Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for conjugating a polymer specifically to the ?-amine of a polypeptide. The invention provides monofunctional, bifunctional, and multifunctional PEGs and related polymers having a terminal thioester moiety capable of specifically conjugating to the ?-amine of a polypeptide having a cysteine or histidine residue at the N-terminus. The invention provides reactive thioester-terminated PEG polymers that have suitable reactivity with an N-terminal cysteine or histidine residue of a polypeptide to produce an amide bond between the PEG molecule and the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides novel Class I HLA-A2 and Class II HLA-DR4-restricted epitopes and methods for their use in detecting T-cells in peripheral blood specific for infection or latency of mycobacterial infection, including M. tuberculosis and M. leprae as others. For example, methods for diagnosing the presence of infection or exposure by M. tuberculosis utilize multimers of HLA monomers or modified monomers having a bound HLA-binding peptide to perform high throughput screening of patient PBLs. The methods can be used for monitoring the success of anti mycobacterial treatment in patients and to screen vaccines and drugs for effectiveness in treating or preventing exposure, infection and latency of mycobacteria in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of microbiology and vaccine technology, and concerns the development of a vaccine capable of conferring immunity to group B Streptococcus infections. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel fusion protein, comprising N-terminal region fragments of group B Streptococcus surface proteins, which confers immunity to invasive strains of the group B Streptococcus. It further pertains to an isolated nucleotide sequence encoding said fusion protein; a vector; a host cell; a vaccine; and a method for preventing or treating a group B Streptococcus infection.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to hapten compounds comprising either (+) methamphetamine or (+) amphetamine conjugated to a linker. Generally speaking, hapten compounds of the invention may be used to elicit an immune response to one or more of (+) methamphetamine, (+) amphetamine, or (+) MDMA.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: Topiramate analogs have substituents at the sulfamate group, 9-position, or 10-position. Topiramate analogs may include immunogenic moieties to prepare anti-topiramate antibodies, or antigenic moieties for immunodiagnostic assays. Also, the topiramate analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the topiramate analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with topiramate for binding with anti-topiramate antibodies. Such an immunodiagnostic assay can be used for detecting the presence of topiramate in a sample obtained from a subject previously administered topiramate by the following: combining an anti-topiramate antibody and a topiramate analog with a sample to form a first composition; allowing any free topiramate from the sample and the topiramate analog to compete for binding with the antibody; detecting binding between the topiramate analog and the antibody.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipopeptide building blocks consisting of a peptide chain comprising a coiled-coil domain, linked covalently to a lipid moiety comprising long alkyl or alkenyl chains, and optionally linked to an antigen; and to helical lipopeptide bundles and synthetic virus-like particles formed by aggregation. The nanometer size and shape of these bundles and particles, their stability under aqueous physiological conditions, their chemical composition, the possibility to incorporate B- and T-cell epitopes, and their production by chemical synthesis, make them highly suitable as vaccine delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides luminescent complexes between a lanthanide ion and an organic ligand which contains 1,2-hydroxypyridinone units. The complexes of the invention are stable in aqueous solutions and are useful as molecular probes, for example in medical diagnostics and bioanalytical assay systems. The invention also provides methods of using the complexes of the invention.

Abstract: Activated haptens useful for generating immunogens to HIV protease inhibitors, immunogens useful for producing antibodies to HIV protease inhibitors, and antibodies and labeled conjugates useful in immunoassays for the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir. The novel haptens feature an activated functionality at the central, non-terminal hydroxyl group. Also described are monoclonal antibodies specific for saquinavir having less than 10% cross-reactivity with lopinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, and a murine hybridoma producing said antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is affinity particles that are characterized by having phosphorylcholine groups represented by the following formula (1) covalently bonded onto the surface of inorganic powder and also by having ligands having specific affinity with a certain target substance covalently bonded or adsorbed onto the surface of inorganic powder. The object of the present invention is to provide an affinity separation method that uses affinity particles utilizing inexpensive inorganic particles and is capable of separating the target substance easily and with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method for detection and/or quantification of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a sample derived from an individual's blood, the method being based on a sandwich immunoassay employing at least two capture antibodies and at least one tracer antibody, in which a first capture antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to the part of the cTnI midfragment, which is slightly affected by the interfering factor, and a second capture antibody is directed to another of these parts, and a tracer antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to TnC, which is complexed with cTnI.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to topiramate analogs that have substituents at the sulfamate group or at the 9-position or 10-position. The topiramate analogs can include immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-topiramate antibodies, or antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for topiramate. Also, the topiramate analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the topiramate analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with topiramate for binding with anti-topiramate antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic methods, and molecules and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer, in particular renal cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumour-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumour-associated peptides, that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumour immune responses. In particular, the present invention relates to 338 novel peptide sequences derived from HLA class II molecules of human tumour cell lines which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumour immune responses.

