Abstract: The invention relates to modified recombinant allergen mutants which can be obtained from recombinant allergens which are derived from allergens which can be obtained by extraction from natural raw materials such as pollen of the species Phleum pratense. While these modified recombinant allergens stimulate lymphocytes from patients who are allergic to pollent to proliferate and synthesize cytokines, they exhibit a markedly diminished ability to bind to the IgE antibodies which are present in the serum of the T lymphocyte donors and to grass pollen allergen-specific IgEs and can therefore be used for a specific, made-to-release allergy therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a human prostate associated Ets protein (PRAEP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRAEP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of PRAEP.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding human CTLA-8 (now known as IL-17F) and related proteins are disclosed. Human CTLA-8 and related proteins, including anti-human IL-17F antibodies, and methods for their production are also disclosed. Methods of treatment using human CTLA-8 proteins, rat CTLA-8 proteins and herpes CTLA-8 proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating insulin-requiring diabetes in a mammal comprising the subcutaneous administration of an effective amount of a glucagon-like peptide 1-related peptide.

Abstract: A number of octapeptides were generated from the sequences encoding the 60 kDa Ro/SSA peptide, the La/SSB autoantigen, the 70 kD nuclear ribonucleoprotein (nRNP), and the Sm B/B? polypeptide, which represent linear epitopes for autoantibodies present in the sera of SLE and SS patients. These peptides are useful in solid phase assays for patients characterized by the presence of these autoantibodies, and can be used to categorize patients as to the likelihood of developing certain conditions associated with SLE. The peptides are also potentially useful in treatment of these patients using immobilized peptide to remove autoantibody and to block binding of the autoantibodies with patient molecules reactive with the autoantibodies.

Abstract: The invention features an Aiolos protein, and nucleic acid sequence encoding such protein. The invention also features methods of making and using an Aiolos protein, and methods of obtaining an antibody from an animal having an Aiolos deregulated cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to presenilin 2 proteolytic fragments. In particular, the present invention relates to a purified 20 kDa presenilin 2 C-terminal fragment (PS2-CTF); purified nucleic acid molecules coding for the 20 kDa PS2-CTF protein; cells containing the nucleic acid molecules; non-human organisms containing the nucleic acid molecule; antibodies having specific binding affinity to the 20 kDa PS2-CTF; hybridomas containing the antibodies; methods of detecting 20 kDa PS2-CTF in a sample; diagnostic kits; methods for screening compounds that inhibit proteolytic processing of presenilin 2 in a cell, isolated compounds that inhibit proteolytic processing of presenilin 2 in a cell, and a method of inhibiting apoptotic cell death by preventing proteolytic cleavage of presenilin 2 at a cleavage site which generates a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof which binds to the CC chemokine receptor GPR-9-6 and blocks the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptor. The invention also relates to a method of identifying agents (molecules, compounds) which can bind to GPR-9-6 and inhibit the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) and/or modulate a function of GPR-9-6. The invention further relates to a method of modulating a function of GPR-9-6, and to the use of the antibodies, antigen-binding fragments and agents identified by the method of the invention in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Since glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is the most potent insulinotropic hormone known and has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion strongly in patients with type II diabetes, this invention uses GLP-1 or its biologically active analogues in ?-cell stimulatory tests in order to test ?-cell function in a simple way. The test provides information about insulin secretory capacity, is easy and reproducible and has insignificant side effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides consisting of 16 to 55 amino acids, said peptides comprising at least one of the amino acid sequences LVCYYTSWS (SEQ ID NO:60), FLCTHIIYS (SEQ ID NO:61), IIYSFANIS (SEQ ID NO:62), LKTLLSVGG (SEQ ID NO:63), FIKSVPPFL (SEQ ID NO:64), FDGLDLAWL (SEQ ID NO:65), LYPGRRDKQ (SEQ ID NO:66), YDIAKISQH (SEQ ID NO:67), LDFISIMTY (SEQ ID NO:68), FISIMTYDF (SEQ ID NO:69), FRGQEDASP (SEQ ID NO:70), YAVGYMLRL (SEQ ID NO:71), MLRLGAPAS (SEQ ID NO:72), LAYYEICDF (SEQ ID NO:73), LRGATVHRT (SEQ ID NO:74), YLKDRQLAG (SEQ ID NO:75), LAGAMVWAL (SEQ ID NO:76), VWALDLDDF (SEQ ID NO:77) or LDLDDFQGS (SEQ ID NO:78). The peptides can be used in the treatment of T cell-mediated destruction of articular cartilage. Administration of pharmaceutical compositions based on these peptides can be used to induce systemic immunological tolerance to the autoantigens under attack of the autoreactive T-cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metalloproteinase-like proteins. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TACE-like and matrilysin-like proteins. TACE-like and matrilysin-like polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TACE-like and matrilysin-like activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting cancer and therapeutic methods for cancer and other disorders characterized by an over or under production of these metalloproteinases.

Abstract: An antigenic polypeptide of factor VIII comprises a polypeptide included between the Glutamic Acid 1649 and Asparagine 2019, preferably between Arginine 1652 and Arginine 1917 of the polypeptide of factor VIII, or a polypeptide included between Alanine 108 and Methionine 355, or a polypeptide included between Aspartic Acid 403 and Aspartic Acid 725, or a polypeptide included between Lysine 2085 and Lysine 2249.

Abstract: A method of epitope discovery comprising the step of selecting an epitope from a population of peptide fragments of an antigen associated with a target cell, wherein the fragments have a known or predicted affinity for a major histocompatibility complex class I receptor peptide binding cleft, wherein the epitope selected corresponds to a proteasome cleavage product of the target cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing autoantigens, compositions comprising autoantigenic fragments and methods of using autoantigenic fragments in the treatment of a condition associated with an autoimmune response. Also provided are assays for the detection or assessment of an autoimmune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention avoid the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treating allergy is described. The composition comprises as an active ingredient a recombinant polyclonal antibody or a mixture of different monoclonal antibodies capable of reacting with or binding to an allergen together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The composition may be used topically as a solution, dispersion, powder, or in the form of microspheres. The polyclonal antibody is preferably a recombinant polyclonal antibody produced by phage display technology. The pairing of specific immunoglobulin variable region light chain and heavy chain maintained from the original polyclonal immune response or selected by panning using the allergen in question is preferably maintained by bulk transfer of the pairs into an expression vector.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in a mammal. Particular compositions comprise a binding element, a translocation element, and a therapeutic element able to prevent accumulation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention of adhesion formation involve the administration of therapeutic formulations to a patient which include antibodies to TIMP-1 or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides. The formulations can also include suitable carriers, such as a hyaluronic acid matrix, for optimal administration. The treatment procedure can be initiated and monitored by a diagnostic procedure which involves the detection of elevated levels of TIMP-1 in a patient.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of ABPA in a human individual comprise determining if the individual carries antibodies reactive with one or more ABPA-related recombinant allergens, which one or more ABPA-related recombinant allergens discriminate between ABPA and allergic sensitization to A. fumigatus. Suitable allergens include rAsp F4, rAsp F6, rAsp F8, and ABPA-related fragments thereof which bind with IgE or IgG antibody.

Abstract: An immunoassay specific for mammalian &ggr;-BNP derivatives, which uses the first antibody reactive with mammalian &agr;-BNP and the second antibody reactive with mammalian prepro-BNP or &ggr;-BNP derivatives and not &agr;-BNP, and at least one of the first and the second antibodies is optionally labeled detectably labeled or immobilized.