Catching-up in the global factory: analysis and policy implications

MNEs shape the location of activities in the world economy, linking diverse regions in what has been called the global factory. This study portrays the evolution of incomes and employment in the global factory using a quantitative input–output approach. We find emerging economies forging ahead relative to advanced economies in income derived from fabrication activities, handling the physical transformation process of goods. In contrast, convergence in income derived from knowledge-intensive activities carried out in pre- and post-fabrication stages is much slower. We discuss possible barriers to catching-up and policy implications for emerging economies in developing innovation capabilities, stressing the pivotal role of MNEs

Isolation, production and characterization of fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to Plasmodium falciparum MSP10

Background: Semi-immunity against the malaria parasite is defined by a protection against clinical episodes of malaria and is partially mediated by a repertoire of inhibitory antibodies directed against the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum, in particular against surface proteins of merozoites, the invasive form of the parasite. Such antibodies may be used for preventive or therapeutic treatment of P. falciparum malaria. Here, the isolation and characterization of novel human monoclonal antibodies (humAbs) for such applications is described. Methods: B lymphocytes had been selected by flow cytometry for specificity against merozoite surface proteins, including the merozoite surface protein 10 (MSP10). After Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation and identification of promising resulting lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), human immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions (Vh or Vl regions) were secured, cloned into plant expression vectors and transiently produced in Nicotiana benthamiana in the context of human full-size IgG1:kappa. The specificity and the affinity of the generated antibodies were assessed by ELISA, dotblot and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The growth inhibitory activity was evaluated based on growth inhibition assays (GIAs) using the parasite strain 3D7A. Results: Supernatants from two LCLs, 5E8 and 5F6, showed reactivity against the second (5E8) or first (5F6) epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain of MSP10. The isolated V regions were recombinantly expressed in their natural pairing as well as in combination with each other. The resulting recombinant humAbs showed affinities of 9.27 x 10(-7) M [humAb10.1 (H5F6:kappa 5E8)], 5.46 x 10(-9) M [humAb10.2 (H5F6:kappa 5F6)] and 4.34 x 10(-9) M [humAb10.3 (H5E8:kappa 5E8)]. In GIAs, these antibodies exhibited EC50 values of 4.1 mg/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6-6.6 mg/ml], 6.9 mg/ml (CI 5.5-8.6 mg/ml) and 9.5 mg/ml (CI 5.5-16.4 mg/ml), respectively. Conclusion: This report describes a platform for the isolation of human antibodies from semi-immune blood donors by EBV transformation and their subsequent characterization after transient expression in plants. To our knowledge, the presented antibodies are the first humAbs directed against P. falciparum MSP10 to be described. They recognize the EGF-like folds of MSP10 and bind these with high affinity. Moreover, these antibodies inhibit P. falciparum 3D7A growth in vitro

The Cloning and Expression of Human Monoclonal Antibodies:Implications for Allergen Immunotherapy

Allergic responses are dependent on the highly specific effector functions of IgE antibodies. Conversely, antibodies that block the activity of IgE can mediate tolerance to allergen. Technologies that harness the unparalleled specificity of antibody responses have revolutionized the way that we diagnose and treat human disease. This area of research continues to advance at a rapid pace and has had a significant impact on our understanding of allergic disease. This review will present an overview of humoral responses and provide an up-to-date summary of technologies used in the generation of human monoclonal antibodies. The impact that monoclonal antibodies have on allergic disease will be discussed, with a particular focus on allergen immunotherapy, which remains the only form of treatment that can modulate the underlying immune mechanisms and induce long-term clinical tolerance

The Uruguay Round and international diffusion of innovation

Short analysis of various channels throgh which multilateral liberalization od trade in services (TRIPs, TRIMs etc.) triggered after the Uruguay Round and the start of WTO nay induce productivity gains both in developing and developed countrie