Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoassays, binding assays, solid phase substrates (12) and other devices with an antigen or antibody or ligand or receptor (11) embedded into a solid phase substrate (12). The antigen or antibody is mixed with a molten thermoplastic and formed into the solid phase substrate (12).

Abstract: Chlamydia pneumoniae polypeptides are provided. The C. pneumoniae polypeptides can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of disease. In addition, the proteins can be used in methods for the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are provided for detecting target molecules in a sample using specific binding assays. In particular, methods are provided for detecting a nucleic acid target in a sample. In one embodiment, the presently claimed invention provides a method of labeling a hybridized target wherein the target comprises a binding ligand. In another embodiment, the presently claimed invention provides methods of signal amplification.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are provided for crosslinking and immobilizing biomolecules, drugs and synthetic polymers. The reagents possess (i) a thiol or amino reactive group; and (ii) a hydrazino or oxyamino moiety. Conjugates and immobilized biomolecules are also provided.

Abstract: A coated laminate having an ionic surface including a shrinkable polymeric film, an ionic coating and, optionally, a hydrogel is disclosed. A method for transferring sample molecules from a matrix to a coated laminate having an ionic surface also is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a protein-polysaccharide conjugate includes reacting a protein with a polysaccharide to produce a mixture including a protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. At least one unreacted reagent or low molecular weight component is removed from this mixture, without removing all of the free protein, to provide a purified mixture that contains the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. This purified mixture can be used as a conjugate vaccine, immunogen, or immunological reagent. Keeping the free protein in the purified mixture with the conjugate saves time and money in the conjugate production process. In another aspect of the invention, the purified mixture of the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein is reacted with a hapten to produce a conjugate mixture including a hapten-protein conjugate and a hapten-protein-polysaccharide conjugate.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugates comprising a D-enantiomer of a folic acid antagonist and a carrier. Furthermore, the invention relates to the production of such conjugates as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for assaying a substance. The method of the present invention comprises contacting the substance with an assay agent comprising a catalytic agent to associate the substance with the catalytic agent, contacting the resulting associated substance with a label precursor capable of reacting catalytically with the catalytic agent to release the label, and detecting a mass label. The present invention also involves a kit for assaying a substance. The kit of the present invention comprises an assay agent comprising a catalytic agent, and a label precursor capable of reacting catalytically with the catalytic agent to release a mass label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of these cyclophilins, hereinafter referred to as ‘tyrosine-containing’ cyclophilins, in a method for identifying compounds capable of binding to and/or inhibiting the enzymatic activity of these proteins. Such compounds may be further screened for their ability to inhibit parasites which are not susceptible to the anti-parasitic effects of CsA.

Abstract: The invention provides fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules that encode them. Also included in the invention are diagnostic and therapeutic methods using FHF polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A reagent having the general formula of General Formula I: wherein group Z comprises a spacer selected from an aliphatic chain up to about 6 carbon equivalents in length, an unbranched aliphatic chain of from about 6 to 18 carbon equivalents in length with at least one of an intermediate amide and a disulfide moiety, and a polyethylene glycol chain of from about 3 to 12 carbon equivalents in length; wherein group R is an electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety suitable for reaction of the reagent with a biologically active species; and wherein group Q is one of nothing at all, an amide, a methyl amide, a methylene, an ether, a thioether, a methyl ether, and a methyl thioether moiety. Also, a conjugate, a bioconjugate and a method of conjugating.

Abstract: A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a coating of an immobilized biomolecule on a surface of a medical device to impart improved biocompatibility for contacting tissue and bodily fluids. A biomolecule such as a glycoprotein having an unsubstituted amide moiety is combined with an amine forming agent to form an amine-functional biomolecule. The amine-functional biomolecule is combined with a medical device surface having a chemical moiety such as aldehyde, epoxide, isocyanate, 1,2-dicarbonyl, phosphate, sulphate or carboxylate to form a chemical bond immobilizing the biomolecule on the surface. The chemical bond may be combined with a reducing agent or a stabilizing agent. The aldehyde moiety may be formed by combining a periodate with a 2-aminoalcohol moiety or a 1,2-dihydroxy moiety. Alternatively, an amine-functional medical device surface is combined with a biomolecule having a chemical moiety that reacts with an amine moiety.

