Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen binding molecules (ABMs). In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to recombinant monoclonal antibodies, including chimeric, primatized or humanized antibodies specific for human CD20. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such ABMs, and vectors and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the ABMs of the invention, and to methods of using these ABMs in treatment of disease. In addition, the present invention relates to ABMs with modified glycosylation having improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies to the IL-21 receptor and multimeric complexes comprising the IL-21 receptor; including monoclonal antibodies to the heterodimeric receptor, IL-21/IL-2R?; have been prepared. The invention also describes a method of producing said antibodies. And, the invention also describes a method of treatment comprising using said antibodies to suppress an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor. The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognise an epitope of the HER2 receptor truncated form CTF-611, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2, and that are capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-616 (represented by SEQ ID NO:7), preferably additionally capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-613 (represented by SEQ ID NO:6). The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis using the disclosed antibodies, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.

Abstract: The invention provides variants of the Thermoanaerobacter brockii CglT beta-glucosidase that have improve beta-glucosidase activity compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention also provides polynucleotides that encode the variants, as well as methods of producing the variants, enzyme compositions comprising the variants, and methods for using the variants in industrial applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antibody inhibiting infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present invention provides an anti-hepatitis C virus antibody that recognizes a whole or a part of the conformation of a hepatitis C virus particle as an epitope and binds thereto, so as to be able to inhibit the binding of hepatitis C virus to the surface of a host cell and to inhibit HCV infection, a humanized antibody thereof, and an inhibitory agent for infection with hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the same in inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ELISA kit for detecting lincomycin comprising a coating antigen and an enzyme labeled reagent, wherein the coating antigen is selected from the group consisting of a lincomycin hapten-carrier protein conjugate, a lincomycin antibody and a lincomycin anti-antibody; when the coating antigen is the lincomycin hapten-carrier protein conjugate, the enzyme labeled reagent is an enzyme-labeled lincomycin anti-antibody; when the coating antigen is the lincomycin antibody, the enzyme labeled reagent is an enzyme-labeled lincomycin hapten-carrier protein conjugate; and when the coating antigen is the lincomycin anti-antibody, the enzyme labeled reagent is an enzyme-labeled lincomycin hapten-carrier protein conjugate; and the lincomycin hapten is obtained through the condensation reaction between lincomycin and succinic anhydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the same in inflammation.

Abstract: The invention relates to binding compounds that specifically bind to human TSLPR, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: This invention concerns a panel of monoclonal antibodies against the High Mobility Group A 1 protein (HMGA1) and a process for preparing them, as well as the use of said antibodies for the quantitative determination of HMGA1 in biological fluids or in protein Iy sates deriving from lymphocyte cells. This invention also concerns a diagnostic kit for assessing risk factors related to the expression of the HMGA1 proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor. The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognizes an epitope of a HER2 receptor truncated form, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric and humanized versions of anti-CD19 mouse monoclonal antibodies. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions, immunotherapeutic compositions, and methods using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that may mediate ADCC, CDC, and/or apoptosis for the treatment of B cell diseases and disorders, such as, but not limited to, B cell malignancies, for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune disease, and for the treatment and prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), humoral rejection, and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in human transplant recipients.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies specific for the C-terminus of human hepcidin, and related methods and kits for diagnosing and/or treating a disease condition characterized by non-physiological levels of hepcidin protein, including prohepcidin and fragments thereof, comprising obtaining a tissue or fluid sample from a subject; contacting the sample with an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence between and including amino acids 60 and 84, or, in another embodiment, amino acids 74 and 81, as aligned with the human pre-pro-hepcidin precursor protein, and quantifying the pro-hepcidin and/or mature hepcidin level using an assay based on binding of the antibody and the polypeptide; wherein the non-physiological level of prohepcidin/mature hepcidin is indicative of the disease condition.

Abstract: Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to novel PSCA protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein PSCA exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, PSCA provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The PSCA gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with PSCA can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses anti-histone H1 monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas for the production thereof, and polypeptides, which are useful for suppressing, predicting, or diagnosing transplant rejection in organ transplantation.

Abstract: A multimeric peptidomimetic that comprises two or more monomers is disclosed. The monomers comprise an exocyclic peptide comprising a ring structure, a flexible linker sequence and a multimeric motif. Use of the monomers, a nucleic acid molecule encoding monomers, recombinant expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecule and host cells comprising a recombinant expression vector are disclosed. Methods of delivering a drug, a toxin, a nucleic acid molecule, a radionuclide or a detectable compound to a cell are disclosed.

