Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for conveniently and efficiently producing high purity thioredoxin from yeast. In the production of thioredoxin using yeast, thioredoxin is produced through the following steps (i) to (iii): (1) culturing the yeast; (2) stressing the yeast obtained in step (1) to cause a release of thioredoxin from a cell of the yeast; and (3) collecting the thioredoxin released from the yeast cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stable long-term storage of non-glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF, wherein an aqueous acetate or glutamate buffered G-CSF composition containing non-glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF and sorbitol is cooled to a temperature of ?15° C. or below to obtain a frozen G-CSF coFmposition, which frozen composition is then stored in the frozen state. The temperature of the frozen G-CSF composition is later increased to a temperature within the range of from 2° C. to 8° C. for a time selected to allow the G-CSF composition to thaw and to obtain a liquid G-CSF composition having a G-CSF content of at least 95% of the G-CSF content of the original composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific regions of the N-terminal portion of the VAR2CSA protein and to the use of such specific regions in the prevention of pregnancy-associated malaria. The invention also provides immunogenic compositions and vaccines that are useful for preventing malaria in pregnant women.

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 invention generally relates to the field of immunochemistry including antibody therapy, diagnostics, and basic research and specifically relates to the area of alternatives to natural antibodies including artificial antibodies or antibody mimics. The invention relates particularly to the cooperative assembly of stable affinity complexes.

Abstract: The present invention describes method of treating bacterial infections, including MRSA. In various embodiments, the methods can use interferon beta, which is found to have antimicrobial activity. In certain embodiments, the interferon beta can be human interferon beta. In other embodiments, the interferon beta can be mouse interferon beta. In further embodiments, the interferon beta can be human interferon beta containing amino acid substitutions to make the human interferon beta more cationic in neutral pH.

Abstract: This invention provides information on differentially expressed genes in malignant tissue of gastric, colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas as compared to their corresponding adjacent non-malignant tissues. These genes or their products can be used as targets in developing new strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of these gastrointestinal cancers.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screening method which can select a substance having an influence on the binding between thioredoxin and MIF.

Abstract: A preventive or therapeutic agent for pancreatitis said agent comprising as an active ingredient an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as an antibody directed against IL-6 receptor.

Abstract: A method for stabilising a human blood protein or human blood plasma protein with a molecular weight of >10 KDa by adding melezitose to a solution comprising the human blood protein or human blood plasma protein with a molecular weight of >10 KDa.

Abstract: Featured is T cell receptor complexes designed to redirect the immune system against various diseases. The T cell receptor complexes of the invention have been engineered to recognize target antigen in a functionally bispecific nature. Fusion protein complexes and protein conjugate complexes are comprised of high affinity antigen-specific TCR and biologically active proteins and/or effector molecules. Also featured is methods of production of T cell receptor fusion and conjugate complexes as well as therapeutic compositions for use of the complexes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. Preferably, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and a PEG moiety to an AD sequence, allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two therapeutic agents and one PEG moiety. Alternatively, the therapeutic agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one therapeutic agent. In more preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity, preferably a cytokine, more preferably interferon-?2b. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A modular platform is provided for rapid preparation of various water-soluble prosthetic groups capable to efficiently introduce 18F into proteins with 18F labelling reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a structural protein of a parvovirus with an amino acid insertion at the insertion site I-453, a library comprising the protein, a multimeric structure comprising the protein, a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a vector, virus, or cell comprising the nucleic acid, a process for the preparation of the protein, a medicament comprising the protein, nucleic acid, or multimeric structure as well as methods and uses involving the protein, nucleic acid, or multimeric structure.

Abstract: The invention is a plant-based production of biologically active avian interleukin-12 protein and functional units for increasing the protective and/or immunological response in an animal, for use as an adjuvant with a vaccine to control avian infectious diseases, and methods of producing and using the same. Specifically, avian interleukin-12 was produced from a plant-based expression system and demonstrated that it stimulates production of immune responses in birds.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of molecular immunology, particularly to a peptide derived from the sequence of interleukine-15 (IL-15), wherein said peptide was optimized to inhibit the biological activity of this molecule. In the present invention, it is shown that this peptide inhibits IL-15-induced T cell proliferation, Tumor Necrosis Factor ? (TNF?) induction and the expression of IL-8 and IL-6 by the IL-15 receptor ? subunit (IL-15R?), all these effects mediated by the binding of the peptide to the IL-15R?. The invention is also related to the use of the peptide to treat pathologies where the abnormal expression of IL-15 or IL-15R? is related to the course of the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and prostate cancer.

