Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a chimeric pro-caspase, which contains a pro-caspase domain and an oligomerizing domain. The invention also relates to an antibody that reacts specifically with a chimeric pro-caspase. In addition, the invention further relates to a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric pro-caspase, and to nucleotide sequences, which can hybridize specifically with a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric pro-caspase. The present invention also relates to a method of inducing apoptosis in a cell by providing a chimeric pro-caspase in the cell, wherein the chimeric pro-caspase includes a pro-caspase domain and an oligomerizing domain, whereby the chimeric pro-caspase forms an oligomer in the cell, thereby activating caspase activity of the chimeric pro-caspase and inducing apoptosis in the cell. The present invention further relates to a method of reducing the severity of a pathologic condition in a subject, by providing cells of the subject that are involved in the pathologic condition with a chimeric pro-caspase comprising a pro-caspase domain and an oligomerizing domain, whereby the chimeric pro-caspase forms an oligomer in the cells, thereby activating caspase activity of the chimeric pro-caspase, inducing apoptosis in the cells, and reducing the severity of the pathologic condition in the subject.
Abstract:
Constitutive and tissue-specific protein factors which bind to transcriptional regulatory elements of Ig genes (promoter and enhancer) are described. The factors were identified and isolated by an improved assay for protein-DNA binding. Genes encoding factors which positively regulate transcription can be isolated and employed to enhance transription of Ig genes. In particular, NF-kB, the gene encoding NF-kB, IkB and the gene encoding IkB and uses therefor.
Abstract:
The production of neutralizing antibodies for poliovirus, or other enteroviruses, are disclosed herein employing the capsid polypeptide VP1. Vaccines can be produced employing this polypeptide in place of killed or live attenuated virus, and the VP1 polypeptide can be employed in assays in place of whole virions. VP1 polypeptide can be produced by isolating it from live virion or can be produced by cloning cDNA sequences coding for this protein in recombinant cDNA vectors.
Abstract:
Some embodiments herein provide compositions and methods for expressing secreted and cell-surface-bound polypeptides in a single cell. In some embodiments, secreted and cell-surface polypeptide are produced from a single polynucleotide. The polynucleotide can comprise a sequence (or sequence encoding a polypeptide) that mediates separation of a membrane anchor from the polypeptide. In some embodiments, a desired ratio of secreted to surface-bound polypeptide is obtained by selecting a sequence that mediates a desired level of separation of the membrane anchor from the polypeptide.
Abstract:
A system and method for analyzing a biological substance, the device comprising: a specimen input device; at least one pumping device in flow communication with a chemical reservoir and said specimen input device; and at least one flow cell in flow communication with said at least one pumping device via at least one flow valve, wherein said at least one flow cell is configured to contain said specimen and includes a sensing device configured to sense at least one characteristic of said specimen.