Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions relating a nucleic acid encoding an interleukin 18-inducible cytokine termed tumor necrosis factor-alpha inducing factor (TAIF) or interleukin-32 (IL-32). In particular, the present invention provides vectors for expressing proteins useful for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, in part by regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apoptosis specific eucaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), referred to as apoptosis-specific eIF-5A or eIF5-A1, nucleic acids and polypeptides and methods for down regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in a mammal by administering siRNA against eIF-5A1 to the mammal to treat/prevent sepsis and/or hemorrhagic shock.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of treating and preventing transplantation and side effects associated with transplantation. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of graft rejection and promotion of graft survival. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including graft rejection, promotion of graft survival, graft versus host rejection and conditions commonly associated with graft rejection. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine protease and inducers of other alpha1-antitrypsin activities.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of IL-18 with lower affinity to IL-18BP than the wild type IL-18 molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the viability, recovery and functionality of islets that are separated from a donor organ for subsequent transplantation and more particularly relates to the use of eIF-5A1 siRNAs to enhance the viability and functionality of islets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cytokine-1, preferably from the IL-1 family more preferably IL-1F7b, or an isoform, mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof capable of binding to IL-18BP or a mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof and capable of inhibiting a receptor of a cytokine-2, cytokine-2 being a member of the IL-1 family, preferably IL-18, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease which is caused or aggravated by inducing said receptor of cytokine-2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening for modulators of interleukin 32 (IL-32), to modulators of IL-32 and to their use. Proteinase 3 has been identified as an IL-32 binding protein capable of deavege thereof. Inhibition of PR 3 activity to process IL-32 or neutralization of IL-32 by-inactive PR3 or its fragments may reduce the consequences of IL-32 in immune regulated diseases (e.g. inflammatory diseases).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the viability and recovery of islets that are separated from a donor organ for subsequent transplantation and more particularly relates to the use of eIF-5A1 siRNAs to enhance the viability of islets.

Abstract: Use of IL-18 inhibitors in tumor metastasis is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting the replication of the HIV virus by providing siRNA or antisense polynucleotides of eIF-5A1. The present invention also provides methods of inhibiting expression of p24 with siRNA or antisense polynucleotides of eIF-5A1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cytokine-1, preferably from the IL-1 family more preferably IL-1F7b, or an isoform, mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof, capable of binding to IL-18BP or a mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof and capable of inhibiting a receptor of a cytokine-2, cytokine-2 being a member of the IL-1 family, preferably IL-18, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease which is caused or aggravated by inducing said receptor of cytokine-2.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and of modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for the isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them. DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided. Therapeutic uses of IL-18 binding proteins and further inhibitors of IL-18 are also provided according to the invention.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and of modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for the isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them. DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided. Therapeutic uses of IL-18 binding proteins and further inhibitors of IL-18 are also provided according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an incidence of ischemia in mammalian tissue, particularly mammalian heart tissue. Further, a method of reducing apoptosis in mammalian tissue, preferably heart tissue, is provided. These methods involve measuring and comparing the gene expression levels of both apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and proliferating eIF-5A and correlating an incidence of ischemia when the expression level of apoptosis-specific eIF-5a is higher than proliferating eIF-5A. In the method of reducing apoptosis in mammalian tissue, there is provided an agent that inhibits expression of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A. Preferred agents are antisense oligonucleotides to human apoptosis-specific eIF-5A.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment or prevention of sepsis and other diseases characteristic to the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), including severe sepsis, septic shock, and sepsis related to cardiac dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to an interleukin18-inducible cytokine termed tumor necrosis factor-alpha inducing factor (TAIF) or interleukin-32 (IL-32). In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, in part by regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apoptosis specific eucaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), referred to as apoptosis-specific eIF-5A or eIF5-A1, nucleic acids and polypeptides and methods for increasing or decreasing expression of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A. The invention also relates to methods of increasing or decreasing apoptosis.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vecotors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vecotors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apoptosis specific eucaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), referred to as apoptosis-specific eIF-5A or eIF5-A1, nucleic acids and polypeptides and methods for inhibiting or suppressing apoptosis in cells using antisense nucleotides or siRNAs to inhibit expression of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A. The invention also relates to suppressing or inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or inhibiting activation of NFkB by inhibiting expression of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A.