Abstract: The present invention includes methods for generating neutralizing antitoxin directed against verotoxins. In preferred embodiments, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species using soluble recombinant verotoxin proteins. This antitoxin is designed so as to be administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin, as well as for preventive treatment, and diagnostic assays to detect the presence of toxin in a sample.

Abstract: The isolation, cloning and characterization of a human gene related to but distinct from the EGF receptor gene has been described. Nucleotide sequence of the gene and amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the gene have been determined. The use of the nucleic acid probes and antibodies having specific binding affinity with said polypeptide for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes has also been described.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies against VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) which only bind VASP as an antigen when VASP is present in phosphorylated form, to hybridoma cells for their preparation, and to the use of the antibodies or antibody fragments as diagnostic agents and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determinating cytokine receptor, especially growth hormone receptor (GHR), activation, by the use of an antibody capable of discriminating between an activated and an inactive cytokine receptor conformation, especially GHR or growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) conformation, the method comprising: contacting the antibody and the cytokine receptor to form a complex, contacting a candidate ligand to the complex, measuring the antibody binding to inactive cytokine receptor and thereby discriminating between an activated and an inactive conformation. The invention also relates to an antibody directed to the hinge spanning subdomains I and II of the growth hormone receptor extracellular region and which is capable of discriminating between an activated and an inactive receptor conformation. The invention also relates to the use of the antibody for e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescence-based assays for protein kinases and phosphatases which can be used in high throughput screening. The methods of the invention utilize a competitive immunoassay to determine the amount of substrate that is phosphorylated or dephosphorylated during the course of a kinase or phosphatase reaction to yield a product, as well as the phosphorylating or dephosphorylating activity of a kinase or phosphatase.

Abstract: Compounds including haptens, intermediates, and immunogens that are useful in the production of antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives are described. Antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, reagent kits containing antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, methods of producing antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, and methods of detecting analytes including members of the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of displaying nascent proteins or peptides as complexes with eukaryotic ribosomes and the mRNA encoding the protein or peptide following transcription and translation in vitro, of further selecting complexes carrying a particular nascent protein or peptide by means of binding to a ligand, antigen or antibody, and of subsequently recovering the genetic information encoding the protein or peptide from the selected ribosome complex by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR recovery step is carried out directly on the intact ribosome complex, without prior dissociation to release the mRNA, thus contributing to maximal efficiency and sensitivity. The steps of display, selection and recovery can be repeated in consecutive cycles. The method is exemplified using single-chain antibody constructs as antibody-ribosome-mRNA complexes (ARMs).

Abstract: Compounds including haptens, intermediates, and immunogens that are useful in the production of antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives are described. Antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, reagent kits containing antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, methods of producing antibodies specific for the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives, and methods of detecting analytes including members of the methylenedioxy class of amphetamine derivatives are also described.

Abstract: Polyclonal antibodies can be produced that reacts with recombinant EPO and its degradation products but not with native EPO. This antibody precipitation can be used to identify those glycopeptides that are uniquely reactive. These glycopeptides can be produced on preparative scale and used in the production of monoclonal antibodies which are screened against the original EPO and glycopeptides to select antibodies reactive to the specific glycopeptides an recombinant EPO but not to native human EPO. The monoclonal antibodies so selected are incorporated in a conventional ELISA and used to monitor urine and other bodily samples taken from athletes, either human or animal, and patients for presence and level of recombinant peptides or proteins. Alternatively, the polyclonal antibody can be used directly to produce ELISA tests.

