Abstract: Provided are MUC18 targeting peptides which may be used, e.g., to therapeutically target B-1 lymphocytes to reduce the influence of these cells on the metastatic potential of melanoma cells and/or to target cancerous cells, including certain melanoma and leukemia cells. MUC18 targeting peptides may be comprised in fusion constructs, imaging constructs, and/or therapeutic constructs such as fusion constructs which may be used for diagnosing or treating a cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein ricin toxin A chain polypeptides having an engineered disulfide bond ((SS)RTA) and compositions thereof. The disclosed (SS)RTA polypeptides retain the immunological epitope of wild type RTA, lack detectable N-glycosidase activity or exhibit reduced N-glycosidase activity as compared to controls, and exhibit increased solubility, thermal stability and a lower tendency to self-aggregate as compared to RTA 198 and/or RTA 1-33/44-198. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions that may be used to immunize a subject against ricin intoxication. Methods of immunizing against, treating, inhibiting, reducing and/and preventing ricin intoxication are disclosed.

Abstract: Multifunctional probes are synthesized in a single step using peptide scaffold-based multifunctional single-attachment-point reagents. To obtain multifunctional probes of the invention, a substrate (e.g., a nanoparticle, polymer, antibody, protein, low molecular weight compound, drug, etc.) is reacted with a multifunctional single-attachment-point (MSAP) reagent. The MSAP reagents can include three components: (i) a peptide scaffold, (ii) a single chemically reactive group on the peptide scaffold for reaction of the MSAP with a substrate having a complementary reactive group, and (iii) multiple functional groups on the peptide scaffold. The peptide scaffold can include any number of residues; however, for ease of synthesis and reproducibility in clinical trials, it is preferred to limit the residues in the peptide to 20 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives, which have been modified at one phenolic group to incorporate more-reactive groups. The curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives are in the form of monomers, dimmers, and polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a tryptophan-containing peptide and having a Trp/LNAA ratio of more than 0.1 for decreasing eating or appetite during or after stress.

Abstract: Lipid conjugates for enhanced delivery of cargo to the lymph nodes are disclosed. The lipid conjugates typically include three domains: a lipophilic domain that binds to albumin, a polar block domain, and a cargo such as a molecular adjuvant or immunostimulatory compound (such as an oligonucleotide) or antigenic peptide. Depending on the cargo, the length and compositions of the polar block can be tailored to push the equilibrium toward albumin binding, stable micelle formation, or cell insertion. The conjugates can be administered to a subject, for example, a subject with cancer or an infection, to induce or enhance a robust immune response in the subject.

Abstract: Provided are human tau-specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for tau are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for tau targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide and analogs thereof that selectively inhibit the Nav1.7 sodium channel. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating or preventing a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium ion channels, especially Nav1.7 sodium ion channels. The present invention further provides methods of treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels, and particularly Nav1.7 sodium channels, in a mammal suffering from excess activity of said channels, compositions and methods for providing analgesia by administering a peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogs capable of inhibiting the activity of protein kinase C. The invention discloses use of such peptides and analogs for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prevention, delay, suppression or treatment of type 2 diabetes using such compositions.

Abstract: Described is a new type of nanoparticle using the concept of self-organization of a single continuous chain to form peptidic nanoparticles. In particular, nanoparticles of the invention consist of aggregates of a continuous chain comprising two peptidic oligomerization domains connected by a linker segment. Preferred are coiled-coil oligomerization domains with a contiguous pattern of hydrophobic residues spaced 3 and 4 residues apart. The invention provides a drug targeting and delivery system comprising a functionalized peptidic nanoparticle comprising ligands capable of binding a receptor and drugs, and a method of treating or diagnosing humans using such functionalized peptidic nanoparticles. The invention further provides an antigen display system to be used as efficient vaccines comprising a functionalized peptidic nanoparticle comprising an antigen, and a method of vaccinating humans or non-human animals using such functionalized peptidic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Target and method for inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase disclosed are targets and methods for specific binding and inhibition of RNAP from bacterial species.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.

Abstract: This application discloses pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., oral, parenteral or topical ophthalmic formulations) for treating Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with one or more Nrf2 activators and/or mitochondrially targeted antioxidants. The compositions may be topically administered to the eye and are effective in the treatment of FECD. The invention further provides methods of treating FECD by in a subject in need of such treatment by topical application of one or more Nrf2 activators and/or mitochondrially of the invention.

Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to identify SPARC protein-derived peptides that are able to induce human killer T cells and helper T cells having cytotoxic activity to tumors, and to provide a means for carrying out a tumor immunotherapy of patients with various types of cancers overexpressing SPARC. The present invention provides a peptide of any of the following: (A) a peptide which consists of the amino acid sequence as shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3; or (B) a peptide which consists of an amino acid sequence comprising a substitution or addition of one or several amino acids with respect to the peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence as shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3, and which has capacity to induce cytotoxic (killer) T cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to fragments of the DAXX and FADD proteins that inhibit cell apoptosis, in particular cell apoptosis mediated by the Fas receptor. The invention also relates to derivatives of said anti-apoptotic fragments, conjugates comprising said fragments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said fragments, and to the medical applications of said fragments, derivatives, conjugates, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof in the treatment or prevention of diseases and conditions associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the crystal structure of Flt3 and its cognate ligand FL. In particular, the binding interface of Flt3 and its cognate ligand FL has been determined. The present invention also relates to the applicability in modulating Flt3 activity. Methods for the identification as well as the rational design of mediators of Flt3 signaling are disclosed. In an aspect the method comprises a step of employing the atomic coordinates representing the three-dimensional structure of Flt3 and/or FL.

