Abstract: Human anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them are presented. Certain of these antibodies have the ability to bind native human IL-21, a mutant recombinat IL-21 protein and/or peptide regions of human IL-21. These human anti-IL-21 antibodies are useful in therapeutic treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases mediated by T follicular helper cells, B cells TH cells or TH17 cells.

Abstract: Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.

Abstract: Specific binding members, in particular human anti-IL-13 antibody molecules and especially those which neutralise IL-13 activity. Methods for using anti-IL-13 antibody molecules in diagnosis or treatment of IL-13 related disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: Binding proteins, such as antibodies directed to IGF-II with cross-reactivity to IGF-I and uses of such antibodies are described. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the IGF-II with cross-reactivity to IGF-I are disclosed. Also discussed are nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to autotaxin. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding autotaxin; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing autotaxin; antibodies to autotaxin; and identification of functional domains in autotaxin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-IL-6 antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human monoclonal antibody, and antigen-binding portions thereof, capable of binding to human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) and neutralizing the bioactivity of the hGM-CSF, wherein the anti-hGM-CSF monoclonal antibody has a light chain (L chain) including an amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1 and a heavy chain (H chain) including an amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2. Also provided are human monoclonal anti-hGM-CSF antibodies, and antigen-binding portions thereof, characterized by complementarity determining regions (CDRs) or H chain and L chain variable regions related to SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2. Antibodies, and antigen-binding portions thereof, of the invention are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with overproduction of hGM-CSF, including allergic disease, graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A human anti-IL-23p19 antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-23p19 antibody, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: Specific binding members, in particular human anti-IL-13 antibody molecules and especially those which neutralize IL-13 activity. Methods for using anti-IL-13 antibody molecules in diagnosis or treatment of IL-13 related disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human eosinophil-derived basic protein (EBPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EBPH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding EBPH and a method for producing EBPH. The invention also provides for use of EBPH and agonists, antibodies or antagonists specifically binding EBPH, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of EBPH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding EBPH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of EBPH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding EBPH.

Abstract: The present invention has the first object to provide a monoclonal antibody specific to interferon ? subtype ?8 (IFN?8) and its mutant proteins, the second object to provide a hybridoma capable of producing the monoclonal antibody, the third object to provide a method for detecting the IFN?8 and its mutant proteins by the monoclonal antibody, the fourth object to provide a method for purifying the IFN?8 and its mutant proteins by the monoclonal antibody, and the fifth object to provide a therapeutic agent for treating diseases whose onsets or exacerbation are related with IFN?8.

Abstract: The invention provides various antibodies that bind to lymphotoxin-?, methods for making such antibodies, compositions and articles incorporating such antibodies, and their uses in treating, for example, an autoimmune disorder. The antibodies include murine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to IL-6. The antibodies of the invention comprise a variable heavy chain (VH) region selected from any of the VH regions disclosed herein as well as amino acid variants thereof, and/or a variable light chain (VL) region selected from any of the VL regions disclosed herein as well as amino acid variants thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders associated with IL-6 expression and/or activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of inhibiting the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by administering anti-chemokine antibodies. It is possible to identify the particular chemokines which are over-expressed in the tumor using methods of the invention and administer antibodies against that over-expressed chemokine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a bispecific single chain antibody construct. Said bispecific single chain antibody construct is characterized to comprise or consist of at least two domains, whereby one of said at least two domains specifically binds to human EpCAM and comprises at least one CDR-H3 region comprising the amino acid sequence NXID antigen and a second domain binds to human CD3 antigen. The invention further provides a process for the production of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, a method for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of a tumorous disease and the use of the disclosed bispecific single chain antibody construct and corresponding means in the prevention, treatment or amelioration of a tumorous disease.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the immune response to a vaccine applied to a mammalian subject includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of EtxB or a molecule having substantially equivalent activity, free from whole toxin and not linked to an antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating c-Kit associated disorders such as fibrosis, and more particularly, to compositions containing humanized c-Kit antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human anti-IL-13 binding molecules, particularly antibodies, and to methods for using anti-IL-13 antibody molecules in diagnosis or treatment of IL-13 related disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the generation and characterization of neutralizing anti-IFN-? monoclonal antibodies with broad reactivity against various IFN-? subtypes. The invention further relates to the use of such anti-IFN-? antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with increased expression of IFN-?, in particular, autoimmune disorders such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in 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. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.

