Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof which bind, neutralize and provide passive immunotherapy to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigenic subgroups A and B are disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic and immunotherapeutic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as well as cell line producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention describes a method to diagnose the autoimmune disease activity by detecting the presence of an autoimmune specific MHC-peptide complex in a patient suffering from an autoimmune disease. The MHC-peptide complex is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Monoclonals antibodies to be used for this method are also described. The antibodies can also be used for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A novel monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) but does not cross-react with structurally similar phospholipid antigens is advantageous for PIP3-specific immunoassay. The gene in the variable regions of the monoclonal antibody has been identified, which enables producing recombinant antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products for regulating lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The methods include both in vitro and in vivo methods for inhibiting lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The methods are accomplished by contacting a mammalian cell having surface exposed MBL ligand with an effective amount of a mannan binding lectin inhibitor to inhibit lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The mannan binding lectin inhibitor may be administered to a subject to prevent cellular injury mediated by lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The products of the invention include compositions of a mannan binding lectin inhibitor. The mannan binding lectin inhibitor is an isolated mannan binding lectin binding peptide that selectively binds to a human mannan binding lectin epitope and that inhibits lectin complement pathway associated complement activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantitating recent secreted antigen specific antibodies from supernatant of antibody secreting cells (ASC) in vitro culture for evaluation of vaccine or antigen induced antigen specific antibody secretion without ex vivo antigen stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel FGF-13 protein which is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human FGF-13 protein. FGF-13 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of FGF-13 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting FGF-13-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating FGF-13-related disorders. Disclosed is a method of prolonging dopaminergic neuron survival.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for producing recombinant anti-botulinum toxin antibody comprising the steps of fermenting recombinant E. Coli cells in broth, concentrating the cells by removing the broth, crushing the concentrated cells, separating a permeate derived from the crushed cells from cell debris, purifying a recombinant antibotulinum antibody (Fab) from said permeate, and separating said Fab from impurities by diafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotides encoding Type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) and analogs of the RIPs having a cysteine available for disulfide bonding to targeting molecules. Vectors comprising the polynucleotides and host cells transformed with the vectors are also provided. The RIPs and RIP analogs are particularly suited for use as components of cytotoxic therapeutic agents of the invention which include gene fusion products and immunoconjugates. Cytotoxic therapeutic agents or immunotoxins according to the present invention may be used to selectively eliminate any cell type to which the RIP component is targeted by the specific binding capacity of the second component of the agent, and are suited for treatment of diseases where the elimination of a particular cell type is a goal, such as autoimmune disease, cancer and graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A polypeptide self-antigen useful in a tumor-specific vaccine mimics one or more epitopes of an antigen uniquely expressed by cells of the tumor. The polypeptide is preferably produced in a plant that has been transformed or transfected with nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide and is obtainable from the plant in correctly folded, preferably soluble form without a need for denaturation and renaturation. This plant-produced polypeptide is immunogenic without a need for exogenous adjuvants or other immunostimulatory materials. The polypeptide is preferably an scFv molecule that bears the idiotype of the surface immunoglobulin of a non-Hodgkin's (or B cell) lymphoma. Upon administration to a subject with lymphoma, the plant-produced, tumor-unique scFv polypeptide induces an idiotype-specific antibody or cell-mediated immune response against the lymphoma.

Abstract: A two-site immunoassay for the qualitative or quantitative detection of alpha-amylase in a test sample, said immunoassay comprising: (1) exposing said test sample to a first (“capture”) antibody or fragment thereof which specifically or preferentially binds to a first epitope on said alpha-amylase, under conditions permitting binding of said first antibody or fragment thereof to alpha-amylase if present, (ii) subsequently exposing bound alpha-amylase, if any, to a second (“detection”) antibody or fragment thereof which specifically or preferentially binds to a second epitope on said alpha-amylase that is distinct from said first epitope, under conditions permitting binding of said second antibody or fragment thereof to said bound alpha-amylase, and (iii) detecting any binding of said second antibody or fragment thereof to said bound alpha-amylase, wherein either of said first or second epitopes is an epitope comprising one or more of the amino acid sequences: IDRLVSIRTRGQIHS (SEQ ID NO:1), CRDDRPYADG (SEQ ID

