Abstract: A method of immobilising a target molecule on a substrate, which comprises exposing the target molecule to the substrate in the presence of a metal complex, wherein the target molecule is an unmodified target molecule, and wherein the metal complex is selected to provide a stable binding interaction between the target molecule and the substrate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a labeled particle having a high reactivity with an antigen and a suppressed non-specific adsorption, and an immunochromatographic method using the labeled particle. The present invention provides a labeled particle, wherein a fragmented antibody is immobilized to a labeling substance via a chemical bond.

Abstract: Novel MK61 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, selective binding agents, and methods for producing MK61 polypeptides. Also provided for are methods for the treatment, diagnosis, amelioration, or prevention of diseases with MK61 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that react against high molecular weight melanoma-associated antigen. These antibodies may be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

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: A method of producing a metalloprotein inhibitor, the method comprising generating antibodies directed at a composition including a metal ion-bound chelator, wherein the composition is selected having structural and electronic properties similar to a functional domain of the metalloprotein, thereby producing the metalloprotein inhibitor.

Abstract: Systems, including compositions, kits, and methods, particularly for photoluminescence applications. The systems may include, among others, (1) organic chelators, (2) complexes between the chelators and lanthanide ions, and (3) precursors, derivatives, and uses thereof. The chelators may include a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane ring system, for example, having the formula: Here, R1, R2, and R3 are substituents of the tetraazacyclododecane ring system, that is further substituted at the 10-position by a sensitizer Z that is typically a polyheterocyclic ring system. The organic chelator may be capable of forming a luminescent complex with a lanthanide ion, and is optionally further substituted by a reactive functional group or a conjugated substance. The resulting lanthanide complex may be useful in luminescence-based assays, such as energy transfer assays, among others.

Abstract: Modified antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, to the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are provided. The modified anti-PSMA antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, have been rendered less immunogenic compared to their unmodified counterparts to a given species, e.g., a human. Pharmaceutical compositions including the aforesaid antibodies, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such antibodies and fragments are also disclosed. Methods of using the antibodies of the invention to detect human PSMA, or to ablate or kill a PSMA-expressing cell, e.g., a PSMA-expressing cancer or prostatic cell, either in vitro or in vivo, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to monoclonal, chimeric or humanized, antibodies or antibody-like molecules that recognize an epitope common to human acidic and basic isoferritins. The anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy or radioimmunotherapy to target various cancer cells in a mammal. A method for delivering anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules to cancerous lymph cells, pancreatic cells, lymphatic endothelium cells, and liver cells is also disclosed, as well as methods for treating pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern the synthesis, derivatization, conjugation to immunoglobulins and signal amplification based on discrete, relatively short polymers having plural reactive functional groups that react with plural molecules of interest. Reactive functional groups, such as hydrazides, may be derivatized with a variety of detectable labels, particularly haptens. The remaining reactive functional groups may be conjugated directly to a specific binding molecule, such as to the oxidized carbohydrate of the Fc region of the antibody. Disclosed conjugates display large signal amplification as compared to those based on molecules derivatized with single haptens, and are useful for assay methods, particularly multiplexed assays.

Abstract: Methods using internal image antibodies for photodiagnosis and/or phototherapy. The internal image antibodies are conjugated with a photoactive molecule such as a dye or photosensitizer, to target specific regions, such as biological receptors. The photoactive molecules are then activated for diagnosis or therapy. Advantageously, the internal image antibody is specific for a biological receptor, but does not require isolation of the receptor to prepare the antibody, and provides the desired specificity and selectivity for targeted diagnosis or therapy.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of antigenic protein conjugates is provided. The conjugates preferably are formed through reaction with one or more free sulfhydryl groups in the antigenic protein. The process of the present invention preferably employs a trialkylphosphine as the reducing agent and allows for reduction of disulfide bonds in the antigenic protein and conjugation with a conjugate moiety, preferably in a single reaction vessel (i.e. “in situ”) because the process optimally does not require the removal of the reducing agent before subsequent addition of the sulfhydryl reactive agent. Antigenic protein conjugates prepared by the in situ process and their use in diagnostic immunoassays are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the detection of one or more analytes, in particular pathogens, viruses, prions, bacteria, parasites, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, cytostatics, psychoactive substances, narcotics, analgesics, cardiac drugs, metabolites, coagulation inhibitors, hormones, interleukins and cytokines, performance-enhancing drugs, drugs, toxins, noxious substances, pesticides, insecticides, wood preservatives, herbicides, fungicides, explosives, vitamins and flavors by providing a conjugate of the analyte and an europium cryptate fluorophore or respectively a terbium cryptate fluorophore together with an antibody which is specific for the analyte and an antibody which is specific for the europium cryptate fluorophore or respectively the terbium cryptate fluorophore and by spectroscopically determining the fluorescence quenching which occurs when the analyte is added.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CSAp antibodies and anti-CSAp antibody fusion proteins that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers, including colon cancer.