Abstract: An antikine antibody binds to two, three, four, five or more CC chemokines, such as RANTES/CCL5, MIP-1?/CCL3, MIP-1?/CCL4, or MCP-1/CCL2. Methods for affinity maturation and humanization of antikine antibodies as well as the production of hybridoma cell lines producing antikine antibodies by sequential immunization are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-22 (IL-22). The antibodies can act as antagonists of IL-22 activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-22 in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, septic shock, infectious disorders, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CD19 antibodies, anti-CD19 antibody fusion proteins, and fragments thereof that bind to a human B cell marker. Such antibodies, fusion proteins and fragments thereof are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of various B-cell disorders, including B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. In more particular embodiments, the humanized anti-CD19 antibodies may comprise one or more framework region amino acid substitutions designed to improve protein stability, antibody binding and/or expression levels. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the substitutions comprise a the substitution of serine for phenylalanine at Kabat residue 91 in the human framework region in the hA19 VH sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel expression cassettes and vectors for efficiently producing authentic recombinant human proteins from stable cultures of novel human cell lines, the authentic recombinant proteins produced therefrom, and antibodies raised against those authentic recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Engineered antibodies to human IL-17A are provided, as well as uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind, interact or otherwise associate with GM-CSF or a fragment, portion or part thereof and antagonize or neutralize GM-CSF activity. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention humanized monoclonal antibodies are generated which bind to human GM-CSF with high affinity and which inhibit the activity of GM-CSF.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: Methods and composition are provided for modulating innate immunity by modulating activation of the TRAIL receptor. Signaling through the TRAIL-R inhibits the responsiveness of cells including dendritic cells, macrophages, and the like. The activity of these cells is increased or decreased by the administration of agents that inhibit or activate TRAIL-R signaling. Innate immunity includes the production of cytokines that act on the immune system.

Abstract: Humanized monoclonal antibodies which bind to IFNAR-1, and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the humanized antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Isolated anti-IL-12 antibodies, nucleic acids encoding antibodies or antibody portions, vectors, host cells, and methods of making are useful for production of antibody or portions for treating and/or diagnosing IL-12 related conditions, diseases, and disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides humanized antibodies that bind to a plurality of b-chemokines, particularly monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. The invention also provides therapeutic reagents and methods of treating disorders associated with detrimental MCP activity.

Abstract: Fragments of CXCL12 Gamma A chemokine having improved chemotaxis activity in vivo defined by an unprecedented capacity to associate and immobilise on extracellular glycans.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human interleukin-12 (hIL-12 ) are disclosed. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-12 and neutralize hIL-12 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-12 and for inhibiting hIL-12 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-12 activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: Human anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them are presented. Certain of these antibodies have the ability to bind native human IL-21, a mutant recombinant IL-21 protein and/or peptide regions of human IL-21. These human anti-IL-21 antibodies are useful in therapeutic treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases mediated by T follicular helper cells, B cells TH cells or TH17 cells.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide is provided. The isolated polypeptide comprising an antigen recognition domain capable of specifically binding a CD44 polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 and incapable of binding a CD44 polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 4 or 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting or diagnosing a disease or disorder associated with aberrant B Lymphocyte Stimulator expression or inappropriate function of B Lymphocyte Stimulator comprising antibodies or fragments or variants thereof or related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant B Lymphocyte Stimulator expression or inappropriate B Lymphocyte Stimulator function comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof or related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against sclerostin and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat disease related to bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis. An embodiment of the invention herein provides an antibody or a functional protein comprising an antigen-binding portion of said antibody for a target in sclerostin polypeptide, characterized in that the antibody or functional protein specifically binds to sclerostin polypeptide and can increase at least one of bone formation, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, bone mass, bone quality and bone strength in a mammal.

Abstract: Human CTLA-8 protein, antibodies that specifically bind to human CTLA-8, and nucleic acids encoding human CTLA-8. Methods of using these molecules and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, that specifically bind to the p19 subunit of IL-23. These antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, are high affinity, neutralizing antibodies useful for the treatment of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant antigen-binding regions, antibodies and functional fragments thereof that are specific for GM-CSF, which plays an integral role in various disorders or conditions. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat, for example, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for further investigating the role of GM-CSF in the progression of various disorders. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with instructions for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides two novel polypeptides, referred to as the “N” and “C” fragments of hedgehog, or N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, respectively, which are derived after specific cleavage at a G?CF site recognized by the autoproteolytic domain in the native protein. Also included are sterol-modified hedgehog polypeptides and functional fragments thereof. Methods of identifying compositions which affect hedgehog activity based on inhibition of cholesterol modification of hedgehog protein are described.

Abstract: Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Preferred embodiments concern hexameric stably tethered structures comprising one or more IgG antibody fragments and which may be monospecific or bispecific. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain stably tethered structures of virtually any functionality and/or binding specificity. The stably tethered structures may be administered to subjects for diagnostic and/or therapeutic use, for example for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease. The stably tethered structures may bind to and/or be conjugated to a variety of known effectors, such as drugs, enzymes, radionuclides, therapeutic agents and/or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Chimeric, humanized and other IL-5 mAbs, derived from high affinity neutralizing mAbs, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, methods of treatment and diagnostics are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are human VEGF-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or variants thereof. Also provided are processes for producing such antibodies. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more VEGF-2 antibodies or fragments or variants thereof.

Abstract: Engineered antibodies to human IL-17A are provided, as well as uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a domain antibody construct which binds to human TNF-?, with the construct comprising: (a) a domain antibody (dAb) which binds to human TNF-?; (b) a modified hinge region sequence; (c) a human or primate heavy chain constant region sequence having a truncated CH1 domain of not more than 20 residues, wherein the modified hinge region sequence contains either a deletion or a single amino acid substitution of at least one cysteine residue which normally facilitates disulfide bond formation between heavy and light antibody chains.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising methotrexate and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof with specific binding activity for human interleukin-4 for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.