Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where crysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where crysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. Modified integrin I-domain polypeptides stabilized in a desired conformation are also provided, as well as screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domain polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatory oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The oligopeptides are useful in treating inflammatory diseases when formulated in pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatory oligopeptides which contain the terminal pharmacophore Cys-Asn-Ser which is capable of inhibiting the NF-?? signaling pathway. The oligopeptides are useful in stimulating the in vivo production of IL-10, and for treating inflammatory diseases and scarring when formulated in pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients.

Abstract: The present invention identifies P-selectin as a modulator of hemostasis. Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods for the identification and use of modulators of P-selectin activity as modulators of hemostasis. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of hemostatic disorders, including, but not limited to, hemorrhagic disorders and thrombotic disorders. The present invention describes methods for the diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of various hemostatic conditions, and for the identification of subjects exhibiting a predisposition to such conditions. In addition, the present invention provides methods for the diagnostic monitoring of patients undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of a hemostatic or vascular disorders, and for monitoring the efficacy of compounds in clinical trials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatroy oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The oligopeptides are useful in treating inflammatory diseases when formulated in pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients.

Abstract: The present invention identifies P-selectin as a modulator of hemostasis. Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods for the identification and use of modulators of P-selectin activity as modulators of hemostasis. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of hemostatic disorders, including, but not limited to, hemorrhagic disorders and thrombotic disorders. The present invention describes methods for the diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of various hemostatic conditions, and for the identification of subjects exhibiting a predisposition to such conditions. In addition, the present invention provides methods for the diagnostic monitoring of patients undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of a hemostatic or vascular disorders, and for monitoring the efficacy of compounds in clinical trials.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of substantially purified populations of dendritic cells and monocytes from the peripheral blood of a mammal is described. Also described are vaccine compositions and methods for the treatment of certain diseases and medical conditions based on the substantially purified dendritic cells and monocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. Modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation are also provided. Finally, screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of functional derivatives of ICAM-1 to treat viral infection. The invention also provides a vaccine to prevent such infection, and a diagnostic assay to determine the existence and extent of such infection.

Abstract: Methods for regulation of lipid and cholesterol uptake are described which are based on regulation of the expression or function of the SR-BI HDL receptor. The examples demonstrate that estrogen dramatically downregulates SR-BI under conditions of tremendous upregulation of the LDL-receptor. The examples also demonstrate the upregulation of SR-BI in rat adrenal membranes and other non-placental steroidogenic tissues from animals treated with estrogen, but not in other non-placental non-steroidogenic tissues, including lung, liver, and skin. Examples further demonstrate the uptake of fluorescently labeled HDL into the liver cells of animal, which does not occur when the animals are treated with estrogen. Examples also demonstrate the in vivo effects of SR-BI expression on HDL metabolism, in mice transiently overexpressing hepatic SR-BI following recombinant adenovirus infection. Overexpression of the SR-BI in the hepatic tissue caused a dramatic decrease in cholesterol blood levels.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of functional derivatives of ICAM-1 to treat viral infection. The invention also provides a vaccine to prevent such infection, and a diagnostic assay to determine the existence and extent of such infection.

Abstract: An improved electrophoresis device includes first and second end reservoirs of buffer, and a separation tank between the end reservoirs. The separation tank fluidically interconnects the reservoirs and is configured to hold a stack of gel trays in an oriented electric field and covered by the buffer solution. At least one gas-driven fluid recirculation passage distinct from the separation tank drives buffer in one direction between the reservoirs, and stabilizes the buffer below the level of the trays, while stabilized buffer completes circulation between the stack of trays without thermal or chemical upset of the electrophoresis conditions over time. The device may have the same footprint as a conventional single-tray vessel, while having increased capacity for performing electrophoresis operations.

Abstract: A method for the enrichment of dendritic cells from the peripheral blood of a mammal is described. Peripheral blood having mononuclear cells from a mammal is provided. The mononuclear cells are separated from the peripheral blood. The mononuclear cells are separated into a first cell population having substantially lymphocytes and a second cell population having substantially myeloid cells. The myeloid cells are separated into a third cell population having substantially monocytes and a fourth cell population having substantially dendritic cells. Also described are purified dendritic cell populations, vaccine compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer using dendritic cells, and kits useful for the enrichment of dendritic cells from blood.