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to methods and products for initiating an immune response against an antigen, and in particular relates to transepithelial delivery of antigens to provoke tolerance and immunity. The present invention further relates to methods and products for the transepithelial delivery of therapeutics. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for the delivery of therapeutics conjugated to a FcRn binding partner to intestinal epithelium, mucosal epithelium and epithelium of the lung. The present invention further relates to the synthesis, preparation and use of the FcRn binding partner conjugates as, or in, pharmaceutical compositions for oral systemic delivery of drugs and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to methods and products for initiating an immune response against an antigen, and in particular relates to transepithelial delivery of antigens to provoke tolerance and immunity. The present invention further relates to methods and products for the transepithelial delivery of therapeutics. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for the delivery of therapeutics conjugated to a FcRn binding partner to intestinal epithelium, mucosal epithelium and epithelium of the lung. The present invention further relates to the synthesis, preparation and use of the FcRn binding partner conjugates as, or in, pharmaceutical compositions for oral systemic delivery of drugs and vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Novel Dkk and Dkk-related polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length Dkk and Dkk-related proteins, the invention further provides isolated fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and antibodies. The invention also provides Dkk and Dkk-related nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which a Dkk and Dkk-related gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Chimeric antibodies for CD4 receptor comprising a variable or antigen binding region of a non-human origin specific for CD4 receptor and a constant region of human origin are disclosed. These antibodies are useful as therapeutic agents for auto-immune disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns human monoclonal antibodies to the islet cell antigen IA-2, a process for their production, the use of human monoclonal antibodies in a method for detecting antibodies to IA-2, a method for detecting antibodies to the islet cell antigen IA-2 and a method for detecting the islet cell antigen IA-2 in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to a purified polyclonal or monoclonal antibody which recognizes an epitope of a protein of 48,000 dalton, where the protein recognizes is a surface protein of a merozoite of Plasmodium falciparum which has a peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence wherein SEQ ID NO:1 has been modified by insertion, deletion or substitution and the sequence inhibits the binding of inonoclonal antibody 245 to Plasmodium merozoites, as well as fragments of the antibody; the present invention relates to composition and kits containing the same, as well as methods of using the same;

Abstract: A negatively-charged Staphylococcus antigen contains amino acids and a N-acetylated hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. The antigen is common to many coagulase-negative strains of Staphylococcus, including S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis. Staphylococcus strains that carry the antigen include many clinically significant strains of Staphylococcus. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing Staphylococcus infection. Vaccines of the antigen and of whole cells that carry the antigen also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: An antivenom comprising a mixture of monospecific antisera each raised against venoms of one species or sub-species is disclosed. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antivenom of the invention, and a method of treating envenomation in a mammal comprising administering the claimed antivenom.

Abstract: Human TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to inhibit cellular growth, for example in a tumor or cancer, for facilitating wound-healing, to provide resistance against infection, induce inflammatory activities, and stimulating the growth of certain cell types to treat diseases, for example restenosis. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta nucleic acid sequences or overexperession of the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat cachexia, septic shock, cerebral malaria, inflammation, arthritis and graft-rejection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody from a monoclonal antibody (Mab) against Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus, is generated by cloning linked variable regions of the heavy (VH) and the light (VL) chain antibody genes. Mab clone 1A4A1 in E. coli strain TG-1 was successfully cloned as ScFv. Results were reproduced in E. coli strain HB2151, expressing the same clone, A116, though displaying weak binding specificity to VEE due to a frame shift in the N-terminal region of the VL domain, upstream to the complementarity-determining region 1. A PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis approach was adopted to re-introduce the three single-base deletions in the 5 prime region of the VL gene of A116, corresponding to framework-1 region, producing mutant MA116, correcting a localized frame-shift in framework-1 region to consensus framework-1 amino acid sequence. A MA116 clone, MA116-15, shows comparable reactivity to the parental Mab in recognizing VEE antigen.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process by which a misfold in an Fc fusion molecule can be prevented or corrected. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) preparing a pharmacologically active compound comprising an Fc domain; (b) treating the fusion molecule with a copper (II) halide; and (c) isolating the treated fusion molecule. The pharmacologically active compound can be an antibody or a fusion molecule comprising a pharmacologically active domain and an Fc domain. The preferred copper (II) halide is CuCl2. The preferred concentration thereof is at least about 10 mM for fusion molecules prepared in E. coli; at least about 30 mM for fusion molecules prepared in CHO cells. The process can be employed with any number of pharmacologically active domains. Preferred pharmacologically active domains include OPG proteins, leptin proteins, soluble portions of TNF receptors (e.g., wherein the fusion molecule is etanercept), IL-1ra proteins, and TPO-mimetic peptides.

