Abstract: The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of consensus interferon protein with improved properties, such as improved anti-viral activity, and use thereof The variants are also easier to renature after denaturant treatment. The invention also relates to the preparation method of the variants consensus interferon.

Abstract: A stabilized HSA-free liquid pharmaceutical composition is described, which comprises an interferon (IFN), wherein said formulation is a solution that comprises a buffer, a surfactant, an isotonicity agent and an antioxidant. Preferably the interferon is human recombinant IFN-beta.

Abstract: Disclosed are drug delivery compositions comprising an oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticle and a therapeutic agent. Specifically, disclosed are compositions comprising a number of oligonucleotide molecules in a ratio to therapeutic agent molecules to allow a sufficient transportation of the therapeutic agent molecules into a cell. The therapeutic agents include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Different attachments of therapeutic agents in a composition are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of both IL-17A and IL-17F, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a variant amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fusion or derivative of said polypeptide, or a fusion of a said derivative thereof, wherein the polypeptide, fusion or derivative retains a biological activity of wild type IL-IRa. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide, fusion or derivative is or comprises a polypeptide variant of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising or consisting of substitutions at one or more of the following amino acid mutations of SEQ ID NO: 1: Q29K, P38Y, P38R, L42W, D47N, E52R, H54R, E90Y, Q129L, Q129N, M136N, M136D and Q149K. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions of the above polypeptide, fusion or derivative, as well as uses of the same for treating a disease or condition capable of being treated by an agent which inhibits the function of IL-1 receptors.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to antigen-specific immunoconjugates for selectively delivering effector moieties that influence cellular activity. More specifically, the invention provides novel immunoconjugates comprising a first antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain and a single effector moiety. In addition, the present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding such immunoconjugates, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. The invention further relates to methods for producing the immunoconjugates of the invention, and to methods of using these immunoconjugates in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of administering an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonist to a subject to treat an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the IL-2R antagonist is an anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody specific for one or more chains of the IL-2R, such as the alpha-chain, for example daclizumab. In other particular embodiments the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In certain embodiments administration of interferon-beta is combined with administration of an antagonist of the IL-2R to provide significant clinical improvement in a subject with an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Use of IL-31 agonists, including IL-31, are used to treat agonists are used to treat asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis. The method comprise inhibiting, reducing, limiting or minimizing production of proinflammatory cytokines and include administration of the IL-31 agonist during sensitization or challenge resulting in the asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis state.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and means for modulating pharmacokinetic properties of molecules, such as biologically active molecules. More specifically, the present invention concerns conjugates comprising a biologically active moiety and a moiety conjugated to and modulating at least one pharmacokinetic property of the biologically active moiety (pharmacokinetic property modulating moiety).

Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.

Abstract: Polypeptides, including non-naturally occurring and recombinantly modified polypeptides related to the p19 subunit of IL-23, methods of making such molecules and methods of using such molecules as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for selecting in parallel (i.e., synchronously or simultaneously) peptides that target a number of organs, in which each peptide targets distinct tissues or organs. Typically, the methods of the invention provide for peptide selection in a Minimal number of subjects and still provides a selectively binding peptide. In certain aspects, methods of identifying peptides that bind to multiple selected tissues or organs of an organism may comprise the steps of administering a phage display library to a first subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues; obtaining phage displaying peptides that bind to the samples from the first subject; enriching for peptides by administering phage isolated from the samples of the first subject to a second subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues from the second subject; and identifying the peptides displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of making soluble proteins having free cysteines in which a host cell is exposed to a cysteine blocking agent. The soluble proteins produced by the methods can then be modified to increase their effectiveness. Such modifications include attaching a PEG moiety to form pegylated proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant super-compound interferon or an equivalent thereof with changed spatial configuration. The super-compound interferon possesses anti-viral or anti-tumor activity and, therefore, is useful in preventing and treating viral diseases and cancers. This invention also provides an artificial gene which codes for the super-compound interferon or its equivalent. Finally, this invention provides methods for producing recombinant super-compound interferon or its equivalent and various uses of said interferon.