Abstract: An adsorbent for removing hepatitis C virus which has the ability to adsorb HCV particles, particularly immune-complex HCV particles, from a patient's body blood safely and with high efficiency and high selectivity for enhancing the efficacy of interferon therapy, an HCV adsorption apparatus including said adsorbent, and a adsorbing method for removing HCV are provided. An adsorbent for removing hepatitis C virus which comprises a compound capable of adsorbing hepatitis C virus as immobilized on a water-insoluble carrier, an adsorption apparatus including said adsorbent, and an adsorbing method for removing HCV.

Abstract: Viruses are modified by coupling a polymer such as polyethylene glycol to obtain polymer-modified viruses that can exhibit reduced antigenicity while retaining infectivity, and which may exhibit increased circulation time in vivo. The polymer may be directly covalently attached or indirectly covalently attached via an intermediate coupling moiety to the virus. The polymer may also be indirectly noncovalently attached to the virus via a ligand such as an antibody having specificity for a viral surface component. To prepare the polymer-modified virus, the polymer is activated and coupled to the virus. A preferred activated polymer is tresyl-monomethoxypolyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 5000 daltons. The polymer-modified viruses have utility for therapeutic and diagnostic in vivo applications, and may be used to introduce a transgene into a target cell by infection, or be administered to a subject having a tumor where the polymer-modified virus localizes to the tumor.

Abstract: Processes for conjugating proteins with polyethylene glycol are disclosed. The disclosed processes provide modified proteins having little or no decrease in their activity and include the steps of protecting one or more sites on the protein, contacting the protected protein with polyethylene glycol under conditions suitable for conjugating the polyethylene glycol to the protein, and deprotecting the protein. This advantageous retention of a desired protein activity is attributed to the availability of one or more protein binding sites which is unaltered in the conjugation process and thus remains sterically free to interact with a binding partner ligand or cognate subsequent to the conjugation process.

Abstract: This invention includes a peptide comprising the sequence CAFRQVC and an antigenic composition using the same. It also includes an in vitro method of detecting HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in a sample using the peptide, and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A hydrogel forming system which comprises a hydrophobic macromer with unsaturated group terminated ends and a hydrophilic polymer which is a polysaccharide containing hydroxy groups which are reacted with unsaturated group introducing compound, is convertible by free radical polymerization to form a hydrogel containing a three dimensional crosslinked polymer network containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Agent can be entrapped in the polymer network, e.g., drugs, macromolecules or synthetic or natural polymers, for controlled release therefrom In one embodiment, a vascular stent is coated with hydrogel with therapeutic agent entrapped therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing, and compositions comprising, stabilized protein-polymer conjugates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the stabilization of individual subunits of multisubunit protein complexes by conjugation to polymers. Such conjugation acts to stabilize the individual subunit in its native conformation in liquid medium, which in turn acts to stabilize its biological activity.

Abstract: Reagents suitable for the modification of a bioactive species for the purpose of incorporating one or more phenyldiboronic acid (PDBA) moieties for subsequent conjugation to a different (or the same) bioactive species having one or more pendant boronic compound complexing moieties of the general formula of General Formula I, wherein group R is a reactive electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety suitable for reaction of the PDBA reagent with a bioactive species. Group Z is a spacer selected from a saturated or unsaturated chain up to about 0 to 6 carbon equivalents in length, an unbranched saturated or unsaturated chain of from about 6 to 18 carbon equivalents in length with at least one intermediate amide or disulfide moiety, and a polyethylene glycol chain of from about 3 to 12 carbon equivalents in length. Group Q is a linkage that includes one of amide, ether and thioether moieties.

Abstract: Agents for inhibiting cancer metastasis are provided. The methods comprise administering to a patient an antimetastatic agent that comprises one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises an OB-cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof.

