Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that enhance cell survival. Such compositions feature chimeric polypeptides that include at least a GM-CSF receptor ligand and an anti-apoptotic moiety (e.g., a Bcl-2 protein family member). In one embodiment, the chimeric polypeptide is a GM-CSF-Bcl-xL chimeric polypeptide. The invention further includes methods of using chimeric polypeptides to enhance cell survival or inhibit cell death in a cell at risk of cell death.

Abstract: Detection of toxic gluten oligopeptides refractory to digestion and antibodies and T cells responsive thereto can be used to diagnose Celiac Sprue.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel peptides, which can be used for the production of pharmaceutical compositions. These pharmaceutical compositions can be used for the treatment of edema, in particular pulmonary edema.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising at least 13 consecutive amino acids selected from the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant thereof comprising at least 70% identity over said 13 consecutive amino acids, wherein said polypeptide or variant thereof interacts with Wnt3a and can be used for the treatment of diseases associated with increased beta-catenin pathway activity. The present invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of a disease associated with fibrogenesis and to a method for assessing the severity and/or predicting the outcome of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides, such as antibodies, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of neoplasms.

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: The invention relates to C9orf46 homolog, a novel murine membrane protein, and its orthologs in human, mouse and all other species, termed Plg-RKT, or analogs, thereof and the isolation method. The function of this molecule is to bind to plasminogen, plasminogen fragments such as angiostatin1 and other plasminongen fragments having angiostatic activity, tissue plasminogen activator and Lipoprotein(a). Plasminogen receptors function to modulate cell surface proteolysis and physiological and pathophysiological processes requiring cell migration, including, but not limited to, cell migration during inflammation, tissue remodeling, wound healing, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, skeletal myogenesis, neurite outgrowth. Plasminogen receptors also modulate apoptosis and cell death.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making peptides or a mixture of peptides that can be used to pulse dendritic cells against the oncofetal antigen/immature laminin receptor protein (OFA/iLRP). More specifically, dendritic cells can be derived from a range of different sources that can direct the immune system to attack specific antigens. Once sensitized, either ex vivo, in vivo or in vitro, the dendritic cells will aid an individual's own immune system to protect against or treat all types of OFA/iLRP-related cancer. The peptides may also be used for detection, diagnosis and monitoring, and treatment of a OFA/iLRP-related cancer.

Abstract: An isolated, synthetic or recombinant ?-conotoxin peptide comprising the following sequence of amino acids: Xaa1 Xaa2 Gly Val Cys Cys Gly Tyr Lys Leu Cys His Pro Cys SEQ ID NO. 3 where Xaa1 is a N-terminal Xaa1 is a N-terminal pyroglutamate (pGlu) or D-pyroglutamate (DpGlu) residue; and Xaa2 is Asn or a deletion; or such a sequence in which one or more Cys is replaced with its corresponding D-amino acid and/or one or more amino acid residues other than Cys has undergone a side chain modification, or a salt, ester, amide or prodrug thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides and the use of these peptides in the prophylaxis or treatment of conditions, such as but not limited to, pain, inflammation, incontinence, cardiovascular conditions and mood disorders.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1 (MPIF-1) polypeptide (previously termed MIP-3 and chemokine ?8 (CK?8 or ckb-8)); a human monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF) polypeptide (previously termed MIP1-? and chemokine ?1 (CK?1 or ckb-1)), and a macrophage inhibitory protein-4 (MIP-4), as well as MPIF-1, M-CIF and/or MIP-4 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-assembling peptide comprising (a) a first amino acid domain that mediates self-assembly, wherein the domain comprises alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids that are complementary and structurally compatible and self-assemble into a macroscopic structure when present in unmodified form; and (b) a second amino acid domain that does not self-assemble in isolated form. In certain embodiments of the invention the second amino acid domain comprises a biologically active peptide motif, e.g., a peptide motif found in a naturally occurring protein, or a target site for an interaction with a biomolecule. In certain embodiments of the invention the naturally occurring protein is a component of the extracellular matrix, e.g., a component of the basement membrane. The invention further provides scaffolds comprising the self-assembling peptides and methods of using the scaffolds including for cell culture, tissue engineering, and tissue repair.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits effective for modulating and immunomonitoring of Treg activity are provided. Therapeutic methods involving formation and uses of cleaved Foxp3 are disclosed, as well as screening assays for identifying agents effective for modulating Treg activity.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to body surfaces, such as, hair, skin, nails, teeth, gums, and oral cavity surfaces. Peptide-based body surface coloring reagents, preferably tooth coloring reagents, are formed by coupling a tooth binding peptide to a pigment binding peptide, either directly or through a spacer. The peptide-based body coloring reagents may be used in conjunction with pigments to color body surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for use in detecting dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention provides HLA-DR (MHC class II) binding peptides derived from the ovarian/breast cancer associated antigens, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Insulin Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 (IGFBP-2), and Cyclin D1. The immunogenic peptides can be used in cancer vaccines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a coated cell comprising a therapeutic cell and a plurality of targeting complexes coating the therapeutic cell and each of said targeting complexes comprising a homing molecule, a lipid moiety, and a spacer having from about 1 to about 10 amino acids and covalently linking the homing molecule to the lipid moiety and wherein the lipid moiety is non-covalently attached to the therapeutic cell. In some embodiments, the therapeutic cell is a stem cell. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of coating a therapeutic cell. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating diseases of the vasculature.

