Abstract: Modified FGF-21 polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant protein for siRNA delivery, which allows the efficient intracellular and in vivo delivery of siRNA. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recombinant protein that allows a siRNA binding protein to be located in the interior cavity of a capsid protein of HBV (Hepatitis B virus), in which siRNAs of interest bind to the siRNA binding protein to be encapsulated within the capsid shell, thereby providing stability against the external attack such as nucleases and achieving the efficient intracellular and in vivo delivery of siRNA by its release into the cytosolic space after cell uptake.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising a T-cell antigen in association with a rhamnose monosaccharide and/or Forssman disaccharide, and corresponding methods for inducing immune response. The T-cell antigen may be for example, a tumor vaccine, such as a tumor cell or one or more tumor antigens. The invention takes advantage of the naturally high titers of anti-Rhamnose and/or anti-Forssman disaccharide in humans to target vaccine compositions to antigen presenting cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein or glycoprotein obtainable from a crude extract of Haliotis midae, with a molecular weight of approx. 30 kDa and an isoelectric point of around 4.3-4.5, possessing passive cutaneous anaphylaxis-inhibiting activity.

Abstract: A polysialic acid compound is reacted with a hetero-bifunctional reagent to introduce a pendant functional group for site-specific conjugation to sulfhydryl groups, for instance side chains of cysteine units in drugs, drug delivery systems, proteins or peptides. The functional group is, for instance, an N-maleimide group.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions that can be used to treat subjects having a viral infection by provoking an immune response using newly discovered antigens that are non-naturally occurring variations on viral glycoproteins. For example, provided are viral glycoproteins or a fragments thereof, or, DNA constructs encoding for such viral glycoproteins or fragments thereof, wherein the glycoprotein or fragment comprises a glycosylation sequon that includes a non-templated aspartic acid residue.

Abstract: A biomarker, method, test kit, and diagnostic system for detecting the presence of lymphoma in a person are disclosed. The lymphoma may be Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The person may be a high-risk subject. In one embodiment, a plasma sample from a person is obtained. The level of at least one protein listed in Table S3 in the plasma sample is measured. The level of at least one protein in the plasma sample is compared with the level in a normal or healthy subject. The lymphoma is diagnosed based upon the level of the at least one protein in the plasma sample in comparison to the normal or healthy level.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated soluble endoglin polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding soluble endoglin polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind soluble endoglin polypeptides, and kits containing these materials. The invention also provides methods for treating or decreasing the likelihood of developing a soluble endoglin-mediated disorder in a subject requiring the administration of an agent capable of reducing the expression or biological activity of a soluble endoglin polypeptide and methods for treating or decreasing the likelihood of developing a soluble endoglin-preventive disorder in a subject requiring the administration of a soluble endoglin polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the soluble endoglin polypeptide. The invention further provides methods for the diagnosis of a soluble endoglin-mediated disorder or a soluble endoglin-preventive disorder and methods for identifying a compound to treat a soluble endoglin-mediated or a soluble endoglin-preventive disorder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of molecular biology, medicine, virology and vaccine development. Because the different forms of the presently available vaccines all have their specific drawbacks, there is a need for alternative vaccine strategies. The current invention provides means and methods for such alternative vaccine strategies.

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: An object of the present invention to provide an agent for promoting the self-renewal of the neural stem cells and a method of using the same. ECF-L contained in a culture supernatant of endothelial progenitor cells derived from bone marrow has an effect of promoting the self-renewal of neural stem cells. Accordingly, ECF-L can be used as an ingredient of an agent for promoting the self-renewal of the neural stem cells, a pharmaceutical composition for growing the neural stem cells, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating a disease associated with neural dysfunction.

Abstract: We describe a method of expressing a recombinant protein comprising mannose-terminated N-glycans from a host cell, the method comprising: (a) introducing a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant protein into a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell comprising a mutation in the GnT 1 gene (GenBank Accession Number AF343963) leading to loss of GnT 1 function; and (c) expressing the recombinant protein from the host cell, in which the expressed recombinant protein comprises a mannose-terminated glycan structure, and in which the method does not include a step of introducing functional GnT-1 into the host cell. The method may be used for producing recombinant glucocerebrosidase with a mannose-terminated glycan structure, suitable for treatment or prevention of Gaucher's Disease.

