Sunol Molecular Corporation

Dade International Inc.

Peter R Rhode

Hing C Wong

Jin-an Jiao

Martin Burkhardt

Jeffrey R Stinson

Jon A Weidanz

Jorge L Acevedo

Pierre-Andre Chavaillaz

Susan Grammer

Grace P Huang

Ann C Edwards

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocomability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

MHC molecules and uses thereof

Disclosed are methods for producing recombinant cells and especially recombinant mammalian cell lines with enhanced expression of an amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are recombinant mammalian cell lines producing high levels of the amino acid sequence. The methods and recombinant cell lines of the invention have a number of useful applications including use in the efficient and large-scale production of recombinant proteins and polypeptides.

Methods for making recombinant cells

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to single chain MHC class II complexes that include a class II &bgr;2 chain modification, e.g., deletion of essentially the entire class II &bgr;2 chain. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II which comprise an immunoglobin constant chain or fragment. Further provided are polyspecific MHC complexes comprising at least one single chain MHC class II molecule. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

Soluble MHC complexes and methods of use thereof

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

Single chain MHC complexes and uses thereof

The present invention relates to a fusion protein, comprising a pilin protein or a portion thereof and a heterologous polypeptide (target protein). In a preferred embodiment it relates to a method for displaying the target protein on the outer surface of a bacterial host cell capable of forming pilus. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the pilus is a receptor for bacteriophage attachment and infection. The F pilus is preferred.

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Miami, FL, United States of America

Peter R Rhode