Abstract: An antibody and immunogen for generating an antibody to nitrofuran and/or nitrofuran metabolite such as tissue or protein bound nitrofuran metabolites. Nitrofurans and and/or nitrofuran metabolites in a biological sample can be detected by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a complex that can be detected. The antibodies may also be incorporated into test kits for the detection of nitrofuran and/or nitrofuran metabolites.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to hapten compounds comprising either (+) methamphetamine or (+) amphetamine conjugated to a linker. Generally speaking, hapten compounds of the invention may be used to elicit an immune response to one or more of (+) methamphetamine, (+) amphetamine, or (+) MDMA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a malaria vaccine, the method comprising stably transforming a plant by inserting into its plastid genome a nucleic acid sequence encoding and operable to constitutively express a malaria antigenic polypeptide selected from AMA-1, MSP-1 or both; harvesting the stably transformed plant in whole or in part; purifying the expressed malaria antigenic polypeptide from the harvested plant; and packaging the purified antigenic polypeptide under sterile conditions in an amount for a predetermined dosage. Also disclosed is an oral vaccine effective in raising malaria antibodies in a susceptible host, the vaccine comprising leaf material from an edible plant containing plastids stably transformed to constitutively express a fusion polypeptide consisting essentially of cholera toxin B subunit and a malaria antigenic polypeptide selected from AMA-1, MSP-1 or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of enhancing the immune response of a patient relative to the normal immune response, by administering isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells, to a patient. The present invention is also directed to vaccines containing the isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells, as well as antibodies reactive with the isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition for treating solid tumors that overexpress HER-2, comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of (a) an iso lated polypeptide having from about 50 to 79 amino acids taken from the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein the polypeptide binds to the extracellular domain ECD of HER-2 with an affinity binding constant of at least 108 M?1, (b) an isolated and glycosylated polypeptide having from about 300 to 419 amino acids taken from the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein the C terminal 79 amino acids are present, and wherein at least three N-linked glycosylation sites are present, (c) a monoclonal antibody that binds to the ECD of HER-2, and (d) combinations thereof, with the proviso that the agent cannot be the monoclonal antibody alone, and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are prognostic and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides for use in immunocontraception of canines and other animals. The disclosed compositions may include pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of membrane protein immobilization onto supports. It relates to a product comprising a support and at least one membrane protein attached to the surface thereof, characterized in that said membrane protein is attached to said support using an amphiphilic molecule with which said membrane protein is complexed. It also relates to a process for preparing such product, as well as to various applications in the fields of diagnosis, drug design and biotechnologies. It further relates to a kit, together with a functionalized amphiphilic molecule, for preparing a product according to the invention comprising a support and an amphiphilic molecule, wherein the amphiphilic molecule and the support interact through a hydrophobic bond, an ionic bond, a specific bond or a covalent bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a receptor for a satiety factor, which is involved in body weight homeostasis. Mutations in this receptor are associated with obese phenotypes. In particular, the present invention relates to identification and characterization of the receptor for leptin, including a naturally occurring soluble form of the receptor that is expected to modulate leptin activity, in particular to agonize leptin activity. The invention further relates to the nucleic acids encoding the receptor, and to methods for using the receptor, e.g., to identify leptin analogs, therapeutically, such as in gene therapy or in soluble form as an agonist or antagonist of leptin activity, or diagnostically.

Abstract: Novel biologically active compounds of the general formula (I) in which one of X and X? represents a polymer, and the other represents a hydrogen atom; each Q independently represents a linking group; W represents an electron-withdrawing moiety or a moiety preparable by reduction of an electron-withdrawing moiety; or, if X? represents a polymer, X-Q-W- together may represent an electron withdrawing group; and in addition, if X represents a polymer, X? and electron withdrawing group W together with the interjacent atoms may form a ring; each of Z1 and Z2 independently represents a group derived from a biological molecule, each of which is linked to A and B via a nucleophilic moiety; or Z1 and Z2 together represent a single group derived from a biological molecule which is linked to A and B via two nucleophilic moieties; A is a C1-5 alkylene or alkenylene chain; and B is a bond or a C1-4 alkylene or alkenylene chain; are formed by conjugating a suitable polymer to a suitable biologically active molecule via nuc

