Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved method for producing human antibodies in SCID mice is provided. The improvement includes the use of dendritic cells pulsed with antigen-antibody complexes and antigen-antibody complexes as immunizing agents.

Abstract: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-(GPI-) anchored HSPG glypican-1 is strongly expressed in human breast and pancreatic cancer—both by the cancer cells and in the case of pancreatic cancer the adjacent fibroblasts—whereas expression of glypican-1 is low in the normal pancreas and in chronic pancreatitis. Treatment of two pancreatic cancer cell lines, which express glypican-1, with the enzyme phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase-C (PI-PLC) abrogated their mitogenic responses to two heparin-binding growth factors: fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells with PI-PLC abrogates the mitogenic response to two heparin-binding growth factors, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Syndecan-1 is also expressed at high levels in breast cancer tissues as well as breast cancer cells by comparison with breast normal tissues.

Abstract: The present methods and apparatus concern the detection and/or identification of target analytes using probe molecules. In various embodiments of the invention, the probes or analytes are attached to one or more cantilevers. Binding of a probe to an analyte results in deflection of the cantilever, detected by a detection unit. A counterbalancing force may be applied to restore the cantilever to its original position. The counterbalancing force may be magnetic, electrical or radiative. The detection unit and the mechanism generating the counterbalancing force may be operably coupled to an information processing and control unit, such as a computer. The computer may regulate a feedback loop that maintains the cantilever in a fixed position by balancing the deflecting force and the counterbalancing force. The concentration of analytes in a sample may be determined from the magnitude of the counterbalancing force required to maintain the cantilever in a fixed position.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies and anti-TNF peptides, specific for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are useful for in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for anti-TNF murine and chimeric antibodies, peptides, methods of making and using the antibody or peptides in immunoassays and immuno-therapeutic approaches are provided, where the anti-TNF peptide is selected from a soluble portion of TNF receptor, an anti-TNF antibody or structural analog thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules that encode glycoprotein VI, a platelet membrane glycoprotein that is involved platelet-collagen interactions. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance, comprising developing a developing liquid through a test region up to a reference region, and a detection device for use therein, wherein the reference region comprises a metal compound other than an alkali metal salt, and the developing liquid that reaches the reference region contains a label that can be accumulated in the reference region. The label is preferably a colored particle, and is preferably bound to an antibody or an antigen.

Abstract: Carriers hold remote-acting bodies which can be manipulated by a remote force, and also hold a micro-substance which is a target substance of an assay. The remote-acting bodies are manipulated in order to control the positions of the micro-substances, so as to execute assays for various target substances efficiently, at low cost, easily, and reliably. Various aspects of interest include the carriers which hold the micro-substances, a system suspending the carriers, an apparatus for manipulating the carriers, and a method of controlling the position of the carriers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel Cryptosporidium parvum protein disulfide isomerase polypeptide, and nucleic acids that encode this polypeptide. The invention also provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by Cryptosporidium parvum. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the protein disulfide isomerase polypeptide of C. parvum.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for quantitative or qualitative determination of an analyte or its interaction or reaction kinetics in a system with at least two different phases, comprising the step of taking at least one measurement signal from at least one of the phases, whereby the different phases are present in parallel when taking the signal and whereby each measurement signal is attributed to one of at least two phases. In addition, the invention concerns a sample carrier, in particular for use in the method constituting the invention with one or more wells. The sample carrier is characterized by the fact that at least a portion of the sample carrier at least in the range of one or more wells is coated with fluorescence-quenching material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying antibody preparations that can form a pair of antibodies that optimally detect a target antigen, for example, in a sandwich immunoassay. These methods provide high affinity and epitope-specific antibodies.

Abstract: A highly specific monoclonal antibody, produced by a hybridoma cell has been found. A new assay, highly specific for activated protein C (APC) has been developed which will permit rapid determination of APC levels in clinical situations.