Abstract: Antibodies are disclosed which specifically bind to native PrPSc in situ. Preferred antibodies bind only to the native PrPSc of a particular species e.g., human, cow, sheep, pig, etc. Particularly preferred antibodies bind specifically to a particular isoform of human PrPSc. Preferred antibodies of the invention are (1) produced by phage display methodology, (2) bind specifically to native PrPSc, (3) neutralizes the infectivity of prions, (4) bind to PrPSc in situ and (5) bind 50% or more of PrPSc in a liquid flowable sample. Antibodies of the invention can be bound to a substrate and used to assay a sample (which has any PrPc denatured via proteinase K) for the presence of PrPSc of a specific species which PrPSc is associated with disease. Antibodies which specifically bind to human PrPSc can be labeled and injected carrying out an in vivo diagnostic test to determine if the human is infected with prions associated with disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies against the calcium binding protein S100, the use of these antibodies for the development of immunoassays for specific determination of total S100 or the different isoforms of S100 in serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: According to the present invention highly specific-low affinity antibodies are generated which allow for the assay of F1.2 in bodily fluids that also contain prothrombin or other plasma proteins. Antibodies having the necessary properties for this assay are made using synthetic polypeptides which mimic the carboxy terminus of F1.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide mimotope of the non-peptide mycotoxin deoxynivalenol. In particular, the peptide mimotope competes with deoxynivalenol for binding to a monoclonal antibody and is antagonistic to the inhibitory effects of deoxynivalenol on in vitro protein synthesis. The present invention also provides a method that uses the peptide mimotope to determine whether corn, grains or mixed feed is contaminated with fungi that produces deoxynivalenol. The present invention further provides transgenic plants resistant to deoxynivalenol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for murine prion protein PrPc. These Mabs can be applied to immunoblotting, cell surface immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry at light and electron microscopy. Additionally, these Mabs recognize both the normal (PrPc) and protease-resistant (PrPres) isoforms of PrP. Some Mabs are species restricted, while others react with PrP from a broad range of mammals including mice, humans, monkeys, cows, sheep, squirrels and hamsters. Moreover, several of the Mabs selectively recognize different PrP glycoforms as well as the metabolic fragments of PrPc. These newly generated PrPc antibodies are useful for exploring the biology of PrPc and to establish the diagnosis of prion diseases in both humans and animals.

Abstract: Bis-maleimido cross-linking reagents join labelled antibodies having at least one sulphide interchain bridge. The conjugates have an enhanced binding capacity and have good blood clearance in vivo. The conjugates are of use in the diagnosis and therapy of tumors and may be prepared by reaction of the cross-linking reagent with the antibody.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula and the salts, esters and amides thereof wherein Z is S, SO, SO2 or O; each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-10C), substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted acyl (2-11C), substituted or unsubstituted aryl (6-14C), substituted or unsubstituted arylcarbonyl (7-15C), substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl (7-15C), substituted or unsubstituted pyridyl wherein substituents on any alkyl, alkenyl, or acyl moiety are selected from the group consisting of halo, and RO, wherein R is H or alkyl (1-6C), and substituents on any aryl or pyridyl moiety are selected from the group consisting of halo, and RO, where R is H or alkyl (1-6C), —CN and —CF3; with the proviso that R1 is not H and R1 and R3 are not identical and with the proviso that in formula (1), the B ring may contain one double bond that is located between positions 2 and 3, and in formula (2), the B ring may contain one double bond tha

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determinating cytokine receptor, especially growth hormone receptor (GHR), activation, by the use of an antibody capable of discriminating between an activated and an inactive cytokine receptor conformation, especially GHR or growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) conformation, the method comprising: contacting the antibody and the cytokine receptor to form a complex, contacting a candidate ligand to the complex, measuring the antibody binding to inactive cytokine receptor and thereby discriminating between an activated and an inactive conformation. The invention also relates to an antibody directed to the hinge spanning subdomains I and II of the growth hormone receptor extracellular region and which is capable of discriminating between an activated and an inactive receptor conformation. The invention also relates to the use of the antibody for e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directly measuring apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) or cholesterol associated with very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in a fluid sample. In one embodiment the method involves the specific capture of intact VLDL particles from a fluid sample with a specific VLDL binding agent. The quantity of VLDL-apoB present in the sample is then measured by detecting the amount of VLDL-apoB bound to the binding agent-VLDL complexes formed in the reaction. In an alternative embodiment of the method, intact VLDL particles from a fluid sample are also captured with a specific VLDL binding agent and thereafter the cholesterol associated with the bound VLDL is determined. The cholesterol contained in the binding-agent-VLDL complexes can be detected by reacting the complexes with labeled cholesterol specific binding agents and measuring the amount of label bound therto, or by releasing the cholesterol in the complexes and measuring the amount of cholesterol released.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for differentiating human peripheral blood granulocytes which comprises cultivating the granulocytes in the presence of an interferon and acting an immune complex on said granulocytes in the presence of a chemiluminescent substance, and measuring the chemiluminescent amounts induced. It contributes to the screening of patients suffering from serious infectious diseases or a range of inflammations, and is advantageous for monitoring the curative effects for those patients.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been generated which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), the active agent of nicarbazin. These hybridomas may be obtained by using as an immunization agent or immunogen, p-nitroaniline which has been conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. DNC in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a DNC/antibody immunocomplex when DNC is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of DNC and/or nicarbazin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-4 (DR4) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR4 proteins. DR4 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 DR4 activity.

