Abstract: This invention relates to the use of urine ABP measurement in the diagnosis of serious systemic infection, and in the determination of increased chance of mortality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are specific for the protein thymidylate synthase, and hybridomas producing these monoclonal antibodies. The invention further relates to methods of detection and diagnostic kits to test for the presence of thymidylate synthase. The invention also relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies in determining the presence of colon carcinoma cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns human monoclonal antibodies of the IgG isotype against human pancreatic islet cells which can be obtained by immortalizing human lymphocytes of prediabetics or diabetics, treating the culture supernatant of the immortalized cells with a conjugate of antibodies against human Fc &ggr; and a label, subsequently treating with human immunoglobulin, incubating with immobilized human pancreatic islet cells identifying an immortalized human cell culture which produces an antibody against pancreatic islet cells via determination of the label bound to the immobilized islet cells, isolating a human immortalized cell which produces this antibody, propagating this immortalized cell and isolating the monoclonal antibody produced by these cells. The invention also concerns a process for the isolation of an islet cell antigen to which such antibodies bind as well as a method for the determination of antibodies against an islet cell antigen of the pancreas.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies specific for kringle 5 of apo(a) and hybridomas secreting such antibodies. The invention also relates to assay methods for directly measuring concentrations of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in a plasma sample. In one embodiment, the method involves the specific capture of Lp(a) from a plasma sample with a monoclonal antibody developed against kringle 5 of apo(a), which is non-cross-reactive with plasminogen and kringle 4 of apo(a). The quantity of the Lp(a) present in the sample is then measured by detecting the amount of Lp(a)-anti-kringle 5 complex that has formed in the reaction. Alternatively, the Lp(a) may be captured non-specifically and then detected with the monoclonal antibody specific for kringle 5 of apo(a). The invention also provides competitive assays using the above-mentioned kringle 5 specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-cyanovirin antibody with an internal image of gp120, a method of using an anti-cyanovirin antibody with an internal image of gp120 to induce an immune response to gp120 so as to prevent or treat a viral infection in an animal, and a method of using a cyanovirin to induce an immune response to gp120 so as to prevent or treat a viral infection in an animal.

Abstract: This invention provides a method, a reagent, and a kit for detecting herpesvirus-specific IgM antibodies indicative of recent infection while preventing detection of low levels of herpesvirus-specific IgM antibodies present in individuals of low risk. The invention also provides a reagent for use in detecting herpesvirus-specific IgM antibodies indicative of recent infection while preventing detection of low levels of herpesvirus-specific IgM antibodies present in individuals of low risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed &agr;F1 and &agr;F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the &agr; monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with &bgr; chain variable regions V&bgr;5.3 and V&bgr;8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody &dgr;TCS1, isotype IgG2a.

Abstract: Identification of defective ER and subclassifying ER+ breast cancers on the basis of the presence of defective ER is described as a tool potentially useful, as previously shown by the results of a pilot study, for predicting which among the ER+ tumors will respond and which will fail to repsond to hormonal modes of therapy. Improvements are introduced in the specimen sampling and ligand introduction steps of the immunohistochemical procedure which was developed for sub-classifying estrogen receptor-positive tumors of human breast cancers and other cancers of the estrogen target organs on the basis of the presence of defective estrogen receptors. Additionally, a new monoclonal antibody reagent which has potential use as a replacement for the polyclonal anti-ER antibody reagents is also described. The modified steps include the use of tumor imprints instead of cryosections; use of ligand coated slides instead of the original ligand layering step.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing a hybridoma cell line which produces a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes and binds to a tumor associated antigen which comprises: (a) cotransfecting a CREF-Trans 6 cell line with DNA isolated from a neoplastic, human cell and a plasmid which encodes a selectable or identifiable trait; (b) selecting transfected cells which express the selectable or identifiable trait; (c) recovering the cells so selected in step (b); (d) injecting the cells so recovered in step (c) into a suitable marine host; (e) maintaining the resulting first murine host for a period of time effective to induce the cells injected in step (d) to form a tumor in the murine host; (f) isolating the tumor formed in step (e); (g) obtaining tumor cells from the isolated tumor in step (f); (h) coating the tumor cells obtained in step (9) with an antiserum generated against the CREF Trans-6 cell line (i) injecting the antiserum-coated cells from step (h) into a plurality of suitable seco

