Abstract:
This invention provides novel prostate cancer specific internalizing human antibodies. The antibodies are useful by themselves to prevent growth and/or proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The antibodies can also be formulated as chimeric molecules to direct an effector (e.g. a cytotoxin, an imaging reagent, a drug, etc.) to a prostate tumor site.
Abstract:
This invention provides methods of selecting antibodies that are internalized into target cells. The methods generally involve contacting target cells with one or more members of an antibody phage display library. The members of the phage display library are also contacted with cells of a subtractive cell line. The target cells are then washed to remove the subtractive cell line cells and members of the phage display library that are non-specifically bound or weakly bound to the target cells. The target cells are cultured under conditions where members of the phage display library can be internalized if bound to an internalizing marker and internalized members of the phage display library are then identified.
Abstract:
A member of a specific binding pair (sbp) is identified by expressing DNA encoding a genetically diverse population of such sbp members in recombinant host cells in which the sbp members are displayed in functional form at the surface of a secreted recombinant genetic display package (rgdp) containing DNA encoding the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof, by virtue of the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof being expressed as a fusion with a capsid component of the rgdp. The displayed sbps may be selected by affinity with a complementary sbp member, and the DNA recovered from selected rgdps for expression of the selected sbp members. Antibody sbp members may be thus obtained, with the different chains thereof expressed, one fused to the capsid component and the other in free form for association with the fusion partner polypeptide. A phagemid may be used as an expression vector, with said capsid fusion helping to package the phagemid DNA. Using this method libraries of DNA encoding respective chains of such multimeric sbp members may be combined, thereby obtaining a much greater genetic diversity in the sbp members than could easily be obtained by conventional methods.
Abstract:
This invention provides methods of identifying ligands that are internalized into a cell. The methods typically involve i) contacting the cell with a reporter non-covalently coupled to a ligand; ii) dissociating the reporter from the ligand and removing dissociated reporter from the surface of the cell; and iii) detecting the reporter within said cell (if any is present) where the presence of the reporter within said cell indicates that the ligand binds to an internalizing receptor and is internalized.
Abstract:
Bispecific single chain antibody molecules are disclosed which may be used to advantage to treat various forms of cancer associated with the overexpression of members of the EGFR protein family.
Abstract:
The fiber optic pressure sensing system includes a sensor housing formed using MEMS processing. The sensor housing has ribs and grooves in both horizontal and vertical directions relative to the surface to allow the membrane to flex in a consistent manner. The flexing of the membrane allows the pedestal to be repeatedly positioned in response to pressure acting on the extension of the sensor head and membrane.
Abstract:
A bridge for linking a first communications network to a second communications network is taught. The bridge comprises a first bridge module linked to the first communications network and a second bridge module linked to the second communications network. The first bridge module is linked to the second bridge module by only an analog audio link and a General Purpose Input Output call negotiation signalling link such that generic digital data cannot effectively pass between the first communications network and the second communications network through the bridge elements. There is also provided a network terminal for connection to a network connected to the bridge and communications system comprising the bridge and first communications network.
Abstract:
A universal reusable template for cutting ends of cylindrical objects such as pipes, in preparation for joining the cylindrical objects to other cylindrical bodies. The template is formed as a flat flexible bendable sheet with magnetic properties allowing the sheet to be temporarily secured on a metal pipe. The front face of the sheet has reference indicia corresponding to contour lines of a desired cut to be made in the end of the cylindrical body. The cut lines represent most conventional types and sizes of lateral-type cuts, eccentric cuts and saddle-type cuts, with pipe diameters ranging from about 3″ to about 24″.
Abstract:
A method and system, executed by a server, is disclosed for receiving questions from users regarding one or more topics and providing answers from a set of experts. Users can direct questions to one or more specific experts, who in turn can answer the questions, refer the questions to other experts, or both. The server automatically organizes and stores questions and answers in various fora dedicated to one or more topics, such as medical treatment for specific health conditions. Responses generated by the experts to the questions asked by the users may, in turn, be reviewed by peer review personnel. The system may be deployed at multiple network sites to provide a question and answer forum to users who visit different sites. Each network site in which the system is deployed may selectively decide whether to post at its network site the responses by experts and/or peer review personnel to questions originating from other network sites. In addition, each network site can selectively decide whether the responses by experts and/or peer review personnel to questions originating at their network site should be permitted to be posted on other network sites. Methods for funding a network site according to the present invention include the provision of advertising banners, receiving subscription payments or fees from user/subscribers for receiving expert opinions, and receiving payments from third party sponsors. Users who access the site may, in turn, receive benefits in exchange for soliciting such expert opinions.