Abstract: A container for measurement of cell functions, for use in the determination of a physiologically active substance produced by blood cells, is constituted such that an amount of material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance, when extracted by collecting water of a volume equal to a liquid volume to be subjected to measurement, is controlled at a level insufficient to induce production of the physiologically active substance from the blood cells. A container for measurement of cell functions in which a material capable of inducing production of a physiologically active substance in blood when contacted with the blood is accommodated in such a condition as being contactable with blood, and in which an amount of the material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance in the container before use is limited to a level insufficient to influence a measured value of the physiologically active substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control region in human immunoglobulins, to parts thereof and to their use.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is provided which specifically binds to human interleukin-5. Also provided are a hybridoma which produces the monoclonal antibody; complementary DNAs which encode the heavy and light chain variable regions of the monoclonal antibody and CDRs therefrom; humanized monoclonal antibodies; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the monoclonal antibody or anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against it, humanized monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, binding compositions or single-chain binding proteins derived from the antibody and a physiologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the detection or isolation of prion proteins by use of chaperones specifically binding to said proteins. The invention further relates to a method for in vitro diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy and to pharmaceutical compositions, preferably for the prevention or treatment of said disease.

Abstract: Provided are a monoclonal antibody making it possible to detect a native fibrin monomer, which is produced at the initial state of blood coagulation, and soluble fibrin; a hybridoma; and an immunoassay for detecting the initial stage of blood coagulation with high sensitivity, quickly, using the monoclonal antibody. Using a fibrinogen analog in blood as an immune source, cell fusion is carried out to prepare a monoclonal antibody which is not reactive with fibrinogen and is specifically and simultaneously reactive with a native fibrin monomer (that is, a fibrin monomer which is present in a body fluid, in particular in blood, and is not solubilized) and soluble fibrin. The fibrin monomer analog is preferably fibrinogen treated with bathroxobin, which is a snake venom.

Abstract: We have produced a hybridoma cell line that produces monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that bind effectively to 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). The MAbs were produced using a structurally related molecule, borneol, whose structure was minimally changed when complexed to the protein carrier. These MAbs detected MIB at approximately 0.01 to 1 ppb (or lower) when used in ELISA assays. Because these antibodies were produced as MAbs, their affinity characteristics remained constant. With access to MAb's, MIB can be easily detected at low levels using immunological techniques that are adapted to fast and easy field assays of large samples. For example, catfish could easily be assayed in the field for the presence of MIB prior to marketing.

Abstract: The invention concerns the stabilization and amplification of electrochemiluminescence signals in detection methods.

Abstract: A prenatal screening method for Down's syndrome involves assaying for hyperglycosylated gonadotropin in biological test samples such as urine, plasma or serum obtained from pregnant women. Hyperglycosylated gonadotropin comprises a variant population of chorionic gonadotropin, chorionic gonadotropin-free &bgr;-subunit, &bgr;-core fragment, and/or free &agr;-subunit exhibiting differences in the carbohydrate content from what is observed in samples obtained from pregnant women carrying normal fetuses. Qualitative or quantitative observation of differences in the carbohydrate content of the hyperglycosylated gonadotropin population from corresponding control samples containing a normal gonadotropin population, or direct observation of the variant species seen in Down's syndrome, indicates that the woman's fetus has Down's syndrome. Typical screens involve carbohydrate analyses, immunoassays, or combinations of these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies reactive with lipid transfer proteins typically found in foaming beverages. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies raised against the native and denatured forms of barley lipid transfer protein 1, and an assay for determining the content of said proteins in foaming beverages at various stages of their production.