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to assays for the detection of mycophenolic acid. The method comprises including in an assay medium suspected of containing mycophenolic acid a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in combination in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. The present invention also provides assay reagents as well as packaged kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or concentration of a water treatment polymer in an aqueous sample, comprising producing a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody to the water treatment polymer, and using the antibody so produced as a reagent in an immunoassay, conducted on the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A chemical moiety is disclosed which comprises a chemical, biochemical, or biological substance attached to one or more electrochemiluminescent organometallic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the substance is attached to one or more ruthenium-containing or osmium-containing luminescent organometallic compounds. Methods are disclosed for detecting low concentrations of the chemical moiety using chemiluminescent, electrochemiluminescent, and photoluminescent means. Compounds are disclosed which are useful for labeling substances of interest with ruthenium-containing and osmium-containing labels or other electrochemiluminescent labels. These labeled substances are useful in methods provided for detecting and quantifying analytes of interest in binding assays and competitive binding assays. The labeled substances are of particular use in homogeneous binding assays.

Abstract: Novel generic antibodies are provided that are specific to groups of organophosphates, particularly to a class of organophosphate pesticides in common usage. Further provided are compounds and methods for raising these antibodies, test kits containing them and methods for their use. The antibodies targeted at low molecular weight (i.e. below MW 1000) organophosphorous pesticides methacrifos, pirimphos methyl, etrimfos, fenitrothion, chlopyrifos methyl, dichlorovos and malathion. Preferred conjugates of the invention are of the formula (RO.sub.2 --P(S)--Z--[Y]--Protein wherein R is lower alkyl and Z is as O, S or --NH--, Y is a spacer group and "Protein" indicates a protein suitable for use in hapten protein conjugates for the purpose of raising antibodies and antisera. Typical and preferred proteins are bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin from chicken egg, keyhole limpet hemocyananin and mixtures of these.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting a mammal's prior exposure to radiation or radiomimetic agents. Labeled antibodies are employed to determine the quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal. The quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal is correlated to the mammal's prior exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of site directed therapy. More specifically it relates to site directed radio therapy. It provides a method for production of radioimmuno conjugates and an apparatus for radioimmuno therapy. 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 present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody which forms an immunological complex with a phosphorylated epitope of a particular subclass or form of phosphorylated tau protein without forming an immunological complex with (i) fetal tau or (ii) biopsy or autopsy derived brain material from patients having died or suffering from diseases in which neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) is not a pathological hallmark. The invention also relates to a process for diagnosing brain diseases involving monoclonal antibodies of the invention. The invention also relates to a region of the tau molecule which is specifically recognized by the monoclonal antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: A method of assaying collagen fragments in body fluids, including bringing a sample of body fluid in contact with at least one immunological binding partner for the collagen fragments, said binding partner being immunoreactive with synthetic peptides, the sequences of which are essentially derived from collagen and containing potential sites for cross-linking. The immunological binding partners are incorporated, either as whole antibodies or as immunologically active fragments thereof, in an assay for quantitative determination of collagen fragments in the sample. In addition to being contacted with the immunological binding partner(s), the sample may be brought into direct contact with the corresponding synthetic peptide. The invention further comprises a test kit and specific means for carrying out the method. The structure of specific peptides is also described.

Abstract: A method of detecting an antibody in a sample using a labelling compound and comprising the steps of mixing a ligand antigen, antibody or hapten bound to biotin with the sample; an antibody directed against the antibody to be detected bound to paramagnetic particles; and a chemiluminescent acridinium compound bound to avidin or streptavidin to form a solid phase complex; separating the solid phase from the liquid phase; and analyzing the separated solid phase for the presence of chemiluminescent complex.

Abstract: Novel foam proteins, monoclonal antibodies specifically recognizing said proteins, a method for determining foam protein contents in beer samples by an immunoassay using said monoclonal antibodies, a method for determining head retention and head retention stability of beer, as well as a method for evaluating raw materials of beer and stabilizers for beer are disclosed. The novel foam proteins crucial for head retention of beer have molecular weights of about 40000 to about 48000 as determined by Western blot analysis.

