Abstract: The present invention describes the selection and use of antidiotypic monoclonal antibodies. (AB2) IgG type with the main characteristic of being highly connected to the idiotipic network and recognition of B and T human lymphocytes, which are major participants in the immune response. According to the previous statement the objective of this invention is to provide antidiotypic monoclonal antibodies IgG type connected to the immune network, able to interact with T and B lymphocytes and able to exert an immunoregulatory effect, irmunostimulation or immunosupression that can be used for immunotherapy of autoimune diseases, infectious diseases and cancer.

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: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

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 present invention relates, in general, to presenilin 2 proteolytic fragments. In particular, the present invention relates to a purified 20 kDa presenilin 2 C-terminal fragment (PS2-CTF); purified nucleic acid molecules coding for the 20 kDa PS2-CTF protein; cells containing the nucleic acid molecules; non-human organisms containing the nucleic acid molecule; antibodies having specific binding affinity to the 20 kDa PS2-CTF; hybridomas containing the antibodies; methods of detecting 20 kDa PS2-CTF in a sample; diagnostic kits; methods for screening compounds that inhibit proteolytic processing of presenilin 2 in a cell, isolated compounds that inhibit proteolytic processing of presenilin 2 in a cell, and a method of inhibiting apoptotic cell death by preventing proteolytic cleavage of presenilin 2 at a cleavage site which generates a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fed-batch fermentation process which uses special E. coli host/vector systems for the purpose of efficiently forming recombinant proteins, in particular recombinant antibody molecules, preferably antibody fragments such as miniantibodies. Under the given conditions, the E. coli cells are able to grow at a maximum specific growth rate up to very high cell densities. After the recombinant product formation has been switched on, it is only the formed product which restricts growth; there is no growth restriction due to substrates or metabolic by-products. High space-time yields of recombinant proteins can be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A method for detecting or assaying one constituting member in a specific binding pair, for example, the antigen in an antigen/antibody pair, by utilizing specific binding such as binding between an antigen and an antibody, together with redox reaction for detecting a label, wherein an oxygen micro-electrode with a sensing surface area of 1 mm2 or less is used; and an apparatus to which the method is applicable. According to the method and by using the apparatus, redox reaction for assaying the label can be completed in such a short time as several minutes. Therefore, an inexpensive disposable apparatus for household use can be realized.

Abstract: A method for specifically immunoprecipitating albumin from a serum sample, using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Also provided is a method for the co-removal of immunoglobulin using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Removal of the highly abundant serum proteins, albumin and immunoglobulin, thereby improves the fractionation of the remaining serum proteins. Due to the collapsible nature of the matrix, less protein is trapped in the void space. Through specific removal of the abundant serum proteins by the collapsible affinity matrix and application of a two dimensional gel electrophoresis method, HiCap 2-D PAGE, the concentrations of a large number of low abundant serum proteins are estimated simultaneously, allowing the identification of several disease-related proteins in a relatively short period of time.

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: Peptides of Dendroaspis, including chimeric peptides thereof, are provided, as well as methods of using the peptides as natriuretics, diuretics, and/or vasodilators.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imidazolinone hapten having the structural formula Further provided are an antigen and an enzyme conjugate which are prepared from the imidazolinone hapten. The haptens, antigens and enzyme conjugates provided are useful in immunoassays for determining the presence and concentration of an imidazolinone compound in the presence of one or more other imidazolinone compounds.

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: The subject invention provides a method for detecting the presence of human malignant cells in a sample of tumor cells, which comprises contacting the sample with an antibody directed to an epitope present on the &bgr; subunit of human luteinizing hormone or on intact human luteinizing hormone under conditions such that the antibody forms a complex with cells present in the sample if the epitope is present on the surface of the cells, and determining whether the antibody forms such a complex. The subject invention also provides a method for determining whether a tumor present in a human subject is malignant which comprises obtaining a sample of cells from the tumor and detecting the presence of malignant cells in the sample according to the method of the subject invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the quantification and assessment of platelet activation in whole blood samples and monitoring of antiplatelet pharmacologic agents. The method for quantifying platelet activation includes exposing platelets to a physiological concentration of an agonist that activates some of the platelets, resulting in the formation of at least one binding site on the surface of the activated platelets, and measuring the activated platelets. The present invention provides a method of assessing specific components of platelet activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an efficient method of producing monoclonal antibodies against surface antigens of cells and viruses. The method accommodates for antigens which are present in only relatively small amounts, or antigens of which only very small amounts are available or antigens which easily lose their in vivo conformation. Thus the method according to the invention comprises a series of steps, comprising a step in which B-cells from a mammal injected with surface antigen-comprising material are enriched with respect to the relative number of specific B-cells and a step which comprises a small-scale fusion technique.

