Abstract: Methods for treating glaucoma and/or Fas ligand-dependent inflammatory conditions in a subject using soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) or a fragment thereof, which may be rAAV-mediated delivery of sFasL or a fragment thereof to a subject.

Abstract: Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins that bind immune cell receptors and/or autoantigens are provided, along with methods of making and uses in the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions and methods to stimulate the immune system. For example, antigen-specific antibodies may be produced by stimulating B cell populations with specific antigenic compounds, such as an adjuvant comprising a macromolecule capable of activating a Toll-Like receptor (TLR). For example, a BCR adapter IgM (BCRAM) is described to exemplify delivery of autoantigens to polyclonal B cell populations resulting in immunoactivation by TLR activation. Alternatively, a compound is described that inhibits TLR activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating immune complex associated diseases (ICAD), such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis-C related immune complex disease (e.g., cryoglobulinemia) in a subject having an ICAD or at risk for developing ICAD. The invention is based upon the surprising finding that chromatin-containing immune complexes activate autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells by a dual receptor engagement process which, in both cell types, involves a Toll-like receptor (TLR).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating immune complex associated diseases (ICAD), such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis-C related immune complex disease (e.g., cryoglobulinemia) in a subject having an ICAD or at risk for developing ICAD. The invention is based upon the surprising finding that chromatin-containing immune complexes activate autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells by a dual receptor engagement process which, in both cell types, involves a Toll-like receptor (TLR).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating immune complex associated diseases (ICAD), such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis-C related immune complex disease (e.g., cryoglobulinemia) in a subject having an ICAD or at risk for developing ICAD. The invention is based upon the surprising finding that chromatin-containing immune complexes activate autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells by a dual receptor engagement process which, in both cell types, involves a Toll-like receptor (TLR).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing virus-free vesicles containing functional membrane proteins, and uses thereof. Preferably the virus-free vesicles contain a type II transmembrane protein which is a member of the TNF superfamily. The vesicles maintain the protein in its native conformation, thus eliminating the problems related to the solubility of these proteins when produced without presence of membrane component.