Abstract: Novel mammalian Ztgf?-9 polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods including antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes crystallized HDM2 peptides as well as descriptions of the X-ray diffraction patterns of the crystals. The diffraction patterns allow the three dimensional structure of HDM2 to be determined at atomic resolution so that ligand binding sites on HDM2 can be identified and the interactions of ligands with HDM2 amino acid residues can be modeled. Models prepared using such maps permit the design of ligands which can function as active agents which include, but are not limited to, those that function as inhibitors of MDM2 and HDM2 oncoproteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of special peptides in composition which can be used in particular in hair and skin cosmetics, and to such peptide-containing compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such peptides as active ingredient for inhibition or treatment of dandruff which does not accumulate in the body or in the environment. Furthermore, the invention relates to the production of such compositions, to the peptides used themselves, to their production and to coding nucleotide sequences for such peptides, to dispensing systems for such peptides and to screening methods for identifying suitable further peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions of use for treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In certain embodiments, the methods concern preparation of phage-display single chain antibody libraries and screening against amyloid-beta (A?) protein or peptide. Anti-A? antibodies are selected and sequenced. In certain embodiments, synthetic A? binding peptides are designed and prepared, using portions of the anti-A? antibody sequences. The antibodies and peptides are of use for treatment of AF or for treatment of individuals at risk of developing AD. Compositions comprising anti-A? antibodies or A? binding peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves peptides of from about 7 to about 50 amino acid residues in length that have epitopes that bind to more than one HLA class II protein and stimulate CD4+ T cells for treatment of cancer from one of three serine proteases overexpressed in ovarian cancer and other cancers—stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme, matriptase, and hepsin. Since the peptides bind to more than one HLA class II protein variant, they can be used to treat cancer in most patients of a population having a variety of HLA class II alleles. The peptides can be loaded onto autologous dendritic cells of a cancer patient and infused into the patient to activate a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response that recognizes tumor cells expressing the peptide antigen.

Abstract: a highly efficient antiangiogenesis agent, which is a polypeptide for inhibition of angiogenesis Ile-Val-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-Arg-Ala-Ala-Val-Pro, connected with a polypeptide containing Arg-Gly-Asp on its one end or two ends is provided. The inhibiting agent can be synthesized or gene engineered. It also relates to a physiochemical method for modifying the antiangiogenesis agent. Polypeptides with weight percentage of 1-70% preferably about 20-50% are mixed with 20%-95% polyethylene glycol, or heparin, or dextran, or polyvinylpyrrolidone, or polyethylene glycol-poly-amino acid copolymer, or palmitic acid or poly-sialic acid or liposomes solutions; preferably about 50-93% of the above modified substances are fully mixed even and shaken at a shaker at 4° C.-40° C., preferably 25° C.-37° C. for more than 10 min, and the modified substances are separated through appropriate methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peptide compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of a bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids and polypeptides for enhanced expression of nucleic acids and proteins. In one aspect, the sequences serve as transcription and translation enhancers or stabilizers, and can be incorporated in expression constructs at or near the translation control elements. The invention provides methods of producing mRNA (transcripts) and proteins. The invention provides methods of discovering new enhancer elements.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel receptor expressed on neuronal cells in a developmentally-specific manner. Accordingly, this invention provides the amino acid sequences of selected portions of the receptor and polynucleotides encoding these portions as well as antibodies that bind to the polypeptide portions of the receptor. Compositions and methods for using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic imaging and in particular to the diagnostic imaging of fibrosis. More particularly, the present invention provides a polypeptides, cyclic polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the non-invasive visualization of fibrosis. The polypeptide of the invention may comprise an amino acid sequence consisting of: X1-X2-M-H-G-L-X7-L-X9-X10-D-E wherein amino acid X1 is R, F or P; amino acid X2 is F or V; amino acid X7 is Q, H or L; amino acid X9 is W or G and amino acid X10 is A or D.

