Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel linear and cyclic polypeptides that bind to IL-23 receptor and inhibit the binding of IL-23 to its corresponding receptor and cell signaling thereof. The novel polypeptides of the present invention has a core structure of WX1X2X3W, where W is tryptophan, and X1, X2 and X3 are amino acids, with the proviso that when one of X1, X2 or X3 is W, the remaining two of X1, X2 or X3 cannot be W. Preferred core structures include WVDYW or WQDYW. The present invention relates a composition containing the novel polypeptides (linear or cyclic), and use of same in inhibiting cell functions including production of IL-22 and IL-17F from immune cells as well as in treating IL-23 associated human diseases including, for example, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis and Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis.
Abstract:
A disk drive comprising a rotatable disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a controller is disclosed. The controller is configured to write a first force unit access write data to the cache as part of the cache data, write the first force unit access write data and a first metadata corresponding to the first force unit access write data to the first location by using the head, transmit a first write complete status to a host, and maintain the first force unit access write data in the cache as part of the cache data. The controller is also configured to store write data as part of the cache data. Furthermore, the controller is configured to write the cache data to a third location, and a metadata corresponding to the cache data to the disk.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to anti-sense oligonucleotides (AONs) used to induce exon 9 skipping in IL-23Rα gene. Exon 9 skipping of the IL23Rα gene ultimately causes specific induction of a novel soluble truncated IL-23Rα (Δ9) protein, characterized by a lack in a transmembrane domain and has a unique eight (8) amino acids (GLKEGSYC) at its C-terminus end as a result of frame-shift. The present invention provides a utility application of the use of AONs to induce production of a Δ9 protein which inhibits IL-23R-mediated cell signaling. More particularly, Δ9 protein blocks STAT3 formation as well as Th17 maturation. There is provided a therapeutic application of AONs in treating a mammal such as a human patient inflicted with Crohn's disease.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to anti-sense oligonucleotides (AONs) used to induce exon 9 skipping in IL-23Rα gene. Exon 9 skipping of the IL23Rα gene ultimately causes specific induction of a novel soluble truncated IL-23Rα (Δ9) protein, characterized by a lack in a transmembrane domain and has a unique eight (8) amino acids (GLKEGSYC) at its C-terminus end as a result of frame-shift. The present invention provides a utility application of the use of AONs to induce production of a Δ9 protein which inhibits IL-23R-mediated cell signaling. More particularly, Δ9 protein blocks STAT3 formation as well as Th17 maturation. There is provided a therapeutic application of AONs in treating a mammal such as a human patient inflicted with Crohn's disease.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel polypeptides that bind to IL-23 receptor and inhibit the binding of IL-23 to its corresponding receptor and cell signaling thereof. The novel polypeptides of the present invention has a core structure of WX1X2X3W, where W is tryptophan, and X1, X2 and X3 are amino acids, with the proviso that when one of X1, X2 or X3 is W, the remaining two of X1, X2 or X3 cannot be W. The present invention relates a composition containing the novel polypeptides, and use of same in treating IL-23 associated human diseases including, for example, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis and Crohn's disease.
Abstract:
There is disclosed the cloning and identification of human IL-23R splice variants caused by alternative splicing of the IL-23R mRNA in human. Alternative mRNA forms occur through skipping one, multiple full exons or partial exons, within the IL-23R gene. A total of twenty-five (25) different IL-23R transcripts were identified. A novel exon deletion (exon 9) isoform in the interleukin 23 receptor is disclosed, denoted as Δ9. The present application also describes a quantitative assay to measure different IL-23R isoform. Detection of Δ9 isoform of IL-23R is predominantly present in colon and cervical tissues. A decrease in Δ9 is observed in inflamed colon tissues in Crohn's patients. There is disclosed a method of predicting Crohn's disease by measuring Δ9 isoform of IL-23R.
Abstract:
There is disclosed the cloning and identification of human IL-23R splice variants caused by alternative splicing of the IL-23R mRNA in human. Alternative mRNA forms occur through skipping one, multiple full exons or partial exons, within the IL-23R gene. A total of twenty-five (25) different IL-23R transcripts were identified. A novel exon deletion (exon 9) isoform in the interleukin 23 receptor is disclosed, denoted as Δ9. The present application also describes a quantitative assay to measure different IL-23R isoform. Detection of Δ9 isoform of IL-23R is predominantly present in colon and cervical tissues. A decrease in Δ9 is observed in inflamed colon tissues in Crohn's patients. There is disclosed a method of predicting Crohn's disease by measuring Δ9 isoform of IL-23R.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.
Abstract:
A device comprises a manipulandum moveable in at least two degrees of freedom including a first link rotatably moveable about a pivot axis and a second link rotatably moveable about a pivot axis. The first link and the second link are coupled to a ground member. A first actuator is configured to engage the first link and provide an output about a drive axis of the first actuator. A second actuator is configured to engage the second link and provide an output about a drive axis of the second actuator. The drive axis of the first actuator is substantially parallel to the drive axis of the second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator are each configured to receive a signal associated with a force feedback. The force feedback being associated with the manipulandum.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing resistive and vibrotactile feedback from a single actuator are described. One described system comprises a manipulandum, and a resistive haptic actuator configured to generate a resistive haptic force in order to generate a vibrotactile haptic effect.