Abstract: This invention discloses the use of Heminth Defense Molecules in methods and compositions for modulating immune responses including treating or preventing undesirable or deleterious immune responses.

Abstract: A method is provided along with related reagent kits for aiding the diagnosis of IPF or other interstitial lung diseases, as well as for potential monitoring of disease progression or therapeutic response to treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of modified LDL in the context of immune complexes. In particular, ox-LDL and AGE-LDL are shown to predict the development of coronary artery disease and other micro- and macrovascular disorders, particularly in the context of diabetes.

Abstract: A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of fibronectin type III (FN3) proteins, such as the tenth FN3 repeat from human fibronectin (human Tenascin), including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof, exhibit enhanced thermal and chemical stability while presenting six modifiable loop domains which can be engineered to form a binding partner capable of binding to a target for applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating CCR-5 genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, such as adenovirus (Ad) vectors, and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of botulinum toxin that can be applied topically for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The compositions may include botulinum toxin complexes, wherein the amounts of hemagglutinin, non-toxin non-hemagglutinin and/or exogenous albumin are selectively and independently reduced compared to conventional commercially available botulinum toxin. The compositions may further contain molecules that are not native to botulinum toxin and that bind non-covalently to the botulinum toxin complexes, thereby acting as skin-tropic “adhesion molecules” to improve the ability of the toxin complexes to adhere to and to penetrate the skin epithelium. The compositions have an improved safety profile compared to existing botulinum-containing compositions that are injected subcutaneously. Methods for the use of such compositions are also contemplated by this invention.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for determining the absence or presence of a disease is provided. The method includes assaying the amount and/or types of glycopeptides in a sample from a subject, and comparing these to the amount and types of reference glycopeptides. The method may include the use of a stable isotope label, affinity selection, immunoaffinity chromatography, and glycoproteomics techniques, to identify and quantify changes in glycosylated peptides or glycosylated proteins associated with cancers such as malignant lymphoma or breast cancer, to monitor patient's response to therapy, and to monitor disease recurrence.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in a non-CD4 backbone are described. Also described are complexes of these fusion proteins with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: A system for the detection of molecular associations, the system comprising: i) a first agent, comprising a first interacting group coupled to a first reporter component; ii) a second agent, comprising a second interacting group coupled to a second reporter component; iii) a third agent, comprising a third interacting group; iv) a modulator; and v) a detector; wherein proximity of the first and second reporter components generates a signal capable of detection by the detector; and wherein the modulator modulates the association of the second interacting group with the third interacting group; such that monitoring the signal generated by proximity of the first and second reporter components by the detector constitutes monitoring the association of the first and third agents.

Abstract: Capture compounds and collections thereof and methods using the compounds for the analysis of biomolecules are provided. In particular, collections, compounds and methods are provided for analyzing complex protein mixtures, such as the proteome. The compounds are multifunctional reagents that provide for the separation and isolation of complex protein mixtures. Each compound has the formula: wherein: Z is a trityl derivative; X, the reactivity function, covalently binds to amino acid side chains of proteins; Y, the selectivity function, modulates binding of X to the amino acid side chains in proteins such that X binds to fewer proteins when Y is present than in its absence; and Q permits separation or immobilization of the capture compound. Automated systems for performing the methods also are provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting various subunits and isoforms of NMDA receptors to help diagnose and differentiate (1) the anatomical location of NMDA receptor over-expression. (2) ischemic conditions in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and (3) the type and cause of chronic pain.

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT153, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: A dodecamer peptide, and its modified variant, having a repeating glycine-lysine sequence was created and found to bind with high affinity to oxide surfaces and certain activated polymeric surfaces. Reversible binding characteristics of the peptides were demonstrated. The peptides were integrated with proteins, cells and fusion proteins to provide attachment of the proteins, cells and fusion proteins to solid material structures. The peptides can be used to functionalize surfaces of components within mechanical, in mechanical, biomechanical, micro fluidic, electronic, bioelectronic, bio-optical, and biochemical devices. Experiments were carried out to assess functionalization and reusability of a suspended mass resonator's cantilever.

Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention aims to express influenza virus RNA polymerase on a large scale, to crystallize the influenza virus RNA polymerase, and to provide a method for screening a substance capable of serving as an active ingredient in anti-influenza drugs. The present invention provides a complex comprising a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence at positions 678-757 of the RNA polymerase PB1 subunit in influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 H1N1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence at positions 1-37 of RNA polymerase PB2 subunit in influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 H1N1 (SEQ ID NO: 4). This complex can be crystallized in the presence of a precipitant such as potassium phosphate and PEG4000. Moreover, with the use of information on the crystal structure of this complex, it is possible to provide a method for screening a substance capable of serving as an active ingredient in anti-influenza drugs.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for improving the brain function, which can be orally taken at a low dose, and a method therefor. The composition for improving the brain function contains, as the active ingredient, X-Pro-Pro-Leu-Thr-Gln-Thr-Pro-Val-Val-Val-Pro-Pro-Phe-Leu-Gln-Pro-Glu-Y (wherein X is nil or represents Ile or Asn-Ile; and Y is nil or represents Val-Met), X-Val-Val-Val-Pro-Pro-Phe-Leu-Gln-Pro-Glu-Y (wherein X is abscent or represents Thr-Gln-Thr-Pro, Pro-Leu-Thr-Gln-Thr-Pro, Leu-Thr-Gln-Thr-Pro or Pro; and Y is abscent or represents Val-Met), or a salt of the same. The method for improving the brain function comprises administering said peptide or a salt of the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of treating conditions requiring removal or destruction of harmful or unwanted cells in a patient, such as benign and malignant tumors, using compounds containing or based on peptides comprising a part of the amino acid sequence of a neural thread protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to short polypeptides (e.g., fewer than 19 amino acids in length) and longer polypeptides (e.g., 19 or more amino acids in length) having one or more D-amino acids as targeting moieties. These polypeptides, when conjugated to agents (e.g., therapeutic agents or transport vectors) are capable of transporting the agents across the BBB or into particular cell types. In particular, the short polypeptides can include one or more D-amino acids. These compounds are therefore particularly useful in the treatment of neurological diseases or diseases associated with particular cell types, organs, or tissues.

Abstract: Methods for derivatizing the surface of a substrate having a plurality of thiol groups thereon are disclosed herein. The method can include reacting the thiol groups with an o-quinone methide, which can optionally be generated by irradiating an o-quinone methide precursor compound. In some embodiments, the method can advantageously be reversible. Exemplary o-quinone methides having a cyclic alkyne attached thereto, and precursor compounds for generating such compounds, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and compounds for the prevention of immune responses towards allofactors, towards viral vectors used for gene therapy and gene vaccination, towards proteins to which subjects are naturally exposed, towards genetically-modified organisms and towards undesirable effects related to vaccine administration for allergic or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions are disclosed. Conjugated compounds comprising guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions conjugated to detectable or therapeutic moieties are disclosed. Methods of detecting, imaging and treating cancer and treating diarrhea are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic lung surfactant compositions that contain one or more of phospholipase-resistant phospho-glycerol derivatives, phospholipase-resistant phospho-choline derivatives, and surface active proteins or peptides, more preferably a combination of at least two or all three of these materials. Novel phospholipase-resistant phospho-glycerol derivatives, phospholipase-resistant phospho-choline derivatives, and surface active peptides are also disclosed herein. Uses of the surfactant compositions of the present invention to treat endogenous surfactant dysfunctional or deficient lung tissue, to prepare synthetic peptides for use in the surfactant compositions, and to deliver therapeutic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel antigens involved in gestational malaria, and more particularly to polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences, conjugates, cloning vectors including the sequences for the preparation of immunogenic compositions and vaccines, antibodies, and to their for treating gestational malaria. Diagnostic methods and kits are described.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for sequestering cells in connective tissue. The composition includes a biocompatible scaffolding to which one or more peptides or proteins are linked. The peptides or proteins have an amino acid sequence that is a subsequence of human ficolin and are capable of binding the cells to be sequestered. The pharmaceutical composition can be used in the treatment of connective tissue, and can be used as a dermal filler.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide aptamer which mimics particularly the human platelet antigen HPA-Ia epitope present on the platelet GPIIb/IIIa molecules and which is capable of neutralizing the binding of HPA-I a specific antibodies (anti-HPA-1 a). This peptide aptamer is advantageously used in a method for detecting and identifying HPA-I a specific antibodies in human serum, in a diagnostic kit for screening and identifying antibodies, in an immunoassay and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A novel tumor antigen protein and gene therefor, tumor antigen peptides derived from said tumor antigen protein or derivatives thereof as well as medicaments, prophylactics, or diagnostics for tumors using such tumor substances in vitro or in vitro are provided.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore and such fluorophore-tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.

Abstract: Soluble variants of recombinant proteins produced in a prokaryotic host cell, where the high expression levels often cause the original proteins to aggregate into insoluble inclusion body aggregates. The variant polypeptides retain biological function while increasing protein solubility with comparable or higher recoverable levels of biologically active protein when expressed in a suitable expression host. Methods of identifying critical residues and substituting them are provided to produce the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening a compound that can increase spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers. The compound is identified by contacting Ephexin5 with a test compound and selecting the compounds that inhibit Rho GEF activity of Ephexin5. Additionally, the invention also provides methods for increasing spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers by contacting a neuron with an Ephexin5 inhibitor.