Abstract: The invention provides gp38 polypeptides, which play a role in immunomodulation, nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activities of gp38 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and therapeutic methods employing these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic use of Myxoma virus. Myxomas virus can selectively infect cells that have a deficient innate anti-viral response, including cells that are not responsive to interferon and can be used to treat diseases characterized by the presence of such cells, including cancer.

Abstract: The invention generally features the use of Yaba monkey tumor virus nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides for the treatment or prevention of immune-related diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides gp38 polypeptides, which play a role in immunomodulation, nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activities of gp38 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and therapeutic methods employing these compounds.

Abstract: The invention generally features the use of Yaba monkey tumor virus nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides for the treatment or prevention of immune-related diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating transplant rejection in a mammalian transplant recipient are provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of Serp-1, its analogs, and biologically active fragments thereof in combination with an anti-rejection agent, such as cyclosporin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. The compositions and methods are useful for treating acute and chronic allograft and xenograft transplant rejection in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents useful for inhibition of apoptosis. Specifically, the invention relates to methods to identify agents that is either pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic, especially by affecting the signal transduction pathways of BAK protein and/or M11L protein. The invention also provides business methods, diagnostic kits for identification of pro- or anti-apoptotic agents. Another aspect of the invention provides a method to identify M11L-interacting polypeptides using mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use for a novel chemokine binding protein 5(type-2 CBP) encoded by poxviruses and having amino acid sequence homology with the Shope fibroma virus T1 family of proteins against disease syndromes associated with acute or chronic dysregulated inflammatory responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use for a novel type I chemokine binding protein encoded by poxviruses and having amino acid sequence homology with the myxoma virus T7 interferon-&ggr; receptor homolog against disease syndromes associated with acute or chronic dysregulated inflammatory responses.

Abstract: The invention provides gp38 polypeptides, which play a role in immunomodulation, nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activities of gp38 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and therapeutic methods employing these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel genes of the viral genus leporipox that encode novel immunomodulatory proteins. The present invention also provides therapeutic compositions containing these novel polypeptides and methods for use for treating a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides methods for producing the novel immunomodulatory polypeptides in a substantially pure form. In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods for treating individuals diagnosed with autoimmune or inflammatory disorders by gene therapy. In yet another preferred embodiment, the methods and compositions of the present invention may be used to treat cancer. Finally, the invention provides methods to identifying and isolating additional leporipox virus immunomodulatory polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory cell infiltration in a tissue of a mammalian subject are provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, SERP-1 analog or biologically active fragment thereof admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating numerous inflammatory based diseases and injuries.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory cell infiltration in a tissue of a mammalian subject are provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, SERP-1 analog or biologically active fragment thereof admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating numerous inflammatory based diseases and injuries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use for a novel type I chemokine binding protein encoded by poxviruses and having amino acid sequence homology with the myxoma virus T7 interferon-.gamma. receptor homolog against disease syndromes associated with acute or chronic dysregulated inflammatory responses.

Abstract: A method of treating primary and recurrent atheromatous plaque development is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, admixed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the intimal or lumenal layer of arterial walls. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided.