponding FRs of the parent immunoglobulin. Free assortment of these FRs from different immunoglobulins and from different species can be mixed and matched into forming the final immunoglobulin chain. A set of criteria in the choice of these FRs to minimize or eliminate the need to reintroduce framework amino acids from the parent immunoglobulin for patching is described. The approach gives greater flexibility in the choice of framework sequences, minimizes the need to include parent framework amino acids, and, most importantly, reduces the chances of creating new T- and B-cell epitopes in the resultant immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Antibodies having dual specificity for two different but structurally related antigens are provided. The antibodies can be, for example, entirely human antibodies, recombinant antibodies, or monoclonal antibodies. Preferred antibodies have dual specificity for IL-1? and IL-1? and neutralize IL-1? and IL-1? activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Methods of making and methods of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting two different but structurally related antigens (e.g., IL-1? and IL-1? ) and for inhibiting the activity of the antigens, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which IL-1? and/or IL-1? activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two primordial germ cell-specific expressed genes, Fragilis and Stella. The sequences and sues of human Stella and Fragilis are disclosed herein, as are several mouse sequences related to Fragilis. The present invention relates to the use of Stella and Fragilis as markers for primordial germ cells and can be used to identify such cells. Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of Stella and Fragilis for the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of disease.

Abstract: The invention concerns a kit for the detection of protein ESM-1 in a sample, comprising: a) a first antibody specifically binding to the N-terminal region of protein ESM-1 contained between the amino acid in position 20 and the amino acid in position 78 of the amino acid sequence of this protein; and b) a second antibody specifically binding to the C-terminal region contained between the amino acid in position 79 and the amino acid in position 184 of the amino acid sequence of protein ESM-1.

Abstract: CD30 is a receptor expressed on cells of Hodgkin's disease and certain leukemias. The extracellular portion of CD30 is cleaved, releasing a form known as sCD30. The invention relates in part to the discovery that a residual, extracellular “stalk” of CD30 remains after cleavage of sCD30. The stalk provides an advantageous and previously unrecognized target for immunotoxins. The invention provides antibodies that bind to the CD30 stalk or to epitopes destroyed upon the cleavage of CD30 which results in the stalk. The invention further provides new anti-CD30 antibodies that form effective immunotoxins and are particularly suitable for making disulfide stabilized Fv (“dsFv”)-immunoconjugates. The dsFv immunoconjugates can be used as reagents to label CD30-expressing cancer cells or to inhibit the growth of CD30-expressing cancer cells. Moreover, the invention provides anti-CD30 antibodies that activate complement-dependent cytotoxicity.

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: Compositions and methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease in a patient sample are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to MCM6 or MCM7. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an MCM6 or MCM7 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an MCM6 or MCM7 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in practicing methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease comprising detecting overexpression of MCM6, MCM7, or both MCM6 and MCM7 in a cervical sample from a patient. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an MCM6 or an MCM7 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: A 53 Kd novel form of factor XIIa and related products, including nucleic acid molecules, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and hybridoma cell lines. Also assays for a 53 Kd form of factor XIIa and uses of said assays in diagnostic and prognostic methods, for example in the prediction of survival following myocardial infarction.

Abstract: An antibody or antibody fragment preparation being capable of specifically binding the amino acid sequence 60-76, 86-98, 135-149, 215-227, 363-377, 385-397, 405-419, 427-440, 509-522, 605-619, 635-649, 666-680, 696-711, 752-766, 836-851, 871-884, and/or 904-916 of NIK, or being capable of specifically binding a specific portion of the amino acid sequence is provided.