Abstract: A novel method for utilizing the immune apparatus to remove and/or down-regulate self-proteins. The method consists in providing a self-protein analog by molecular biological means by substitution of one or more peptide fragments of the self-protein by corresponding number of peptides known to contain immunodominant foreign T-cell epitopes, said substitution being carried out so as to essentially preserve the overall tertiary structure of the original self-protein. This render the self-protein immunogenic and leads to a rapid induction of high-titered autoantibodies against the native self-proteins. The modulated self-proteins can be used to prepare vaccines against undesirable proteins in humans or animals, said vaccine being useful as therapeutics against a number of diseases, e.g. cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, allergic symptoms or diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to enhancing an immune response and increasing vaccine efficacy through the simultaneous or sequential targeting of specific immune system components. More particularly, specific immune components, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells, are individually activated by component-specific immunostimulating agents. One such component-specific immunostimulating agent is an antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibody. The invention is also directed to a method for the in vitro production of the antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibodies which relies upon the in vitro conversion of blood-borne immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. Vaccine efficacy is enhanced by the administration of compositions containing component-specific immunostimulating agents and other elements, such as antigens or carrier particles, such as colloidal methods, such as gold.

Abstract: A method for determining the level of tyrosine kinase activity in a biological sample is disclosed. The method employs an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody as both the capture agent and the detecting agent. The detecting antibody is labeled with a lanthanide ion, such as europium, as the signal generating entity. The method is particularly well suited to high throughput screening, for example, for compounds which modulate tyrosine kinase activity.

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which isolates and detects the presence of a disease related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrPSc) present in a sample also containing the non-disease related conformation of the protein (e.g., PrPC). The sample is treated (e.g., contacted with protease) in a manner which hydrolyzes the disease related conformation and not the non-disease related conformation. The treated sample is contacted with a binding partner (e.g., a labeled antibody which binds PrPSc) and the occurrence of binding provides and indication that PrPSc is present. Alternatively the PrPSc of the treated sample is denatured (e.g., contacted with guanadine) or unfolded. The unfolded PrPSC is contacted with a binding partner and the occurrence of binding indicates the presence of PrPSc in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of site directed therapy. More specifically the invention relates to site directed radio therapy, and provides a method for production of radioconjugates and an apparatus for radioimmunotherapy. The method, conjugates and apparatus can be practicalized without the need for radioactive shielding and/or airtight facilities. Without these restrictions the invention provides a simple and efficient means of therapy at the bed-side of the patient.

Abstract: Antibodies are disclosed which specifically bind to native PrPSc in situ. Preferred antibodies bind only to the native PrPSc of a particular species e.g., human, cow, sheep, pig, etc. Particularly preferred antibodies bind specifically to a particular isoform of human PrPSc. Preferred antibodies of the invention are (1) produced by phage display methodology, (2) bind specifically to native PrPSc, (3) neutralizes the infectivity of prions, (4) bind to PrPSc in situ and (5) bind 50% or more of PrPSc in a liquid flowable sample. Antibodies of the invention can be bound to a substrate and used to assay a sample (which has any PrPSc denatured via proteinase K) for the presence of PrPSc of a specific species which PrPSc is associated with disease. Antibodies which specifically bind to human PrPSc can be labeled and injected carrying out an in vivo diagnostic test to determine if the human is infected with prions associated with disease.

Abstract: Humanized antibodies which bind the NR-LU-13 antigen, conjugates containing such antibodies, and their use in pretargeting methods and conventional antibody therapy and immunodiagnosis are provided.

Abstract: Novel bipyridyl-osmium complex conjugates, their preparation, and their use in electrochemical assays are described. The redox reversible-osmium complexes can be prepared to exhibit unique reversible redox potentials and can thus be used in combination with other electroactive redox reversible species having redox potentials differing by at least 50 millivolts in electrochemical assays designed for use of multiple electroactive species in the same cell and in the same sample without interference between the two or more redox coupled conjugate systems.

Abstract: A method for the sterilization of a virus infected plasma or plasma derivative comprising contacting the plasma or plasma derivative with at least one organic solvents with or without at least one detergent and simultaneously or sequentially with a lipophilic adorbent at a temperature of 30° C. to 70° C.