Abstract: A human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of an antibody that specifically binds human CD20 and is capable of inducing complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and is capable of increasing symptom free survival time between about 2-fold to about 9-fold or more, relative to control-treated animals in a mouse model of human lymphoma. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is useful in a therapeutic method for treating a CD20-mediated disease or condition, such as for example, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides, such as antibodies, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of neoplasms.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bifunctional specificity structure that includes a peptide linker having a first and a second binding domain, wherein the first binding domain is selective for a first biomaterial and the second binding domain is selective for a second biomaterial. The present invention also includes a method of making and identifying the bifunctional structure of the present invention and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides further characterization of the disease and cancer-associated antigen, transferrin receptor. The invention also provides a novel family of antibodies that bind to the transferrin receptor, methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases that express transferrin receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel virus suppressing factor (VSF) protein having antiviral activity against a variety of viruses and a hybridoma secreting such a VSF protein. In addition, the present invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising the VSF protein for prevention or treatment of viral infections in humans and animals, and a method of preventing or treating viral infections using such a pharmaceutical composition. The VSF protein has strong antiviral activity against a variety of viruses.

Abstract: Disclosed are chimeric, immunologically active, isolated, and radiolabeled antibodies directed against the CD20 antigen. The antibodies are useful for treating and diagnosing B cell disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides: a heteromyeloma, other than B6B11, capable of producing a trioma when fused with a human lymphoid cell, wherein the trioma is capable of producing a monoclonal antibody-secreting tetroma when fused with a second, antibody-secreting human lymphoid cell; a trioma fusion partner which does not produce antibody, obtained by fusing a heteromyeloma which does not produce antibody with a human lymphoid cell; a monoclonal antibody-secreting tetroma, obtained by fusing a trioma which does not produce antibody with an antibody-secreting human lymphoid cell; a method of producing a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes an antigen associated with a condition; a method of identifying an antigen associated with a condition using the trioma fusion partner; a method of diagnosing a condition using the trioma fusion partner; a method for preventing a condition; and compositions and therapeutic compositions comprising monoclonal antibodies produced using the trioma fusion partner.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises a mixture of polypeptides of opposite charge and an excipient selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, glutamic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, beta-hydroxy cyclodextrin, and beta-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding moieties comprising at least one monomeric V-like domain (VLD) derived from a non-antibody ligand, the at least one monomeric V-like domain being characterized in that at least one CDR loop structure or part thereof is modified or replaced such that the solubility of the modified VLD is improved when compared with the unmodified VLD.

Abstract: The production of a purified extracellular bacterial signal called autoinducer-2 is regulated by changes in environmental conditions associated with a shift from a free-living existence to a colonizing or pathogenic existence in a host organism. Autoinducer-2 stimulates LuxQ luminescence genes, and is believed also to stimulate a variety of pathogenesis related genes in the bacterial species that produce it. A new class of bacterial genes is involved in the biosynthesis of autoinducer-2.

Abstract: An isolated antibody that specifically binds a peptide coded by a nucleotide sequence coding for a variable region of &agr; chain of an human T lymphocyte receptor, said nucleotide sequence having a nucleotide sequence chosen from any of: V&agr; segments having any one of the sequences SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 11 or J&agr; segments having one of the sequence SEQ ID Nos. 13 or 15 to 19 and hybridomas producing said antibodies.

Abstract: Polypeptides containing a series of heptad-repeats that mimic a transmembrane domain and a selected cytoplasmic domain attached to the series of heptad repeats are provided which can be used in construction of structural models for evaluating the structure and activity of occupied, clustered and heteromeric transmembrane proteins and identifying therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody which specifically induces an immune response against a glycosphingolipid. Additionally, this invention provides a method of producing the anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody. Finally, this invention provides a composition of matter comprising an effective amount of a cytokine and a melanoma ganglioside-specific antibody attached to a carrier.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to enhancing an immune response and increasing vaccine efficacy through the simultaneous or sequential targeting of specific immune system components. More particularly, specific immune components, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells, are individually activated by component-specific immunostimulating agents. One such component-specific immunostimulating agent is an antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibody. The invention is also directed to a method for the in vitro production of the antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibodies which relies upon the in vitro conversion of blood-borne immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. Vaccine efficacy is enhanced by the administration of compositions containing component-specific immunostimulating agents and other elements, such as antigens or carrier particles, such as colloidal methods, such as gold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imidazolinone hapten having the structural formula Further provided are an antigen and an enzyme conjugate which are prepared from the imidazolinone hapten. The haptens, antigens and enzyme conjugates provided are useful in immunoassays for determining the presence and concentration of an imidazolinone compound in the presence of one or more other imidazolinone compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: Receptors are disclosed that are antibodies that exhibit a binding affinity for an immune complex of a monoepitopic antigen and an antibody for such antigen that is substantially greater than the binding affinity for the monoepitopic antigen or the antibody for the monoepitopic antigen apart from the immune complex. Normally, the monoepitopic antigen has a molecular weight less than 1500 and is an organic compound. The antibodies of the present invention find use in a method for determining a monoepitopic antigen in a sample suspected of containing such antigen. The method comprises forming an immune sandwich complex comprising the monoepitopic antigen or an analog thereof, a first monoclonal antibody that binds to the monoepitopic antigen, and a second monoclonal antibody that is an antibody of the present invention and detecting the immune sandwich complex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing secretory Ig molecules. The method comprises transfecting a cell producing an Ig with a polynucleotide encoding an SC to fonn SC transfected Ig producing cells. Secretory Ig molecules, such as secretory IgA, can be used to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies suitable for monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by an immunoasay, hybridoma cell lines producing said antibodies, and an immunoassay for analyzing PAHs in a sample using said monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the present invention provides PAH conjugates useful as an immunogen in preparing said antibodies and as a standard substance in a competitive assay.

