Discovery and characterization of a novel humanized anti-IL-15 antibody and its relevance for the treatment of refractory celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a critical regulator of immune responses, especially at mucosal interfaces within the gastro-intestinal tract. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a humanized antibody to IL-15. Data from its epitope and mode of action, cell biology and primate pharmacology, as well as translational studies in human samples and in vivo proof-of-concept experiments in mouse models demonstrate the therapeutic potential of this new antibody targeting IL-15 for refractory celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Optimizing assembly and production of native bispecific antibodies by codon de-optimization.

When production of bispecific antibodies requires the co-expression and assembly of three or four polypeptide chains, low expression of one chain can significantly limit assembly and yield. κλ bodies, fully human bispecific antibodies with native IgG structure, are composed of a common heavy chain and two different light chains, one kappa and one lambda. No engineering is applied to force pairing of the chains, thus both monospecific and bispecific antibodies are secreted in the supernatant.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana).

We describe the isolation and characterization of 31 polymorphic di- and trinucleotide microsatellite marker loci for Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana Englem.). In addition, primer pairs for 16 loci amplified scoreable alleles in six other Tsuga species.

Microsatellite markers for eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

We describe polymerase chain reaction primer pairs and reaction conditions for amplification of 15 microsatellite loci from eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The primers were tested on 23 individuals from a natural population in southwestern North Carolina, USA. These primers yielded an average of 5.

Inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production in myometrial and amniotic cells in culture by human amniotic fluid. Loss of inhibition after intra-uterine fetal death.

Objective: To study the effects of amniotic fluid obtained during early second trimester of normal human pregnancies on prostaglandin production in cultured myometrial and amniotic cells.

Study Design: Cultured human myometrial and amniotic cells were incubated with human amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis and fractionated by ultrafiltration. Prostaglandin E2 was measured in the incubation media.