Abstract: The present application provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody directed to an epitope of variant Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein G (HnRNPG). In addition, the application provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods of uses thereof. The application also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies disclosed herein. Further, the application provides novel cancer-associated epitopes and antigens of variant HnRNPG, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A bovine casein protein hydrolysate prepared using an enzyme having broad spectrum endopeptidase activity has low residual antigenicity properties in mammals compared to intact casein protein, The composition is useful as an ingredient in foods, beverages, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. A hydrolysate prepared using Alcalase™ with a degree of hydrolysis of 19.88% has very desirably low antigenicity characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of a novel neuroprotective peptide. In addition, the invention rests on the discovery that the NAP peptide enhances the association of tau and the brain-specific beta tubulin subunit. In addition, NAP modifies microtubule assembly and dynamics, in part, by affecting the tyrosination of microtubule proteins. The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of neuronal disorders, including NAP-binding and tau-binding agents, tau peptide mimetics, NAP-like and NAP-like tau peptide mimetics.

Abstract: A peptide of the following (I) or (II). (I) a peptide represented by the formula B, A-B, B-C or A-B-C in which A, B and C each is represented by the following (1), (2) and (3) and, when it is bonded to other object peptide, it is able to extent the half-life in plasma as compared with the object peptide where the physiological activity of the object peptide is still retained. (II) a peptide comprising a reversed sequence of the peptide of (I); a sequence which is represented by A-B in (I) and A or B is reversed; a sequence which is represented by B-C in (I) and B or C is reversed; or a sequence which is represented by A-B-C in (I) and A, B, C, A and B, B and C or A and C is reserved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide capable of specifically binding to human IgG. In particular, the present invention relates to a human IgG binding peptide tag of 11 to 16 amino acids in length, comprising at least an amino acid sequence of the formula I: C-(X)n-W-X-X-X-W-(X)m-C (I) (SEQ ID NO: 17) wherein n and m are each an integer of 1 or more and the sum n+m is 4 or 5, wherein X-X-X in the formula I contains no cysteine residue, and wherein said amino acid sequence satisfies either or both of a) and b): a) (X)n—W in the formula I denotes Za-G-Y—W (SEQ ID NO: 18); and b) W—(X)m in the formula I denotes W-G-L-Zb (SEQ ID NO: 19) wherein Za and Zb are each 0, 1, or more amino acid residues.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or treating human rhinovirus infection.

Abstract: Provided are new tumor-associated antigens, binding molecules that specifically bind to the antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules, and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The tumor-associated antigens are expressed on cancer cells and binding molecules capable of specifically binding to the antigens can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Hyperimmune serum reactive antigens and fragments thereof are disclosed. In addition, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof, including the treatment of S. epidermidis infections, are disclosed.

Abstract: The amino acid sequences of paratope regions involved in internalizing function of an anti-mortalin antibody into tumor cells were determined for the L-chain and H-chain variable regions of cellular internalizing anti-mortalin antibodies and non-internalizing anti-mortalin antibodies. Cancer-cell-specific drug delivery is provided by using the mortalin-binding activity of a single-chain antibody (scFv) wherein L-chain and H-chain variable regions both having the paratope region are linked together via a peptide linker. Also, the sequence of 6 amino acids of an epitope to be recognized by an anti-mortalin antibody having the internalizing function was determined. With the use of an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid that encodes the epitope, an agent for accelerating internalization of a mortalin antibody, a drug bound thereto, and the like into cancer cells is provided.

