Abstract: Polypeptides comprising at least a first and second Fc fragment of IgG that can be used to induce a stimulated cell to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 and methods of using the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising at least a first and second Fc fragment of IgG that can be used to induce a stimulated cell to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 and methods of using the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising at least a first and second Fc fragment of IgG that can be used to induce a stimulated cell to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 and methods of using the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for upregulating IL-10 production in a stimulated cell. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying ERK activating agents capable of activating and amplifying the ERK MAPK pathway in a cell. Such ERK activating agents are capable of upregulating the production of IL-10 in stimulated cells. In another aspect, the invention provides ERK activating agents identified by the screening methods of the invention. Methods are also provided for preventing and treating inflammation in a susceptible patient by administering to the patient, a therapeutically effective amount of an ERK activating agent identified in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Ligation of the Fc&ggr; receptor type I (Fc&ggr;RI) on IL-10-producing cells leads to a selective upregulation of IL-10 production, which in turn induces a marked suppression of IL-12 biosynthesis by IL-12-producing cells, particularly macrophages. The ligation of the Fc&ggr;RI receptor thus downmodulates IL-12 production via a mechanism that is dependent on macrophage-derived IL-10. Agents for ligating Fc&ggr;RI comprise, for example, multivalent antibodies which bind the Fc&ggr;RI receptor, immune complexes comprising antibodies which contain the Fc region of IgG, and IgG multimers, preferably IgG dimers and trimers. The ligating agent may be administered to therapeutically inhibit proinflammatory immune responses. In particular, the ligating agent may be administered to treat or prevent endotoxic shock associated with bacterial endotoxemia, and to treating autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Ligation of the Fc&ggr; receptor type I (Fc&ggr;RI) on IL-10-producing cells leads to a selective upregulation of IL-10 production, which in turn induces a marked suppression of IL-12 biosynthesis by IL-12-producing cells, particularly macrophages. The ligation of the Fc&ggr;RI receptor thus downmodulates IL-12 production via a mechanism that is dependent on macrophage-derived IL-10. Agents for ligating Fc&ggr;RI comprise, for example, multivalent antibodies which bind the Fc&ggr;RI receptor, immune complexes comprising antibodies which contain the Fc region of IgG, and IgG multimers, preferably IgG dimers and trimers. The ligating agent may be administered to therapeutically inhibit proinflammatory immune responses. In particular, the ligating agent may be administered to treat or prevent endotoxic shock associated with bacterial endotoxemia, and to treating autoimmune disorders.