Abstract: Topical formulations of olopatadine for treatment of allergic or inflammatory disorders of the nose are disclosed. The aqueous formulations contain approximately 0.6% (w/v) of olopatadine.

Abstract: This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, for IgE. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IgE including allergies and asthma.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting binding of IgE to a high affinity receptor. The methods and compositions are useful in the treatment of allergic diseases and allergy symptoms in mammals.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods, compositions, and kits for diagnosing autoimmune chronic urticaria. For example, in certain embodiments, such methods generally comprise detecting the presence of auto-antibodies to cell-surface IgE receptors or cell-bound IgE in a patient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of treating rheumatoid arthritis in a human comprising administering to the human more than one intravenous dose of a therapeutically effective amount of rituximab and administering methotrexate to the human.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for detecting and treating normal, hypoplastic, ectopic or remnant tissue, organ or cells in a mammal. The method comprises parenterally injecting a mammalian subject, at a locus and by a route providing access to said tissue or organ, with an composition comprising antibody/fragment which specifically binds to targeted organ, tissue or cell. The antibody/fragment may be administered alone, or labeled or conjugated with an imaging, therapeutic, cytoprotective or activating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for use thereof for prevention or mitigation of allergic reactions in humans and animals. Novel compositions comprised of, e.g., an acidic salt solution of aluminum, calcium or magnesium, are provided for topical or contact application to physically and/or chemically alter an allergenic protein present in the environment and thereby lower the allergenicity of the protein. The compositions of the invention, e.g., comprised of aluminum sulfate, can be used to deactivate many types of proteinaceous allergens such as dust mite and cockroach body dust, animal dander, dried saliva, mold spore antigens, airborne pollen protein and the like. Compositions can be applied on an as needed basis to a wide variety of surfaces, interiors, furniture, pet bedding, plants and the like. The compositions provided may also be utilized to mitigate allergens present on clothing, e.g., for use in commercial dry cleaning or in household laundry applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/A peptides as well as methods of predicting or determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual using BoNT/A peptides.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor ? (hTNF?) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNF? (e.g., Kd=10?8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNF? dissociation (e.g., Koff=10?3 sec?1 or less) and neutralize hTNF? activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNF? and for inhibiting hTNF? activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNF? activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor ? (hTNF?) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNF? (e.g., Kd=10?8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNF? dissociation (e.g., Koff=10?3 sec?1 or less) and neutralize hTNF? activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNF? and for inhibiting hTNF? activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNF? activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/A peptides as well as methods of predicting or determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual using BoNT/A peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hypoallergenic immunogenic molecule derived from the Phl p 6 allergen, wherein the Phl p 6 molecule has an N-terminal and/or C-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity. The invention also relates to a hypoallergenic immunogenic combination of molecules derived from the Phl p 6 allergen, comprising (i) a Phl p 6 molecule having an N-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity, and (ii) a Phl p 6 molecule having a C-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity, which two molecules together encompass the complete sequence of Phl p 6. The invention further relates to the use of the hypoallergenic immunogenic molecule or molecule mixture in hyposensitization and diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods and products for suppressing a class II MHC-restricted immune response in a mammal, or in mammalian cells, are described. The methods depend upon inhibiting invariant chain proteolysis by cathepsin S from class II MHC/invariant chain complexes, thereby reducing the competency of class II MHC molecules for binding antigenic peptides, reducing presentation of antigenic peptides by class II MHC molecules, and suppressing immune responses. The methods may be employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, and organ or tissue graft rejection. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic compositions which are peptide based inhibitors of cathepsin S are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides containing at least three amino acids randomly joined in a linear array; wherein at least one of the three amino acids is an aromatic amino acid, at least one of the three amino acids is a charged amino acid and at least one amino acid is an aliphatic amino acid. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide contains three or four of the following amino acids: tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid or lysine. According to the present invention, the present polypeptides bind to antigen presenting cells, purified human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) and/or Copolymer 1-specific T cells. Moreover, according to the present invention, these polypeptides can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for treating autoimmune disease. The present invention further contemplates methods of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of any one of the present polypeptides to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a recently discovered macrophage specific receptor, STIgMA, and its use in the treatment of complement-associated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic antigen-presenting matrices, their methods of making and their methods of use. One such matrix is cells that have been transfected to produce MHC antigen-presenting molecules with one or more accessory molecules. The matrices are used to activate naive CD4+ T cells as well as shift the ongoing activation state into a preferred differentiated population of either Th1 or Th2 cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of therapeutic compounds in the modification of T-cell, T-cell-antigen presenting cell (APC) interactions and the interactions between pathogenic organisms and immunocompetent cells of a host. In particular it relates to the use of these compounds in the modulation of the interaction between Notch proteins and their ligands and to the use of such compounds in the therapy of conditions such as graft rejection, autoimmunity, allergy, and asthma and infectious diseases.

Abstract: Polypeptides capable of forming antigen binding structures specific for Rhesus D antigens include the sequences indicated in the FIGS. 1a to 16b. The obtained polypeptides, being Fab fragments, MAY be used directly as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions. The Fab and their DNA sequences can also be used for the preparation of complete recombinant Anti-Rhesus D antibodies. Useful in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions.