Abstract: Antibodies are described, which are suitable for identification of ?-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), said antibodies having an ability of identifying Gla residues in proteins and/or peptides, while not reacting with glutamic (Glu) residues in corresponding proteins and/or peptides. Methods for the preparation and identification of said antibodies as well as methods for detection of Gla in biological fluids, tissue extracts, tissue specimens, in which methods said antibodies are used, are also described. There is also described the use of said antibodies for immunopurification of Gla-containing proteins or peptides by, for instance, immunoprecipitation or immunoaffinity chromatography.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a patient and for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to HE4. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an HE4 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an HE4 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in diagnostic methods as well as in screening methods for identifying patients having an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. Kits comprising one or more of the disclosed HE4 monoclonal antibodies and for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an HE4 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: A method of detecting and isolating cells that produce any secreted protein of interest (POI), comprising: a) constructing a cell line transiently or stably expressing a cell surface capture molecule, which binds the POI, by transfecting the cell line with a nucleic acid that encodes such cell surface capture molecule; b) transfecting said cell simultaneously or subsequently with a second nucleic acid that encodes a POI wherein such POI is secreted; c) detecting the surface-displayed POI by contacting the cells with a detection molecule, which binds the POI; and d) isolating cells based on the detection molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic animals bearing one or more human ? light chain loci. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for making transgenic animals that have incorporated human ? light chain loci. The invention further relates to methods of using and compositions derived from the transgenic animals that have incorporated human ? light chain loci.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing fully human antibodies that recognize a pre-determined antigen without relying on human donors that have already been exposed to the antigen. To this end, lymphocytes from naive human donors are immunized in vitro with the antigen of interest, and cells that produce antibodies against the antigen are identified. Since the lymphocytes are immunized in vitro rather than in vivo, it is possible to control which antigen, or which part of the antigen, would be recognized by the antibody. A preferred antigen is gp120 of HIV, particularly the co-receptor binding region of gp120.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNF? activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNF? activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an antibody or a antibody fragment thereof, which can bind to A33, which specifically attacks A33-expressing tumor cells with the use of ADCC and CDC based on the immune system, and for which no HAHA is produced; and a preventive or therapeutic agent for various malignant tumors including solid tumors that are currently treated with difficulty, which contains the antibody or an antibody fragment thereof. Specifically, the antibody or a functional fragment thereof is capable of binding to A33 and is produced by a hybridoma M10 (accession No. FERM BP-10107), M96 (accession No. FERM BP-10108), M165 (accession No. FERM BP-10106), N26 (accession No. FERM BP-10109), Q47 (accession No. FERM BP-10104), Q54 (accession No. FERM BP-10105), or R5 (accession No. FERM BP-10107). The preventive or therapeutic agent for tumors contains the antibody or a functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: Humanized antibodies to LT-?-R and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor family of receptors. The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human TR2 receptor and two splice variants thereof. TR2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR2 receptor activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting disease states related to the aberrant states related to aberrant proliferation and differentiation of cells which express the TR2 receptors.

Abstract: This invention concerns humanized antibodies specific for the lymphotoxin beta receptor (LT-?-R), cell lines that produce these antibodies, immunochemicals made from the antibodies, and diagnostic methods that use the antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the antibodies alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agent(s) in therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic non-human animals that are engineered to contain human immunoglobulin gene loci. In particular, animals in accordance with the invention possess human Ig loci that include plural variable (VH and V?) gene regions. Advantageously, the inclusion of plural variable region genes enhances the specificity and diversity of human antibodies produced by the animal. Further, the inclusion of such regions enhances and reconstitutes B-cell development to the animals, such that the animals possess abundant mature B-cells secreting extremely high affinity antibodies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel ULBP polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above. ULBP polypeptide can be found on the surface of human B cell lymphomas. Mammalian forms of ULBP polypeptide in isolated or purified forms are provided. In addition, isolated nucleic acids encoding ULBP polypeptides and expression vectors comprising a cDNA encoding ULBP polypeptides are provided. The ULBP polypeptides can be isolated or synthesized and used to prepare antibodies, and in particular monoclonal antibodies, against the polypeptides. The antibodies, in turn, are useful for detecting the presence of ULBP polypeptides in human cell samples, which can be correlated with the existence of a malignant condition in a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a disease or pathological condition resulting in apoptotic cell death. The method includes increasing the activity of Bcl-2 in cells affected by the disease or pathological condition. Diseases or pathological conditions can include, for example, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and viral infections. Also provided is a method of prolonging the in vivo survival of transplanted cells for the treatment of a disease or pathological condition. The method includes increasing the activity of Bcl-2 in a population of cells and transplanting the population of cells having increased Bcl-2 activity into a subject. Diseases or pathological conditions can include, for example, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and viral infections. A method to enhance the sensitivity of malignant cells to therapy is provided that includes decreasing the activity of Bcl-2 in the malignant cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that specifically bind to C3a Receptor. Such antibodies have uses, for example, in the prevention and treatment of asthma, allergy, and other related inflammatory and immune disorders. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-C3a Receptor antibodies, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder, especially inflammatory and other related disorders, comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof, or related molecules, that specifically bind to C3a Receptor.

