Abstract: Binding polypeptides comprising specific amino acid sequences are disclosed that specifically bind ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides. The binding polypeptides can be used in methods of the invention for detecting, isolating, or purifying ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides in solutions or mixtures, or biological samples. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding these ACE-2 binding polypeptides, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor expression or inappropriate function of ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor, comprising use of ACE-2 binding polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof, that specifically bind to ACE-2.

Abstract: Binding polypeptides comprising specific amino acid sequences are disclosed that specifically bind ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides. The binding polypeptides can be used in methods of the invention for detecting, isolating, or purifying ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides in solutions or mixtures, or biological samples. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding these ACE-2 binding polypeptides, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor expression or inappropriate function of ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor, comprising use of ACE-2 binding polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof, that specifically bind to ACE-2.

Abstract: Binding polypeptides comprising specific amino acid sequences are disclosed that specifically bind ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides. The binding polypeptides can be used in methods of the invention for detecting, isolating, or purifying ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides in solutions or mixtures, or biological samples. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding these ACE-2 binding polypeptides, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor expression or inappropriate function of ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor, comprising use of ACE-2 binding polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof, that specifically bind to ACE-2.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of angiotensin II in combination with angiotesin 1-9 to potentiate angiotensin II activity. The invention also relates to the use of combinations of angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-9 to increase vasoconstriction and to treat disorders associated with low blood pressure.

Abstract: Binding polypeptides comprising specific amino acid sequences are disclosed that specifically bind ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides. The binding polypeptides can be used in methods of the invention for detecting, isolating, or purifying ACE-2 protein or ACE-2-like polypeptides in solutions or mixtures, or biological samples. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding these ACE-2 binding polypeptides, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor expression or inappropriate function of ACE-2 or ACE-2 receptor, comprising use of ACE-2 binding polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof, that specifically bind to ACE-2.

Abstract: Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a factor that regulates production of IFN-.gamma. in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an interferon-.gamma. inducing factor (IGIF) antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders.