Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing or treating rheumatoid arthritis using a fully human antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds human interleukin-6 receptor (hIL-6R). The methods of the present invention may include administration of a second therapeutic agent, such as one or more of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a glucocorticoid, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), or a TNF-alpha antagonist, T-cell blocker, anti-CD20 antibody, an IL-1, JAK or IL-17 antagonist, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate differentiation into fibrocytes. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other fibrosing diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of modulating IL-33 activity, e.g., for the purpose of treating immune diseases and conditions, as well as methods of screening for compounds capable antagonizing IL-33 signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of anti-Fc?R antibodies to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of conditions resulting from fibrosis in the liver, kidney, lung, heart and pericardium, eye, skin, mouth, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, brain, breast, bone marrow, bone, genitourinary system, a tumor, or a wound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating psoriasis in a subject by administering to a subject an antibody capable of binding to the p40 subunit of IL-12 and/or IL-23.

Abstract: Swine Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-expressing cells are prepared by cloning a TLR9 gene from swine intestinal Peyer's patches. Functional analysis on CpG DNAs using the above cells revealed that swine TLR9 shows a higher recognition ability for a human CpG DNA motif (CpG2006) than for a mouse-specific CpG DNA motif (CpG1826). When the mRNA expression levels in various tissues are compared by the real-time PCR method, it is found out that the mRNA is expressed in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, which play important roles in the intestinal tract immune system, at a level thrice as much as in spleen or more. Thus, the cells expressing an intestinal tract tissue-expressed TLR (for example, TLR9) can be used to identify samples capable of activating the intestinal tract immune system.

Abstract: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutants having reduced toxicity, which include full-length IL-2, truncated forms of IL-2 and forms of IL-2 that are linked to another molecule are disclosed herein. Particular substitutions within IL-2, particularly within the permeability enhancing peptide region of IL-2 achieve substantial reduction of vasopermeability activity as compared to a wildtype form of the mutant IL-2 while retaining many of the immune activating properties of IL-2. Invention IL-2 mutants can be used to stimulate the immune system of an animal and may be used in the treatment of various disorders and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing or treating rheumatoid arthritis using a fully human antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds human interleukin-6 receptor (hIL-6R). The methods of the present invention may include administration of a second therapeutic agent, such as one or more of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a glucocorticoid, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), or a TNF-alpha antagonist, T-cell blocker, anti-CD20 antibody, an IL-1, JAK or IL-17 antagonist, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the persistent modification of cell membranes with exogenous proteins so as to alter the function of the cell to achieve effects similar to those of gene therapy, without the introduction of exogenous DNA. DNA sequences, the proteins and polypeptides embodying these sequences are disclosed for modulating the immune system. The modulations include down-regulation, up-regulation and apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of cpn10 in transplantation and particularly to treatment and/or prevention of graft versus host disease. The invention provides a method of administration of cpn10 to a donor and/or recipient animal or cells, tissues or organs derived from the donor, although in a particularly advantageous form treatment of both the donor and recipient animal. The method may further include the administration to the donor and/or recipient animal at least one other immunosuppressive agent to prevent or alleviate graft versus host disease.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of a tumor cell in a mammal may include steps of administering to the mammal a first solution including a tumor-inhibiting methylol-containing compound, the first solution further including a first combination having a plurality of physiologically acceptable electrolytes or a second combination having at least one amino acid in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable electrolyte. Alternatively, another solution may be administered to the mammal containing a tumor-inhibiting methylol-containing compound, while concurrently administering to the mammal a further solution including the first combination with the plurality of physiologically acceptable electrolytes or the second combination with at least one said amino acid in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable electrolyte.

Abstract: Parenteral formulations of rapamycin 42-ester with 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl) -2-methylpropionic acid (CCI-779) are provided. One parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic co-solvent, and an antioxidant. Another parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic solvent, an antioxidant, a diluent solvent, and a surfactant. Processes for preparing parenteral CCI-779 formulations using a co-solvent concentrate are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating pruritic diseases, including but not limited to Contact dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia wereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination thereof by administering IL-31 monoclonal antibodies. The invention further provides the hybridomas that generate the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of anti-Fc?R antibodies to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of conditions resulting from fibrosis in the liver, kidney, lung, heart and pericardium, eye, skin, mouth, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, brain, breast, bone marrow, bone, genitourinary system, a tumor, or a wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing autoimmune and/or inflammatory disease. In particular, the present invention provides therapeutics for impairing the expansion and function of autoreactive T cells, NK cells and/or NKT cells, by modulating NKG2D.