Abstract: Methods for growing and neutralizing or removing circoviruses, in particular porcine circoviruses, which are obtained from an infected cell culture after one or more passages in cultures of porcine, bovine or human cells are described. When the porcine circoviruses grow, a cytopathogenic effect occurs in the cell culture. The circoviruses can be neutralized by treatment with an antibody-containing substrate such as porcine serum or human immunoglobulin or be removed by a pasteurization method. Also described are a vaccine and a diagnostic aid containing inactivated or avirulent circoviruses.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies and other binding agents that bind specifically to SRCR domains of human CD6 (hCD6) and have advantageous properties, including the capacity to substantially inhibit binding of activated leukocyte adhesion molecule (ALCAM) to hCD6. The binding agents of the invention are useful, inter alia, in methods for screening peptides and drugs that also bind to hCD6 and/or modulate ALCAM binding to hCD6, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic methods for management and treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody or functional fragment thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) 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 CCR2 with a ligand thereof, and to use of the antibodies and fragments in therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

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: The present invention relates to compositions derived from immunoglobulin molecules specific for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). More particularly, the invention is related to molecules which are capable of specifically binding with HCV E2 antigen. The molecules are useful in specific binding assays, affinity purification schemes and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of HCV infection in mammalian subjects. The invention thus relates to novel human monoclonal antibodies specific for HCV E2 antigen, fragments of such monoclonal antibodies, polypeptides having structure and function substantially homologous to antigen-binding sites obtained from such monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides, and expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules.

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: Diagnostic systems, methods, polypeptides and antibodies for detecting the presence of C-terminal hGPIIb fragment of the platelet receptor GPIIb-IIIa in a body fluid sample are disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumor progression in cells involved in human tumors such as melanomas, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and bone tumors, various types of skin cancers, and other neoplastic conditions such as leukemias and lymphomas. Genes are identified that are differentially expressed in benign (e.g., non-malignant) tumor cells relative to malignant tumor calls exhibiting a high metastatic potential. Genes are also identified via the ability of their gene products to interact with gene products involved in the progression to, and/or aggressiveness of, neoplastic tumor disease states. The genes and gene products identified can be used diagnostically or for therapeutic intervention.

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: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a human microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 splice variant (MAG4V) and polynucleotides which identify and encode MAG4V. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of MAG4V.

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: Method and test kit for assaying in a sample an analyte which is a bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes or an antibody binding to such a bloodgroup antigen. To that end, the sample is treated with a reagent containing a binding partner for the analyte, so that a complex of bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes and antibody bound thereto is formed if the sample contains analyte. The analyte is a bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes, the analyte binding partner is an antibody capable of binding to the bloodgroup antigen and if the analyte is an antibody binding to a bloodgroup antigen, the analyte binding partner is the bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes. Erythrocytes, complex or non-complexed, are then separated from non-bound antibodies using a separation medium with a density higher than that of the liquid containing the antibodies but lower than the density of crythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex comprising a biologically active substance and a ligand that recognizes CD16.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel retrovirus isolated from patients in West Africa that is capable of causing lymphadenopathies and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus, which was originally designated “LAV type II”, “LAV-II”, or “West African AIDS retrovirus”, has been subsequently renamed the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Two isolates were obtained, characterized, and designated HIV-2MIR and HIV-2ROD (C.N.C.M. deposit nos. I-502 and I-532, respectively). Radioimmunoprecipitation (RIPA) and Western blot analyses involving patient antisera identified viral proteins with molecular weights of 16 Kd (p16), 26 Kd (p26), 130-140 Kd (gp130-140), and 36 Kd (gp36). The claimed invention is directed toward kits for the detection of HIV-2 antigens comprising polyclonal and monoclonal antisera directed against these proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the length of telomeres and the role of hnRNP A1, UP1 or derivatives thereon. More particularly, the present invention relates to hnRNP A1, UP1 or derivatives thereof to maintain or alter the length of telomeres in cells. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for increasing or decreasing the proliferative capacity of cells and to delay or precipitate the onset of senescence The invention further relates to hnRNP A1 or UP1 or derivatives thereof as pharmaceutical, therapeutic and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the identification of key diagnostic antibodies and antigens characteristic of a disease state of interest. Key diagnostic antibodies and antigens, diagnostic kits, and methods for diagnosis, are disclosed for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention describes quality control devices for assays that measure analytes in cells and tissue samples, and methods of use thereof. In particular, the quality control device comprises a matrix affixed with synthetic controls in different concentrations, or different synthetic controls. The quality control device can be adhered to a microscope slide and processed simultaneously with a tissue sample.