Abstract: Novel methods of synthesis of chelator-targeting ligand conjugates, compositions comprising such conjugates, and therapeutic and diagnostic applications of such conjugates are disclosed. The compositions include chelator-targeting ligand conjugates optionally chelated to one or more metal ions. Methods of synthesizing these compositions in high purity are also presented. Also disclosed are methods of imaging, treating and diagnosing disease in a subject using these novel compositions, such as methods of imaging a tumor within a subject and methods of diagnosing myocardial ischemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a conjugate comprising a first and a second polypeptide, said method comprising the steps of (a) incubating said first polypeptide in the presence of a heterobifunctional crosslinker comprising an N-hydroxylsuccinimide ester group and a maleimide group linked via a polyethylene oxide spacer; (b) removing excess heterobifunctional crosslinker; and (c) incubating the reaction product of step (b) with said second polypeptide, wherein said second polypeptide comprises at least one sulfhydryl group. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a conjugate obtainable by the method of the present invention. Also described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the conjugate of the present invention and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or diluent, and the use of the conjugate for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating an allergic disease or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A complex comprising an HLA Class 1 molecule and attaching means for selectively attaching the HLA class 1 molecule to a target cell is disclosed, and a method is provided for producing or enhancing an immunological response against a target cell, by attaching said complex to the target cell. Where the target is a diseased, foreign or malignant cell, this method may be used to promote the lysis of the targeted cell by T cells in the immune system. Where the target cell is an antigen presenting cell, this method may be used to promote the proliferation of specific T cell clones. The invention is of potential use in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases including cancer and leukemia, infectious diseases including viral infections such as HIV, bacterial infections including tuberculosis, and parasitic infections including malaria.

Abstract: Fluorescent, sulfonated 3,7-diamino-[8,9]benzophenoxazine dyes are provided that are especially useful for labelling biopolymers and other substrates. The dye-labelled conjugates can be used in a variety of contexts, including cell surface assays employing intact, live cells and in nucleic acid detection methods. The new dyes are water soluble and can be conjugated to a variety of substrates, such as polynucleotides, nucleosides, nucleotides, peptides, proteins, antibodies, carbohydrates, ligands, particles and surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and kits for radiolabeling proteins, peptides and ligands with radiolytic isotopes, particularly yttrium-90, are disclosed, whereby sufficient purity, specific activity and binding affinity are achieved such that the radiolabeled protein may be directly administered to a patient without further column purification. Such kits and methods will be particularly useful in bringing radioimmunotherapy to the hospital and outpatient setting for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A fluorescent label compound of formula where Z is a reactive group that can be used for covalent coupling of the fluorescent label compound to other molecule. Either the fluorophore is a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride dye and Y is a water-solubilizing moiety, or Y is —CH2CH2SO3? X+ where X+ is a cation. The use of the compounds in bianalytical assays and cytological or histological staining methods, and a method for increasing the hydrophilicity of fluorescent compounds, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antibody, or a derivate or a fragment thereof, having a binding structure for a target structure is described. The antibody is displayed in, and on the cell surface of, human gastrointestinal epithelial tumour cells and in a subpopulation of normal human gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Said binding structure comprises the complementarity determining region (CDR) sequences in the light chain comprising essentially the amino acids number 23–33 (CDR1), 49–55 (CDR2), 88–98 (CDR3) of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, and the CDR sequences in the heavy chain comprising essentially the amino acids number 158–162 (CDR1), 177–193 (CDR2, 226–238 (CDR3) of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or other binding structures with similar unique binding properties. There is also described a target structure displayed in, or on the surface of tumour cells, vaccine compositions, pharmaceutical compositions as well as methods related to human malignant diseases.