Abstract: There are provided uses of an antibody directed to CX3CR1 and fractalkine. Killer lymphocytes can be readily identified, eliminated and separated by using an anti-CX3CR1 antibody. Further, there can be provided an antibody drug for suppressing chemotaxis and cytotoxic activity of killer lymphocytes by suppressing an interaction between CX3CR1 and fractalkine.

Abstract: The binding specificity of at least one plasma protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium is altered by exposing the protein to an oxidizing agent or an electric current sufficient to alter its binding specificity. A masked protein such as an autoantibody can be recovered from blood or blood products or extracts by oxidizing the protein to change its binding specificity.

Abstract: Methods and products for suppressing a class II MHC-restricted immune response in a mammal, or in mammalian cells, are described. The methods depend upon inhibiting invariant chain proteolysis by cathepsin S from class II MHC/invariant chain complexes, thereby reducing the competency of class II MHC molecules for binding antigenic peptides, reducing presentation of antigenic peptides by class II MHC molecules, and suppressing immune responses. The methods may be employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, and organ or tissue graft rejection. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic compositions which are peptide-based inhibitors of cathepsin S are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention of alloimmunization of a subject or the immunosuppression of a response elicited by alloimmunization of a subject or an autoimmune haemolytic disease for said composition comprising an immunologically effective epitope of a rhesus protein or an immunologically active analogue or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The use of compounds that block complement component C5 or its active fragments C5a and/or C5b (such compounds collectively referred to as “C5 blockers”) to treat established joint inflammation (arthritis) is disclosed. Administration of such C5 blockers has been found to: 1) arrest and/or reduce inflammation in joints which are already inflamed, and 2) inhibit the spread of inflammation to unaffected joints.

Abstract: The present invention provides heteropolymer compositions and peptide compositions, and methods of making and using therapeutic compositions comprising amino acid heteropolymers for treatment of a subject for an autoimmune or an inflammatory disease, the heteropolymer compositions made by solid state synthesis. The invention also provides kits for assaying binding of a composition to a water-soluble MHC protein.

Abstract: Heparinase enzymes can be used as a medical treatment to reduce localized inflammatory responses. Treatment of activated endothelium with heparinase inhibits leukocyte rolling, adhesion and extravasation. Most of the heparin and heparan sulfate on endothelial cell surfaces and in basement membranes is degraded by exposure to heparinase. In addition, immobilized chemokines, which are attached to heparin/heparan sulfate on activated endothelium are solubilized by heparinase digestion. Heparinase can be infused into the vascular system to inhibit accumulation of leukocytes in inflamed tissue and decrease damage resulting from localized inflammations. Targeting of heparinase to activated endothelium can be accomplished through localized administration and/or use of genetically engineered heparinase containing endothelium ligand-binding domains.

Abstract: Peptide constructs including a first peptide segment which includes an amino acid sequence associated with autoimmune disease, asthma, allergy or xeno- or allograft transplantation rejections bonded directly or via a linker or spacer to a second peptide which binds to T cells and which will redirect the immune response from a harmful Th1 response to a less harmful Th2 response, or which will bind to T cells to initiate, but not complete, an immune response causing the T cells to which the first peptide binds, to undergo anergy and apoptosis, are useful in treating autoimmune conditions. For instance, the peptide construct NGQEEKAGVVSTGLIGGGDSAFDVLSFTAEEKAGVYK (SEQ ID NO:14) wherein Th2 stimulating Peptide G (SEQ ID NO:15) is covalently linked, via spacer GGG, to cardiac myosin molecule My1 (SEQ ID NO:16), can be used for treatment or prevention of myocarditis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent wherein the peptide has a length of 8 to 50 amino acids, at least three preferably consecutive amino acids of the peptide are identical to at least three amino acids which appear in close vicinity on the molecular surface of an allergenic protein, and said at least three amino acids are solvent-exposed amino acids in the allergenic protein. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of method of treating an individual having a severe burn, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of a beta-adrenergic antagonist.

Abstract: This invention provides combinations of a tolerance-inducing antigen such as insulin and a mucosal binding component that preferably binds ganglioside GM1. The components are present in a non-covalent arrangement. When administered to a mucosal surface, the combinations are effective in inducing specific immunological tolerance at a 10-fold lower dose than antigen alone. Tolerance is sustained for a number of weeks without the necessity of booster administrations. The compositions and procedures of this invention are of benefit for the prevention or amelioration of conditions attributable to an unwanted immunological response.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to methods and products for initiating an immune response against an antigen, and in particular relates to transepithelial delivery of antigens to provoke tolerance and immunity. The present invention further relates to methods and products for the transepithelial delivery of therapeutics. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for the delivery of therapeutics conjugated to a FcRn binding partner to intestinal epithelium, mucosal epithelium and epithelium of the lung. The present invention further relates to the synthesis, preparation and use of the FcRn binding partner conjugates as, or in, pharmaceutical compositions for oral systemic delivery of drugs and vaccines.