Abstract: Use of an extract of bacterium from the family Pseudomonadaceae in the production of cosmetic compositions in particular for combating ageing of the skin.

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: Improved methods for making antibody fragments, preferably F(ab′)2 fragments from various classes and subclasses of antibodies is described. Pretreatment of antibodies with deglycosylases or cellular inhibition of glycosylation during expression, yields antibodies having improved susceptibility towards protease cleavage, preferably pepsinolysis, which yields F(ab′)2 antibody fragments. Compositions resulting from such methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing passive immmunotherapy to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in a host is disclosed. The method includes administering to a host a human monoclonal antibody Fab fragment that neutralizes both antigenic subgroup A and subgroup B of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or a monoclonal antibody comprising the fragment.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotides encoding Type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) and analogs of the RIPs having a cysteine available for disulfide bonding to targeting molecules. Vectors comprising the polynucleotides and host cells transformed with the vectors are also provided. The RIPs and RIP analogs are particularly suited for use as components of cytotoxic therapeutic agents of the invention which include gene fusion products and immunoconjugates. Cytotoxic therapeutic agents or immunotoxins according to the present invention may be used to selectively eliminate any cell type to which the RIP component is targeted by the specific binding capacity of the second component of the agent, and are suited for treatment of diseases where the elimination of a particular cell type is a goal, such as autoimmune disease, cancer and graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies against VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) which only bind VASP as an antigen when VASP is present in phosphorylated form, to hybridoma cells for their preparation, and to the use of the antibodies or antibody fragments as diagnostic agents and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of antigen-specific antibodies of the immunoglobulin G class in the presence of immunoglobulins of the M class in body fluids by incubation with at least two different receptors R1 and R2 and optionally additional receptors, an essential component of R2 being a binding partner in monomeric form, a reagent for determining an antigen-specific antibody of the immunoglobulin G class as well as the use of binding partners in monomeric form for the determination of an antigen-specific antibody of the immunoglobulin G class.

Abstract: Peptides comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 are described wherein the amino acid at position 7 of SEQ ID NO:1 and the amino acid at position 8 of SEQ ID NO:1, which may be the same or different, is each a neutral aliphatic L-ammo acid residue, and protected and reactive derivatives thereof. The peptides may be used as hinge regions in proteins, wherein they are capable of being covalently coupled to achieve dimeric structures, for example, as found in antibodies.

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: The OX-40 antigen is characterized and claimed together with variants and derivatives thereof. Also described are binding agents for the antigen and the use of these in diagnosis and therapy. Examples of such use include a method for the selective depletion of activated CD4+ T-cells in vivo by using immunotoxins comprising an OX-40 antibody conjugated to a toxic molecule (such as Ricin-A chain). The administration of these specific immunotoxins is used therapeutically to deplete autoimmune reactive CD4+ T-cells which have been implicated in diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, and Autoimmune Uveitis as well as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease. This type of therapy is also beneficial for eradicating CD4+ T-cell lymphomas and alloreactive CD4+ T-cells involved with a transplantation reaction. The use of the human form of the OX-40 antibody will also help in the early diagnosis of all the diseases mentioned above.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of individuals suffering from a disease associated with leukocyte recruitment to the gastrointestinal tract or other tissues as a result of binding of leukocytes to gut-associated endothelium expressing the molecule MAdCAM (such as inflammatory bowel disease), comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of an antibody which inhibits the binding of leukocytes to endothelial MAdCAM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody or functional portion thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) chemokine receptor 5 protein (CKR-5 or CCR5) or portion of the receptor. The invention further relates to a method of inhibiting the interaction of a cell bearing mammalian CCR5 with a ligand thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting HIV infection of a cell which expresses a mammalian CCR5 or portion thereof using the antibodies described herein. Also encompassed by the present invention are methods of treating or preventing HIV in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific antibodies are also provided.