Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for expanding an antigen specific T cell from a population of cells. The method of the present invention comprises contacting a population of cells with an MHC restricted antigenic glypican-3 peptide. In some instances, the T cell is expanded using monocyte-derived dendritic cells and defined MHC restricted antigenic glypican-3 peptides. In one embodiment, high-affinity antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) can be cloned from the antigen specific T cell.

Abstract: There is provided an MHC class II peptide epitope from 5T4 antigen. In particular, there is provided a peptide epitope of 5T4 which comprises one of the following: (i) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2; (ii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3; (iii) a minimal epitope from the region 281-420 of 5T4. There is also provided a vaccine comprising such a peptide (or precursor thereof) and its use to treat and/or prevent a disease, in particular a cancerous disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns peptides able to interfere and in particular impair the inhibiting activity of MDM2/MDM4 heterodimer towards p53 and maintain the association between MDM4 and p53 so to restore the p53 oncosuppressive function in cancer cells harboring wild type p53 protein, directing its function specifically towards an apoptotic outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and polypeptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or disorders linked to NGF as the causative agent. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active polypeptides comprising peptides linked to one or more Fc domains are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins that bind PCSK9. The invention also relates to the use of the innovative proteins in therapeutic applications to treat atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and other cholesterol related diseases. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative protein.

Abstract: A targeting peptide that specifically binds to an IL13 receptor (e.g., wherein said targeting peptide is not an IL13 fragment) is described. The targeting peptide is optionally conjugated to at least one effector molecule. In some embodiments, the peptide specifically binds to the IL13R?2 protein.

Abstract: Pentameric CRP is produced at a high efficiency by transferring DNA, which encodes monomeric CRP, into a silkworm to thereby construct a transgenic silkworm and then collecting and purifying pentameric CRP that is produced by the transgenic silkworm constructed above.

Abstract: Human G-protein chemokine receptor 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 for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.

