Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, 3E10, and active fragments thereof that selectively are transported in vivo to the nucleus of mammalian cells without cytotoxic effect are provided. The antibody and other molecules that bind to a variant of myosin IIb heavy chain found in the nucleus of skeletal muscle cells are useful as a non-viral delivery vector to target skeletal muscle in vivo. By contrast, in vitro the monoclonal antibody penetrates and is transported to the nucleus of multiple cell lines derived from different tissue types and can be used in screening tests to identify molecules that modulate growth of cells, such as cancer cells. Non-cytotoxic vectors for delivering a drug, polynucleotide or polypeptide selectively to skeletal muscle cells are also provided.

Abstract: Human plasma fractions substantially enriched in human immunoglobulin G, such as Cohn Fraction II+III, and optionally an antacid may be administered orally to patients suffering from a myriad of immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, to treat the disease condition of those patients. Oral administration of Cohn Fraction II+III results in significant clinical improvement in the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of treatment for immune-mediated neurodegenerative diseases using alimentary administration, for example oral administration, of immunoglobulin. More particular, autistic spectrum disorder is treated using oral administration of immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Human plasma fractions substantially enriched in human immunoglobulin G, such as Cohn Fraction II+III, and optionally an antacid may be administered orally to patients suffering from a myriad of immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, to treat the disease condition of those patients. Oral administration of Cohn Fraction II+III results in significant clinical improvement in the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example.

Abstract: Methods and antibody compositions are provided for the diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis. By employing B-cells of a lupus nephritis host with a fusion partner, antibodies can be obtained, which may serve as immunogens for the production of antiidiotypic antibodies, which may then be used for diagnosis and therapy of lupus nephritis.

Abstract: Pooled human immunoglobulin may be administered orally to rheumatoid arthritis patients to treat the rheumatoid arthritic condition of those patients. Oral administration of pooled human immunoglobulin can result in significant clinical improvement in the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Assays are provided for detecting the existence of active rheumatoid arthritis by detecting rheumatoid factor as a blood component which cross-links human IgG with sheep IgG. Particularly, an enzyme labelled assay is provided using biotin-avidin to link the enzyme to the immunoglobulin. The binding peptide of the rheumatoid factor is also provided.

Abstract: Assays are provided for detecting the existence of active rheumatoid arthritis by detecting rheumatoid factor as a blood component which cross-links human IgG with sheep IgG. Particularly, an enzyme labelled assay is provided using biotin-avidin to link the enzyme to the immunoglobulin.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, 3E10, and active fragments thereof that selectively are transported in vivo to the nucleus of mammalian cells without cytotoxic effect are provided. The antibody and other molecules that bind to a variant of myosin IIb heavy chain found in the nucleus of skeletal muscle cells are useful as a non-viral delivery vector to target skeletal muscle in vivo. By contrast, in vitro the monoclonal antibody penetrates and is transported to the nucleus of multiple cell lines derived from different tissue types and can be used in screening tests to identify molecules that modulate growth of cells, such as cancer cells. Non-cytotoxic vectors for delivering a drug, polynucleotide or polypeptide selectively to skeletal muscle cells are also provided.