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNF? muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNF? mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament characterized in that it comprises at least one solid biocompatible support, preferably in powder form, on which at least one active substance, preferably selected among biological materials and/or biological molecules, is adsorbed or on which it is to be adsorbed, preferably without requiring a coupling agent. Said solid biocompatible support is capable of purifying the active substance. The invention relates to also relates to a method for preparing a medicament of the aforementioned type, this method essentially consisting of placing at least one solid biocompatible support, preferably in powder form, in contact with at least one active substance, preferably selected among biological materials and/or biological molecules, in such a manner that the active substance is reversibly adsorbed and without denaturing on the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection, immobilization, and production of proteolytic antibodies using halogen phosphonate monoester probes, immobilizing reagents, and antigen conjugates.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of doxorubicin and novel doxorubicin immunogens derived from the 13 and 14 positions of doxorubicin and antibodies generated by these doxorubicin linked immunogens all of which are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of doxorubicin in biological fluids.

Abstract: Activated haptens useful for generating immunogens to HIV protease inhibitors, immunogens useful for producing antibodies to HIV protease inhibitors, and antibodies and labeled conjugates useful in immunoassays for the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir. The novel haptens feature an activated functionality at the central, non-terminal hydroxyl group. Also described are monoclonal antibodies specific for saquinavir having less than 10% cross-reactivity with lopinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, and a murine hybridoma producing said antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions, and methods of making and using therapeutic compositions for treatment of a subject for an autoimmune or an inflammatory disease. The invention also provides kits for assaying binding of a composition to a water-soluble MHC protein.

Abstract: Celiac Sprue and/or dermatitis herpetiformis are treated by interfering with HLA binding of immunogenic gluten peptides. The antigenicity of gluten oligopeptides and the ill effects caused by an immune response thereto are decreased by administration of an HLA-binding peptide inhibitor. Such inhibitors are analogs of immunogenic gluten peptides and (i) retain the ability to bind tightly to HLA molecules; (ii) retain the proteolytic stability of these peptides; but (iii) are unable to activate disease-specific T cells.

Abstract: Modular antigen transporter molecules (MAT molecules), which are used as vaccines and for the treatment of allergies, include three modules: a translocation module which brings about transport of the MAT molecule into the interior of the cell; a targeting module which directs the MAT molecule to intracellular organelles involved in antigen processing and loading; and an antigen module which contains an allergen.

Abstract: Described herein is the development of fusion proteins useful for inducing tolerance in a subject. In particular embodiments, the tolerizing agents are useful for influence autoimmune, inflammatory, and/or allergic reactions. Example tolerizing fusion proteins contain a targeting portion (which delivers the fusion protein) and a toleragen or allergen or other antigen to which tolerance is desired in a subject. In particular examples, it is demonstrated that a p?1 fusion protein, when administered orally, facilitates systemic and mucosal tolerance. Also described is the nasal delivery of fusion proteins, for instance for restoring immunogenicity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Abstract: A unique method is disclosed for identifying and replacing surface amino acid residues of a protein antigen that reduces the antigenicity of the putative immunodominant epitopes of the antigen and makes all the accessible regions of the molecule essentially antigenically equivalent, so that the antibody response will be directed against more parts of the molecule and not mainly against the erstwhile immunodominant epitopes. The method will simultaneously change the antigenicity of the molecule and preserve its structure. The method is useful in the design of molecules useful for immunization, for example, as vaccines, or for the generation of therapeutic antibodies, against constantly mutating pathogens. It is also useful in the design of molecules useful for immunization against pathogens that had been intentionally mutated so as to render those pathogens able to infect erstwhile immune individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery in eukaryotic cells, particularly human cells, a novel polypeptide of 16 kDa (hereinafter “p16INK4” or “p16”) can function as an inhibitor of cell cycle progression, and therefore ultimately of cell growth, and that similar to the role of p21 and p53, the p16 protein may function coordinately with the cell cycle regulatory protein, retinoblastoma (Rb).

Abstract: This disclosure provides modified antimicrobial agents, for example modified defensin polypeptides. In one embodiment, compositions including a modified arginine residue, such as an ADP-ribosylated and/or ribosylated alpha defensin polypeptide, are provided. Also provided are methods of modulating an immune response using the modified defensin polypeptides. In one embodiment, a method is provided for modulating an antimicrobial activity. In another embodiment, a method if provided for inhibiting a cytotoxic activity. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases in a subject that are associated with an immune response, such as inflammatory and pulmonary diseases, using the disclosed modified defensin polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunomodulators. In particular the invention relates to specific immunomodulators based on the superantigen SMEZ-2 and more particularly based on mutants of the superantigen SMEZ-2, which are adapted to target antigen-presenting-cells for the purpose of enhancing or suppressing a host immune response.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an hypoallergenic mosaic antigen derived from an allergen is disclosed whereby a) in a first step the allergen is split into at least two parts and the IgE reactivity of each part is determined and b) in a second step those parts of the allergen which have no detectable IgE reaction are combined to a mosaic antigen which comprises the amino acids of the allergen but the order of the amino acids of the mosaic antigen is different from that of the naturally occurring allergen.