Abstract: Heterofunctional crosslinking groups are provided having the formula: wherein W is a covalent core component; L1, L2 and L3 are independently linking groups; X is a non-covalent or reversibly covalent protein tag binder; Y is a activatable covalent linking group; and Z is a protected or unprotected covalent crosslinking group.

Abstract: Disclosed are cyanine dyes having meso-substituents in the polymethine chain linking the heterocyclic ring systems. The dyes are of formula (1): in which groups R3 and R4 are attached to the Z1 ring structure and groups R5 and R6 are attached to the Z2 ring structure, and n=1, 2 or 3; Z1 and Z2 independently represent the atoms necessary to complete one ring, or two fused ring aromatic or heteroaromatic systems, each ring having five or six atoms selected from carbon atoms and optionally no more than two atoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur; X and Y are the same or different and are selected from oxygen, sulphur, —CH?CH— and the group: at least one of groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 (and R8 and R9 if present) is the group -E-F where E is a spacer group and F is a target bonding group; one of groups R7 is selected from —CN, —Cl, —F, —CF3 and —C(O)R10 wherein R10 is selected from H, C1–C6 alkyl and aryl.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively detecting an antigen which comprises (1) a first step of providing an Fab? antibody having a uniform isoelectric point, said antibody forming an immune complex with an antigen in an analytical sample and being modified by adding an amino acid sequence comprising a charged amino acid residue and by being labeled with a fluorescent dye, (2) a second step of mixing the Fab? antibody having a uniform isoelectric point with the analytical sample containing the antigen to obtain a mixture comprising the immune complex, (3) a third step of separating the mixture by performing electrophoresis in a carrier, (4) a fourth step of irradiating an excitation light which excites the fluorescent dye to the mixture separated in the third step to cause fluorescence in the immune complex, and (5) a fifth step of detecting the fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ligand comprising wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5, X represents —NO2, —NH2, —NCS, —NHCOCH2-Z. NHCO—W—COCNHS, —NH-Q, —NHCS-Q, —NHCOCH2-Q, or —NHCO(CH2)m ?-Q where Q is an hapten chosen from the group consisting of steroids, enzymes, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof or any activated linker ready for coupling reaction, Y is CO2H or PO3H2 W is —(CH2)m— m is an integer from 1 to 10.

Abstract: There is disclosed a synthetic cross-linker protein capable of binding a molecule or macromolecular species to a transcytosis receptor for transport of the molecule or macromolecule species across a mucous membrane, said cross-linker protein comprising a first binding region capable of binding selectively to a site on the said molecule or macromolecular species to be transported and a second binding region capable of binding selectively to a site on said receptor, wherein the first binding region is the antigen-binding site of a first antibody molecule having specificity for an antigenic site on said molecule or macromolecular species to be transported and the second binding region is the antigen-binding site of a second antibody molecule which has specificity for an antigenic site on the said transcytosis receptor.

Abstract: Hybrid proteins are described which comprise one or more antigen-binding antibody fragments covalently linked to one or more serum carrier proteins. The hybrid proteins can bind antigens, have a long half-life in vivo and can be used in medicine for therapy and diagnosis.

Abstract: Polyacetals comprising a recurring units represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of formula (I) and (II): wherein A comprises at least one acetal group; B is selected from the group consisting of —CH—, —CH(CH3)—, CH2CH—, —CH2C(CH3)—, —CH(CH3)CH—, and —CHCH(CH3)CH(CH3)—; Z is selected from the group consisting of C(O)OR1, C(O)SR1, C(O)NR1R2, and VU; V is a linker group; U is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethyleneimine), poly(propyleneimine), poly(lysine), PAMAM dendrimer, octaamine dendrimer, hexadecaamine dendrimer, enhancer, and targeting receptor; R1 and R2 are each individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 to C10 alkyl, and C6 to C10 aryl; D is a linkage selected from the group consisting of carboxylic amide, carboxylic ester, urea, and urethane; and G is selected from the group consisting of C4 to C20 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, and —(OCH2CH2)n—, where n is in the range of 1 to about 250, are useful in nucleic acid delivery applications.