Abstract: Featured herein are non-naturally occurring cytokine domains that can be used, inter alia, to modulate cellular signalling responsive to interleukin-1 receptor I (IL-1 RI), to treat disorders, and to detect and/or bind to cellular receptors, as well as other agents. Exemplary cytokine domains can contain amino acid residues from at least two parental cytokines domains, for example, receptor binding features, surface features, ? strands, and loops from at least two parental cytokines domains.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods and compositions for targeting drug delivery systems to specific cells. One aspect relates to a drug delivery system comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand selected from the group consisting of mIgA and knob capable of either drug encapsulation or drug attachment. Further aspects relate to drug delivery systems comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand; wherein the ligand specifically binds to a receptor selected from the group consisting of CAR and pIgR. Further aspects include the novel transcytosing properties of the elastin-like peptide and the ligand, knob. Also provided are methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed therapeutics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating diseases associated with a loss of cystatin E/M expression including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. Genetic mutations and exonic deletions which result in a loss of cystatin E/M expression are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of small cysteine rich soluble proteins, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for prevention and/or treatment of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders involving abnormal D1-D2 dopamine receptor coupling and/or activation. Methods and agents are provided for modulating dopamine receptor function arising from D1-D2 coupling and/or activation. Agents of the present invention include fragments of D2 receptor or D1 receptor that can disrupt D1-D2 coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of residues 378-413 of Mus musculus ?-1-antitrypsyn (serpina1c), and active fragments thereof, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The compositions of the invention are useful for treating burns, inflammatory, autoimmune and degenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel T cell epitopes of the human prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) protein that is promiscuous for at least 15 different HLA-DR alleles. The invention also relates to compositions that contain one of the novel epitopes or a fusion peptide of such an epitope and a heterologous polypeptide. Further disclosed herein is the use of the epitopes or their fusion peptides, and compositions containing the epitopes or their fusion peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human secreted polypeptides, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptides, useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (such as immune, cardiovascular, cancer, and other proliferative diseases, disorders, and/or conditions) related to said human secreted proteins. Antibodies that bind these polypeptides are also encompassed by the present invention. Also encompassed by the invention are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polynucleotides, polypeptides, and/or antibodies. The invention further encompasses screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further encompasses methods and compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active (immunostimulatory) composition comprising at least one RNA, preferably a mRNA, encoding at least two (preferably different) antigens capable of eliciting an (adaptive) immune response in a mammal. The invention furthermore relates to a vaccine comprising said active (immunostimulatory) composition, and to the use of said active (immunostimulatory) composition (for the preparation of a vaccine) and/or of the vaccine for eliciting an (adaptive) immune response for the treatment of lung cancer, particularly of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), preferably selected from the three main sub-types squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma, or of disorders related thereto. Finally, the invention relates to kits, particularly to kits of parts, containing the active (immunostimulatory) composition and/or the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding novel red fluorescent proteins from Entacmaea quadricolor and mutants thereof. Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to the novel red fluorescent proteins. In addition, host cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising the nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel red fluorescent proteins are provided. The subject proteins and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cells, or cell organelles. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to new nucleophosmin protein (NPM) mutants, corresponding gene sequences and relative uses thereof for diagnosis, monitoring of minimal residual disease; prognostic evaluation and therapy of the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid modules for cloning, expression and tagging of eukaryotic membrane proteins. The nucleic acid modules include a receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signal sequence, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a tag and a multiple cloning sequence (MCS). Any membrane protein of interest can be cloned into the MCS for expression in cells. The nucleic acid modules can encode any type of tag, such as an epitope tag or affinity tag. The nucleic acid modules disclosed herein can be used to express any type of membrane protein and are particularly suited to the expression and tagging of Type I and Type III membrane proteins.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector was used to produce non-human animals that express human sFLT1 specifically in the murine placenta, to provide model animals of diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome that are close to the clinical conditions, methods for producing the model animals, methods of screening for candidate compounds as therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome by using the model animals, and therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. As a result, the model animals were found to exhibit symptoms that are very close to the clinical conditions in human, which are presentation of hypertension as well as placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria during pregnancy, and improvement of those symptoms postpartum.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequence encoding mannose receptor, C type 1 (MRC1) wherein the 5? region of the nucleotide sequence encoding MRC1 is codon optimized; cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules; and methods of detecting antibody production, e.g., neutralizing antibody production, in a subject being treated for Gaucher disease using such cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated splice variants of Bnip3 and isolated polynucleotides encoding the splice variants. Also provided are isolated polypeptides present at the carboxy-terminus of Bnip3 splice variants, and antibody that specifically binds Bnip3 splice variants and/or the carboxy-terminus of Bnip3 splice variants. The present invention further provides methods of altering cellular apoptosis, cellular necrosis, cellular autophagy, or the combination thereof. For instance, the methods may include changing the amount of a Bnip3 splice variant or a carboxy-terminal region of a Bnip3 splice variant in a cell. Also provided herein are methods for determining whether death of cells in a tissue can be altered, methods for evaluating treatment options for a subject, and methods for identifying a compound that alters the amount or activity of a Bnip3 splice variant in a cell.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for treating Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA). In some aspects, mutant forms of frataxin which are resistant to ubiquitination are provided. In some aspects, pharmaceutical compositions comprising mutant frataxin are provided. In further aspects, methods of using mutant frataxin are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., a renal cell carcinoma antigen, wherein the TCR recognizes the cancer antigen in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel isolated peptides which induce analgesia and which inhibit ASIC channels (Acid Sensing Ion Channels), to the polynucleotides encoding said peptides, and also to the pharmaceutical compositions, host cells and vectors comprising same. In particular, said peptides are isolated from the venom of the snake Dendroaspis polylepis. The present invention also relates to the use thereof as a diagnostic tool or as medicament, and in particular as an analgesic, or for identifying analgesic molecules or molecules which inhibit ASIC channels.