Abstract: The use of interleukin 17E to inhibit tumor growth in a subject is provided. The interleukin 17E can be provided to the subject exogenously, as an interleukin 17E polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding an interleukin 17E polypeptide, or it can be provided by stimulating production of endogenous interleukin 17E. Also provided is the use of interleukin 17E in combination with one or more anti-cancer therapeutics for inhibiting tumor growth in a subject. Anti-cancer therapeutics include, for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs, immunotherapeutics, radiation, gene therapy, hormone manipulation and antisense therapy.

Abstract: Conjugates of hydroxyalkyl starch and a protein are provided. The conjugates are formed by a reductive amination reaction between at least one aldehyde group or keto group or hemiacetal group of the hydroxyalkyl starch or of a derivative of the hydroxyalkyl starch, and at least one amino group of the protein, so that the hydroxyalkyl starch or the derivative thereof is covalently linked to the protein via an azomethine linkage or a amino linkage. Methods of producing these conjugates and specific uses of the conjugates also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to proteins comprising Interleukin 11 (IL-11) (including, but not limited to, fragments and variants thereof), which exhibit thrombopoietic or anti-inflammatory properties, fused to albumin (including, but not limited to, fragments or variants of albumin). These fusion proteins are herein collectively referred to as “albumin fusion proteins of the invention”. These fusion proteins exhibit extended shelf-life and/or pharmacokinetic properties and/or extended or therapeutic activity. The invention encompasses therapeutic albumin fusion proteins, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, formulations and kits. The invention also encompasses nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention, as well as vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids and vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of invention using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of INSP035 for treatment and/or prevention of fibrotic diseases, in particular of scleroderma.

Abstract: A conjugate protein comprising an IL-2 and a soluble TGF-beta type II receptor type B and its use in cancer immunotherapy are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are biologically active protein conjugates that comprise a biologically active polypeptide coupled via a peptide bond to a polypeptide comprising from 2 to about 500 units of a repeating peptide motif, wherein the biologically active protein conjugate exhibits a modified plasma half-life compared to the intrinsic half-life of the unconjugated biologically active polypeptide or protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the conjugated proteins, as well as methods for determining whether a given conjugate exhibits a modified half life relative to the intrinsic half life of the unconjugated polypeptide.

Abstract: Modified animal erythropoietin polypeptides and uses thereof are provide.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mutant interleukin-2 polypeptides that exhibit reduced affinity to the ?-subunit of the IL-2 receptor, for use as immunotherapeutic agents. In addition, the invention relates to immunoconjugates comprising said mutant IL-2 polypeptides, polynucleotide molecules encoding the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotide molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods involving incubating biological materials under hypoxic or anoxic conditions to induce stasis or suspended animation. Methods of screening for compounds that induce stasis or compounds that increase the ability to undergo stasis are included. Such methods have ramifications for preserving biological materials as well as reducing or preventing trauma to biological materials. Also contemplated are methods for screening compounds that are active or more active under hypoxic conditions than normoxic conditions. Such methods can be used to identify antitumor compounds that would operate under hypoxic conditions in which tumor cells survive.

Abstract: There is disclosed the cloning and identification of human IL-23R splice variants caused by alternative splicing of the IL-23R mRNA in human. Alternative mRNA forms occur through skipping one, multiple full exons or partial exons, within the IL-23R gene. A total of twenty-five (25) different IL-23R transcripts were identified. A novel exon deletion (exon 9) isoform in the interleukin 23 receptor is disclosed, denoted as ?9. The present application also describes a quantitative assay to measure different IL-23R isoform. Detection of ?9 isoform of IL-23R is predominantly present in colon and cervical tissues. A decrease in ?9 is observed in inflamed colon tissues in Crohn's patients. There is disclosed a method of predicting Crohn's disease by measuring ?9 isoform of IL-23R.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binding member that binds the Extra Domain-A (ED-A) isoform of fibronectin for the detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: High pressure to treat aggregated interferons, particularly recombinant human interferon-?, to reduce the aggregate content of interferon material. Highly pure, soluble monomeric recombinant interferon-? is prepared in representative embodiments. Multiple strategies may be used in combination that make nonglycosylated IFN-? more amenable to high pressure treatment. It has been found that refolding yields of high pressure treatment can be significantly improved by use of a combination of strategies, including, or example a pre-treatment of the IFN-? that involves solubilizing and then precipitating the protein. This pre-treatment is particularly effective with respect to recombinant IFN-? inclusion bodies recovered from host cells such as E. coli cells. According to another strategy, refolding under high pressure is much more effective when the refolding reagent incorporating the IFN-? incorporates a zwitterionic surfactant and/or a cholate salt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugate of a polymer moiety and an interferon-? moiety, an erythropoietin moiety, or a growth hormone moiety.

Abstract: A method of promoting healing of a wound in a patient, the method comprising administering to the patient (i) a prostaglandin E (PGE) or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) or a derivative thereof. Use of (i) a PGE or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) GMCSF or a derivative thereof in the preparation of a medicament for promoting healing of a wound in a patient. A wound dressing, bandage or fibrin glue comprising (i) a PGE or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) GMCSF or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and use of multivalent and/or multispecific antibodies or immunoconjugates, preferably made by the dock-and-lock technique. The antibodies or immunoconjugates may comprise a first and second polypeptide, each comprising VH and VL domains in series, wherein the first and second polypeptides bind to each other, wherein a VH domain on one polypeptide binds to a complementary VL domain on the other polypeptide to form an antigen binding site, wherein VH and VL domains on the same polypeptide do not bind to each other and wherein one polypeptide is attached to the amino terminal end of a CH1 domain and the other polypeptide is attached to the amino terminal end of a CL domain. The carboxyl terminal end of the CH1 domain may be attached to a CH2-CH3 domain. The antibodies or immunoconjugates are of use to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition and method to potentiate the antitumor effect of an oncolytic virus by providing for resistance against a host's innate interferon response. Particularly, a B18R gene is incorporated into an oncolytic virus. During treatment of a host with the modified oncolytic virus, the oncolytic virus retains its phenotype, and the host's innate immune response has a minimal affect on viral replication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F polypeptide molecules. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. ZcytoR14 is a common receptor for IL-17A and IL-17F. The present invention includes soluble ZcytoR14, anti-ZcytoR14 antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-17F, IL-17A or both IL-17A and IL-17F using such soluble receptors, antibodies and binding partners.

Abstract: The present invention provides IFN-? conjugates including IFN-? peptides and modifying groups such as PEG moieties. The IFN-? peptide and modifying group are linked via an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently attached to the IFN-? peptide and the modifying group. The IFN-? conjugates are formed from glycosylated peptides by the action of a glycosyltransferase. The glycosyltransferase ligates a modified sugar onto an amino acid or a glycosyl residue on the IFN-? peptide. Also provided are methods for preparing the IFN-? conjugates, methods for treating various disease conditions with the IFN-? conjugates, and pharmaceutical formulations including the IFN-? conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A septum is positioned within a disposable vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes a plurality of apertures that provide fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. Compressed gas is introduced in the lower chamber to produce fine bubbles rising up throughout the vessel to produce a mixing and gasification needed for the growth of a biological culture and manufacture of a biological product in a nutrient medium. Adding a binding resin to the upper chamber allows harvesting, separation and purification of biological products in the reactor as a single unit operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF proteins; to canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode canine interleukin-4, canine or feline Flt-3 ligand, canine or feline CD40, canine or feline CD154, canine interleukin-5, canine interleukin-13, feline interferon alpha, and/or feline GM-CSF proteins, respectively; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to inhibitory compounds that regulate such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to identify and obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds.

Abstract: Novel chimeric moieties that show significant efficacy against cancers are provided. In certain embodiments the chimeric moieties comprise a targeting moiety attached to an interferon. In certain embodiments, the chimeric moieties comprise fusion proteins where an antibody that specifically binds to a cancer marker is fused to interferon alpha (IFN-?) or interferon beta (IFN-?).

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated Ehrlichia peptide and therapeutic and diagnostic uses therefor.

Abstract: A method of treating tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ?, interferon ? or interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Further, a method of reducing the infectivity of tuberculosis or reducing the number of infectious organisms present in the lungs of a patient suffering from tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ?, interferon ? or interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) are provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions of modified toxins exhibiting reduced immunogenicity and reduced binding to vascular endothelium or vascular endothelial cells, thereby reducing the incidence of Vascular Leak Syndrome. Also provided are polypeptide toxophores from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope. Another aspect relates to a polypeptide toxophore from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope and at least one amino acid residue of at least one VLS motif of an unmodified native diphtheria toxin. Another aspect relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified diphtheria toxin and a non-diphtheria toxin fragment that is a cell binding portion. Another aspect relates to the use of a modified diphtheria toxin for the treatment of a malignant disease or a non-malignant disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product which comprises a C4bp domain of a non-mammalian origin, particularly SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:37, or a variant thereof, and an antigen. The product is desirably in the form of a fusion protein. The chicken C4bp domain of SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:23 is also described. Antigens include monomeric antigens such as malarial and influenza antigens. The C4bp domain provides for assembly of multimeric complexes of the antigen, or mixtures thereof. The complexes are useful as vaccines.

Abstract: An inflammatory process is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques within the cerebral cortex that are mainly composed of a small insoluble protein of 40-42 aminoacids (amyloid protein). Amyloid-specific Interleukin-10 (IL-10) generation is found to be selectively and significantly reduced in AD patients (p=0.023). The genotype associated with high IL-10 production is extremely infrequent in AD individuals (2% vs. 28%). The presence of low/intermediate-IL-10-producing genotypes (GCC/ATA; ATA/ATA) was associated with an earlier age at disease onset and (ACC/ACC; ACC/ATA) with an accelerated rate of disease progression/severity and with amyloid-specific impairment of IL-10 production. This relationship is independent of ApoE gene polymorphism. These results support the use of anti-inflammatory compounds in the therapy of this disease.

Abstract: A system and method based on blood components for estimating human general physiological parameters comprises determining the predetermined value of general physiological parameters indicative of illness and disease to monitor health status at different time points on the basis of basic physiological parameters indicated as the percentage of a particular cytokine-producing cells in a type of blood cells in a human peripheral blood sample without in vitro culture and with two-stage in vitro cultures in the absence and presence of microbial stimulation after being taken from the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for promoting differentiation of a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor into a memory B cell or a plasma cell. The method comprises (a) contacting a population of cells comprising a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor with an agent that activates at least one of JAK1, JAK3, STAT3, STAT5A or STAT5B; wherein the population of cells optionally is contacted with an antigen, and (b) isolating the memory B cell or plasma cell.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of modulating IL-33 activity, e.g., for the purpose of treating immune diseases and conditions, as well as methods of screening for compounds capable antagonizing IL-33 signaling.

Abstract: A mini-peptide and its analogs have been found to target gene products to tumors. The peptide, named Carcinoma Homing Peptide (CHP), increased the tumor accumulation of the reporter gene products in five independent tumor models, including one human xenogeneic model. A CHP-IL-12 fusion gene was also developed using CHP and the p40 subunit of IL-12. The product from CHP-IL-12 fusion gene therapy increased accumulation of IL-12 in the tumor environment. In three tumor models, CHP-IL-12 gene therapy inhibited distal tumor growth. In a spontaneous lung metastasis model, inhibition of metastatic tumor growth was improved compared to wild-type IL-12 gene therapy, and in a squamous cell carcinoma model, toxic liver lesions were reduced. The receptor for CHP was identified as vimentin. CHP can be used to improve the efficacy and safety of targeted cancer treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate of a protein or peptide with a polyethylene glycol derivative having catechol, wherein the protein or peptide is mono-PEGylated at the N-terminal with the polyethylene glycol derivative, and to a preparation method thereof. According to the invention, the catechol-PEG derivative can be site-specifically conjugated with the N-terminal amine group of a protein or peptide, so that a homogeneous polyethylene glycol-protein or -peptide conjugate can be obtained in high yield. Unlike a prior art conjugate, the conjugate obtained according to the invention allows the decrease in the activity of the protein to be minimized without chemically modifying the protein, and thus the conjugate has an excellent pharmacological effect. Also, because the conjugate is homogeneous, the process for preparing the conjugate can be simplified. Moreover, the conjugate has uniform biological efficacy in vivo and shows strong resistance to hydrolysis and thus a long in vivo duration time.