Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting an active tuberculosis infection in a serum sample from an individual. More specifically, the disclosed method uses a single chain variable fragment from a monoclonal immunoglobulin specific for mycolic acids of mycobacterial origin to detect surrogate markers, the presence of which indicate the individual has an active tuberculosis infection. Markers useful for practicing the disclosed method can be serum mycolic acid antigen, serum anti-mycolic acid antibodies or both. In a preferred embodiment, the method is practiced using a lateral flow assay format.

Abstract: A method of obtaining at least one recombinant antibody with improved affinity for a selected antigen from a family of antibodies which bind the selected antigen comprising: a) obtaining a family of two or more antibodies which bind the same antigen in which the VH CDR3 amino acid sequence of each antibody in the family is the same length and greater than 60% identical at the amino acid level; b) re-pairing the VH region of an antibody obtained in step (a) with the VL region from a different antibody obtained in step (a) to produce a new recombinant antibody; and c) screening the recombinant antibody produced in step (b) and selecting said antibody if it has improved affinity for the selected antigen compared to any one of the antibodies obtained in step (a).

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo method for the generation of a bispecific antibody, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first antibody having a first binding specificity, wherein said first antibody comprises an IgG4-like CH3 region, b) providing a second antibody having a second binding specificity which differs from said first binding specificity, wherein said second antibody comprises an IgG4-like CH3 region, c) incubating said first and second antibodies together under reducing conditions which allow the cysteines in the core hinge region to undergo disulfidebond isomerization, and d) obtaining a bispecific antibody. The invention furthermore relates to bispecific antibodies obtainable by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein is a comprehensive characterization of a novel polyclonal antibody (IU-88) that specifically recognizes the hypusinated eIF5A. The antibody IU-88 is useful for the investigation of eIF5A biology, for the development of assays recognizing hypusinated eIF5A, and for methods of treating conditions and diseases that involve the activity of hypusinated eIF5A. The antibody was used to determine that the levels of hypusinated eIF5A were elevated in the pancreatic tissues of patients diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antibody that can be stably supplied and can react with prostasin under non-denaturation and denaturation conditions, and an antigen peptide for preparation of the antibody. The present invention relates to a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence that has a deletion, a substitution, or an addition of one or several amino acids with respect to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having antigenicity of prostasin. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an antibody prepared using the peptide as an antigen.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a plurality of antibody species in a single animal, comprising delivering a plurality of antigen species to a single animal, where each antigen species is delivered to the animal at an anatomically distinct location. Also provided are methods for generating an immune response in an animal, where each antigen species is delivered to the animal at an anatomically distinct location, under conditions in which the animal produces a plurality of antibody species, where each antibody species specifically binds to a different antigen species among the plurality of antigen species.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for diagnosing kidney disease in a human or animal.

Abstract: Improved methods for the production, selection and inhibition of catalytic and covalent antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assay label comprising an amorphous carbon particle, a functionalised dextran polymer attached to the surface of the carbon particle and a first member of a complementary binding pair covalently bonded to the functionalised dextran polymer. The invention also provides a device incorporating the assay label, which further comprises a radiation source adapted to generate a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength such that the absorption of the radiation by the label generates energy by non-radiative decay; a sample chamber containing a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing energy generated by non-radiative decay into an electrical signal; and a detector which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated peptide comprising a crotonylation site, a Kcr-specific affinity reagent that specifically binds to the peptide, and a method for detecting protein crotonylation in a sample using the reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated peptide comprising a lysine 3-hydroxybutyrylation site, a lysine 3-hydroxybutyrylation specific affinity reagent that specifically binds to the peptide, and a method for detecting protein lysine 3-hydroxybutyrylation in a sample using the reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of developing a specific immunoassay for the Pharmacokinetic assessments of peptides, peptide oligomer and polymer including Glatiramer Acetate (GA), also known as Copolymer 1, Copolymer-1, Cop 1 or Cop in the clinical and preclinical matrices.

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: Disclosed is an assay (method) to quantify the amounts of catecholamine-O-methyltransferase (COMT) protein in samples, such as extracts from cell cultures, body fluids, tissues, and environmental samples. It uses novel agents (anti-NE, COMT-NE, or COMT-epitope-NE) in combination with two previously described agents (anti-COMT and COMT) in a competitive ELISA system to achieve this aim.