Abstract: A mixture of recombinant mono- and poly-epitope proteic materials able to fully replace the viral antigens when used in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is disclosed; the mixture includes a poly-epitope fusion protein having a first region formed by an amino acid sequence (H10) corresponding to that of the last 233 amino acids of the COOH terminus of the viral protein p52 or to a part thereof, a second region formed by an amino acid sequence (F3) corresponding to that of the last 43 amino acids of the COOH terminus of viral protein pp150 or to a part thereof, and a third region formed by an amino acid sequence (A1C2) corresponding to that taken from aa 595 to aa 614, proceeding in direction 5'.fwdarw.3', of the same viral protein pp150; and, in combination, a second fusion protein including a sequence of amino acids corresponding to that taken, proceeding in direction 5'.fwdarw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of detecting and diagnosing neurological disease or dysfunction using antibodies against a neurological form of Pancreatic Thread Protein (nPTP). Specifically, this invention is directed to a method of diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease, Down's Syndrome, and other neurological diseases or dysfunctions by using monoclonal antibodies, combination of those monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid probes, to detect nPTP. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding PTP and to the substantially pure form of nPTP. The invention additionally relates to a method of diagnosing pancreatic disease using antibodies against Pancreatic Thread Protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a monospecific antibody that is specifically reactive with enzymatically mediated degradation products of fibrin(ogen) (i.e., fibrin, fibrinogen, and related substances). The monospecific antibody of the invention is specifically reactive with an epitope defined by an amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides compositions containing a monospecific antibody, optionally detectably labeled, for the performance of fibrinolytic or thrombolytic analyses. The invention further provides continuous cell lines (hybridomas) that produce monospecific antibodies as described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human foam cells generated in vitro from monocyte/macrophage related cell lines which give rise to an average intracellular cholesterol amount of at least 139+36 ug/mg cell protein as determined by HPLC, with said cholesterol being characterized by a degree of 46+6% of esterification as determined by HPLC. The invention also relates to monoclonal antibodies selected via said foam cells and which can be used for pharmaceutical and diagnostic purposes.

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: The present invention relates to the use of a reagent that binds specifically to a predetermined ligand, contains one or more antibody constant region epitopes, and is uniform in specificity and affinity. The reagent can be produced continually, in the manufacture of calibrators (standards) and/or controls for diagnostic kits designed to qualitatively or quantitatively measure antibodies specific for a desired ligand. For example, the present invention encompasses recombinant mouse-human chimeric antibodies which may be used as calibrators (standards) and/or positive controls in assays and kits which measure human antibodies. Any species may be used in creating the chimeric antibodies, and the presence of any corresponding species of antibody may be detected.

Abstract: An assay method and kit for detecting specific oral cariogenic bacteria, ., mutans streptococci, Lactobacillus sp. and Actinomyces sp., separately or in combination, comprising gathering a sample suspected of containing cariogenic bacteria; treating the sample with a stripping buffer to remove host antibodies from bacteria present in the sample; retaining the treated bacteria on a blocked solid phase substrate; reacting the retained bacteria with a primary antibody specific for the desired cariogenic bacteria; reacting the primary antibody with a conjugated label producing a detectable signal; and detecting the signal whereby the presence of the desired cariogenic bacteria is determined in the sample. The device for conducting these assays is a frame or support which holds a solid substrate capable of retaining the bacteria of interest while permitting drainage of other materials or fluids away from the retained bacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with active human ceruloplasmin as well as a method for diagnosing Wilson's disease using the same. The monoclonal antibody of the present invention specifically reacts with active human ceruloplasmin, it neutralizes the peroxidase activity of the active human ceruloplasmin upon binding thereto, and it does not specifically react with inactive human ceruloplasmin.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody AT180 secreted by the hybridoma deposited at ECACC on Dec. 22, 1992 under No. 92122204, and monoclonal antibody AT270 secreted by the hybridoma deposited at ECACC on Jul. 7, 1993 under 93070774, each of which forms an immunological complex with a phosphorylated epitope of an antigen belonging to abnormally phosphorylated tau protein (PHF-tau) residing in the region spanning positions 143-254 with the following amino acid sequence:143 150 NH.sub.