Abstract: Fibronectin type III (10Fn3) binding domains having novel designs that are associated with reduced immunogenicity are provided. The application describes alternative 10Fn3 binding domains in which certain immunogenic regions are not modified when producing a binder in order to maintain recognition as a self antigen by the host organism. The application also describes 10Fn3 binding domains in which HLA anchor regions have been destroyed thereby reducing the immunogenic contribution of the adjoining region. Also provided are 10Fn3 domains having novel combinations of modified regions that can bind to a desired target with high affinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for use as a modulator of apoptosis-factor-associated cell death, apoptosis, cell survival, migration and/or proliferation, a method of diagnosing or monitoring apoptosis-factor-associated conditions or disorders as well as a method of identifying a modulator of apoptosis-factor-associated cell death, apoptosis, cell survival, migration and/or proliferation. Preferably, the invention relates to TRAIL-induced cell death and/or TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Preferably the agents are used to stimulate and/or enable TRAIL-induced cell death or to inhibit TRAIL-induced cell death. The preferable use of the diagnostic tools is to diagnose sensitivity or resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death or induction of sensitivity or resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death by an agent.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to analogs of peptides corresponding to class I MHC-restricted T cell epitopes and methods for their generation. These analogs can contain amino acid substitutions at residues that directly interact with MHC molecules, and can confer improved, modified or useful immunologic properties. Additionally classes of analogs, in which the various substitutions comprise the non-standard residues norleucine and/or norvaline, are disclosed.

Abstract: Blood plasma of pregnant women contains fetal and (generally>90%) maternal circulatory extracellular DNA. Most of said fetal DNA contains ?500 base pairs, said maternal DNA having a greater size. Separation of circulatory extracellular DNA of <500 base pairs results in separation of fetal from maternal DNA. A fraction of a blood plasma or serum sample of a pregnant woman containing, due to size separation (e.g. by chromatography, density gradient centrifugation or nanotechnological methods), extracellular DNA substantially comprising ?500 base pairs is useful for non-invasive detection of fetal genetic traits (including the fetal RhD gene in pregnancies at risk for HDN; fetal Y chromosome-specific sequences in pregnancies at risk for X chromosome-linked disorders; chromosomal aberrations; hereditary Mendelian genetic disorders and corresponding genetic markers; and traits decisive for paternity determination) by e.g. PCR, ligand chain reaction or probe hybridization techniques, or nucleic acid arrays.

Abstract: Molecular biomarkers as indicators of responses to steroids, drug targets, predictors of steroid responses and identification of drugs for modulating intraocular pressure. Kits and methods of identifying and distinguishing between steroid responders and non-responders.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a novel family of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of using the compositions to alter the developmental potency of a cell. The present invention provides in vivo and ex vivo cell reprogramming or dedifferentiation methods suitable for autologous cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for predicting a subject's risk of developing an esophageal cancer, a precursor lesion, or both. One step of the method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject. Next, the presence of at least one germline mutation is determined in the biological sample. The subject is at an increased risk of an esophageal cancer, a precursor lesion, or both, where the presence of at least one germline mutation is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, 22, 30, 34, 344, 358, 41, 44, 46, 48, 78, 376, 379, 80, 100, 101, 110, 111, 387, 112, 394, 114, 116, 117, 121, 395, 133, 135, 137, 426, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 160, 161, 162, 163, 166, 174, 178, 186, 194, 196, 202, 210, 213, 214, 217, 223, 227, 228, 233, 254, 271, 272 or 288, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several (e.g., up to 5) amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, provided the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with over-expression of the CDH3, EPHA4, ECT2, HIG2, INHBB, KIF20A, KNTC2, TTK and/or URLC10, e.g. cancers containing as an active ingredient one or more of these peptides. The peptides of the present invention find further utility as vaccines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bone morphogenetic proteins that have reduced immunogenicity. In particular, the invention is directed to human BMP-7 that has been modified to reduce immunogenicity through alteration of the amino acid sequence of wild-type BMP-7.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that HNA-3a and HNA-3b are antigens within a polypeptide sequence that is highly similar to the CTL2 amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Provided are humanized anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and methods for treating disease characterized by expression of CD40 antigen.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making the such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure provide a system for the selection of variant nuclear receptor ligand binding domains, or for the selection of variant enzymes that have an enhanced ability to synthesize a nuclear receptor ligand or a precursor thereof. The disclosure provides yeast cells comprising: a yeast transcription modulating system comprising a nucleic acid expression system encoding a nuclear receptor ligand-binding domain linked to a DNA-binding domain, a nucleic acid expression system encoding a coactivator domain linked to a yeast transcriptional activator, a heterologous enzyme system for generating a nuclear receptor ligand, and a selective genetic locus expressed in the presence of the recombinant nuclear receptor polypeptide and a nuclear receptor ligand specifically bound to the recombinant nuclear receptor polypeptide. The disclosure also provides methods of using the yeast cell system for identifying variant nuclear receptor ligand binding domains or variant enzymes synthesizing a nuclear receptor ligand.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved process for the production of G-CSF in high yield via a high salt-induced increase in plasmid stability during the production phase.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a polypeptide having a novel structure and showing an activity of inhibiting angiogenesis or an activity of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and to provide a recombinant protein by constructing a method of purifying the above protein. To provide an ingredient useful in designing remedies for tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis deformans, malignant tumor, etc. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A novel soluble polypeptide protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to thrombin inhibitors derived from the salivary glands of haematophagous arthropods and in particular to bivalent and trivalent thrombin inhibitors that act by interacting with thrombin at two or three different sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new Ena/VASP protein isoform, uses thereof, diagnostic methods and kits comprising the same.

Abstract: An isolated VEGF polypeptide having anti-angiogenic activity, said polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID NO. 1, or variants thereof.

Abstract: The receptor for Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is provided. The Interleukin 35 Receptor (IL-35R) comprises a heterodimeric complex of the Interluekin12R?2 receptor and the gp130 receptor. Various compositions comprising the IL-35R complex, along with polynucleotides encoding the same and kits and methods for the detection of the same the same are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of IL-35R or modulating effector T cell functions are also provided. Such methods employ various IL-35R antagonists and agonists that modulate the activity of the IL-35R complex and, in some embodiments, modulate effector T cell function. Further provided are methods for screening for IL-35R binding agents and for IL-35R modulating agents. Various methods of treatment are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified, highly potent bone morphogenetic proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to the observation that BMP-6 and BMP-9 are less susceptible to inhibition by Noggin that are other members of the BMP subfamily of proteins. The present invention features chimeric bone morphogenetic proteins in which the middle portion of BMP-6 or BMP-9 replaces the middle portion of another BMP subfamily protein to cause resistance to inhibition by Noggin or other Noggin-like antagonists. Other embodiments of modified BMPs, compositions and methods of use are also included.

Abstract: The present application provides fibronectin based scaffold proteins associated with improved stability. The application also relates to stable formulations of fibronectin based scaffold proteins and the use thereof in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The application further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising such polynucleotides.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of bronchopulmonary carcinoma, in particular of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma, that includes a stage of detecting, in a biological sample derived from a patient suspected to be suffering from bronchopulmonary carcinoma, at least one of the major alternative transcripts of the KLK8 gene encoding kallikrein 8. This method is particularly useful for the survival prognostication of patients suffering from bronchopulmonary carcinoma.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for diagnosing cancer or screening an anticancer drug comprising an FLJ25416 gene or an antibody directed to a protein expressed from the FLJ25416 gene, a composition for treating cancer comprising an inhibitor of the gene or an inhibitor of the protein expressed from the gene and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a kit for diagnosing cancer comprising at least one of the FLJ25416 gene and the protein expressed from the FLJ25416 gene. The FLJ25416 gene is expressed at high level in specific cancer cells, and induces an increase in proliferation rate of normal cells. The expression of the gene is suppressed, which results in an inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth. Thus, the FLJ25416 gene can be used as a target gene for diagnosis or treatment of cancer.