Abstract:
Provided are methods for generating immune cells of the desired type and specificity in a host. The methods may be used to treat a disease or disorder, such as a tumor in a patient. Target cells, preferably hematopoietic stem cells such as primary bone marrow cells are transfected with a polynucleotide encoding a T cell receptor with the desired specificity. The transfected cells are then transferred to the host where they develop into mature, functional immune cells. The source of the T cell receptor can determine the stem cell's fate. Thus transfecting stem cells with TCRs from cytotoxic cells will lead to the generation of cytotoxic T cells in the host, while TCRs from helper cells will produce helper cells. Both arms of T cell immunity can be generated simultaneously in a host. Additionally, the immune response to the desired antigen can be further stimulated by immunizing the host with the antigen.
Abstract:
Compositions, including, for example, soluble Ryk polypeptides and/or agents that selectively bind Ryk, are provided. Methods of using such agents or compositions also are provided, including, for example, methods of using such compositions to inhibit proliferation of a cell exhibiting, or predisposed to exhibiting, unregulated growth. In addition, methods of ameliorating a cancer in a subject are provided.
Abstract:
Compositions, including, for example, soluble Ryk polypeptides and Wnt polypeptides, that induce cell growth and/or differentiation, including, for example, neurite outgrowth and hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation, are provided. Methods of using such compositions also are provided, including, for example, methods of using such compositions to induce neurite outgrowth (e.g., in a subject having a neuronal disorder). In addition, methods to identify agents that alter Ryk mediated signal transduction in a cell are provided.
Abstract:
The invention describes nucleic acids encoding the Daxx protein, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acids, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products for using such nucleic acids and polypeptides also are provided.
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:
Methods for determining lymphocyte distribution and trafficking in a mammal are described. Either a labeled ligand capable of interacting specifically with the lymphocytes of the mammal is administered to the mammal so that the labeled ligand interacts in vivo with the lymphocytes, resulting in labeled lymphocytes, or, the labeled ligand is contacted with the lymphocytes in vitro so that the labeled ligand interacts with the lymphocytes resulting in labeled lymphocytes, and these labeled lymphocytes are administered to the mammal. The distribution or trafficking of the labeled lymphocytes in the mammal is determined by imaging. Methods for diagnosing the degree of progression of a disease in a mammal by determining the mammal's lymphocyte distribution or trafficking pattern, for monitoring the response to a therapy in mammal having a disease, for evaluating the ability of an agent to alter the distribution or trafficking of lymphocytes, and for identifying an agent useful for treating a mammal having a disease, are also described.
Abstract:
This invention related to constructs comprising mutant HIV genomes having an alteration in a nucleotide sequence which is critical for genomic RNA packaging and non-infectious, immunogenic HIV particles produced by expression of these constructs in mammalian cells. Cell lines which stably produce non-infectious, immunogenic HIV particles are also included. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and related methods are further described.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the prognosis of outcome of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In particular, the present invention concerns monitoring individuals who are at risk for developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and individuals who are undergoing therapy for AIDS. The method for estimating the risk of the onset of a clinical event associated with infection with HIV broadly comprises evaluating the rate of HIV replication in peripheral blood cells from an individual suspected of suffering from HIV infection. More particularly, the method comprises determining the level of expression of HIV messenger RNA (mRNA) in peripheral blood cells of an asymptomatic individual. High level expression of HIV mRNA indicates a high likelihood of onset of symptoms of AIDS, and low level expression or determination of no detectable expression indicates a low likelihood of onset of symptoms of AIDS. In a specific embodiment, the level of HIV-1 mRNA, specifically multiply spliced (MS) and unspliced (US) HIV mRNA, is detected in peripheral blood cells from HIV-infected individuals, and the detection of high levels of HIV mRNA is predictive of the onset of clinical symptoms associated with disease progression, including the diagnosis of AIDS, a decrease in the number of CD4+ cells to below 500 CD4+ cells per mm.sup.3, and other clinical events. According to the invention, the onset of clinical AIDS generally occurs within about 2 years of the determination of high level expression of HIV mRNA, and the onset of clinical symptoms generally does not occur for at least about 5 years after the determination of no detectable expression of HIV mRNA.
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:
The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-155 plays a role in inflammation, hematopoiesis and myeloproliferation, and that dysregulation of microRNA-155 expression is associated with particular myeloproliferative disorders. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating disorders, including inflammation and myeloproliferation, modulating the levels of expression of one or more genes selected from the group consisting of Cutl1, Arnt1, Picalm, Jarid2, PU.1, Csf1r, HIF1α, Sla, Cepbβ, and Bach1, and the like.