Abstract: A peptide sequence includes a fragment of at least 10 amino acids derived from the following SEQ ID NO:1: DRKMEVEELSpPLALGRFSL SEQ ID NO:1 wherein the serine residue in position 10 is phosphorylated, the above-mentioned fragment containing the phosphorylated serine residue. A polyclonal or monoclonal antibody capable of identifying a peptide sequence as defined above is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are presented for isolating and purifying proteins by adding a polyelectrolyte to a cell culture fluid, such as a harvested cell culture fluid, and precipitating a protein-polyelectrolyte complex or a complex of impurities and the polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antitumor compositions and methods of interfering with the biological activity of PC cell derived growth factor (PCDGF), anti-PCDGF receptor antibodies, fragments thereof, and methods of making anti-PCDGF receptor antibodies. The methods involve inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells expressing the PCDGF receptor by contacting the surface of the cell with anti-PCDGF receptor antibodies. Anti-PCDGF receptor antibodies are capable of binding to the surface of a cell and interfering with the binding of PCDGF to its receptor. Also provided are compositions comprising anti-PCDGF receptor antibodies and cytotoxic molecules (e.g., toxins, oncotoxins, mitotoxins, immunotoxins, and antisense oligonucleotides).

Abstract: A reagent and method for the specific and highly sensitive detection of C. parvum in which the reagent is an antibody for a soluble C. parvum sporozoite antigen and the method is an immunoassay in which the antibody is used to detect or quantify C. parvum sporozoite antigen in a sample. The sample is treated to cause excystation of C. parvum oocytes, thereby releasing a C. parvum sporozoite antigen, and combined with antibodies specific for the sporozoite antigen under conditions to form an antibody-antigen complex. Detection of the complex indicates the presence of C. parvum in the sample. The assay allows recognition and detection of C. parvum in turbid samples, and due to a lack of crossreactivity with other Cryptosporidium species, is specific for C. parvum contamination or infection. The assay is highly sensitive, allowing for the detection of less than 100 oocysts per milliliter of sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are kits for detecting RANKL protein or nucleic acids, the kits comprising isolated human RANKL polypeptides, RANKL nucleic acids and/or antibodies specific for RANKL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a ceruloplasmin concentration, and more particularly, to a method for measuring a ceruloplasmin in a blood spot based on a standard concentration curve obtained through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a dissociation-enhanced time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay using a ceruloplasmin-specific polyclonal antibody or a ceruloplasmin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Provided herein is disclosure about the identification and characterization of disease and cancer associated antigen PIPA. The invention also provides a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to antigen PIPA, and methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases that express PIPA.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for fusing a first cell with a second cell to form a hybrid cell. The methods involve incubating a first parental cell producing a first partner of a fusogenic binding partner pair on its surface with a second parental cell producing a second partner of the fusogenic binding partner pair on its surface. In certain embodiments, the parental cells are incubated with a known fusogen such as polyethylene glycol and the fusogenic binding partner pair increases the rate of cell fusion. In many embodiments, the first cell is an antibody producing cell, the second cell is an immortal cell, and the hybrid cell is a hybridoma cell that produces a monoclonal antibody. Also provided by the invention are methods for producing hybridoma cells, and methods for screening those cells for production of a monoclonal antibody of interest. The invention further provides systems and kits for carrying out the subject methods.