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: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to chondroitin sulfate, particularly CS-A, CS-C and CS-E tetrasaccharides. The present invention also relates to methods of making anti-CS antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions thereof for diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel dyes, including coumarins, rhodamines, and rhodols that incorporate additional fused aromatic rings. The dyes of the invention absorb at a longer wavelength than structurally similar dyes that do not possess the fused aromatic rings. Many of the dyes of the invention are useful fluorescent dyes. The invention includes chemically reactive dyes, dye-conjugates, and the use of such dyes in staining samples and detecting ligands or other analytes.

Abstract: A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide containing at least one IgG Fc region region, said polypeptide having a higher anti-inflammatory activity and a lower cytotoxic activity as compared to an unpurified antibody and methods of production of such polypeptide.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, mediums, and kits for use in phenotyping antibody responses via devices such as surface plasmon resonance devices. Such phentypes can include total target-specific antibody titers, quantitative isotype distribution of the target-specific antibodies, and/or epitope specificity of the target-specific antibodies. Other methods, systems, mediums, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining degree of modified potency of a medicament. A medicine is a medicament comprising a therapeutic component and a homeopathic, i.e., activated-potentiated, component, wherein the activated-potentiated component has some physical, chemical or biological affect on the therapeutic component and/or the pharmacological efficacy thereof. The therapeutic component is biologically related to the starting substance of the homeopathic component. An analytical measurement of at least one characteristic parameter of the therapeutic form is made prior to its interaction with the activated-potentiated form. The same analytical measurement(s) are made and after interaction between the therapeutic and activated-potentiated forms. This data is used to confirm the presence of any modified potency is caused by the presence of molecular form in the activated-potentiated form.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, antibody fragments, and derivatives thereof that specifically bind to TLR3 cell receptors present on the surface of cells. The invention also relates to hybridomas producing such antibodies; methods of making such antibodies; fragments, variants, and derivatives of the antibodies; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same; methods of using the antibodies to detect TLR3 levels on the surface of cells, and the use of such antibodies and compositions for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in subjects.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that selectively bind to blood coagulation factor FVIII, and highly sensitive immunological assays comprising these antibodies. Preferred assays can detect FVIII at about 3500-fold below the normal physiological levels, and have a wide array of applications including accurate monitoring of FVIII concentration in pharmaceutical products for treatment of blood coagulation disorders, and determination of FVIII levels in plasma of human patients, including those with blood coagulation disorders such as hemophilia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: The use of a bacterial antigen obtained from bacterial cells in the production of antibodies for immunological assays for detecting bacterial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a subject diagnosed with, or at risk for developing, pathogenic fibrosis, particularly pulmonary fibrosis. The method of the invention comprises administering to the subject a compound or composition which inhibits semaphorin (SEMA) 7A, SEMA 7A receptors, or downstream effectors. A SEMA 7A inhibitor comprises an antibody, a soluble SEMA 7A receptor, an siRNA, a ribozyme, an antisense, an aptamer, a peptidomimetic, a small molecule, a soluble receptor, or any combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions, particularly ocular diseases and conditions, characterized by aberrant fibrogenesis or scarring, inflammation, and/or aberrant neovascularization or angiogenesis. The compositions and methods of the invention utilize immune-derived moieties that are specifically reactive against the bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and its variants, which moieties are capable of decreasing the effective concentration of bioactive lipid being targeted. In one embodiment, the immune-derived moiety is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is reactive against sphingosine-1-phosphate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides a method for selecting a cell or cell colony which produces a polypeptide of interest, comprising a) providing a medium comprising cells and a detection agent, wherein the detection agent is associated with a detectable signal and the detection agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; b) providing a solid phase having a capture agent disposed thereon, wherein the capture agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; c) contacting the medium with the solid phase; d) detecting the signal associated with the detection agent; and e) selecting a cell or cell colony associated with the signal, wherein presence of the signal is indicative of a cell or cell colony which produces the polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that antibodies specific for preproproteins or preproteins, which are synthesized by certain types of cells or tissues, can be used in immunohistochemistry assays to discriminate between the intracellular component of the protein (including the preproprotein, preprotein and/or proprotein forms of the protein) from the secreted component of the same protein. Accordingly, provided herein is an immunohistochemical method for specific detection of the intracellular form of a protein in a biological sample using an antibody specific for the preproprotein or preprotein form of the protein. In particular examples, the protein is albumin or an immunoglobulin light chain. Also disclosed herein are preproprotein-specific ore preprotein-specific antibodies that can be used to detect specific cell types, tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases by IHC. In particular, antibodies that specifically bind human preproalbumin, but do not bind the secreted form of albumin are disclosed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies, synthetic and biotechnological derivatives thereof (ScFv or others) are able to recognise the NGF high affinity receptor, TrkA, and act as NGF-antagonist molecules. Pharmacological compositions for therapy, gene therapy, diagnostics of neurological pathologies are also described. Transgenic animal models to study such pathologies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an affinity ligand capable of selective interaction with an epitope sequence consisting of 47 amino acids or less and comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2. Further, it relates to a polypeptide consisting of the epitope sequence and to uses of the affinity ligand and the polypeptide.