Abstract: Modified antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, to the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are provided. The modified anti-PSMA antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, have been rendered less immunogenic compared to their unmodified counterparts to a given species, e.g., a human. Pharmaceutical compositions including the aforesaid antibodies, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such antibodies and fragments are also disclosed. Methods of using the antibodies of the invention to detect human PSMA, or to ablate or kill a PSMA-expressing cell, e.g., a PSMA-expressing cancer or prostatic cell, either in vitro or in vivo, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ligand comprising (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5 Y is CO2H or PO3H2T represents —X or -phenyl-X, wherein X represents NO2, NH2, NCS, NHCOCH2-Z, NHCO—W—COCNHS, —NH-Q, —NHCS-Q, —NHCOCH2-Q, or NHCO(CH2)m-Q where Q is a hapten chosen from the group consisting of steroids, enzymes, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof or any activated linker ready for coupling reaction, W is —(CH2)m- m is an integer from 1 to 10 Z is chloride, bromide or iodine

Abstract: This invention relates to a luminescent lanthanide chelate comprising a lanthanide ion and a chelating ligand of formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting H, —COOH, —COO?, —CH2COOH and —CH2COO?; G1 is a group consisting of one or two moieties each moiety being selected from the group consisting of ethynediyl, ethenylene, phenylene, biphenylene, naphthylene, pyridylene, pyrazinylene, pyrimidinylene, pyridazinylene, furylene, thienylene, pyrrolylene, imidazolylene, pyrazolylene, thiazolylene, isothiazolylene, oxazolylene, isoxazolylene, fyrazanylene, 1,2,4-triazol-3,5-ylene and oxadiazolylene; G2 for coupling to a biospecific binding reactant is selected from the group consisting of amino, aminooxy, carbonyl, aldehyde or mercapto groups and activated forms made of them; Z is selected from the group consisting of carboxyalkyl amine, ether, thioether, carbonyl and unsubstituted or substitute methyl (—CR2—) wherein group R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl and carbo

Abstract: Antibodies to cell surface ligands such as EGFRvIII can be used to therapeutically or diagnostically deliver a radiolabel to tumor cells with high selectivity. The utility of radioconjugated internalizing antibodies is limited, however, by release of the label and its reuptake into normal cells. The invention provides new technology for radioconjugation of internalizing antibodies which reduces the release of label and improves retention of radioconjugated antibodies in lysosomes, where radiation is more effectively and selectively delivered to the nucleus of tumor cells.

Abstract: Methods and kits for radiolabeling proteins, peptides and ligands with radiolytic isotopes, particularly yttrium-90, are disclosed, whereby sufficient purity, specific activity and binding affinity are achieved such that the radiolabeled protein may be directly administered to a patient without further column purification. Such kits and methods will be particularly useful in bringing radioimmunotherapy to the hospital and outpatient setting for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: New reactive dyes are described which can be used to fluorescently label bioorganic molecules such as amino acids, proteins, antibodies, nucleotides and also polymer particles. The color of the new dyes and conjugates thereof can be varied over a wide range. In contrast to known symmetric cyanine dyes, the dyes of the invention contain only one reactive group. Hence the labelling takes place without the interfering cross-linking that occurs with bireactive dyes. Their fluorescence quantum yields are very high (especially in the conjugated form). Conjugates thereof with proteins, oligonucleotides or particles can be used in fluorescence-based analytical methods of determination e.g. in immunoassays, in hybridization assays, in cytometry or for pharmaceutical screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that introduction of hydrophilic sulfoalkyl substituents and/or hydrophilic linkers derived from homocysteic acid, cysteic acid, glycine peptides, tetraethylene oxide, and the like, offset the hydrophobicity of the acridinium ring system to produce a more soluble label which can be attached to an antibody at higher loading before precipitation and aggregation problems are encountered. Additional compounds described herein contain linkers derived from short peptides and tetraethylene oxide which increase aqueous solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present invention also embraces reagents for multiple acridinium labeling for signal amplification composed of a peptide bearing several acridinium esters with sulfonate groups at regularly spaced intervals for increased solubility. The invention also embraces assays employing the above-described compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the isolation of neural progenitor cells.