Abstract: A sensor is provided including a polymer capable of having an alterable measurable property from the group of luminescence and electrical conductivity, the polymer having an intermediate combination of a recognition element, a tethering element and a property-altering element bound thereto and capable of altering the measurable property, the intermediate combination adapted for subsequent separation from the polymer upon exposure to an agent having an affinity for binding to the recognition element whereupon the separation of the intermediate combination from the polymer results in a detectable change in the alterable measurable property, and, detecting said detectable change in the alterable measurable property.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detection and prediction of mastitis. The method comprises the steps of determining the values of mastitis indicators and comparing the values with predetermined standards, wherein deviation from the standards provides a measure of mastitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding B7-related factors that modulate the activation of immune or inflammatory response cells, such as T-cells. Also provided are expression vectors and fusion constructs comprising nucleic acids encoding B7-related polypeptides, including BSL1, BSL2, and BSL3. The present invention further provides isolated B7-related polypeptides, isolated fusion proteins comprising B7-related polypeptides, and antibodies that are specifically reactive with B7-related polypeptides, or portions thereof. In addition, the present invention provides assays utilizing B7-related nucleic acids, polypeptides, or peptides. The present invention further provides compositions of B7-related nucleic acids, polypeptides, fusion proteins, or antibodies that are useful for the immunomodulation of a human or animal subject.

Abstract: This invention related generally to methods of detecting and quantifying biomarkers of oxidative stress in proteins. The biomarker may be any amino acid that has undergone oxidation (or other modification, e.g. chloro-tyrosine, dityrosine). Emphasis is given herein on oxidized sulfur- or selenium-containing amino acids (SSAA). The biomarker of oxidative stress in proteins may be detected with an antibody that binds to oxidized amino acids, specifically oxidized sulfur- or selenium-containing amino acids. The antibody may be monoclonal or polyclonal. The presence of biomarker or amount of biomarker present in a sample may be used to aid in assessing the efficacy of environmental, nutritional and therapeutic interventions, among other uses.

Abstract: This application describes the cloning of p63, a gene at chromosome 3q27-29, that bears homology to the tumor suppressor p53. The p63 gene encodes at least six different isotypes. p63 was detected in a variety of human and mouse tissue and demonstrates remarkably divergent activities, such as the ability to transactivate p53 reporter genes and induce apoptosis. Isotopes of p63 lacking a transactivation domain act as dominant negatives towards the transactivation by p53 and p63.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the immunological status of a subject comprising the steps of 1) determining the content of an antibody in a liquid sample from the subject using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the presence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 1, 2) determining the content of an antibody in the liquid sample using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the absence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 2, and 3) interrelating measurements 1 and 2 to express the interference and using the interference as a parameter for evaluating the immunological status of the subje

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are highly specific for Bacillus spores. Also provided are peptides derived from those monoclonal antibodies. Both the antibodies and peptides are highly specific and can discriminate between spores of potentially lethal organisms such as Bacillus anthracis and other harmless but closely related bacilli and provide a very powerful tool in the construction of detection instruments as counter measures.

Abstract: Methods of using a complex (scuPA/suPAR) which has thrombolytic activity under physiological conditions and in the presence of IgG, or of at least one IgG-derived peptide, which complex comprises a single chain urokinase type plasminogen activator (scuPA) and a soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), for the treatment and/or prevention of thromboembolic disorders associated with the formation of fibrin clots are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating LBP-mediated LPS-induced myeloid cell activation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LBP monoclonal antibody molecule. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-LBP antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention provides immunological reagents (antibodies) capable of binding to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), to cell lines which express such antibodies and to a process for identifying and purifying plasmacytoid dendriticcells from tissues containing pDC using such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique approach for the diagnosis and management of infections by Chlamydia species, particularly C. pneumoniae. The invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that a combination of agents directed toward the various stages of the chlamydial life cycle is effective in substantially reducing infection. Products comprising combination of antichlamydial agents, novel compositions and pharmaceutical packs are also described.

Abstract: The present invention involves techniques for evaluating in vivo cytokine production through the in vivo capture of secreting cytokines by labeled cytokine-binding reagents, followed by in vitro measurement of serum levels of captured cytokine. The methods of the present invention make use of the ability of a neutralizing antibody to a cytokine, when injected into a person or expierimental animal, to bind that cytokine and prevent its catabolism, excretion, or binding to a cytokine receptor. This causes the cytokine, which may normally have a very short in vivo half life, to accumulate in vivo as a cytokine/anti-cytokine antibody complex. If the anti-cytokine antibody is either labeled with a molecule that can be bound by another molecule (e.g.; biotin, which is bound by avidin or streptavidin), or is itself capable of being bound by another molecule (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: Antimitotic terpenoid compounds including sarcodictyin A and as eleutherobin may be obtained from organisms of the order Gorgonacea. Methods of preparing such compounds provided, as are novel antimitotic diterpene compounds having formula (I).

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used for cancer therapy or to increase immune cell infiltration into tumors. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by the other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: A competitive assay to determine the presence and concentration of an intracellular analyte (e.g., cAMP) in a sample is provided. All of the steps of the assay can be performed on the same assay plate, thereby eliminating the need to transfer the cells from a tissue culture plate on which the cells are grown, induced and lysed to a separate assay plate. The assay procedure includes combining, in a reaction chamber provided with a capture antibody, an antibody for the analyte, the sample to be assayed, and a conjugate of the analyte and an enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase. The mixture is incubated and washed and an enzyme labile substrate (e.g., a chemiluminescent, fluorescent or calorimetric substrate) is added. The assay can also be performed with a tagged analyte (e.g., an analyte having a radioactive or fluorescent tag) instead of an enzyme conjugate.

Abstract: Provided are novel complexes containing a crosslinked avidin, an analyzing method and analyzing reagents and kits whereby a compound to be analyzed can be quickly, conveniently and accurately analyzed while taking advantage of the avidin-biotin reaction. The complexes contain at least two homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and one crosslinked avidin sandwiched therebetween. In the analyzing method, the homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and the crosslinked avidin are used. The analyzing reagent contains the crosslinked avidin. The analyzing kit contains the crosslinked avidin and a biotinylating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing cardiovascular disease and increased risk of early atherosclerosis in a human wherein the presence and/or concentration of antibodies to platelet activating factor (PAF) in a sample of body fluid of said human is assessed. The present invention further provides a kit carrying out said method.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the biological or pharmacological activity of a test material like a plant or herbal material, an extract of a plant or herbal material, a natural or synthetic compound or some combination thereof, can be quantified by observing the pattern of structural changes induced in a eukaryotic cell's proteins. These structural changes may be evidenced by protein phosphorylation, by protein-protein interactions and the like. The amount and nature of protein phosphorylation is qualitatively and quantitatively related to the in vitro concentration of biologically/pharmacologically active components to which the mammalian cells are exposed. Additionally, formation or loss of protein-protein complexes may be determined in whole cell homogenates through the use of non-denaturing electrophoresis and staining for proteins or protein phosphorylation.

Abstract: Diagnostic test devices, including diagnostic strip tests, are provided in which identifying information and the test result are machine-readable. Also provided are methods for obtaining identifying information and test results from the diagnostic test devices.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed which separate and identify lipoproteins in biological samples. An ultracentrifuge density gradient is used to separate lipoprotein fractions. The fractions are visualized, resulting in a lipoprotein profile. The fractions can be further analyzed by a wide array of laboratory and clinical methods. The lipoprotein profile can be used in clinical diagnoses and other medical applications.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay, preferably immunoassay, is provided for the detection and determination of MGP in a human serum sample, which comprises the use of one or more antibodies, in particular monoclonal antibodies, specifically recognising epitopes on and/or conformations of human Matrix Gla-Protein. Also, a method is provided for using MGP-related antigens as biomarkers for certain diseases, for example, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, and angiogenesis/neogenesis in tumor development. Further, monoclonal antibodies of class IgG are provided for use in the assay, which are defined herein as mAb3-15 and mAb35-49.

Abstract: A process for detecting an analyte which process comprises (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing said analyte with a containment means comprising a barrier which separates signal generating reagents from said sample, in the presence of an element which interacts specifically with said analyte, under conditions whereby interaction between the analyte and the said element results in activation of the signal generating reagents within the containment means on the side of the barrier opposite to the sample, and (b) detecting any signal generated and retained within the containment means from the sample side of the barrier. The process of the invention provides for sensitive detection of very small numbers of analyte materials using measurement techniques which include counting methods such as flow cytometry.

Abstract: A method for determining the risk of an individual of suffering from inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin metabolism, comprising (a) determining the level of fragmentation or modification of Fc function of immunoglobulins in a sample taken from the individual and (b) determining thereby the risk of inflammation, impaired immune response or opportunistic infection. The invention also provides the use of a trypsin inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of a disorder associated with elevated trypsin activity which is correlated with IgG fragmentation or modification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying polysaccharides capable of inducing the production of high titers of opsonic antibodies that kill strains of enterococcal bacteria. In addition, the invention is directed to the antigens produced by this purification method and to vaccines which utilize such antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody or functional fragment thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) CC-chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) or a portion of the receptor and blocks binding of a ligand to the receptor. The invention further relates to a method of inhibiting the interaction of a cell bearing mammalian CCR1 with a ligand thereof, and to use of the antibodies and fragments in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new dipstick assay for detecting and quantifying the content of an target analyte in a sample. The assay is particularly useful for example in the diagnosis and monitoring of alcoholism by the detection of asialo transferrin or carbohydrate free transferrin (CFT). Thus, provided is a dipstick for determining the content of a target analyte variant in a mixture of analyte variants in a sample, comprising: a) a sample application zone, b) a screening zone having an immobilised binding ligand having a binding affinity for a non-target analyte variant or varinats, c) a conjugate zone comprising a detector reagent, d) a reading zone for detection of said analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel human Mab Fab, cloned by phage display, and its use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. In particular the invention provides a method for analyzing the OxLDL components of atherosclerotic plaques in vivo and a means to determine their relative pathology. As the method is based on a human Fab rather than a mouse Mab, the progress or regression of the disease may be monitored over time. The antibody may also be used for the analysis of surgical or serum samples ex vivo for the presence of OxLDL. The antibody may also be used to target therapeutic agents to the site of atherosclerotic plaques or may have use as a therapeutic agent itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a level of pyridinoline and/or deoxypyridinoline in a sample. In the method, a non-hydrolyzed sample containing one or more peptide-bound collagen pyridinium crosslinks selected from the group consisting of pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, or both, is contacted with a protease reagent under conditions effective for the protease reagent to cleave the crosslinks from attached collagen amino acids and peptides, so that peptide-bound forms are converted to native, peptide-free pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. After proteolysis, the level(s) of native, peptide-free pyridinoline and/or deoxypyridinoline are measured. Preferably, proteolysis is effective to ensure that at least 80% of total pyridinium crosslinks are present as the native, peptide-free forms. The method is particularly useful in screening or monitoring collagen degradation activity. Kits and reagents for use in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium, which preferably comprises a test strip, is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position off the magnet, to thus form a captured line or zone. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic field is applied at the site on the medium at which the test solution is contacted. The degree of magnetic force applied to the membrane may be selectively adjusted to vary the width or surface area of the capture line or zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the quantitative release of natural or recombinant proteins, polypeptides (thermostable immunoligands) able to bind to the Fc-part of immunoglobulins (antibodies, in particular of the IgG class and primarily becoming bound outside the paratope) from complexes in various sample matrixes in order to make these released natural or recombinant proteins, polypeptides or peptides quantitatively available in immunochemical assays and to keep them quantitatively available. The method is characterized by mixing the sample with reagent compound that is able to bind non-specifically to immunoglobulins, and thereafter subjecting the sample to a heat treatment step followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating the risk of an individual to develop Alzheimer's disease using cultured neural crest-derived melanocytes are described. Also described are methods of therapy for Alzheimer's disease using peptides that bind to the neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and competitively inhibit the binding of &bgr;-amyloid to the p75NTR.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the concentration of soluble analyte in a sample involves performing a competition assay using a predetermined amount of formed bodies to which are attached at least one analyte, varying known concentrations of an unlabeled ligand that binds to analyte, and a known concentration of ligand labeled with a detectable marker. After analysis in a flow cytometer, the test sample and a plurality of control samples generate data on curves formed by plotting signal vs. concentration of labeled ligand in controls (first), and vs. concentration of total labeled and unlabeled ligand in test samples (second). The concentration of unlabeled ligand that bound to soluble analytes in test samples is determined by evaluating the difference between the concentration that corresponds with the intersection of these two curves and the constant labeled ligand concentration in the test samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes tapasin-like protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, protein, and antibody in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting whole or non-fragmented parathyroid hormone (wPTH) in a biological sample. In particular, a novel monoclonal or polyclonal antibody or antibody fragment is used that is specific for a portion of the initial peptide sequence for wPTH which comprises a domain for adenylate cyclase activation, (amino acids 2 to 8), wherein at least four amino acids in this sequence are part of the reactive portion with the antibody. The present wPTH assay can differentiate between the complete 1 to 84 amino acid sequence form of PTH and a large but incomplete 7 to 84 amino acid sequence form of PTH that is measured by commercially available “intact” or I-PTH assays. Measurement of both the complete biologically active form of PTH and the large but biologically inactive form of PTH can lead to the misdiagnosis of the parathyroid function in patients.