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: Biological treatment for an environmental hormone in water can be efficiently performed by use of a microorganism-immobilized carrier is provided. To biologically remove an environmental hormonal substance in water by a microorganism-immobilized carrier having microorganism immobilized onto a carrier. The microorganism-immobilized carrier is formed of an immobilizing material prepared by mixing and polymerizing a hydrophilic prepolymer and a hydrophobic prepolymer or prepared by polymerizing a prepolymer having a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group in a molecule.

Abstract: Proteinaceous polymers having repetitive units from naturally occurring structural proteins are employed as backbones for functionalities for crosslinking to provide strongly adherent tissue adhesive compositions for bonding together separated tissue, and for sealing or filling tissue defects by injecting the compositions into the defects. Particularly, block copolymers having repeating units of elastin and fibroin are employed having lysine substitutions in spaced apart units, where the amino group can be crosslinked using difunctional crosslinking agents such as glutaraldehyde, activated diolefins, diisocyanates, acid anhydrides or diamines. The protein polymer contains at least 40 weight percent of repetitive units of 3 to 30 amino acids, preferably 3 to 15 amino acids, of at least one naturally occurring structural protein and at least two amino acids containing a functional group capable of reacting with the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Granules are prepared containing an admixture of protein and salt layered over an inert particle. A preferred amount of salt is about between 63.7 and 84.3% of the total weight of the admixture. Proteins include pharmaceutically important proteins such as hormones, or industrially important proteins such as enzymes including proteases, amylases, lipases and cellulases capable of hydrolyzing substrates such as stains. Inert particles include inorganic salts, sugars, sugar alcohols, small organic molecules such as organic acids or salts, and minerals such as clays or silicates. A binder such as starch or polyethylene oxide may be mixed in with the admixture. A barrier material such as an inorganic salt or organic acid or salt may be in the admixture or coated over the admixture layer. A coating layer of a soluble or water dispersible film-forming polymer may be between the inert particle and admixture layer and/or over the admixture layer.

Abstract: Embodiments include reagents to modify a bioactive species for incorporating a bifunctional boronic compound complexing moiety for subsequent conjugation to a different or same bioactive species having pendant phenylboronic acid moieties of General Formula I, wherein group R is an electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety suitable for reaction of the putative bifunctional boronic compound complexing reagent with a bioactive species, wherein group R2 is selected from one of H and OH moieties, and wherein group R3 is selected from one of an alkyl and a methylene bearing an electronegative substituent. Group Z is a spacer selected from (CH2)n and CH2O(CH2CH2O)n2, wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 5, and wherein n2 is an integer of from 1 to 4. Group Z2 and Z3 is a spacer and need not be the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a small volume of fluid such as fluids used in DNA array fabrication quickly and uniformly onto a surface of a solid substrate. The method employs a distribution member having an upper surface and a lower surface, and including a permeable portion having channels therethough. The distribution member is positioned such that the lower surface of the distribution member is in opposing relation to the surface of the substrate and separated therefrom such as with a spacer to define an application volume between the lower surface of the distribution member and the substrate surface. Once the distribution member is in position, a volume of the fluid is dispensed onto the upper surface of the permeable portion of the distribution member such that the fluid penetrates the distribution member and is retained thereby.

Abstract: Polypeptide targeting molecules are provided for use in delivering imaging agents to epithelial tissue. Upon delivery, the imaging agent(s) may remain within an epithelial cell or may undergo transepithelial transport via transcytosis. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for diagnostic techniques. The polypeptide may be produced by recombinant methods, and forms a closed covalent loop, contains at least three peptide domains having &bgr;-sheet character which are separated by domains lacking &bgr;-sheet character, specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial surface causing uptake of a linked imaging agent into cells of the epithelial surface, and is not a full length dimeric Iga. Preferably, the polypeptide is a J chain polypeptide, or a J chain polypeptide linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain without an immunoglobulin light chain.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection obtained by sensitizing a solid phase with HCV antigen and a conjugated antigen prepared by chemical bonding of HCV antigen and a carrier protein, and a method of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, which comprises adding the diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection to a sample, and measuring the degree of agglutination of carrier particles as the solid phase. The diagnostic reagent and the method of diagnosis enable many samples to be measured with higher sensitivity and rapidity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) related polypeptides and their ligands, hereinafter referred to as TR1, TR2, TL2 and TL4. The invention relates to methods to identify agonists and antagonists of TR1, TR2, TL2 and TL4.