Abstract: A method of treating spontaneous and ongoing auto-immune diseases in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal, in need of such a treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of one or more non mitogenic anti-CD3 active principles to achieve permanent disease remission through the induction of antigen-specific unresponsiveness, i.e. immune tolerance.

Abstract: The use of beta-glucuronidase not in combination with allergens for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of immune or allergic diseases is disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoapheresis treatment for cardiomyopathy comprises passing the patient's plasma over a column having coupled thereto a specific ligand for human immunoglobulin, thereby removing a significant portion of the immunoglobulin from the patient's plasma, and then reinfusing the plasma to the patient. The invention is the use of a specific ligand for human immunoglobulin in the manufacture of a column having the ligand coupled thereto, the column being useful for immunoapheresis treatment of a patient with cardiomyopathy. The specific ligand binds, and thereby removes, human autoantibodies which are harmful to cardiac tissue such as antibodies against ?1-adrenergic receptors, ADP-ATP carriers, ? and ? myosin heavy chains, and adenine nucleotide translocators.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilized protein compositions, methods for preparing such stabilized protein compositions, dosage forms for administering such stabilized protein compositions to mammals and methods for preventing or treating infections in mammals by administering such protein compositions to mammals. More particularly, the stabilized protein compositions of the present invention contain therapeutically effective amounts of G-CSF, such as bovine G-CSF, in combination with a stabilizing buffer, such as HEPES, TES or TRICINE, for treating and preventing infections, including mastitis, in cattle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune disease. In a specific embodiment, elevated production of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) is correlated with autoimmune dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing Ig fractions from human polyvalent intravenous Immunoglobulins (IV Ig) which are in particular likely to be responsible for the immunomodulatory effect observed during the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases. The invention concerns Ig fractions having reactivity to IgM, IgG F(ab?)2 or DNP hapten and no or little reactivity to non-self antigens, that is Ig fractions which have idiotypic interactions among themselves (connected fraction) or which include natural antibodies reacting with the DNP hapten. Said fractions exhibit a polyreactivity to specific autoantigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules such as peptides, polypeptides and proteins which interact immunologically with antibodies or T-cells in subjects having pre-clinical or clinical Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). These molecules are preferentially immunoreactive to T-cells in subjects having pre-clinical or clinical IDDM and are useful in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic agents for IDDM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a mammalian subject suffering from an autoimmune or alloimmune disease by administering to the subject a drug treatment which results in at least partial remission of one or more symptoms of the autoimmune or alloimmune disease, and administering to the subject autologous mammalian blood which has been modified extracorporeally by exposure to at least one stressor selected from an oxidative environment, an electromagnetic emission and a temperature above or below body temperature. The modified mammalian blood is administered to the subject in an amount which is sufficient to maintain the remission of the symptoms of the autoimmune or alloimmune disease.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions including a species of Coxiella or one or more antigenic components therefrom or analogous or homologous components thereof are disclosed. These compositions are useful in preventing, inhibiting, delaying onset of or otherwise ameliorating the effects of an autoimmune disease in a mammal, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). They arm also useful in prolonging survival of islet tissue transplanted into a mammal.

Abstract: The modulation or elimination of an allergic condition according to the invention can be achieved by injecting small amounts of allergen directly into a lymph node, which greatly reduces the potential for side effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated population of cells containing an expressible nucleic acid encoding proinsulin containing a proinsulin cleavage site and a glucose-regulated expressible nucleic acid encoding a protease capable of cleaving the proinsulin cleavage site to produce insulin. The invention also provides an isolated population of cells which further express a hexosamine synthetic pathway enzyme. The invention additionally provides vectors containing an expressible nucleic acid encoding proinsulin containing a proinsulin cleavage site and a glucose-regulated expressible nucleic acid encoding a protease capable of cleaving the proinsulin cleavage site to produce insulin. The invention further provides a method of treating or preventing diabetes by implanting into an individual cells coexpressing proinsulin containing a proinsulin cleavage site and a glucose-regulated protease capable of cleaving the proinsulin cleavage site to produce insulin.

Abstract: A purified preparation of a peptide consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence identical to that of a segment of a naturally-occurring human protein, said segment being of 10 to 30 residues in length, inclusive, wherein said peptide binds to a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allotype.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of blocking the cytotoxic activity of Fc&ggr;RIII receptor-positive immune cells in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using an effective amount of soluble Fc&ggr;RIII receptors. The soluble Fc&ggr;RIII receptors of the invention are specific for immunoglobulin G of under-class 1 (IgG1) and/or 3 (IgG3).

Abstract: An avian infectious recombinant herpesvirus is prepared by inserting a foreign gene, in particular a heterologous antigen gene, into an insertion site in an untranslated genetic region in the genome. A chicken vaccine comprising such a recombinant virus is also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating mucus hypersecretion, the causative factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other clinical conditions involving COPD, comprises administering a compound that inhibits exocytosis in mucus secreting cells or neurones that control or direct mucus secretion. Also described is a compound, for use in the treatment of hypersecretion of mucus, which inhibits mucus secretion by inhibiting mucus secreting cells, and/or inhibiting neurotransmitter release from neuronal cells controlling or directing mucus secretion.