Treatment and Prevention of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using Mutant and Chimeric IL-13 Molecules

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colorectum and affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States. The cause of UC is not known, although an abnormal immunological response to bacterial antigens in the gut microflora is thought to be involved. Present treatments for UC include anti-inflammatory therapy using aminosalicylates or corticosteroids, as well as immunomodulators and diet.

Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies to Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A

Two chimpanzee mAbs specifically reacted with light chain of the botulinum neurotoxin A and neutralize the toxin in the mouse model. They can be used for emergency prophylaxis and treatment of either naturally acquired or terrorist associated botulism. Since the sequence of chimpanzee immune globulin is virtually identical to that of humans, the MAbs are not expected to have problems in repeated administration as equine antibodies. They can also be used for rapid diagnosis of botulinum neurotoxin A.

ARH3, a Therapeutic Target for Cancer, Ischemia, and Inflammation

ADP-ribosylation is important in many cellular processes, including DNA replication and repair, maintenance of genomic stability, telomere dynamics, cell differentiation and proliferation, and necrosis and apoptosis. Poly-ADP-ribose is important in a number of critical physiological processes such as DNA repair, cellular differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Until recently, only one human enzyme, PARG, had been identified that degrades the ADP-ribose polymer.

A Varicella-Zoster Virus Mutant that is Markedly Impaired for Latent Infection Available for the Development of Shingles Vaccines and Diagnostics

Reactivation of latent Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) infection is the cause of shingles, which is prominent in adults over the age of 60 and individuals who have compromised immune systems, due to HIV infection, cancer treatment and/or transplant. Shingles is a worldwide health concern that affects approximately 600,000 Americans each year. The incidence of shingles is also high in Europe, South America, and India; the latter having an estimated two million individuals affected, yearly.

Model for Study of Glomerular Disorders: Conditionally-Immortalized Mouse Podocyte Cell Line with Tet-on-Regulated Gene Expression

Podocytes, cells of the visceral epithelium in the kidneys, are a key component of the glomerular filtration barrier. As such, they play a vital role in glomerular disorders, which are a major cause of chronic kidney disease. Examples of these disorders include focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis, minimal change disease, and diabetic nephropathy.

Serotonin-Deficient Knock-out Mouse

Serotonin is an important modulator of many developmental, behavioral, and physiological processes, and it has been implicated in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorders, and substance abuse. Serotonin’s pharmacology is extremely complex and it is mediated by seven of serotonin receptor subtypes and it is present in several tissues. Although it has been a subject of a number of studies, its role has been difficult to ascertain. To investigate the role of serotonin in these disorders, the murine gene was disrupted by homologous recombination.

Antibodies Against TL1A, a TNF-Family Cytokine, for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases occur in greater than five percent of the United States population; this disease group includes asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Treatments generally include immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have serious side effects; recently, more specific immunomodulatory therapies such as TNF-alpha antagonists have been developed.

Retrovirus Packaging Cell Lines Based on Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus

Gene therapy and gene transfer have recently been recognized as effective therapeutic tools to combat diseases. Accordingly, market demands for vectors and carriers to facilitate such interventions have surged in recent years. Retroviral vectors provide an efficient and safe means of gene transfer to eukaryotic cells. The present invention relates to genetic engineering involving retrovirus packaging cells that produce retroviral vectors.