Abstract: A polymer comprising recurring units represented by formula (I): wherein X is selected from the group consisting of C(O)OR1, C(O)SR1, C(O)NR1R2, and VZ, where R1 and R2 are each individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 to C10 alkyl, and C6 to C10 aryl, where V is a labile linker group, and where Z is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethyleneimine), poly(propyleneimine), poly(lysine), PAMAM dendrimer, octaamine dendrimer, and hexadecaamine dendrimer; and wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)2—O—(CH2)2—, —(CH2)2—O—(CH2)2—, and —(CH2)3—NHC(O)—(CH2)6—C(O)NH—(CH2)3— is useful in nucleic acid delivery applications. Polyacetals of the formula (I) are preferably made by reacting appropriate diols and divinyl ethers. In preferred embodiments, complexes formed between polyacetals of the formula (I) and polynucleotides are useful as transfection reagents.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecules for treatment and diagnosis of tumors and malignancies, comprising a tumor seeking biomolecule, which is coupled to an intercalating moiety, which is capable of complexing a metal, which metal is preferably a radioactive metal, to the use of these molecules and to therapeutic and diagnostic compositions containing them.

Abstract: A method for locating hidden microorganism contaminated surfaces in industrial water systems is described and claimed. The method works by applying a solution or dispersion of a fluorogenic reagent in water to the hidden water contact surfaces of said industrial water system and allowing said fluorogenic reagent to react with any hidden microorganisms present, wherein said fluorogenic reagent is selected from the group of fluorogenic reagents that are known to react with microorganisms such that a fluorescent signal of said fluorogenic reagent is detectable in such a way as to make the detection of the fluorescent signal indicate that there are hidden microorganisms present on the water contact surfaces of the equipment and piping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.

Abstract: Bipyridine or phenanthroline ligands presenting functional groups that prevent non-specific binding (in particular, negatively charged functional groups that are unaffected by standard conditions for conjugating biological reagents through amide bonds) are described as are luminescent metal complexes comprising these ligands. The use of luminescent ruthenium and osmium complexes comprising these ligands in electrochemiluminescence assays shows that the use of these labels can significantly reduce the amount of non-specific binding observed relative to assays carried out using reagents labeled with analogous labels that don't present functional groups that decrease non-specific binding.

Abstract: An anti-tumor pharmaceutical composition comprises the conjugation of Canavalia ensiformis-extracted protein with metal ions to form a metalloprotein complex for inhibiting the growth of tumor with enhanced activity and stability, but without toxicity.

Abstract: Variant immunoglobulins, particularly humanized antibody polypeptides are provided, along with methods for their preparation and use. Consensus immunoglobulin sequences and structural models are also provided.

Abstract: 1,4,7,10-Tetrazacyclododecanes carrying a side chain terminating in a group capable of reacting with an antibody, and their complexes with a di- or tripositive metal having a coordination number of 6 or more can be used to prepare imaging agents. Typical metals are indium, copper, lead, bismuth, yttrium, terbium, gadolinium, and scandium. The compounds can be reacted with a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody or antibody fragment to target the metal to a specific type of tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated immunoglobulin comprising two heavy polypeptide chains sufficient for the formation of a complete antigen binding site or several antigen binding sites, wherein the immunoglobulin is further devoid of light polypeptide chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting a biological agent including contacting a sample with a sensor including a polymer system capable of having an alterable measurable property from the group of luminescence, anisotropy, redox potential and uv/vis absorption, the polymer system including an ionic conjugated polymer and an electronically inert polyelectrolyte having a biological agent recognition element bound thereto, the electronically inert polyelectrolyte adapted for undergoing a conformational structural change upon exposure to a biological agent having affinity for binding to the recognition element bound to the electronically inert polyelectrolyte, and, detecting the detectable change in the alterable measurable property. A chemical moiety being the reaction product of (i) a polyelectrolyte monomer and (ii) a biological agent recognition element-substituted polyelectrolyte monomer is also provided.

Abstract: Conjugate are formed by covalently linking a target-specific compound to pyropheophorbide compound which conjugated are injected into a host and accumulate in tumor tissue to a higher degree than surrounding normal tissues. When the pyropheophorbide compound component of the conjugate is exposed to a particular wavelength of light the compound becomes cytotoxic destroying the tumor or diseased tissue without causing irreversible normal tissue damage. The pyropheophorbide compounds have been shown to have a variety of characteristics when used in photodynamic therapy. These characteristics are further improved when the compounds are bound to a target specific component such as a ligand capable of binding to a specific cellular receptor (e.g. growth hormones and growth factors) or an antibody capable of binding to a particular antigen.