Described are methods and products related to the identification of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a transmissible protein misfolding disorder. Data is presented to support the position that the transmissible protein is an abnormal prion protein conformer (PrP.sup.MS). Methods are described for identifying a subject having, or at risk of developing, multiple sclerosis (MS) based on determining the presence or absence of PrP.sup.MS in a sample from the subject. The presence of the abnormal prion protein conformer in the sample is indicative of the subject having MS or an increased risk of developing MS. Also described are therapeutics methods for the treatment of MS as well as cell cultures, non-human animal models and biological samples thereof useful for the study of MS.

The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.

The present invention provides cells, transgenic animals, including transgenic mammals and particularly rodents comprising engineered immunoglobulin (Ig) alleles. Such engineered alleles, wherein an Ig light chain CL exon [C or C (C1, C2 or C3)] is incorporated into the Ig heavy chain locus, are capable of producing heavy chain-only antibodies as a single chain VH antibody (scVHAb) or heavy chain antibody (HCAb) comprising two extended scVHAbs. The scVHAb comprises an antigen-binding part consisting of a VH domain and the immunoglobulin constant domains CL, which is either C or C, and CH1, in the order from N-terminus to C-terminus: VH-L1-CL-L2-CH1, wherein L1 and L2 are each, independently, peptidic linkers; and wherein CL is paired with CH1 through beta-sheet contact thereby obtaining a CL/CH1 dimer.

Compositions and methods for the inducible expression of genes in eukaryotic cells are provided. Expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest encoding a protein of interest is controlled by a regulatory fusion protein that consists of a transcription blocking domain and a ligand-binding domain. When a cognate ligand for the ligand-binding domain is present, transcription of the nucleotide sequence of interest is blocked. Upon removal of the cognate ligand, the nucleotide sequence of interest is transcribed. The method is useful for large scale bioreactor production of a desired protein of interest in eukaryotic cells.

Methods of preventing or treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a subject by introducing the DRB1*04:01.sup.K71E mutation that is resistant to RA. The resistant allele is introduced into the subject having or at risk of developing RA, using a HLA CRISPR/Cas9 vector that targets codon 71 in the HLA allele DRB1*04:01, introducing a single A to G point mutation in codon 71 by homology directed repair to alter the lysine at position 71 of the expressed protein to glutamic acid. This modified allele is affected in the subject's hematopoietic stem cells, which are then expanded and transplanted back into the patient. This microgene therapy confers RA-resistance via an autologous transplant. The invention includes isolated nucleic acids, vectors, recombinant viruses, cells, and pharmaceutical compositions to modify the HLA DRB1*04:01 allele.

A transgenic animal is provided. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animal comprises a genome comprising: an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising: a) a functional immunoglobulin light chain gene comprising a transcribed variable region encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of 2 to 5 different amino acids; and ii. a light chain framework; and, operably linked to the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene: b) a plurality of pseudogene light chain variable regions each encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of the same 2 to 5 different amino acids as the CDRs of the functional gene; and ii. a light chain framework that is identical in amino acid sequence to the light chain framework of the transcribed variable region.

Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of an endogenous signal-regulatory protein gene, in particular a humanization of a SIRP gene. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express a human or humanized SIRP protein from an endogenous SIRP locus.

This application relates to therapeutic siRNA agents and methods of making and using the agents.

The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging. Finally, the invention relates to the discovery that some compounds, e.g., lactisole, inhibit both the activities of human T1R2/T1R3 and T1R1/T1R3 receptors, and accordingly the sweet and umami taste, suggesting that these receptors may be the only sweet and umami receptors.

The present invention relates to a use of cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) protein, and in particular to a use of a CREG protein or an active fragment thereof in manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of a fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. The present invention also relates to a use of a recombinant vector or recombinant cell expressing a CREG protein or an active fragment thereof in manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of a fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. The invention also relates to a corresponding kit, such as a kit used for the predication and/or evaluation of therapeutic effect and prognosis of a fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.