Abstract: LIGHT-targeting molecules (e.g., LIGHT fusion molecules), compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions thereof, are disclosed. Methods of using these molecules to treat, prevent and/or diagnose hyperproliferative, e.g., neoplastic, diseases or conditions, including, but not limited to, cancer and metastasis are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for proprotein and activatable proprotein compositions. A proprotein contains a functional protein (i.e. a full length protein or functional fragment thereof) which is coupled to a peptide mask that inhibits the binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. An activatable proprotein contains a functional protein coupled to a peptide mask, and further coupled to an activatable linker, wherein in an non-activated state, the peptide mask inhibits binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner and in an activated state the peptide mask does not inhibit binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. Proproteins can provide for reduced toxicity and adverse side effects that could otherwise result from binding of a functional protein at non-treatment sites if it were not inhibited from binding its binding partner. Proproteins can further provide improved biodistribution characteristics.

Abstract: This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-?2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer.

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 to prevent and treat 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 to produce recombinant super-compound interferon or its equivalent and various uses of said interferon.

Abstract: A process of purifying a Growth Factor Protein in a purification sequence employing chromatography characterized in that at least one chromatography is performed using a multimodal resin the Growth Factor Protein binds to the multimodal resin at a pH between 4 to 6.2, and the Growth Factor Protein is eluting at a pH>6.3, and the elution of Growth Factor Protein is improved by addition of arginine and/or NaCl to the eluting buffer. The multimodal resin step is followed by a yeast derived affinity ligand resin step, which results of a purity of the product>90%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric nucleic acid sequences encoding chimeric polypeptides. Also provided herein are chimeric polypeptides. Further provided herein are methods of treating a subject with or at risk of developing a cancer. The methods comprise selecting a subject with or at risk of developing a cancer, and administering to the subject an effective amount of the chimeric polypeptides provided herein.

Abstract: A promoter for transformation of a plant, in particular an aboveground organ specific promoter, a recombinant plant expression vector including the promoter, a method of producing target protein using the recombinant plant expression vector, target protein produced by the method, a method of producing a transformed plant using the recombinant plant expression vector, a transformed plant produced by the same, and a seed of the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein variant which substitutes valine for phenylalanine residue in a binding domain having a biological response-modifying function by binding to a receptor, ligand or substrate. Also, the present invention discloses a DNA encoding the protein variant, a recombinant expression vector to which the DNA is operably linked, a host cell transformed or transfected with the recombinant expression vector, and a method of preparing the protein variant comprising cultivating the host cell and isolating the protein variant from the resulting culture. Further, the present invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising the protein variant and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity.

Abstract: The invention provides IL-15 amino acid sequences with amino acid substitutions that reduce or eliminate deamidation of IL-15 and degradation by-products. The invention also provides DNA sequences that encode the substituted amino acid sequences, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the substituted IL-15 amino acid sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a method of treating a condition in a mammalian host comprising administering to the host the substituted IL-15 amino acid sequence or the pharmaceutical composition including the substituted IL-15 amino acid sequence in an amount effective to treat the condition in the host.

Abstract: Bacterial delivery systems with improved transgene expression are provided. The recombinant bacterial delivery systems deliver transgenes of interest and suppressors of the eukaryotic Type I interferon response to eukaryotic cells. Suppression of the eukaryotic Type I interferon response allows improved expression of the encoded transgene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stable liquid formulation comprising human growth hormone; L-lysine, L-arginine or polyethylene glycol 300; and poly(oxyethylene) poly(oxypropylene) copolymer, polyethylene glycol-15 polyoxystearate or polyethylene glycol-35 castor oil.

Abstract: An adjuvant combination that stimulates immune activation or response includes a hydrophobic immune adjuvant and a pathogen derived lipoprotein that chaperones the hydrophobic immune adjuvant to an immune receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preservation of an active agent, such as a polypeptide, by contacting the active agent with a preservation mixture including a sugar and polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosynthetic random coil polypeptide or a biosynthetic random coil polypeptide segment or biosynthetic conjugate, wherein said biosynthetic random coil polypeptide, said biosynthetic random coil polypeptide segment or said biosynthetic conjugate comprises an amino acid sequence consisting solely of proline and alanine amino acid residues, wherein said amino acid sequence consists of at least about 50 proline (Pro) and alanine (Ala) amino acid residues. Said at least about 50 proline (Pro) and alanine (Ala) amino acid residues may be (a) constituent(s) of a heterologous polypeptide or an heterologous polypeptide construct. Also uses and methods of use of these biosynthetic random coil polypeptides or polypeptide segments or said conjugates are described.

Abstract: A method for inducing immune tolerance to type I diabetes in a mammal by mucosal delivery of an antigen involved in the induction of type I diabetes such as pro-insulin or insulin is disclosed. The antigen involved in the induction of type I diabetes is delivered together with an IL-10 secreting micro-organism such as Lactococcus lactis and a anti-CD3 antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. Among others, it relates to biologically active analogs of interferons (IFNs) which show less unwanted side-effects and to the therapeutic uses thereof. Provided is an IFN analog, wherein the moiety mediating binding to its natural receptor is at least functionally disrupted and wherein the analog comprises a signaling moiety capable of mediating intracellular IFN activity, said signaling moiety being provided at its N-terminus, optionally via a linker, with at least one targeting domain capable of binding to a cell surface receptor other than the IFN receptor.

