Abstract:
The invention relates to cell-based methods for diversifying, expressing and selecting binding molecules, e.g., antibodies, and target molecules to which they bind, all of which are expressed in the same cell. The target molecule can be a member of a ligand binding pair comprising a cell-surface expressed ligand binding receptor molecule and its cognate ligand, which interact within the cell. The methods provide retaining either the antibody or its target in a cell organelle as the site of binding and interaction. By performance of the methods, the binding or non-binding of the antibody to its target molecule within the cell produces a cell phenotype that is detectable at the cell surface via high throughput assays, e.g., flow cytometry. The methods are particularly useful for generating, recovering and providing antibodies that have optimal target molecule binding properties or activities for potential therapeutic use. Methods for generating diversity in such antibodies are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods for detection of any antibody utilizing a standardized approach applicable to any antibody which provides highly specific assays specific for individual or multiple antibodies. The methods enable improved pharmacokinetic analysis during development and clinical use of antibody-based therapies as well as determination of diagnostic and/or prognostic factors.
Abstract:
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.
Abstract:
The present invention is related to novel methods for categorizing and treating a population of subjects that are at risk for increased pulmonary exacerbation and disease progression.
Abstract:
Detection of the presence or absence of, RH positive cells in a mixed population with Rh negative cells, as is found in a fetal maternal hemorrhage (FMH). The novel methods utilize gravitational forces or applying magnetic forces to reactive magnetic particles to isolate, distinguish and quantify cells.Particles aggregate and are pulled or settle by gravity through a transparent separating solution into a measuring zone where the volume of Rh positive cells can be measured. Rh positive cell volume is correlated to the volume of the original blood sample as an indication of the number of doses of RhIG needed to be administered to the mother to prevent subsequent Rh immunization.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for selectively capturing analytes, such as cells, e.g., circulating tumor cells (CTCs), from fluid samples are disclosed. The methods include contacting the sample with an analyte binding moiety that selectively binds to the analytes; optionally separating first components of the sample including a majority of the analytes bound to the binding moieties from second components of the sample using size-based separation, e.g., in a microfluidic channel; adding to the first components of the sample a plurality of binding agents under conditions that enable a plurality of the binding agents to be linked to the analyte binding moieties to form multivalent tagging agents bound to the analyte; passing the first components of the sample past a surface to which is attached a plurality of capture agents that selectively bind to the binding agents; and capturing the analytes by providing conditions that enable the multivalent tagging agents bound to the analytes to bind to one or more of the capture agents.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies of an individual, comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane fragments or blood group antigens.
Abstract:
The present invention provides assays for detecting and measuring the presence or level of anti-TNFα drugs and/or the autoantibodies to anti-TNFα drugs in a sample. The present invention is useful for optimizing therapy and monitoring patients receiving anti-TNFα drug therapeutics to detect the presence or level of autoantibodies against the drug. The present invention also provides methods for selecting therapy, optimizing therapy, and/or reducing toxicity in subjects receiving anti-TNFα drugs for the treatment of TNFα-mediated disease or disorders.