Abstract: A method of increasing immunological effect in a patient by administering an effective amount of a primary cell derived biologic to the patient, inducing immune production, blocking immune destruction, and increasing immunological effect in the patient. Methods of treating an immune target, treating a tumor, immune prophylaxis, and preventing tumor escape.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising tacrolimus (FK-506) dissolved and/or dispersed in a hydrophilic or water-miscible vehicle to form a solid dispersion or solid solution at ambient temperature have improved bioavailability.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical preparation for treating inflammatory diseases and microbial infections comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of ozone and at least one monomeric amino acid having an oxidation-sensitive side chain, or at least one ozonized monomeric amino acid having an oxidation-sensitive side chain. Also described is the use of a preparation as described before for providing a medicament for treating inflammatory diseases, microbial infections and for immune modulation. The pharmaceutical preparation according to the invention is particularly useful in the treatment of oral inflammations.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating HIV patients by administering to the patient a nutrient composition and at least one anti-retrovial drug. The method results in an increase in the patient's CD4+ cell count by at least 25% during a treatment period. The nutrient composition includes alpha lipoic acid; acetyl L-carnitine; N-acetyl-cysteine; zinc; selenium; vitamin C; bioflavinoid complex; vitamin E; one or more antioxidants selected from co-enzyme Q10 and glutathione; and one or more vitamins or minerals selected from beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): a process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and the preparation of said compositions, intermediates and use of the compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for therapeutic treatment, particularly for the treatment of inflammation, allergy and/or skin disease.

Abstract: A method of preparing a human recipient for a graft from a human which includes: administering donor peripheral blood progenitor cells to the recipient, and providing a minimally ablative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a viral chemokine fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that hematologic disorders, e.g., both neoplastic (hematologic cancers) and non-neoplastic conditions, can be treated by the induction of mixed chimerism using myeloreductive, but not myeloablative, conditioning. Methods of the invention reduce GVHD, especially GVHD associated with mismatched allogeneic or xenogeneic donor tissue, yet provide, for example, significant graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods of administering anti-CD3 antibodies, e.g., via oral or mucosal delivery. The invention also provides methods of treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of autoimmune disorders by oral or mucosal administration of anti-CD3 antibodies. Finally, the invention provides compositions including anti-CD3 antibodies, suitable for oral or mucosal administration.

Abstract: A composition for modulating cytokines to regulate an inflammatory or immunomodulatory response. The composition can include at least one of rosehips, blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, cranberry, rosemary, clove, feverfew, nettle root, artichoke, reishi mushroom, olive extract, green tea extract, grape seed extract, resveratrol, Aframomum melegueta, boswellia serrata extract, boswellia forte, ipriflavone, tocotrienols, evening primrose oil, INM-176, borage oil, krill oil, at least one type of xanthophyll (e.g., astaxanthin), green coffee extract and ferulic acid. Specifically, a composition of the invention can include: rosehips and at least one of blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, and optionally krill oil; or rosehips, resveratrol and at least one of Aframomum melegueta and astaxanthin.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing an IL-1 related disease or condition in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of an IL-1? binding antibody or IL-1? binding fragment thereof. An IL-1? binding antibody or IL-1? binding fragment thereof is provided comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 11, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1? binding polypeptide. IL-1? binding antibodies or IL-1? binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing an IL-1 related disease or condition in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of an IL-1? binding antibody or IL-1? binding fragment thereof. An IL-1? binding antibody or IL-1? binding fragment thereof is provided comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 11, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1? binding polypeptide. IL-1? binding antibodies or IL-1? binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.

Abstract: A preventive or therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis said agent comprising as an active ingredient an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as an antibody directed against IL-6 receptor.

Abstract: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutants having reduced toxicity, which include full-length IL-2, truncated forms of IL-2 and forms of IL-2 that are linked to another molecule are disclosed herein. Particular substitutions within IL-2, particularly within the permeability enhancing peptide region of IL-2 achieve substantial reduction of vasopermeability activity as compared to a wildytpe form of the mutant IL-2 while retaining many of the immune activating properties of IL-2. Invention IL-2 mutants can be used to stimulate the immune system of an animal and may be used in the treatment of various disorders and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a chicken LIF gene. Based on this genetic information, LIF protein derived from the chicken can be stably supplied and it solves the problems of the creation of transgenic chickens in the past. In addition, the present invention provides not only transgenic chickens for testing purposes but also supplies the first practical transgenic stock animals. The present invention relates to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) shown in sequence No. 2, and the gene that encodes thereof shown in sequence No. 1, and a manufacturing method of chicken LIF. In addition, the present invention pertains to a differential preventer of the chicken differentiable cell, and a method of chicken differential prevention and a culturing method for the chicken differentiable cell using thereof, and a medium comprising thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting interleukin-3 receptor-expressing cells, and, in particular, inhibiting the growth of such cells by using a diphtheria toxin-human interleukin-3 conjugate (DT-IL3) that is toxic to cells expressing the interleukin-3 receptor. In preferred embodiments, the DT-IL3 conjugate is a fusion protein comprising amino acids 1-388 of diphtheria toxin fused via a peptide linker to full-length, human interleukin-3. In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention relate to the administration of a DT-IL3 conjugate to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and/or cancer stem cells in humans, which cells express one or more subunits of the interleukin-3 receptor. Exemplary cells include myeloid leukemia cancer stem cells.