Abstract: An aqueous vaccine composition comprises a protein adsorbed on a solid and one or more stabilising agents, further characterized in that (i) the system is optionally substantially free of a conventional buffer, i.e a compound with pKa within 1 unit of the pH of the composition at the intended temperature range of storage of the composition; (ii) the pH of the composition is set to a value at which the composition has maximum measurable stability with respect to pH; and (iii) the one or more additives are capable of exchanging protons with the said protein and have pKa values at least 1 unit more or less than the pH of the composition at the intended temperature range of storage of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumour-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumour-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumour immune responses. The present invention relates to novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumour cells which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumour immune responses.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to the use of neuregulin-? as a target in a screening method for active compounds, in particular for exerting an influence on changes in calcium concentration which are mediated by glutamate receptors. The invention furthermore relates to the use of neuregulins, preferably a neuregulin isoform having an isoelectric point in the range from pH 4.3 to 5.0, as a target for detecting and/or exerting an influence on neuronal processes, in particular for exerting an influence on long-term memory. Neuregulins, in particular neuregulin-? and also substances which exert an influence on the status, i.e. the expression and/or post-translational modification, of neuregulin-?, can therefore be used as agents for controlling the course of, treating and/or alleviating neuronal diseases, e.g. Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Protein and polypeptide derivatives and their salts are claimed characterized in that a protein or polypeptide is conjugated via an intermediate grouping containing at least one radical of the formula —C(R)?N— (or —N?C(R)—) or —CH(R)—NH— (or —NH—CH(R)—), wherein R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted, with the same or a different protein or polypeptide, with a reporter group or a cytotoxic agent as well as a process for their preparation and the novel intermediates therefor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions which induce cross-activation of immune mediated and direct death signaling in targeted cells by exploiting the properties of a antibody/peptide-nucleic acid conjugate. The conjugate is able to simultaneously activate multiple death signaling mechanisms. Methods of using the conjugate of the present invention as an immunotherapeutic modality for the treatment or prevention of infectious disease, neoplastic diseases or other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating aerogels, a method for fabricating surface-modified aerogels, and a method for fabricating biocomposites. Take the fabricating method of biocomposites for example, first, a precursor solution is provided and the precursor solution comprises a hydrophilic ionic liquid, a catalyzed hydrolysis and/or condensation reagent, at least one biomolecule. Next, a curing process is performed for the precursor solution to hydrolyze and polymerize the at least one alkoxide monomer and/or aryloxide monomer to wrap at least one biomolecule and thus form biocomposite. Afterwards, an extracting process is performed by a solvent for the biocomposite to substitute the ionic liquid in the biocomposite. Finally, a drying process for the biocomposite is carried out after the extracting process so as to remove the solvent in the biocomposite. Therefore, the biocomposite is formed.

Abstract: The invention encompasses fluorescent cyanine dyes and methods of using such dyes. In particular, the invention encompasses near infrared polymethine cyanine dyes.

Abstract: A method of producing antibodies comprising the step of encoding a peptide sequence from a Domain I perlecan splice variant, wherein the peptide sequence is used to produce anti-peptide antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic peptides, related fusion proteins, nucleic acids encoding the peptides or fusion proteins, conjugates, expression vectors, host cells, and antibodies. Also, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, e.g., alveolar rhabodomyosarcoma, methods of stimulating a T cell to kill a tumor cell, methods of stimulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and methods of treating or preventing cancer are further provided herein.

Abstract: A disulfide trap, comprising an antigen peptide covalently attached to an MHC class I heavy chain molecule by a disulfide bond extending between two cysteines, is disclosed. In some configurations, a disulfide trap, such as a disulfide trap single chain trimer (dtSCT), can comprise a single contiguous polypeptide chain. Upon synthesis in a cell, a disulfide trap oxidizes properly in the ER, and can be recognized by T cells. In some configurations, a peptide moiety of a disulfide trap is not displaced by high-affinity competitor peptides, even if the peptide binds the heavy chain relatively weakly. In various configurations, a disulfide trap can be used for vaccination, to elicit CD8 T cells, and in multivalent MHC/peptide reagents for the enumeration and tracking of T cells. Also disclosed are nucleic acids comprising a sequence encoding a disulfide trap. Such nucleic acids, which can be DNA vectors, can be used as vaccines.