Abstract:
This invention describes soluble, monovalent, non-natural protein molecules that can activate NK cells and certain T-cells to attack specific cellular target cells by attaching the NKG2D-binding portions of monovalent MICA or MICB protein, i.e. their α1-α2 platform domain, to the intended target cell specifically. The α1-α2 domain is contiguous with a heterologous α3 domain that has been genetically modified to bind directly or indirectly to the extracellular aspect of the target cell, thereby serving as the targeting domain. The genetic modification to create a non-natural and non-terminal targeting motif within the α3 domain can include a portion of an antibody, another protein molecule or portion thereof, a peptide, or a non-natural, modified α3 domain of a MIC protein.
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to the discovery and isolation of the entire cluster of genes encoding R-type high molecular weight bacteriocins that specifically kill Clostridium difficile bacteria, dangerous human pathogens. Also disclosed are methods of producing the R-type bacteriocins in innocuous producer cells that, unlike C. difficile, do not die in the presence of oxygen. Disclosed also is the specific gene of the isolated gene cluster that determines the killing spectrum of the R-type bacteriocin and the demonstration that the killing spectra of diffocins can be altered by engineering orf1374 of the diffocin genetic locus. This invention offers a potent bactericidal agent and a means to make it in order to kill selectively C. difficile bacteria in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract where they can cause great harm and even death of the infected patient or farm animal.
Abstract:
Modified forms of naturally occurring bacteriocins, such as the R-type pyocins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are disclosed. The bacteriocins are modified at the ends of their tail fibers in a region responsible for binding specificity and affinity to their cognate binding partners, or receptors, such as those on the surface of bacteria. Methods for the use of the modified bacteriocins, such as to bind receptors, including virulence or fitness factors, on the surfaces of bacteria, are also described.
Abstract:
This invention describes soluble, monovalent, non-natural protein molecules that can activate NK cells and certain T-cells to attack specific cellular target cells by attaching the NKG2D-binding portions of monovalent MICA or MICB protein, i.e. their α1-α2 platform domain, to the intended target cell specifically. The α1-α2 domain is contiguous with a heterologous α3 domain that has been genetically modified to bind directly or indirectly to the extracellular aspect of the target cell, thereby serving as the targeting domain. The genetic modification to create a non-natural and non-terminal targeting motif within the α3 domain can include a portion of an antibody, another protein molecule or portion thereof, a peptide, or a non-natural, modified α3 domain of a MIC protein.
Abstract:
Novel fusions of a phospholipid anchor domain and a polypeptide heterologous to the anchor domain donor polypeptide are provided for industrial use. Therapeutic administration of the fusions enables the targeting of biological activity to cell membrane surfaces.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the diversification of nucleic acid sequences by use of a nucleic acid molecule containing a region of sequence that acts as a template for diversification. The invention thus provides nucleic acid molecules to be diversified, as well as those which act as the template region (TR) and in concert with the TR for directional, site-specific diversification. Further provided are methods of preparing and using these nucleic acid sequences.
Abstract:
This application relates to nucleic acids encoding decay accelerating factor (hereinafter abbreviated as DAF), as well as vectors and cells which comprise such nucleic acids. Additionally, nucleic acids which encode variants of DAF, such as insertion, deletion or substitution variants, are described. This application also relates to the preparation of DAF in recombinant cell culture. In particular, it is concerned with the large scale manufacture of DAF suitable for pharmaceutical or diagnostic use.
Abstract:
Novel fusions of a GPI signal domain and a polypeptide heterologous to the GPI signal domain donor polypeptide are provided for industrial use. Therapeutic administration of the GPI-linked product of the fusions enables the targeting of biological activity to cell membrane surfaces.
Abstract:
Biological effects of agents for diagnostic or therapeutic use are evaluated by administration of the agents to transgenic animals which are transformed with heterologous DNA and which are immune tolerant to the expression product of the heterologous DNA. In a further embodiment, preparations that are immunogenic in the transgenic animal model are purified by reverse immunoaffinity chromatography on antibody obtained from responding transgenic animals.
Abstract:
Novel fusions of a phospholipid anchor domain and a polypeptide heterologous to the anchor domain donor polypeptide are provided for industrial use. Therapeutic administration of the fusions enables the targeting of biological activity to cell membrane surfaces.