Abstract: A hybridoma cell line has been produced for secreting a monoclonal antibody that binds ractopamine and is effective to detect ractopamine levels of about 1 ng/mL or lower. This monoclonal antibody may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of ractopamine in samples, especially in animal tissue, body fluids and feed material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a method for assaying an antigen which is associated with disorders caused by mental stress in a human body fluid by way of an immunoassay technique which utilizes an antibody against a mental stress related protein having the following properties or a fragment thereof: (1) having a molecular weight of about 14 kDa (measured by SDS-PAGE); and (2) having the N-terminal partial sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; and a kit for diagnosing disorders caused by mental stress which contains the above-mentioned antibody or a fragment thereof. Thus, the accumulation of mental stress can be easily estimated and judged and the results can be applied to the diagnosis of disorders caused by mental stress.

Abstract: Methods to detect prion or PrP-Sc protein as an indication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are described. In one aspect, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind a conserved epitope of prion proteins and use of the antibodies in immunoassays to detect PrP-Sc, in fixed or unfixed tissue, as an indication of the presence of TSE infection. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody cocktail having the monoclonal antibody in combination with a second monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to a second conserved epitope of prion proteins. One or both monoclonal antibodies of the cocktail can recognize epitopes found in all mammalian species in which a natural TSE has been reported and in a number of closely related species.

Abstract: A method of making monoclonal antibodies according to a mixed antigen immunization protocol is described. In addition, antibodies obtainable by the method are disclosed which specifically cross-react with two or more different receptors to which Apo-2 ligand (Apo-2L) can bind.

Abstract: A method of assaying the growth hormone status of an individual by immuno-assay for the 150 KDa Insulin-like Growth Factor ternary complex (IGF/IGFBP-3/ALS). Alternatively, a binary complex may be assayed. The method involves capturing the IGFBP complex with a first antibody coupled to a solid phase and detecting the complex with a second antibody coupled to a label. A set of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies usefutl for the assay is also provided.

Abstract: Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) has been used as a marker for bone resorption. However, there are two forms of said enzyme in the body: TRAP 5a and TRAP 5b, of which TRAP 5b is a much more specific marker. The present invention is directed to an immunoassay for measuring the bone resorption rate, which methods enables the specific determination of TRAP 5b, whereby the amount of TRAP 5b reflects the bone resorption rate. The method is useful in diagnosing disorders associated with a change in the bone resorption rate, such as osteoporosis. Methods of screening for susceptibility to such disorders, and method of monitoring the effect of treatment are also provided. Further a test-kit useful in said methods is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for treating or preventing papillomavirus infection. In one aspect, the invention provides reagents and methods for attenuating the ability of papillomavirus to bind to cells by blocking access of papillomavirus to its cellular receptor. In another aspect, the invention provides reagents and methods for attenuating the ability of papillomavirus to infect cells by reducing the free titer of papillomavirus. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a complex comprising a biologically active substance and a ligand that recognizes CD16 and a method of delivering a biologically active substance to an papillomavirus-infected cell using the complex.

Abstract: The invention provides novel cationic flocculant dispersion polymers that can be utilized in the methods disclosed herein. This invention also provides methods for detecting cationic flocculants wherein said flocculants may be made via a dispersion process, a latex process or a dry polymer process. The flocculants are used to flocculate solids from liquid components of an industrial food process. The detection method involves the use of monoclonal antibodies to determine the presence or concentration of the cationic flocculants in the liquids.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA technology was used to clone encoding nucleic acids for the human alpha platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R type alpha). Peptides corresponding to the predicted sequence of this type and of the PDGF-R type beta were used to elicit antibodies specific for either type of the PDGF-R. Immunoassays are described for determining the level of PDGF-R type alpha in biological samples with the PDGF-R type alpha-specific antibodies.