Abstract: Antibodies that selectively bind to quadruplex nucleic acids are described. Isolated cells that produce such antibodies, and methods utilizing these antibodies, are also described.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent electron-rich aryl-substituted 1,2-dioxetane compounds are disclosed in which the aryl group is poly-substituted with suitable electron-donating groups such that the light-emitting pattern of the molecule results in a very high luminescent count, thus providing for a sensitive and precise assay for haptens, analytes, polynucleotides and the like. These substituted aryl-containing 1,2-dioxetane compounds can be used as direct labels in an immunoassay or when derivatized with an appropriate leaving group, can be used as a substrate for a enzyme immunoassay. The unusual chemiluminescence of the compounds allows the timing of the luminescent reaction to be exactly controlled.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent electron-rich aryl-substituted 1,2-dioxetane compounds are disclosed in which the aryl group is poly-substituted with suitable electron-donating groups such that the light-emitting pattern of the molecule results in a very high luminescent count, thus providing for a sensitive and precise assay for haptens, analytes, polynucleotides and the like. These substituted aryl-containing 1,2-dioxetane compounds can be used as direct labels in an immunoassay or when derivatized with an appropriate leaving group, can be used as a substrate for a enzyme immunoassay. The unusual chemiluminescence of the compounds allows the timing of the luminescent reaction to be exactly controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the affinity of a polypeptide to a target molecule by a combination of steps, including: (1) the identification of aspartyl residues which are prone to isomerization; (2) the substitution of alternative residues and screening the resulting mutants for affinity against the target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the method of subtituting residues is affinity maturation with phage display (AMPD). In a further preferred embodiment the polypeptide is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is anti-IgE and the target molecule is IgE. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-IgE antibody having improved affinity to IgE.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The method utilizes presenilin-1, whose level is found to be substantially decreased in Alzheimer's patients. Included in the invention are diagnostic kits for Alzheimer's disease and methods of screening for effective therapeutics for the disease. The invention also provides a method of studying the function and regulation of presenilin-1 in brain by the use of primate retinoblastoma cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and a means of vaccinating a vertebrate so as to prevent or control specific T cell mediated pathologies, including autoimmune diseases and the unregulated replication of T cells. The vaccine is composed of a T cell receptor (TCR) or a fragment thereof corresponding to a TCR present on the surface of T cells mediating the pathology. The vaccine fragment can be a peptide corresponding to sequences of TCRs characteristic of the T cells mediating said pathology. Such a peptide can bind to conventional antigens completed to MHC antigen presenting cells or to superantigens. Means of determining appropriate amino acid sequences for such vaccines are also provided. The vaccine is administered to the vertebrate in a manner that induces an immune response directed against the TCR of T cells mediating the pathology. This immune response down regulates or deletes the pathogenic T cells, thus ablating the disease pathogenesis. The invention additionally provides specific .beta.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the purification to homogeneity of pancreatic cholesterol esterase in useful quantities from a variety of mammalian species. The gene for a mammalian pancreatic cholesterol esterase has been cloned and sequenced, and is useful for expressing cholesterol esterase in a transformed eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell culture. Thus, methods according to the invention enable the production of large quantities of pancreatic cholesterol esterase for the screening of inhibitors, the production of antibodies, and for commercial purposes related to the alteration of cholesterol/cholesterol ester composition of materials containing free or esterified cholesterol.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel Schizosaccharomyces-specific proteins and their antibodies. These proteins and antibodies can be used for identifying the yeast genus Schizosaccharomyces.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using human cells. Specifically, one method detects differences between potassium channels in cells from Alzheimer's patient and normal donors, and differences in intracellular calcium concentrations between Alzheimer's and normal cells in response to chemicals known to increase intracellular calcium levels. Other methods detect differences between the memory associated GTP binding Cp20 protein levels between Alzheimer's and normal cells.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to human interleukin-5 (IL-5) are described. The antibodies can be used in assays for IL-5, to purify IL-5, or to characterize IL-5.

