Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions and methods for inhibiting microorganism growth in a mammal and for treating infections in a veterinary animal. The compositions provided herein are based on the surprising discovery that the metapleural gland extract from ants has biocidal activity that is useful against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Accordingly, it has been discovered that the components of the metapleural gland extract are useful for the treatment and prevention of disease in mammals. The present invention provides a number of antimicrobial compounds which kill bacteria, fungi and viruses upon contact.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a population of CD8+ Tc1 and/or Tc2 lymphocytes ex vivo. The method includes stimulating a population of T cells obtained from a subject by contacting the population with an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and an antibody that specifically binds to a T cell costimulatory molecule in the presence of a Tc1 or Tc2 supportive environment to form a stimulated population of T cells. The stimulated population of CD8+ T cells is allowed to proliferate in a Tc1 or Tc2 supportive environment. Purified populations of Tc1 and Tc2 cells are disclosed herein, as are methods for their use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of substantially purified CD4+ Th1 lymphocytes. The method includes stimulating a population of substantially purified CD4+ T cells isolated from a subject by contacting the population with an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and an antibody that specifically binds to a T cell costimulatory molecule in the presence of a Th1 supportive environment to form a stimulated population of T cells. The stimulated population of CD4+ T cells is allowed to proliferate in a Th1 supportive environment. In one example, the Th1 supportive environment includes at least 20 IU/ml of IL-2, for example about 1000 I.U./ml of IL-2, and a neutralizing amount of an IL-4, an IL-13, and/or an IL-4/IL-13 neutralizing agent. In other examples, the supportive environment further includes at least 1 ng/ml of IL-12, for example about 2.5 ng/ml of IL-12. Purified populations of Th1 cells are disclosed herein, as are methods for their use.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a population of substantially purified CD4+ Th2 lymphocytes. The method includes stimulating a population of substantially purified CD4+ T cells isolated from a subject by contacting the population with an immobilized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and an immobilized antibody that specifically binds to a T cell costimulatory molecule in the presence of a Th2 supportive environment to form a stimulated population of T cells. Purified populations of Th2 cells are disclosed herein, as are methods for their use. For example, substantially purified CD4+ Th2 lymphocytes can be used to treat graft-versus-host-disease, tumors, and autoimmune disorders.