Abstract: The expression of a mRNA encoding a putative 76 amino acid, secreted protein (“Enho1”) was found to negatively correlate with fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels. A recombinant adenovirus was used to increase the expression of Enho1 mRNA in two mouse models of obesity, KK-Ay and Lepob/Lepob mice. Over-expression of Enho1 by adenovirus injection significantly, and reproducibly, reduced fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels in both models. In addition, transgenic mice strains were made that over express Enho1 protein. Additionally, the expression of a key gene involved in lipogenesis (fatty acid synthase) and FAS protein levels were reduced by ENHO1 adenoviral treatment in Lepob/Lepob mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening a subject for mutations in the CC2D2A gene that are associated with Joubert syndrome, an autosomal recessive form of mental retardation. The present invention also provides proteins that are associated with Joubert syndrome including proteins comprising an amino acid sequence that terminates in DHEGGSGMES (SEQ ID NO: 1). Also provided are nucleotide sequences encoding such proteins and methods of screening subjects to identify nucleotide sequences or proteins associated with Joubert syndrome.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that facilitate the intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions. The invention has a wide spectrum of useful applications including use in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-penetrating peptide/fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle complex and the use thereof. More specifically, relates to a cell-penetrating peptide/fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle complex in which a cell-penetrating peptide is chemically linked to a fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle, such that fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle can be stably introduced directly into cells without endocytosis, and a composition for cell imaging containing the complex. The disclosed invention suggests an innovative therapeutic technology which shows high stability, maximizes the effect of imaging diagnosis through optimal targeting and minimizes side effects, unlike existing viral peptide transporters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides comprising multiple MHC Class II-binding T cell epitopes for tolerisation therapy.

Abstract: Peptide-amphiphilic compositions capable of self-assembly into useful nanostructures.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the General Formula (I); wherein Z1 and Z2 are template-fixed chains of 4 and 6 or 5 and 7 ?-amino acid residues and salts thereof. They have CXCR4-antagonizing properties and can be used as medicaments. These ?-sheet peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Described herein are fragments of fibronectin and vitronectin and variants thereof that have certain activities, including growth factor-binding activity. Also described are fragments of growth factors that bind to fibronectin and inhibit binding of full-length growth factors to fibronectin. Compositions containing such fragments are useful in cosmetic treatments (e.g., the treatment of wrinkles or UV photodamage of skin), and the treatment of wounds and cancer.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention features peptide fragments containing domain 4 of the Streptococcus intermedius intermedilysin (ILY) protein and the use of these fragments to sensitize cancer cells to antibody-based anticancer treatments. The invention also features use of these fragments to treat patients infected with microbial pathogens expressing CD59 or CD59-like molecules. CD59 receptor activity has been associated with decreased sensitivity to therapeutic and endogenously produced antibodies. Administration of ILY domain 4 polypeptides is sufficient to inhibit CD59 receptor activity while avoiding the general toxicity associated with full length ILY.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include nucleic acid sequences, which encode hepatitis C virus of strain HC-TN, genotype 1a, proteins and polypeptides and fragments thereof. Use of these compositions, and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV are also contemplated.

Abstract: A purified novel peptide micrin and its fragments are disclosed. The molecule has hormonal functions and has wide-ranging biological effects. Several uses are disclosed including its therapeutic potential in tissue reduction, tumour suppression, infertility and senescence. A micrin-recognising antibody and the micrin gene are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides obtained from bear derivative isolate which are useful in suppressing appetite. The polypeptides of the present invention are most preferably between 12 and 13 amino acid residues in length and a mass of about 1249. The present invention also relates to a method of treating obesity by administering to obese subjects an effective amount of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of insulinotropic peptides that are synthesized using a solid and solution phase (“hybrid”) approach. Generally, the approach includes synthesizing three different peptide intermediate fragments using solid phase chemistry. Solution phase chemistry is then used to couple the second fragment and the first fragment. Alternatively, a different second fragment is coupled to a first fragment in the solid phase. Then, solution phase chemistry is then used to add the third fragment, whereby the third fragment is coupled to the coupled first and second fragments in the solution phase. The present invention is very useful for forming insulinotropic peptides such as GLP-1(7-36) and its natural and non-natural counterparts.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding the C140 cell surface receptor have been cloned and sequenced. The availability of C140 receptor DNA permits the recombinant production of the C140 receptor which can be produced on the surface of a cell, including an oocyte. The nucleic acid molecules are useful in an assay for detecting a substance which affects C140 receptor activity, either receptor agonists or antagonists. Further, the elucidation of the structure of the C140 receptor permits the design of agonist and antagonist compounds which are useful in such assays. The availability of the C140 receptor also permits production of antibodies specifically immunoreactive with one or more antigenic epitopes of the C140 receptor.