Abstract: A fusion gene is provided comprising the cDNA of Renilla luciferase and the cDNA of the "humanized" Aequorea green fluorescent protein. The fusion gene was used to produce a novel protein, the "Renilla-GFP fusion protein," which displayed both the luciferase activity of Renilla luciferase, and the green fluorescence of GFP. The Renilla-GFP fusion gene is useful as a double marker for monitoring gene expression quantitatively in UV light and by enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a measuring method of the CK isoform and a reagent therefor. Accordingly, the present invention provides a reagent for measuring creatine kinase (CK) activity comprising an antibody, wherein said antibody inhibits CK-M.sub.T subunit, but does not inhibit CK-M.sub.S subunit.The present invention also provides a method for measuring CK activity comprising determining an inhibition of CK of body fluids using a reagent for measuring CK activity, wherein said reagent comprises an antibody which inhibits CK-M.sub.T subunit, but does not inhibit CK-M.sub.S subunit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for measuring endogenous cytokines in blood. The method accurately measures the cytokines in the blood in the presence of substances that bind the cytokines thereby causing the measurement of the cytokines by conventional methods to give inaccurate results. The present invention also includes the non-invasive measurement of cytokines in biological fluids such as saliva and nasal secretions. Finally, the present invention allows one to monitor the level of cytokines in the blood during treatment of a human or animal with cytokines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition composed of several different antibodies or/and antibody fragments which is suitable as a reagent to reduce interferences in an immunological method for the class-specific detection of antibodies from one or several of the immunoglobulin classes G, M, A, D and E.

Abstract: A rapid mutational analysis method for mapping protein epitopes is disclosed. This method has been used to identify the binding sites for 16 anti-CD2 and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. The powerful, rapid, and simple method of the present invention allows isolation of a very large number of mutants, and is applicable to any intracellular or surface protein for which a cDNA and monoclonal antibodies are available. The present method is especially useful in ligand binding site studies for the design of new ligands and drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating nucleic acids so as to optimize the binding characteristics of an encoded binding protein by providing two or more nucleic acids encoding binding proteins having at least one set of splicing sites, the set of splicing sites flanking opposite ends of one or more encoded binding domains; mixing the nucleic acids to produce a parent population of mixed nucleic acids encoding binding proteins; and randomly incorporating the binding domains between the nucleic acids through the set of splicing sites to produce a different population of nucleic acids encoding binding proteins wherein at least one binding protein is characterized by substantially different binding characteristics than a member of the parent population.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for distinguishing between viable, early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells utilizing multi-color immunofluorescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibody capable of specific binding to the molecular weight of 20 kDa variant of human growth hormone. This monoclonal antibody has no substantial binding to hGH of molecular weight 22 kDa. The invention also relates to the use of this monoclonal antibody for measurement of hGH 20K, especially in body fluids. The antibodies can be used for detection and quantification of hGH 20K, especially in serum.

Abstract: An immunological assay for quantifying PEG-modified human granulocyte colony stimulating factor or derivatives thereof in a sample comprising bringing into contact with said sample an antibody which reacts with the human granulocyte colony stimulating factor or its derivative and with PEG-modified human granulocyte colony stimulating factor or its derivative and a monoclonal antibody which reacts specifically with the human granulocyte colony stimulating factor or its derivative but not with the PEG-modified human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or its derivative.

Abstract: Antibodies capable of binding to the a subunit of the human GM-CSF receptor are described. These antibodies can inhibit the proliferation of cells whose growth is dependent upon the presence of human GM-CSF. Methods of assaying for the human GM-CSF receptor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the diagnosis of allergen hypersensitivity in a patient. Rare, allergen-specific cells are enriched from a complex cell population, e.g. a patient blood sample. The percentage of blood cells that bind to a particular allergen is less than 0.01%. The allergen-specific cell population is enriched by magnetic cell sorting. In normal blood, the allergen-binding cells are primarily B-cells expressing CD19 and CD21. In blood from allergic patients, an additional population of effector cells, e.g. basophilic granulocytes is labeled by the allergen.

Abstract: An assay for measuring activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) of a tyrosine kinase receptor of interest is disclosed.(a) A first solid phase is coated with a substantially homogeneous population of cells so that the cells adhere to the first solid phase. The cells have either an endogenous tyrosine kinase receptor or have been transformed with DNA encoding a receptor or "receptor construct" and the DNA has been expressed so that the receptor or receptor construct is presented in the cell membranes of the cells.(b) A ligand is then added to the solid phase having the adhering cells, such that the tyrosine kinase receptor is exposed to the ligand.(c) Following exposure to the ligand, the adherent cells are solubilized, thereby releasing cell lysate.(d) A second solid phase is coated with a capture agent which binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase receptor, or, in the case of a receptor construct, to the flag polypeptide.