Abstract: Novel polymer-supported quenching reagents of Formula (I): P-L-Q, wherein P is a polymer of low chemical reactivity which is soluble or insoluble; Q is one or more quenching reagents, or an acid or base addition salts thereof, that are capable of selective covalent reaction with unwanted byproducts, or excess reagents; and L is one or more chemically robust linkers that join P and Q; are described, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use in the rapid purification of synthetic intermediates and products in organic synthesis, combinatorial chemistry and automated organic synthesis.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the finding that antibodies bind to the &bgr;-amyloid peptide, and that &bgr;-amyloid peptide binds the hinge region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, thereby preserving the ability of the immunoglobulin to bind antigen. Methods for binding compounds such as detectable groups to &bgr;-amyloid peptide are accordingly presented.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides peptides that comprise a recognition sequence motif for phosphotyrosine binding proteins. In particular, the present invention provides peptides which comprise a core sequence of amino acids, and analogs thereof, which are recognized and bound by the PTB (phosphotyrosine binding) domain. Also provided are methods of using the peptides of the invention in diagnostic, screening and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Small specific binding molecules, such as single variable domain antibodies (Dabs) and Fv fragments, can be coupled to solid plastics surfaces or to tracers such as enzymes by means of linkers comprising polypeptides containing from 5 to 20 amino acids and which are hydrophobic and/or contain at least one lysine residue. The coupling can be achieved without significant loss of specific binding activity. The combined Dab/linker or Fv/linker can be prepared by expression in genetically-modified organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfaces coated with streptavidin and avidin for use in immunoassays, wherein the surfaces comprise a layer of streptavidin and avidin which are bonded on a surface of a solid supporting material through a biotinylated adhering agent.

Abstract: A method of attaching unmodified biopolymers, particularly, unmodified polynucleotides, directly to a solid support is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) providing unmodified biopolymers; (b) providing a solid support having at least one surface comprising pendant acyl fluoride functionalities, and (c) contacting the unmodified biopolymers with the solid support under a condition sufficient for allowing the attachment of the biopolymers to the solid support. The unmodified biopolymers may be nucleic acids, polypeptides, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and analogues thereof. The unmodified polynucleotides may be DNA, RNA or synthesized oligonucleotides. The DNA may be single or double stranded. A device including a solid support and unmodified biopolymers attached to the solid support by reaction with the pendant acyl fluoride functionalities of the solid support is also provided. The methods and devices of the present invention may be used in performing hybridization assays and immunoassays.

Abstract: Biotinylation peptides can be fused to other peptides or proteins of interest using recombinant DNA techniques to provide efficient methods for biotinylating the resulting fusion proteins in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A process for preparing a protein-polysaccharide conjugate includes reacting a protein with a polysaccharide to produce a mixture including a protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. At least one unreacted reagent or low molecular weight component is removed from this mixture, without removing all of the free protein, to provide a purified mixture that contains the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. This purified mixture can be used as a conjugate vaccine, immunogen, or immunological reagent. Keeping the free protein in the purified mixture with the conjugate saves time and money in the conjugate production process. In another aspect of the invention, the purified mixture of the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein is reacted with a hapten to produce a conjugate mixture including a hapten-protein conjugate and a hapten-protein-polysaccharide conjugate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a peptide sequence belonging to the sequence of the first 62 amino acids of the terminal part of the CORE (or capsid) protein of the human hepatitis C virus (HCV), the polypeptide comprising either an isolated peptide sequence that is composed of the 45 N-terminal amino acids of the core protein, with 1 to 10 amino acids optionally amputated from its N-terminal part and/or its C-terminal part, or an immunogenic sequence equivalent to the peptide sequence and exhibiting immunological cross-reactivity with the peptide sequence towards HCV. The invention also relates to a polypeptide composition, a reagent and a means for the detection of the HCV virus, a process and a device for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies, an immunotherapeutic composition and antibodies directed against HCV.