Abstract: A multivalent antigen-binding protein comprises a first polypeptide comprising, in series, three or more variable domains of an antibody heavy chain and a second polypeptide comprising, in series, three of more variable domains of an antibody light chain, said first and second polypeptides being linked by association of the respective heavy chain and light chain variable domains, each associated variable domain pair forming an antigen binding site. Methods for their production and uses thereof, in particular for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides nrdE polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding nrdE polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing nrdE polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel variants of the fluorescent protein GFP having improved fluorescence properties.

Abstract: The invention provides folC polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding folC polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing folC polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing a hybridoma cell line which produces a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes and binds to a tumor associated antigen which comprises: (a) cotransfecting a CREF-Trans 6 cell line with DNA isolated from a neoplastic, human cell and a plasmid which encodes a selectable or identifiable trait; (b) selecting transfected cells which express the selectable or identifiable trait; (c) recovering the cells so selected in step (b); (d) injecting the cells so recovered in step (c) into a suitable marine host; (e) maintaining the resulting first murine host for a period of time effective to induce the cells injected in step (d) to form a tumor in the murine host; (f) isolating the tumor formed in step (e); (g) obtaining tumor cells from the isolated tumor in step (f); (h) coating the tumor cells obtained in step (9) with an antiserum generated against the CREF Trans-6 cell line (i) injecting the antiserum-coated cells from step (h) into a plurality of suitable seco

Abstract: The invention relates to an analog of human .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin characterized in that it is all or part of the protein corresponding to human .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin in which, in 358 position, the amino-acid is selected from among arginine and little or non-oxidizable natural amino-acids when they are integrated into a protein.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to streptavidin proteins and peptides having a altered physical properties such as an increased stability or increased or decreased affinity for binding biotin. The invention also relates to methods for the detection, identification, separation and isolation of targets using streptavidin proteins or peptides. Streptavidin with increased or reduced affinity allows for the use of the streptavidin-biotin coupling systems for detection and isolation systems wherein it is necessary to remove of one or the other of the binding partners. Such systems are useful for the purification of functional proteins and viable cells. The invention also relates to nucleic acids which encode these streptavidin proteins and peptides and to recombinant cells such as bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells which contain these nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the systematic analysis of the structure and function of polypeptides by identifying active domains which influence the activity of the polypeptide with a target substance. Such active domains are determined by substituting selected amino acid segments of the polypeptide with an analogous polypeptide segment from an analog to the polypeptide. The analog has a different activity with the target substance as compared to the parent polypeptide. The activities of the segment-substituted polypeptides are compared to the same activity for the parent polypeptide for the target. A comparison of such activities provides an indication of the location of the active domain in the parent polypeptide. The invention also provides methods for identifying the active amino acid residues within the active domain of the parent polypeptide.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody specifically binding to a surface antigen of cancer cell membrane, an isolated DNA encoding the antibody, and a hybridoma producing the antibody. An anti-cancer formulation comprising the monoclonal antibody bonded to the surface of a liposome enclosing an anti-cancer agent or toxin is also provided.

Abstract: A qualitative, quantitative, as well as local determination of pyruvatkinase (ATP:pyruvate-2-O-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40)-isoenzyme typ M2 (Tumor-M2-PK) is possible in blood, plasma, tissue culture, tissue sections as well as in the animal and human organism with the help of antibodies.Corresponding antisera are obtained if highly purified pyruvatekinase-isoenzymes type M2 (Tumor-M2-PK) or fragments of these, are used as immunogen. Preferable are antisera with monoclonal antibodies.These antibodies can be used in ELISA-Test systems for the diagnosis of cancer, to determine the malignancy of cells, to localize a tumor in an organism as well as for the therapy of cancer.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease acting on a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor. By contacting the conjugate with a .beta.

Abstract: This invention relates to human or murine monoclonal antibodies specific for a peptide sequence of HCV E1, fragments of said monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas producing said monoclonal antibodies, in vitro diagnostic methods for detecting HCV E1-specific antigens in a biological sample, and diagnostic kits for detecting HCV E1-specific antigens in a biological sample.