Abstract: Described herein are noninvasive electrical stimulation devices, systems and methods for stimulation of the Vagus nerve through its auricular branch to provide beneficial physiological responses in subjects, including alleviation, mitigation or elimination of symptoms of various disorders, including metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Provided are CD4+ T-cell-based compositions and methods for treating hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating inflammatory diseases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and methods of screening for agents that inhibit PEDF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject at risk for or having a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade comprising administering to the subject an amount of a GAPDH inhibitor effective to treat the subject at risk for or having a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating inflammatory diseases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and methods of screening for agents that inhibit PEDF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject at risk for or having a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade comprising administering to the subject an amount of a GAPDH inhibitor effective to treat the subject at risk for or having a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immunogenic compositions (e.g., vaccines), the production of such immunogenic compositions and methods of using such compositions. More specifically, this invention provides unique immunogenic molecules comprising an HMGB1 polypeptide (e.g., an HMGB1 B-box polypeptide) and an antigen. Even more specifically, this invention provides novel fusion proteins comprising an isolated HMGB1 polypeptide and an antigen such that administration of these fusion proteins provides the two signals required for native T-cell activation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of charcoal in the manufacture of an oral composition for the treatment of an inflammatory condition other than an inflammatory bowel disease and other than interstitial or other inflammation within the kidney.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immunogenic compositions (e.g., vaccines), the production of such immunogenic compositions and methods of using such compositions. More specially, this invention provides unique immunogenic molecules comprising an HMGB1 polypeptide (e.g., an HMGB1 B-box polypeptide) and an antigen. Even more specifically, this invention provides novel fusion proteins comprising an isolated HMGB1 polypeptide and an antigen such that administration of these fusion proteins provides the two signals required for native T-cell activation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject with a cytokine-mediated inflammatory disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable cholinesterase inhibitor, provided that the inhibitor is not galantamine.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for protecting an organ or tissue from inflammation and organ injury following ischemia, reperfusion, and trauma through the administration of an HMGB1 protein within a time period sufficient to protect the organ or tissue from injury.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating an inflammatory condition in an individual, comprising administering an agent inhibits the interaction between a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and a high mobility group B (HMGB) polypeptide to the individual. The invention also features methods for identifying agents that inhibit the interaction between TLR2 and HMGB.

Abstract: A method of treating ileus in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmacological agent that increases the activity of cholinergic receptor in a subject. Examples of pharmacological agents are brain muscarinic agonist, cholinergic agonist or cholinesterase inhibitor. The methods of the present invention can be used to treat ileus caused by abdominal surgery, or administration of narcotics or chemotherapeutic agents such as during cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formulae (Ia) or (VII) and a method of treating a subject with an inflammatory cytokine-mediated disorder comprising administering to the subject a compound of Formulae (Ia) or (VIIa). The variables of Formulae (I), (Ia), (VII) and (VIIa) are described herein.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting HMGB1 release by a mammalian cell are provided. The methods comprise treating the cell with sufficient fetuin to inhibit HMGB1 release. Methods of inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a mammal are also provided. These methods comprise administering sufficient fetuin to the mammal to inhibit HMGB1 release in the mammal. Also provided are methods of treating a condition in a mammal characterized by an inflammatory cytokine cascade. These methods comprise administering sufficient fetuin to the mammal to inhibit HMGB1 release in the mammal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating sepsis, including septic shock and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), comprising administering an effective amount of a HMG1 antagonist. There is further disclosed a diagnostic method for monitoring the severity or potential lethality of sepsis or septic shock, comprising measuring the serum concentration of HMG1 in a patient exhibiting or at risk of exhibiting sepsis or septic shock symptoms. Lastly, there is disclosed a phamaceutical composition and method for effecting weight loss or treating obesity, comprising administering an effective amount of HMG1 or a therapeutically active HMG1 fragment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating sepsis, including septic shock and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), comprising administering an effective amount of a HMG1 antagonist. There is further disclosed a diagnostic method for monitoring the severity or potential lethality of sepsis or septic shock, comprising measuring the serum concentration of HMG1 in a patient exhibiting or at risk or exhibit sepsis or septic shock symptoms. Lastly, there is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for effecting weight loss or treating obesity, comprising administering an effective amount of HMG1 or a therapeutically active HMG1 fragment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a patient suffering from, or at risk for, a condition mediated by the inflammatory cytokine cascade, by electrically stimulating vagus nerve activity in an amount sufficient to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine cascade.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an HMGB B box or a functional variant thereof that are useful for stimulating or increasing an immune response in an individual. Such polypeptides can be used in vaccine formulations and in cancer therapies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing bleed time in a subject by activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in said subject. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be activated by direct or indirect stimulation of the vagus nerve. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can also be activated by administering an effective amount of cholinergic agonist or acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to the subject.