Abstract: It has been found out that among antibodies showing reactivity with wild type TGF-?, antibodies less reactive with G79A-substituted TGF-? have an excellent growth-suppressing effect on cancer cells having a mutated Ras gene. Further, it has been found out that most of these antibodies have an activity of inhibiting EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and/or an induction-suppressing activity on vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention features compounds of the general formula: B-L-M where B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; M is a moiety which performs a useful non-cytotoxic function when absorbed by a nerve cell, and can be a therapeutic moiety or an imaging moiety; and L is a linker coupling B to M. The invention also features methods of use of the compounds in, for example, treating conditions such as viral infections and pain, as well as in labeling nerve cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified multi-chain and multi-subunit proteins and methods for making them. In some protease embodiments the proteins are modified AB5 toxins in which a compound of interest is attached to the A1 chain.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device, comprising a hollow body having at least one open end comprising at least one solid matrix binding, adsorbing, absorbing, chelating or retaining compounds which are not desired in a sample and preferably at least one barrier which is non-permeable for liquids and solids under ambience conditions, however, becomes liquid-permeable by applying an external force to said barrier, the use of such a device for isolating or purifying a biomolecule from a sample, a method for preparation of said device and a method for isolation or purification of any biomolecule using said device.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a clinical marker capable of distinguishing breast cancer from interstitial pneumonia; and a clinical marker for detecting malignancy or progress level of breast cancer, and for monitoring effects of the treatment of breast cancer. The object can be solved by a method for analyzing mucin 1 having Sia?2-8Sia?2-3Gal?-R, characterized by comprising the step of bringing a first probe specifically binding to a mucin 1 having Sia?2-8Sia?2-3Gal?-R into contact with a sample to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a) a first polypeptide selected from among SDF-1 (stromal cell derived factor-1) or peptidase/protease-resistant variants or fragments thereof which have the CXCR4-/CXCR7- binding function of SDF-1; and b) a second polypeptide which is selected from among GPVI (glycoprotein VI), or the extracellular domain of GPVI, or fragments or variants of the extracellular domain of GPVI which contain the collagen binding function of GPVI, wherein the first polypeptide and the second peptide are linked to one another directly or via a linker molecule. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the fusion protein for treating diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide, nucleic acid and other compositions. Polypeptide, nucleic acid and other compositions are useful in treatment and diagnostic methods. One treatment method includes inhibiting growth or proliferation of hyperproliferative cells or inducing regression of hyperproliferative cells, such as cells of a cellular hyperproliferative disorder, or reducing levels of LDL or oxLDL.

Abstract: A separation medium is provided, comprising at least one megalin polypeptide and/or at least one cubilin polypeptide immobilized on a support. Also provided are devices comprising the separation medium, as well as methods and uses employing the separation medium for extracorporeal removal of low molecular weight proteins, or fragments or derivatives thereof, from complex biological fluids.

Abstract: Glycopeptide conjugates comprising GM2 and/or Gb5 carbohydrate determinants, and methods of making and using such conjugates are disclosed. The immunogenicity of select glycopeptide conjugates is demonstrated.

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 relates to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given non-natural ligand with detectable affinity. The invention also relates to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates a method for producing such a mutein. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

Abstract: This invention relates to bispecific fusion proteins effective in viral neutralization. More specifically, such proteins have two different binding domains, an inducing-binding domain and an induced-binding domain, functionally linked by a peptide linker. Such proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding them, and their production and use in preventing or treating viral infections are provided. One prototypical bispecific fusion protein is sCD4-SCFv(17b), in which a soluble CD4 fragment (containing domains D1 and D2) is fused to a single chain Fv portion of antibody 17b via a linker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having a fluorescent activity, e.g., an auto-fluorescent activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as noninvasive fluorescent markers in living cells and intact organs and animals. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as, e.g., in vivo markers/tracers of gene expression and protein localization, activity indicators, fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) markers, cell lineage markers/tracers, reporters of gene expression and as markers/tracers in protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of viral vectors expressing different immunogens from the West Nile Encephalitis Virus (WNV) or the Dengue virus which are able to induce protective humoral and cellular immune responses against WNV or Dengue virus infections. More specifically, the present invention relates to three (3) antigens from WNV (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (E), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-M-E) and the NSI protein) and from Dengue virus (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (e), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-m-e) and the nsl protein) and their use in vaccinal, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: Vector constructs comprising the coding sequence for human C1 inhibitor are described. Expression of glycosylated recombinant human C1 inhibitor is achieved human cells in high yields.

