Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and kits for using serum biomarkers, including C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 13 (CXCL13), and/or soluble CD27 (sCD27), in predicting and evaluating therapeutic response to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and kits of use of serum biomarkers, including CXCL10, CXCL13, and/or sCD27, for predicting and evaluating therapeutic response to TNF inhibitor therapy in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a gastro-intestinal disease in a subject involves comparing ratios of expression levels of genes in a biological sample from a subject to references, wherein the gastro-intestinal disease is characterized based on a difference in the ratios of the expression values of genes in the biological sample from the subject as compared to the references.

Abstract: A method for characterizing multiple sclerosis in a subject involves comparing ratios of expression levels of genes in a biological sample from a subject to references, wherein the multiple sclerosis is characterized based on a difference in the ratios of the expression values of genes in the biological sample from the subject as compared to the references.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a gastro-intestinal disease in a subject involves comparing ratios of expression levels of genes in a biological sample from a subject to references, wherein the gastro-intestinal disease is characterized based on a difference in the ratios of the expression values of genes in the biological sample from the subject as compared to the references.

Abstract: The presently claimed subject matter provides a method for detecting an autoimmune disorder in a subject by obtaining a biological sample from the subject; determining expression levels of at least two genes in the biological sample; and comparing the expression level of each gene with a standard, wherein the comparing detects the presence of an autoimmune disorder in the subject. Also provided are compositions and kits for carrying out the methods of the presently claimed subject matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F extracts and purified components thereof in the treatment of inflammation or an immune disorder with concomitant lack of steroidal effect. Extracts of this plant (T2) bound to the glucocorticoid receptor and competitively inhibited glucocorticoid mediated cellular processes, such as dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid mediated activation of target genes, dexamethasone dependent cellular growth, with concomitant inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 induction and inflammatory processes such as the production of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The T2 extract components triptolide and tripdiolide were effective inhibitors. The particular advantage provided by the methods herein is the treatment or prevention of inflammation and the concomitant lack of steroidal agonist effects and NSAID side effects. Conditions treatable by the present methods include inflammation and immune disorders including autoimmune disease.