Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided fully human monoclonal antibodies against human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Nucelotide sequences encoding and amino acid sequences comprising heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), specifically from within FR1 and/or CDR1 through CDR3 and/or within FR4, are provided. Further provided are antibodies having similar binding properties and antibodies (or other antagonists) having similar functionality as antibodies disclosed herein.

Abstract: Human lymphocyte-associated cell surface protein LAM-1, which includes domains homologous with binding domains of animal lectins, growth factors, and C3/C4 binding proteins, and the cDNA encoding LAM-1, are described. Antagonists to LAM-1 are used in a method of treating a human patient suffering from a lymphocyte-mobilizing condition which involves administering a therapeutic amount of the antagonist in a non-toxic pharmaceutical carrier substance. Additionally, antibodies that bind human LAM-1 and inhibit cellular adhesion, migration or infiltration into tissues are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and diagnosis of Lyme disease. OspA and OspB polypeptides and serotypic variants thereof, which elicit in a treated animal the formation of an immune response which is effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. A screening method for the selection of those OspA and OspB polypeptides and anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are useful for the prevention and detection of Lyme disease. Diagnostic kits including OspA and OspB polypeptides or antibodies directed against such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and crystals of a hepatitis C virus protease in complex with its viral cofactor. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of hepatitis C virus protease in complex with a synthetic NS4A to solve the structure of similar or homologous proteins or protein complexes.

Abstract: A shed form of leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1, L-selectin) is present in high levels in human plasma. Quantitative methods of detecting shed LAM-1 (sLAM-1) by Western blot and ELISA analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the specific detection of cell-surface bound LAM-1 in the presence of shed LAM-1 and for immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies reactive with cell-surface bound LAM-1 but not reactive with shed LAM-1. In addition a method of producing an antibody that is reactive with cell-surface bound LAM-1 but not reactive with shed LAM-1 is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds which are inhibitors of interleukin-IB converting enzyme. The ICE inhibitors of this invention are characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting ICE activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as agents against IL-1-, apoptosis-, IGIF-, and IFN-&ggr;-mediated diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, destructive bone disorders, proliferative disorders, infectious diseases, degenerative diseases, and necrotic diseases. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting ICE activity, for treating interleukin-1-, apoptosis-, IGIF- and IFN-&ggr;-mediated diseases and decreasing IGIF and IFN-&ggr; production using the compounds and compositions of this invention.

Abstract: Human coronary heart disease susceptibility gene (CHD1), some alleles of which are related to susceptibility to coronary heart disease. Germline mutations in the CHD1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to coronary heart disease and to metabolic disorders, including hypoalphalipoproteinemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia, insulin resistant syndrome X or multiple metabolic disorder, obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemic hypertension. Presymptomatic therapy of individuals who carry deleterious alleles of the CHD1 gene (including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy, and administration of protein mimetics and inhibitors). The screening of drugs for dyslipidemic therapy.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and diagnosis of Lyme disease. OspA and OspB polypeptides and serotypic variants thereof, which elicit in a treated animal the formation of an immune response which is effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. Anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. A screening method for the selection of those OspA and OspB polypeptides and anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are useful for the prevention and detection of Lyre disease. Diagnostic kits including OspA and OspB polypeptides or antibodies directed against such polypeptides.

Abstract: Refillable immunoisolatory neurological therapy devices for local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain of a patient. The devices include a cell chamber adapted for infusion with nsecretory cells and having at least one semipermeable or permselective surface across which biologically active factors secreted by the cells can be delivered to the brain. The devices also include means for introducing secretory cells into the cell chamber, and means for renewing the cells or cell medium.