Abstract: A composition for modulating cytokines to regulate an inflammatory or immunomodulatory response. The composition can include at least one of rosehips, blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, cranberry, rosemary, clove, feverfew, nettle root, artichoke, reishi mushroom, olive extract, green tea extract, grape seed extract, resveratrol, Aframomum melegueta, boswellia serrata extract, boswellia forte, ipriflavone, tocotrienols, evening primrose oil, INM-176, borage oil, krill oil, at least one type of xanthophyll (e.g., astaxanthin), green coffee extract and ferulic acid. Specifically, a composition of the invention can include: rosehips and at least one of blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, and optionally krill oil; or rosehips, resveratrol and at least one of Aframomum melegueta and astaxanthin.

Abstract: A composition for modulating cytokines to regulate an inflammatory or immunomodulatory response. The composition can include at least one of rosehips, blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, cranberry, rosemary, clove, feverfew, nettle root, artichoke, reishi mushroom, olive extract, green tea extract, grape seed extract, resveratrol, viniferin, Aframomum melegueta, boswellia serrata extract, boswellia forte, ipriflavone, tocotrienols, evening primrose oil, INM-176, borage oil, krill oil, at least one type of xanthophyll (e.g., astaxanthin), green coffee extract and ferulic acid. Specifically, a composition of the invention can include: rosehips and at least one of blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, and optionally krill oil; or rosehips, resveratrol and at least one of Aframomum melegueta and astaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising a Nigella sativa L. polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction. The present invention also provides novel compositions, particularly topical compositions, comprising octadecadienoic acid and/or octadecenoic acid. The present invention provides novel methods for treating and preventing fungal infections, bacterial infections, skin conditions, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, inflammation, pain, allergic reactions, and septic wounds by administering, preferably topically administering, an effective amount of a composition comprising octadecadienoic acid and/or octadecenoic acid, or a composition comprising the Nigella sativa L. polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new peptides of IL-2, and derivatives thereof and their use as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated pluri-differentiated human mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), a method for isolating and purifying human mesenchymal progenitor cells from Dexter-type cultures, and characterization of and uses, particularly therapeutic uses for such cells. Specifically, there is provided isolated MPCs which can be used for diagnostic purposes, to enhance the engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells, enhance bone marrow transplantation, or aid in the treatment or prevention of graft versus host disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new peptides of IL-2, derivatives thereof, and their use as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind with a B-cell antigen provide an effective means to treat autoimmune disorders. Antibodies and fragments, which may be conjugated or naked, are used alone or in multimodal therapies. The antibodies may be bispecific antibodies which may be produced recombinantly as fusion proteins, or as hybrid, polyspecific antibodies.

Abstract: A method of preparing a human recipient for a graft from a human which includes: administering donor peripheral blood progenitor cells to the recipient, and providing a minimally ablative.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory compounds and methods for immunomodulation of cells and individuals using the immunomodulatory compounds.

Abstract: Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to IL-15 (e.g., human IL-15), and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. The human antibodies can be produced in a transfectoma or in a non-human transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies by undergoing V-D-J recombination and isotype switching. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, non-human transgenic animals, and hybridomas which produce the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies.

Abstract: Synthetic and semisythetic bodies having a three-dimensional structure, sized and shaped to resemble apoptotic cells and apoptotic bodies, and having phosphatidyl serine (PS) molecules on the surface thereof, are administered to a patient, to alleviate a variety of disorders such as T-cell mediated disorders (autoimmune conditions). The bodies are believed to trigger and apoptosis-like mechanism in the patient.

Abstract: This application relates to methods for modulating an immune response in a mammalian subject in need of prevention against or treatment of diabetes comprising the administration of EtxB and/or insulin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble ?-glucan composition comprising ?-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delivering cells to a target tissue in a mammal using glycoconjugate to traffic the cell to a desired organ in the mammal. The methods according to the present invention are especially applicable to administering stem cells such as those derived from the bone marrow or from umbilical cord tissue. The methods are also useful for targeting a gene of interest to a tissue in a mammal by introducing a cell containing the gene of interest and administering a glycoconjugate to the mammal.

Abstract: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutants having reduced toxicity, which include full-length IL-2, truncated forms of IL-2 and forms of IL-2 that are linked to another molecule are disclosed herein. Particular substitutions within IL-2, particularly within the permeability enhancing peptide region of IL-2 achieve substantial reduction of vasopermeability activity as compared to a wildytpe form of the mutant IL-2 while retaining many of the immune activating properties of IL-2. Invention IL-2 mutants can be used to stimulate the immune system of an animal and may be used in the treatment of various disorders and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the endokine alpha protein. Endokine alpha polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods concerning TNF family-related disorders.

Abstract: Nutritional or therapeutic compositions containing glutamic acid, cystine, glycine and a selenium precursor and methods for their utilization to increase glutathione synthesis and thereby enhance the immune system are described.