Abstract: Binding proteins, including non-naturally occurring and recombinantly modified proteins that bind to an IL-17R and including proteins having a mutated IL-17 cytokine sequence, methods of making such molecules and methods of using such molecules as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents are provided.

Abstract: An agent selected from: (a) interferon-? (IFN-?); (b) an agent that increases IFN-? expression; or (c) a polynucleotide which is capable of expressing (a) or (b); for use in the treatment of individuals with lower respiratory tract illness that has developed during or following an established ILI, wherein said treatment is by airway delivery of said medicament.

Abstract: HLA matched activated lymphocytes in mononuclear cells separated from peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood are proliferated and activated. After separating and collecting, the HLA matched activated lymphocytes are employed as the main component of a composition for promoting survival of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells. The obtained composition is widely usable in, for instance, prevention of survival failure of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells and therapy for promoting the survival thereof. Although the dose of the composition varies depending on the age, conditions, etc. of a patient, a humanized antibody is administered in a dose of from 0.2 to 20 ml/kg/day to mammals including humans. The composition is administered by intravenous injection either once a day (single administration or continuous administration) or intermittently once to 3 times in a week or once in 2 or 3 weeks.

Abstract: Provided are peptides which can mimic the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), e.g., by selectively binding TGF-? and/or EGF. In certain embodiments, the peptides are retro-inverted peptides. The peptides may be used as soluble decoys for TGF-? and/or EGF, and anti-cancer properties of peptides are demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The peptides may be administered alone or comprised in a fusion construct, imaging construct, and/or a therapeutic construct, e.g., for the treatment of a cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided using high pressure to treat aggregated interferons, to reduce the aggregate content of interferon material. In particular, recombinant human interferon-? may be so treated. Multiple strategies may be used in combination to make nonglycosylated IFN-? more amenable to high pressure treatment. When coupled with purification techniques, these strategies singly or in combination provide a low aggregate or substantially aggregate free, biologically active solution. In certain aspects, pharmaceutical compositions containing nonglycosylated interferon having less than about 5 weight percent of protein aggregation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to fragments of human melanotransferrin (p97). In particular, this invention relates to treatment of diseases through the introduction of the melanotransferrin fragment conjugated to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a subject.

Abstract: Molecules and compositions including same for the isolation of MCP-1 and treatment of CCR2/MCP-1 associated diseases.

Abstract: Improved methods for purification and recovery of interferon-beta (IFN-?) and compositions comprising substantially monomeric IFN-? are provided. In one purification method, substantially purified IFN-? or variant thereof is precipitated and then dissolved in a guanidine hydrochloride (HCl) solution. Renaturation of the protein occurs by dilution with a suitable buffer. A similar purification method absent the precipitation step is also provided. Following renaturation of the IFN-?, residual guanidine HCl is removed by diafiltration or dialysis with a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising substantially monomeric IFN-?.

Abstract: Fully human monoclonal Abs includes (i) an antigen-binding variable region that exhibits very high binding affinity for IL-1? and (ii) a constant region that is effective at both activating the complement system though C1q binding and binding to several different Fc receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of genetics, immunology and medicine. The present invention more specifically relates to in vitro or ex vivo methods for determining the susceptibility to a cancer treatment of a subject having a tumour. These methods comprise a step of determining the ability of the treatment, of the subject and/or of the tumour to induce an anticancer immune response, the inability of at least one of the treatment, the subject and the tumor to induce an anticancer immune response being indicative of a resistance of the subject to the therapeutic treatment of cancer. Inventors in particular identify genes specific of a human subject or of cancerous cells which can be used to predict or assess the sensitivity of a subject to a treatment of cancer. The invention also relates to particular compounds capable of activating or enhancing the immune system of a particular subject, when the subject is exposed to a therapeutic treatment of cancer or before such an exposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treatment of microbial disorder by modulation of the host immune response. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions that mediate an anti-microbial immune response, and methods of treating a microbial infection using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for treating cancer with cytotoxic agents. Preferably, the cytotoxic agents are selected from: IL-25, BMP1O, FGF1 1, VDBP, ATIII and IL1-F7, and any combination thereof. In other preferred embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. These agents can be supplied, for example, as proteins or as part of nucleic acid expression vector.

Abstract: IL-21 variants nucleic acid sequences are provided that encode a peptide having deletions and zero to ten conservative amino acid substitutions in the region of amino acid residues 65-96 of SEQ ID. NO:2.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.