Abstract: Light-generating fusion proteins having a ligand binding site and a light-generating polypeptide moiety and their use as diagnostics, in drug screening and discovery, and as therapeutics, are disclosed. The light-generating fusion protein has a feature where the bioluminescence of the polypeptide moiety changes upon binding of a ligand at the ligand binding site. The ligand may be, for example, an enzyme present in an environment only under certain conditions, e.g., ubiquitin ligase in a hypoxic state, such that the light-generating fusion protein is “turned on” only under such conditions.

Abstract: A method to treat an autoimmune disease is provided. The method involves administration of interleukin-15 receptor (IL-15R) agonists in an amount effective to ameliorate a symptom of the autoimmune disease. The invention also involves a method to treat an autoimmune disease by ex-vivo expansion of CD44+CD122+Kir+ CD8+ Treg cells and administration of the CD44+CD122+Kir+ CD8+ Treg cells. Compositions comprising CD44+CD122+Kir+ CD8+ Treg cells are also provided. Methods for stimulating an immune response to an antigen are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features a method of identifying a compound that inhibits (a) the physical interaction (binding) between MUC1 and tumor progressors (e.g., ?-catenin, c-Src, EGF-R, p120ctn, or PKC?) and/or (b) phosphorylation of MUC1 by tumor progressors with kinase activity (e.g., c-Src, EGF-R, or PKC?). The invention also includes a method of inhibiting an interaction between MUC1 and ?-catenin and a method of inhibiting expression of MUC1 or a tumor progressor in a cell.

Abstract: The crystal structures of CD45 and LAR, described herein, provide a basis for kinetic and functional studies. Identification of the crystal structures of cellular molecules is important in to determine functional roles in immunity, phosphorylation events, disease initiation mechanism. The isolated crystals and methods for crystallization thereof, are also important in identifying small molecule interactions with cellular molecules for new drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recombinant human monoclonal antibody which binds to a discontinuous epitope on the HIV gp120 envelope glycoprotien, blocks the binding of gp120 to the CD4 receptor, and neutralizes a broad range of HIV isolates. The present invention also provides the primary nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the rearranged heavy and light chains of the recombinant monoclonal antibody of the present invention, and a method of screening for antibodies which block binding of envelope glycoprotein to the CD4 receptor.