Cornell University

New York University

Ethel Cesarman

Daniel M Knowles

Leandros Arvanitakis

Paramjit S Arora

Michael G Wuo

Marvin C Gershengorn

Elizabeth Geras-Raaka

Jouliana Sadek

Enrique Mesri

This invention relates to macrostructures (and pharmaceutical formulations containing them) that include a parallel coiled-coil structure, wherein the parallel coiled-coil comprises a first coil of Formula I and a second coil of Formula II:T-f-g-a-b-c-d-e-f-g-a-b-c-d-e-f-g-a-b-c-d-e-T  (I)T-g'-a′-b′-c′-d′-e′-f′-g′-a′-b′-c′-d′-e′-f′-g′-a′-b′-c′-d′-e′-f′-T  (II),as described in the present application. Methods of using these macrostructures are also disclosed.

Nemo coiled coil mimics and methods of using same

The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus, including an antigenic receptor protein, a G protein coupled receptor, and a cyclin protein. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also provided, as well as methods for increasing or decreasing the expression of the KSHV proteins in host cells. DNA oligomers and antibodies specific for the KSHV proteins are provided, each of which can be used to detect the KSHV proteins in a sample. Isolated KSHV proteins are also provided.

DNA encoding proteins of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus

The present invention is directed to a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor of human herpesvirus 8, as well as a method of identifying negative antagonists of a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. The method comprises co-expressing in a host cell a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor and a reporter protein, wherein expression of the reporter protein is controlled by a promoter responsive to a signalling pathway activated by the constitutively active G protein coupled receptor; exposing the host cell to a test substance; and determining a level of reporter protein activity, wherein the level of reporter protein activity indicates effectiveness of the test substance as a negative antagonist of the constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. The invention further provides a method of preventing tumor formation or cell proliferation caused by a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. This method comprises administering an amount of the negative antagonist so identified to a subject in an amount effective to prevent tumor formation or cell proliferation.

Methods of identifying negative antagonists for G protein coupled

The invention provides a cell line comprising Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Preferably, the cell line is a body cavity-based lymphoma cell line, and more preferably, the cell line does not harbor Epstein-Barr virus. Two cell lines designated BC-2 and BC-3 are thus provided. These cell lines can be used in a method of propagating KSHV. The method comprises culturing the cell line, wherein the KSHV within the cell line thereby propagates. The BC-3 cell line, in particular, can be used in a method of propagating KSHV in the absence of Epstein-Barr virus. The method comprises culturing the cell line designated BC-3, wherein the KSHV within the cell line thereby propagates. Further provided is a purified viral suspension of KSHV, as well as a composition comprising purified KSHV and a suitable carrier.

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Hoboken, NJ, United States of America

Ethel Cesarman