Abstract:
Disclosed are DNAs produced by recombinant techniques for inducing the expression and subsequent secretion of a target protein. The DNAs encode, in their 5' to 3' direction, a secretion cassette, including a signal sequence and an immunoglobulin Fc region, and a target protein. The DNAs can be transfected into a host cell for the expression, production and subsequent secretion of the target protein as a fusion protein. The secreted protein can be collected from the extracellular space, and further purified as desired. The secreted fusion protein additionally can be proteolytically cleaved to release the target protein from the secretion cassette.
Abstract:
Disclosed are DNAs produced by recombinant techniques for inducing the expression and subsequent secretion of a target protein. The DNAs encode, in their 5' to 3' direction, a secretion cassette, including a signal sequence and an immunoglobulin Fc region, and a target protein. The DNAs can be transfected into a host cell for the expression, production and subsequent secretion of the target protein as a fusion protein. The secreted protein can be collected from the extracellular space, and further purified as desired. The secreted fusion protein additionally can be proteolytically cleaved to release the target protein from the secretion cassette.
Abstract:
The invention provides a family of antibodies that specifically bind the human cell surface glycosphingolipid GD2. The antibodies comprise modified variable regions, more specially, modified framework regions, which reduce their immunogenicity when administered to a human. The antibodies may be coupled to a therapeutic agent and used in the treatment of cancer.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an isolated IL-6 antagonist including an antibody variable region that prevents IL-6 from binding to gp130. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for treating IL-6 related diseases based on the IL-6 antagonists of the invention.
Abstract:
The invention provides cytokine fusion proteins with an increased therapeutic index, and methods to increase the therapeutic index of such fusion proteins. The fusion proteins of the invention are able to bind to more than one type of cytokine receptor expressed on cells and also bind to more than one cell type. In addition, the fusion proteins of the invention exhibit a longer circulating half-life in a patient's body than the corresponding naturally occurring cytokine.
Abstract:
The invention provides a family of antibodies that specifically bind the human cell surface glycosphingolipid GD2. The antibodies comprise modified variable regions, more specially, modified framework regions, which reduce their immunogenicity when administered to a human. The antibodies may be coupled to a therapeutic agent and used in the treatment of cancer.
Abstract:
Disclosed are compositions and methods for enhancing the circulating half-life of antibody-based fusion proteins. Disclosed methods and compositions rely on altering the amino acid sequence of the junction region between the antibody moiety and the fused protein moiety in an antibody-based fusion protein. An antibody-based fusion protein with an altered amino acid sequence in the junction region has a greater circulating half-life when administered to a mammal. Disclosed methods and compositions are particularly useful for reducing tumor size and metastasis in a mammal.
Abstract:
A fusion protein of the invention comprises an immunoglobulin Fc region and a first target protein linked to the immunoglobulin Fc region. The first target protein comprises a collagen XVIII fragment, preferably endostatin. The immunoglobulin Fc region preferably comprises a hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and compositions for efficiently expressing antibody fusion proteins. Antibody fusion proteins of the invention include a hybrid antibody moiety containing sequences from more than one type of antibody and/or mutant antibody sequences. Hybrid antibody fusion proteins of the invention may be produced at high levels and may combine functional properties characteristic of different antibody types in addition to functional properties of a non-antibody moiety.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for enhancing the immunogenicity of a preselected protein or peptide antigen in a mammal. Immunogenicity is enhanced by fusing the preselected antigen to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region to produce an Fc-antigen fusion protein. The Fc-antigen fusion proteins bind Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, thereby targeting the antigen to the antigen presenting cells in the mammal. In addition, disclosed is a family of adjuvants, for example, an Fc-adjuvant fusion protein, for use in combination with the Fc-antigen fusion proteins to enhance or modulate a particular immune response against the preselected antigen.