Abstract: Provided herein are glycovariant Fc fusion proteins having increased serum half lives. Also provided are methods for increasing the serum half life of an Fc fusion protein by introducing one or more non-endogenous glycosylation sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibronectin type III (Fn3)-based multimeric scaffolds that specifically bind to one or more specific target antigen. The invention further provides bispecific Fn3-derived binding molecules that bind to two or more target antigens simultaneously, fusions, conjugates, and methods to increase the stability of Fn3-based binding molecules. Furthermore, the present invention is related to a prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agent, which contains Fn3-based multimeric scaffolds.

Abstract: Use of a polynucleotide encoding or a polypeptide comprising at least the extracellular IPT-3 and IPT-4 domains of hepatocyte growth factor receptor for the screening and/or development of pharmacologically active agents useful in the treatment of cancer, preferably a cancer with dysregulation of hepatocyte growth factor receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor screening marker that can be actually used in clinical practice to detect colorectal cancer, and a tumor progression marker that can complement CEA or CA19-9. Vitronectin for use as a tumor progression marker, a tumor screening marker or a prognostic prediction marker for colorectal cancer. A method of analyzing a vitronectin concentration in a collected blood sample. In the method, a measured value of vitronectin and a reference value of vitronectin are compared. Vitronectin is preferably used in combination with existing marker for colorectal cancer such as carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Sirtuin (SIRT), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Sirtuin (SIRT). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Sirtuins (SIRT)s.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a modulator of a polypeptide having or comprising an amino acid sequence as disclosed herein or of a functional fragment or derivative thereof or of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or fragment or derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, alleviating or treating diseases or conditions associated with the degeneration or injury of vertebrate nervous tissue, associated with seizures or associated with angiogenic disorders or disorders of the cardio-vascular system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for brown fat induction and activity through modulation of Fndc5 activity and/or expression. Also provided are methods for preventing or treating metabolic disorders in a subject through modulation of Fndc5 activity and/or expression. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating Fndc5 activity and/or expression.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a novel pharmaceutical composition for getting rid of pains and anxiety in patients. This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing lactoferrin as an active ingredient. The composition of this invention is useful for treatment of at least one disease or condition selected from the group consisting of pains, including the phase 1 pain and the phase 2 pain, anxiety and stress. The composition is particularly beneficial to alleviating or getting rid of the pain and anxiety which significantly lower quality of life of patients with end-stage cancer. The composition of this invention is also useful for treatment of pains, including the phase 1 pain and the phase 2 pain, and inflammation which accompany arthritis or diseases in the junctions of bones (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, sports injuries such as tennis elbow and baseball shoulder, and low back pain).

Abstract: Polypeptides are susceptible to denaturation or enzymatic degradation in the blood, liver or kidney. Due to the low stability of some polypeptides, it has been required to administer polypeptide drugs in a sustained frequency to a subject in order to maintain an effective plasma concentration of the active substance. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions of therapeutic peptides preferably have a shelf-life of several years in order to be suitable for common use. However, peptide compositions are inherently unstable due to sensitivity towards chemical and physical degradation. In part, the invention provides SAP variant proteins, compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and formulations having a prolonged in vivo half-life, prolonged shelf-life, or rather increased in vitro stability, or increased manufacturing efficiency compared to human SAP. Advantages of increased plasma half-life include, but are not limited to, reducing the amount and/or frequency of dosing.

Abstract: Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

Abstract: A weight reduction composition is provided including capsaicin bound by a glycoprotein matrix, green tea leaves, ginger powder, garlic powder, and turmeric powder. By binding capsaicin to a glycoprotein matrix, the efficacy of capsaicin to promote weight loss is achieved at a lower concentration than otherwise required through the use of untreated capsaicin. Accordingly, the benefits of a higher concentration of capsaicin can be attained without the unpleasant side effects.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating a biomimetic proteoglycan. The invention includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition of soft tissue using a biomimetic proteoglycan.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered fungal cells useful for producing target molecules containing mammalian-like complex N-glycans or containing intermediates in a mammalian glycosylation pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a T-cell receptor (TCR) which binds to a peptide from the cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein pp65 having the amino acid sequence NLVPMVATV (SEQ ID No. 1) when presented by a major histocompatability complex (MHC) molecule. The present invention also provides a nucleotide sequence encoding such a TCR, a vector comprising such a nucleotide sequence and its use to produce a CMV-specific T-cell. The present invention also provides the use of CMV-specific T-cell for cellular immunotherapy.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions and methods of use are described to either enhance or diminish the immune stimulation effects of a honey or honey isolate by recognition of the presence of type II arabinogalactan compounds and utilising this knowledge to tailor the concentration of such compounds thereby adjusting the immune stimulation effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for engineering a T-cell receptor domain polypeptide comprising at least one modification in a structural loop region of the T-cell receptor domain polypeptide and determining the binding of the T-cell receptor domain polypeptide to an epitope of an antigen, wherein the unmodified T-cell receptor domain polypeptide does not significantly bind to said epitope. The present invention also covers modified T cell receptor domain polypeptides, their use and libraries containing the modified T cell receptor domain polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for an improved production of glycosylated recombinant proteins in lower eukaryotes, specifically the production of human-like complex or hybrid glycosylated proteins in yeast. The invention provides genetically modified eukaryotic host cells capable of producing glycosylation optimized proteins useful as immunoglobulins and other therapeutic proteins, and provides cells capable of producing glycoproteins having glycan structures similar to glycoproteins produced in human cell. The invention further provides proteins with human-like glycan structures and novel compositions thereof producible by these modified cells.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide derivatives having protracted profile of action.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an ongoing need in the art to improve the stability of immunogenic compositions such as polysaccharide-protein conjugates and protein immunogens. The invention broadly relates to novel formulations which stabilize and inhibit precipitation of immunogenic compositions. More particularly, the invention described hereinafter, addresses a need in the art for formulations which stabilize and inhibit particulate formation (e.g., aggregation, precipitation) of immunogenic compositions which are processed, developed, formulated, manufactured and/or stored in container means such as fermentors, bioreactors, vials, flasks, bags, syringes, rubber stoppers, tubing and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vaccine compositions, particularly KLH-peptide conjugates, and methods of making such compositions. The present disclosure further relates to methods of reducing abnormal cell growth using the composistions described herein.

Abstract: A chimeric therapeutic polypeptide of a pre-existing therapeutic polypeptide is disclosed, as are a method of enhancing folded stabilization and a pharmaceutical composition of the glycosylated chimer. The pre-existing and chimeric polypeptides have substantially the same length, substantially the same amino acid residue sequence, and exhibit at least one tight turn containing a sequence of four to about seven amino acid residues in which at least two amino acid side chains extend on the same side of the tight turn and are within less than about 7 ? of each other. The chimeric therapeutic polypeptide has the sequon Aro-(Xxx)n-(Zzz)p-Asn-Yyy-Thr/Ser (SEQ ID NO:001) within that tight turn sequence such that the side chains of the Aro, Asn and Thr/Ser amino acid residues project on the same side of the turn and are within less than about 7 ? of each other. That sequon is absent from the pre-existing therapeutic polypeptide.

Abstract: An isolated or purified compound is provided, comprising A-GlcNAc[GlcNAc]-GalNAc-GalNAc-QuiNAc4NAc, wherein A is GlcNAc or Glc. There is further provided a vaccine based on such compound, having particular use to treat or prevent an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism. There is also provided an antibody or antisera against the compound, having particular use to diagnose the presence of an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism.