Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating soft tissue defects are provided. The composition, which is injectable directly into the tissue adjacent to the defect, comprises a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier. The method includes preparing the composition comprising a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier and delivering the composition into the tissue adjacent to the defect. Alternatively, a carrier matrix may be disposed in or near the defect, a pump capable of delivering an effective amount of a fibrosis inducing factor may be provided, and the pump is fluidly connected to the carrier matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a use of soluble P-selectin in treating systemic hemorrhagic conditions, stabilizing blood pressure, and protecting hypoxic/ischemic tissues. Also provided is a use of anthrax lethal toxin in treating thrombotic conditions.

Abstract: Use of antagonists to IL-31 are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises a process for the solid phase synthesis of directed epitope peptide mixtures useful in the modulation of unwanted immune responses, such process defined by a set of rules regarding the identity and the frequency of occurrence of amino acids that substitute a base or native amino acid of a known epitope. The resulting composition is a mixture of related peptides for therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibitin receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, inflammatory conditions, and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) in a subject. Therapeutic compositions of the present invention comprise Leukocidin E (LukE) and/or D proteins or polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods of treating Staphylococcus aureus infection by administering a composition comprising a CCR5 antagonist or any molecule that blocks LukE/D interaction with CCR5+ cells in an amount effective to treat the S. aureus infection in the subject.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition involving a concentrated mixture of a precipitated protein and a liquid medium and a method for manufacturing the concentrated mixture. The concentrated mixture is manufacturable by precipitation of a protein with a biocompatible polymer precipitating agent, followed by removal of sufficient liquid to concentrate the resulting mixture to the desired degree. The precipitated protein can be stored for a significant time in the concentrated mixture, such as intermediate between processing stages during manufacture operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, or having at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, or fragments thereof having at least 21 contiguous amino acids, or peptides having at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of the fragments, provided that the polypeptide is not SEQ ID NO:2, variants and antigenic fragments thereof, SEQ ID NO 16 or SEQ ID NO 17, and uses thereof in a method of treating cancer and/or tumours of the human or animal body.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The application reports that perlecan domain V (DV) or the LG3 domain thereof reduces deposition and toxicity of A? peptide, the major component of plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Methods of using DV, LG3 and related molecules in treatment of amyloidogenic diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a granulin or a granulin-like compound for producing a pharmaceutical composition for the therapy or prophylaxis of chronic pain, in particular for neuropathic pain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for promoting elastin fiber formation (elastogenesis) in a cell, including methods that comprise contacting a cell that is capable of elastogenesis with (i) a mutated biglycan polypeptide that lacks chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan chains, (ii) a versican V3 isoform polypeptide that lacks most or all of the polypeptide regions encoded by one or more of exons 4, 5 or 6 or by exons 9-10 or 11-13, and/or with (iii) metastatin.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for soluble zcytor11 receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides and antibodies can also be used to block TIF activity in vitro and in vivo, and may be used in conjunction with TIF and other cytokines to selectively stimulate the immune system. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preventing loss and augmenting regeneration of skeletal muscle by decreasing the activity of the TWEAK/Fn14 system.

Abstract: Provided are a hepatopoietin PCn (HPPCn) and its homologous proteins, which can promote hepatocyte proliferation in vitro, promote liver regeneration in vivo, inhibit the growth of tumor cells and promote the apoptosis of tumor cells. The hepatopoietin PCn (HPPCn) and its homologous proteins are useful for the treatment of acute and chronic liver injury, or the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide nucleic acid sequences isolated from Pseudomonas putida strain P13 encoding a family of APases including a phytase and a sugar phosphatase which are highly active at a temperature of 60° C. and at a broad range of pH and withstand the harsh conditions of food processing and digestive system of animals. The enzymes are active at a wide temperature range of 20° C. to 75° C. and at a pH of 5. The embodiments also provide a method of production of the APases. The embodiments also provide a method of isolation and cloning of the APases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of matter comprising zinc finger domains that bind to single-stranded RNA and are useful for modifying gene expression such as by regulating processing of messenger RNA (mRNA) or non-coding RNA (ncRNA). The invention also relates to screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods employing such compositions of matter.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for alleviating cancer in a mammal by administering a therapeutic dose of a pharmaceutical composition that inhibits activity of AXL protein activity, for example by competitive or non-competitive inhibition of the binding interaction between AXL and its ligand GAS6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human tear lipocalin. The invention also refers to a corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding such a mutein and to a method for its generation. The invention further refers to a method for producing such a mutein. Finally, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

Abstract: Novel peptides that inhibit the release of microparticles from cells are disclosed. The peptide contains at least one VGFPV motif at the N-terminal and has a length of 10-100 amino acids. Also disclosed is polynucleotide encoding the peptide, expression vectors carrying the polynucleotide, and methods for treating AIDS and tumors using the novel peptides.

Abstract: A recombinant galectin 9 (rGal 9) is provided which exhibits an immune system-mediated action and a direct action on tumor cells (i.e., activity of inducing the intercellular adhesion and apoptosis of the tumor cells), thereby potent in inducing the inhibition of cancer metastasis and reduction. Moreover, the rGal 9 exerts no efficacy on non-activated lymphocytes but can induce apoptosis in activated T cells, in particular, CD4-positive T cells causing an excessive immune response.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to analogs of peptides corresponding to class I MHC-restricted T cell epitopes and methods for their generation. These analogs can contain amino acid substitutions at residues that directly interact with MHC molecules, and can confer improved, modified or useful immunologic properties. Additionally classes of analogs, in which the various substitutions comprise the non-standard residues norleucine and/or norvaline, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and uses of cells for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases and disorders and the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs using low passage and extensively passaged in vitro cultured, self-renewing, colony forming somatic cells (CF-SC). For example, adult bone marrow-derived somatic cells (ABM-SC), or compositions produced by such cells, are useful alone or in combination with other components for treating, for example, cardiovascular, neurological, integumentary, dermatological, periodontal, and immune mediated diseases, disorders, pathologies, and injuries.

Abstract: The present invention refers to novel hetero-multimeric proteins obtained from modified ubiquitin capable of binding the extradomain B of fibronectin (ED-B) with high affinity. Furthermore, the invention refers to fusion proteins comprising said recombinant protein fused to a pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active component. The invention is further directed to the use of said proteins in medical treatment methods.

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of a polynucleotide encoding “apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain” (ARC) or a functional fragment thereof, and/or an ARC polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof for inhibiting cell death of a liver cell, in particular during liver failure.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing collagen and other extracellular matrix components from SCCs are disclosed. The extracellular matrix components are useful in cosmetic applications, and can be manufactured free of immunogenic concerns and contaminants while controlling for other factors that commonly impact product quality and usefulness.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors comprise simian adenovirus A1321 (SAdV-A1321), SAdV-A1325, SAdV-A1295, SAdV-A1309, SAdV-A1316, and/or SAdV-A1322 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-A1321, SAdV-A1325, SAdV-A1295, SAdV-A1309, SAdV-A1316, and/or SAdV-A1322 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: Alternative and improved approaches to the heterologous expression of the proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These approaches typically affect the level of expression, the ease of purification, the cellular localisation, and/or the immunological properties of the expressed protein.

Abstract: A novel gene 158P3D2 and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 158P3D2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 158P3D2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 158P3D2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 158P3D2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastic peptides and therapeutic proteins. Such peptides exhibit a flexible, extended conformation. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g., GLP-1, exendin), insulin, or Factor VII/VIIa, including functional analogs. The present invention further provides encoding polynucleotides, as well as methods of making and using the therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents have improvements in relation to their use as therapeutics, including, inter alia, one or more of half-life, clearance and/or persistance in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new IL-17 inhibiting polypeptides, corresponding fusion proteins, compositions and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the modulation of autophagy by altering the phosphorylation of Death Associated Protein (DAP1). The present invention further relates to methods of treating autophagy associated diseases comprising the suppression of autophagy by dephosphorylating DAP1. The invention further provides human DAP1 mutated at positions 3 and 51 with phospho-silencing residues and uses thereof in treating autophagy associated diseases.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating (promoting or inhibiting) growth of a tissue, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and/or neuronal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand. The compositions and methods provided herein are useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a naturally occurring internal proteolytic cleavage site in the ApoA1 protein, which leads to inactivation of the mature protein. Specific modification of this cleavage site leads to a stabilised ApoA1 protein, which is beneficial for the reverse cholesterol transport. The invention therefore encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a recombinant stabilised variant ApoA1 protein or rHDL particles comprising such a protein, for use in the treatment of patients having reduced HDL or hampered reverse cholesterol transport.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants. More specifically, the invention relates to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants with enhanced immunomodulatory capacity and/or enhanced binding affinity for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and/or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density and strength. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides ALK3 polypeptides, including ALK3-Fc fusion proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating disease with soluble inhibitors of the lymphotoxin pathway having improved properties. This invention also relates to improved LTBR-Ig fusion proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein for preparing a medicament for preventing or treating epithelium trauma of the intestinal mucosa, wherein the protein is selected from: (a) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a protein which has a sequence having at least 70% homology with the amino acid sequence in the (a) and has the effect of preventing or treating epithelium trauma of the intestinal mucosa. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the protein (a) or (b) as the active component.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of enhancing in vivo efficacy of an active agent, comprising: administering to a subject an active agent that is coupled to a bioelastic polymer or elastin-like peptide, wherein the in vivo efficacy of the active agent is enhanced as compared to the same active agent when administered to the subject not coupled to (or not associated with) a bioelastic polymer or ELP.