Abstract: A procedure for the identification of a functional disorder of the pancreas by the use of parts of all iso-enzymes of the pancreas elastase and of synthetic amino-acid sequences as antigens for obtaining specific antibodies, as well as their use in immuno-chemical test procedures.

Abstract: Antibodies specific for methionine sulfoxide residues on proteins are provided. The antibodies are prepared using methionine-rich zein proteins, which are oxidized, as antigens.

Abstract: The invention concerns anti-clusterin oligoclonal antibodies able to recognize and bind in a selective and specific way antigenic epitopes of clusterin isoforms to be used in tumors diagnosis and in the prediction of their malignancy grade, diagnostic method and related kits.

Abstract: Pax3, a member of the paired class homeodomain family of transcription factors and an essential protein for early skeletal muscle development, was shown to be phosphorylated in proliferating mouse primary myoblasts. Furthermore, Ser205, Ser201 and Ser209 were identified as the only sites of phosphorylation on Pax3 in proliferating mouse primary myoblasts. Phosphorylation of Ser205 was shown to be required for the efficient phosphorylation of Ser201 and/or Ser209. Site-specific antibodies were made to each of these three sites when phosphorylated. These three sites are also present and phosphorylated in the Pax3-FOXO1 fusion protein, and phosphorylation of these sites may play a role in ARMS. Thus, these new antibodies may be used in studying the regulation of nerve and muscle development and differentiation and in finding therapeutic solutions for certain disorders, including Waardenburg syndrome and childhood solid muscle tumor alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS).

Abstract: The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury, organ injury, and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the in vitro establishing of a prognosis for a subject in severe sepsis with at least two organ failures or in septic shock with at least two organ failures. Embodiments of the invention comprise the steps of measuring the level of the S100A8/A9 complex from a biological sample from a subject, and comparing the measured level to a predetermined threshold in which the measured level of the S100A8/A9 complex above the predetermined threshold is indicative of a bad prognosis and a measured level of the S100A8/A9 complex below the predetermined threshold is indicative of a good prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind naturally occurring human MAdCAM, wherein said naturally occurring human MAdCAM comprises a polypeptide with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4, said naturally occurring human MAdCAM binds ?4?7, and wherein said isolated antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof inhibit binding of said naturally occurring human MAdCAM to human ?4?7, and wherein said antibody inhibits adhesion of RPMI 8866 cells to cells that express said human MAdCAM.

Abstract: The present invention is to present an analyzing method for analyzing a target substance contained in a sample using a reagent containing magnetic particles. The method comprises steps of: (a) magnetically capturing magnetic particles in a container with a first magnetic force generating member arranged on a lower side of the container accommodating a liquid specimen containing the magnetic particles; (b) transferring the container to a target substance separating section after the step (a); and (c) in the target substance separating section, discharging a cleaning liquid into the container and aspirating a liquid in the container while magnetically capturing the magnetic particles in the container with a second magnetic force generating member.

Abstract: A novel class of embryo derived peptides are described (Preimplantation factor) that were generated synthetically and were tested on peripheral blood immune cells and shown to block activated but not basal immunity, inhibiting cell proliferation and creating a TH2 type cytokine bias, in addition PIF enhance endometrial receptivity by increasing adhesion molecules expression. PIF biological activity appears to be exerted by specific binding to inducible receptors present on the several white cell lineages. PIF peptides, which are immune modulators therefore may have diagnostic and non toxic therapeutic applications in improving fertility, reducing pregnancy loss as well may be useful when administered for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for prevention xenotransplants rejection. Further, polyclonal antibodies against PIF peptides were generated that serve for precise measurements of PIF in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R). The antibodies can act as antagonists of IL-21R activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-21R in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.