Abstract: The present invention deals with LHRH analogs which contain cytotoxic moieties, have influence on the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary in mammals (possess high agonistic or antagonistic activity) and have antineoplastic effect.

Abstract: Novel stem cell factors, oligonucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders involving blood cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel polypeptide, and methods of its use in effective thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of coronary and pulmonary thrombosis. Its use is also disclosed in vaccines to abrogate a streptococcal infection. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel polypeptide are included. One particular form of the novel polypeptide is streptococcal surface enolase (SEN), a specific binding protein for human plasmin and/or human plasminogen on group A streptococci that displays classical &agr;-enolase activity, i.e., it can catalyze the dehydration of D-glycerate-2-phosphate to phosphoenolpyruvate. In addition, SEN impedes the inhibition of the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin by &agr;2-antiplasmin and can bind plasminogen without preventing streptokinase from cleaving this plasmin precursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates comprising a phospholipid moiety and a saccharide or peptide moiety joined by an ether linkage comprising a secondary or tertiary amine. The conjugate structure of the invention comprises a flexible spacer arm between the phospholipid and saccharide or peptide moieties which, being variable in length, serves to optimize saccharide or peptide bioactivity. This invention further provides a method for the synthesis of such conjugates comprising the step of reductive amination. The method is efficient, economical and provides a high yield of product. Glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates of the invention can be incorporated and, optionally, chemically polymerized in self-assembling systems such as membranes, bilayers, films, liposomes and the like, and find utility diagnostically and therapeutically in medical and immuno-biological applications.

Abstract: Solid phase immunoassay for detecting specific inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes in biological fluids, which comprises: a) contacting a tubulin peptide covalently linked to a support with a solution containing a proteolytic activity together with a protease inhibitor, b) detecting the inhibitor activity against the selected proteases by contacting the support with a solution containing a labelled monoclonal antibody which specifically recognises the free end of the tubulin peptide linked to the support.

Abstract: A peptide according to the present invention is not more than 40 amino acids long and contains a sequence which is at least 6 amino acids long from the amino acid partial sequence between the amino acids 144 and 183 of human .alpha.1-microglobulin or/and a sequence which is at least 6 amino acids long from the amino acid partial sequence between the amino acids 1 and 20 of human .alpha.1-microglobulin.An antibody according to the present invention is capable of specific binding to a peptide according to the present invention as well as to human .alpha.1-microglobulin.In order to determine human .alpha.1-microglobulin in a sample liquid by an immunoassay, the sample liquid is brought into contact simultaneously or sequentially with defined amounts of the components antibody and peptide whereby one of the components is labelled and the determination is carried out by means of this label.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains containing parasporal proteins with pesticidal properties against whitefly, aphid, jassid, and possibly other sucking insects of agronomic importance, and peptide sequences to these proteins that can be used to obtain structural genes. The spores or crystals of these microbes, or mutants thereof, are useful to control hymenopteran pests in various environments. The genes of the invention can be used to transform various hosts wherein the novel toxic proteins can be expressed.

Abstract: Protein crystals crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent are produced that have the ability to change from an insoluble and stable form to a soluble and active form and to release protein activity at a controlled rate when a change in environment surrounding the crystals occurs. The change in environment may be a change in temperature, pH, chemical composition or shear force acting on the crystals, or a change from a concentrate to a dilute form, or a combination of the changes. The crosslinked protein crystals have a half-life activity under storage conditions greater than at least 2 times that of the soluble protein that is crystallized to form the crystals that are crosslinked, and under conditions of use have an activity similar to the soluble protein.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.