Abstract: [Problems] A derivative of a nucleic acid antimetabolite is demanded which can show a high therapeutic effect at a low dose. [Means For Solving Problems] Disclosed is a high molecular weight derivative of a nucleic acid antimetabolite, which is characterized by comprising a high molecular weight compound comprising a polyethylene glycol moiety and a polymer moiety having a carboxyl group in a side chain and a nucleoside derivative which can act as a nucleic acid antimetabolite, wherein the carboxyl group in the side chain is bound to a hydroxyl group in the nucleoside derivative via an ester bond. Also disclosed is a method for producing the high molecular weight derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, including inhibitors for expression or activity of TIP41 protein, for prevention and treatment of cancer. When the liver cancer cell lines, showing resistance to TRAIL, are treated with TIP41 siRNA and TRAIL, apoptosis is induced in cancer cell. The same effect is found in cases of lung cancer and colon cancer with resistance against TRAIL. Moreover, this induction of apoptosis by TIP41 siRNA and TRAIL was confirmed in tumor xenograft, which was injected with Huh7 liver cancer cells and then was subjected to TIP41 siRNA transfection and TRAIL treatment. In addition, it was confirmed through animal experiments in which the tumor size has reduced and apoptosis was induced by treatment with TIP41 siRNA and TRAIL. Of note, MKK7/JNK pathway was confirmed to mediate the apoptosis induced by the application of TIP41 siRNA and TRAIL. The apoptosis were verified to be caused by the activation of MKK7/JNK signaling pathway.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions related to the discovery that the Follistatin-like 1 protein (Fstl-1) has metabolic and cardioprotective effects in vivo. Fstl-1 and portions and derivatives or variants thereof can be used to treat or prevent metabolic diseases or disorders and to treat or prevent cardiac damage caused by interrupted cardiac muscle blood supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an IL-6R/IL-6 chimera, a mutein, isoform, fused protein, functional derivative, active fraction or circularly permutated derivative or a salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of Huntington's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides which comprise a tim-3 IgV domain and a tim-3 intracellular domain, wherein the polypeptides do not comprise a tim-3 mucin domain or a tim-3 transmembrane domain. In addition, the invention relates to methods of modulating immune responses in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that modulates tim-3 activity. Immune responses include, but are not limited to, immune tolerance, transplantation tolerance, Th1 responses and Th2 responses.

Abstract: Fusion proteins which act on the TWEAK and TRAIL signaling axes are provided. The proteins are useful in the treatment or amelioration of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, as well as other diseases such as alloimmune diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting net beta-amyloid peptide production and/or amyloid plaque formation. The methods and compositions involve administering a netrin-1 polypeptide or netrin-1 therapeutic to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Polypeptides are susceptible to denaturation or enzymatic degradation in the blood, liver or kidney. Due to the low stability of some polypeptides, it has been required to administer polypeptide drugs in a sustained frequency to a subject in order to maintain an effective plasma concentration of the active substance. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions of therapeutic peptides preferably have a shelf-life of several years in order to be suitable for common use. However, peptide compositions are inherently unstable due to sensitivity towards chemical and physical degradation. In part, the invention provides SAP variant proteins, compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and formulations having a prolonged in vivo half-life, prolonged shelf-life, or rather increased in vitro stability, or increased manufacturing efficiency compared to human SAP. Advantages of increased plasma half-life include, but are not limited to, reducing the amount and/or frequency of dosing.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP has mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects in vitro on hepatocytes in primary culture. Moreover, HIP/PAP is a mitogenic and anti-apoptotic molecule for hepatocytcs, in vivo, during liver failure and liver regeneration. The present invention is also based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP administration has no adverse effects in mammals. This invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for stimulating liver regeneration in vivo including after chronic/acute liver failure, comprising an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having 90% amino acid identity with the polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence starting at the amino acid residue (36) and ending at the amino acid residue (175) of sequence SEQ ID No 1, in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: An effective agent for treating ischemic disease, the agent containing human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (human G-CSF) as an active ingredient is disclosed. By administering this therapeutic agent, an effective therapy particularly for obstructive arteriosclerosis is provided which can eliminate drawbacks with conventional therapies, such as kinesitherapy, pharmacotherapy, and revascularization, and recently proposed therapies, such as gene therapy and intramuscular transplantation of bone marrow cells. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent can be used as an agent for treating ischemic disease, such as ischemic cerebrovascular disorder or ischemic heart disease.