Codon optimization enhances the efficiency of DNA expression vectors used in DNA vaccination and gene therapy by increasing protein expression. Additionally, certain nucleotide motifs have experimentally been shown to be immuno-stimulatory while certain others immuno-suppressive. In this paper, we present algorithms to locate a given set of immuno-modulatory motifs in the DNA expression vectors...

The most cpmmon parameters in the specific protein field, namely the immunoglobulins G, A and M were investigated on the recently developed Immuno Video Nephelometer System (IVNS). This System consists of the nephelometer, a microprocessor controlled program and a monitor screen, where instructions, Standard curve and results are displayed. Scattered light of immuno-complexes is measured at equ...

We investigated the effects of estradiol on bioactive luteinizing hormone (LH) release in normal men using two complementary strategies: (i) steady state intravenous infusions of estradiol at its endogenous production rate, and (ii) oral administration of the antiestrogen, tamoxifen HCl. Immunoreactive and biologically active LH were monitored by radioimmunoassay and the rat interstitial cell t...

Background Chlamydia trachomatis is considered as an important cause of preventable sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. It is known to be of an obligate intracellular nature and enters its target cells via an endocytic process. As major outer membrane protein (MOMP) is one of the main candidates for the attachment and entry of chlamydia to the host cells we have tried to label the epitopes...

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterized by steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, immunodeficiency, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Mutations in SWI/SNF2 related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like 1 (SMARCAL1) gene are responsible for the disease. The present report describes, for the first time...

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of immuno-captured target protein efficiently complements conventional immunoassays by offering rich molecular information such as protein isoforms or modifications. Direct immobilization of antibodies on MALDI solid support enables both target enrichment and MS analysis on the same plate, allow...

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality and the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignant diseases. While continued efforts have been focused on GC treatment, the introduction of trastuzumab marked the beginning of a new era of target-specific treatments. Considering the diversity of mutations in GC, satisfactory results obtained from various target-specific therapies...

Antibody based positron emission tomography (immuno-PET) imaging is of increasing importance to visualize and characterize tumor lesions. Additionally, it can be used to identify patients who may benefit from a particular therapy and monitor the therapy outcome. In recent years the field is focused on (89)Zr, a radiometal with near ideal physical and chemical properties for immuno-PET. In this ...

Immuno-PCR combines specific antibody-based protein detection with the sensitivity of PCR-based quantification through the use of antibody-DNA conjugates. The production of such conjugates depends on the availability of quick and efficient conjugation strategies for the two biomolecules. Here, we present an approach to produce cleavable antibody-DNA conjugates, employing the fast kinetics of th...

This book deals with all aspects of human immuno-deficiency virus infection and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It includes chapters describing the human immuno-deficiency in detail, clinical features of HIV infection of various systems and opportunistic infections which occur in patients rendered immuno -deficient. It also includes useful chapters concerned with special problems relat...