Abstract: Immunoassay reagents, methods and test kits for the specific quantification of vancomycin in a test sample are disclosed. The reagent comprises antibodies prepared with immunogens of FIG. 6 wherein P is an immunogenic carrier material and X is a linking moiety.

Abstract: An immunoassay for the determination of myocardial necroses using antibodies to troponin T and a binding partner B for troponin T or for the an antibody, whereby either the antibody or the binding partner B is labelled with a determinable group. The immunological complex formed which contains the determinable group is isolated by separation of the phases and the determinable group is determined in one of the phases. Furthermore, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to troponin T are described with a cross-reactivity of less than 5% to skeletal muscle troponin T and less than 2% to troponin I and other myofibrillar proteins.

Abstract: This invention presents improved methodology for identification of nucleated cells in flow cytometric analysis when immunofluorescent dyes are also used. Briefly, in the method nucleic acids are stained with a fluorescent dye which can then be used to identify the nucleated cells by measurement of fluorescence on a flow cytometer. The improvement presented by this invention is the use of a saturating (or near saturating) amount of a nucleic acid dye, or mixture of dyes, which gives low fluorescence at excitation conditions, so as not to greatly interfere with the signals of the immunofluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A mouse anti-human MP52 monoclonal antibody which binds to dimeric human MP52 but not to monomeric human MP52. This mouse monoclonal antibody comprising IgG and having a high specificity can be obtained by sensitizing mice with human MP52 (CHO-MP52) produced in CHO cells and human MP52 (rhMP52) produced in escherichia coli. This antibody is useful in, for example, purifying or assaying human MP52 produced b genetic engineering techniques.

Abstract: Receptors are disclosed that are antibodies that exhibit a binding affinity for an immune complex of a monoepitopic antigen and an antibody for such antigen that is substantially greater than the binding affinity for the monoepitopic antigen or the antibody for the monoepitopic antigen apart from the immune complex. Normally, the monoepitopic antigen has a molecular weight less than 1500 and is an organic compound. The antibodies of the present invention find use in a method for determining a monoepitopic antigen in a sample suspected of containing such antigen. The method comprises forming an immune sandwich complex comprising the monoepitopic antigen or an analog thereof, a first monoclonal antibody that binds to the monoepitopic antigen, and a second monoclonal antibody that is an antibody of the present invention and detecting the immune sandwich complex.

Abstract: Particulate labels that can be individually identified comprise particulate supports to which are bound at least two distinguishable signal-generating moieties, such as fluorophores emitting at different wavelengths, which signals are detectable and measurable in situ. By varying the ratio and/or amounts of the signal-generating moieties, a multiplicity of different and distinguishable labels is obtained. Each different label can then be coupled to a different reagent and the individual interactions of each reagent with a target observed in parallel.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying to a hydrophobic polymer surface a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 and at least one hydrophilic element which can extend into an aqueous solution; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions. Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating phosphorylation site-specific immunological reagents. More specifically, a phosphopeptide mimetic is incorporated into a polypeptide in place of a phosphorylated amino acid. The polypeptide is used as antigen by standard methods to generate either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies which cross-react with the naturally phosphorylated polypeptide. The phosphopeptide mimetic preferably contains a non-hydrolyzable linkage from the appropriate carbon atom of the amino acid residue to a phosphate group. A preferred linkage is a CF2 group. Such a linkage is used to generate the phosphoserine mimetic F2Pab, which is incorporated into a polypeptide sequence derived from p53 to produce antibodies which recognize a specific phosphorylation state of p53. A CF2 group linkage is also used to produce the phosphothreonine mimetic F2Pmb, and to produce the phosphotyrosine mimetic, F2Pmp.

Abstract: A novel monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to apo-B-48 is disclosed. The monoclonal antibody specifically binds to apo-B-48 but does not bind to apo-B-100.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified cryptdin peptides having a consensus amino acid sequence: X1-C-X2-C-R-X3-C-X4-E-X5-C-X6-C-C-X7 wherein X1 is 3 to 9 amino acids; X2 is one amino acid, preferably Y, H or R; X3 is 2 or 3 amino acids; X4 is three amino acids; X5 is five amino acids; X6 is 6 to 10 amino acids; and X7 is 0 to 9 amino acids.