Abstract:
Described are a method and a composition for transfecting monocytes, as well as use of the same for therapeutic purposes. The composition is composed of a nucleic acid component, a lysosome evading component and a digestible particle that can be phagocytized. Preferably, the monocyte is a macrophage and the digestible particle is from a natural source, such as from a microbial source. More preferably, the digestible particle is a yeast cell wall particle such as zymosan. The composition itself, or cells pretreated with the composition, are useful in all gene medicine applications, such as gene therapy, gene vaccination, cancer treatment as well as immunomodulation and tissue repair.
Abstract:
A class of procytotoxic agents is characterized by a capability to kill with target cell-specificity. Such an aspect can be a pore-forming protein which has at least one lysine residue, modified by a peptide linkage to an amino acid residue, via the epsilon amino group, and an acetyl group. These agents are useful in treating cancer, especially prostate cancer.
Abstract:
The present invention describes a method for targeting a tumor cell comprising contacting the tumor cell with a composition comprising a macrophage and a factor that upregulates nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) activity.
Abstract:
A class of procytotoxic agents is characterized by a capability to kill with target cell-specificity. Such an aspect can be a pore-forming protein which has at least one lysine residue, modified by a peptide linkage to an amino acid residue, via the epsilon amino group. These agents are useful in treating cancer, especially prostate cancer.
Abstract:
An efficient and simplified method for preparing and sorting fused cells is described herein. This approach yields fused cells useful in a variety of applications, including clinical treatment regimens, as cellular modulators of the immune system.
Abstract:
Described are a method and a composition for delivery of a protein to an antigen presenting cell. The composition is composed of a polypeptide component, a buffering component and a particle to be phagocytized. In one embodiment, the antigen presenting cell is aa macrophage or a dendritic cell and the particle to be phagocytized is from a natural source, such as from a microbial source. The composition itself, or cells pretreated with the composition, are useful for strategies in vaccine development.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to cancer treatment compositions and methods for treating a specific cancer patient population. In particular, the application describes methods of treating a patient with cancer, such as a neuroblastoma, with a hybrid cell preparation.
Abstract:
A novel fusion protein, comprising a receptor-antagonizing domain and a positive immunomodulator domain, characterized, for example, by its ability to block apoptosis and/or inhibit endocrine response, is useful in treating cancer. For example, a human prolactin antagonist-interleukin 2 (hPRLA-IL-2) fusion protein combines apoptosis induction and immuno-therapy to combat cancer in the breast or prostate.
Abstract:
A rapid, simple-to-use method for preparing hybrid cells, applicable to fully differentiate, non-dividing cells, entails bringing at least two different cells into contact under conditions that promote cell fusion and then purifying the resultant hybrid without antibiotic or metabolic selection. This approach yields hybrid cells useful in a variety of applications, including clinical treatment regimens, as cellular modulators of the immune system.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for setting a golf ball and a golf tee and for managing a golf ball on the green, without squatting or bending to the ground is provided. The apparatus contains a shaft having a setting end and a ball handling end. The setting end is adapted to releasably hold a golf ball and a golf tee and that selectively releases a golf ball onto a golf tee and inserts the golf tee into the turf. The ball handling end is adapted to pick up a golf ball or marker and includes a ball ejector. Preferably the device contains supports to allow the device to be self-standing and the supports contain a slot into which a golf tee may be inserted for removal from the turf after use.