Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting an in vivo alloimmune response, and to the use of a soluble recombinant human CD40L protein containing the active binding site with CD40. In particular, a soluble 18 KDa recombinant CD40L is used to inhibit an in vivo alloimmune response.

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: Purified antiviral compounds, pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds, and methods of use of the compounds are provided. The compositions of the invention are isolated antiviral components from plant extracts derived from, for example, Salvia miltiorrhiza, that find use in the treatment of viral infections, such as by inhibiting the activity of viral integrase. Methods for isolation and purification of the antiviral compounds are additionally provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards processes of making fractions from North American ginseng and to compositions containing these fractions. This invention is also directed towards methods of methods of preparing pharmaceuticals containing these fractions. Additionally, this invention is directed towards methods of stimulating the production of immunoglobins by administering fractions of this invention and also to methods of activating B-lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production by administering fractions of this invention. This invention is also directed towards a method of stimulating the production of IL-16, IL-1, and/or TNF-? in cells by administering a fraction of this invention.

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: A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering said antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1?(IL-1?) and interleukin-1? (IL-1?).

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: This invention relates to compositions for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency diseases, especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its simian and feline counterparts (simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)), and to methods for their use.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits OX-2.

Abstract: Methods for treating neurological or neuropsychiatric diseases or disorders in humans by administering to the human a therapeutically effective dose of specific biologics are presented. The biologics of consideration include antagonists of tumor necrosis factor or of interleukin-1. The administration of these biologics is performed by specific methods, most, but not all of which fall into the category of anatomically localized administration designed for perispinal use. Anatomically localized administration involving perispinal use includes, but is not limited to the subcutaneous, intramuscular, interspinous, epidural, peridural, parenteral or intrathecal routes. Additonally, intranasal administration is discussed as a method to provide therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides comprising a sequence associated with HLA-B ?1 domain, but comprising a tyrosine-tyrosine-tryptophan triad are provided for use in inhibiting cytotoxic activity of CTLs and natural killer cells. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising the cytotoxic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the cytotoxic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. the oligopeptides may be joined to a wide variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject compositions. The subject compositions may be administered by any convenient means to a host to inhibit CTL and NK attack on tissue, particularly involved with xenogeneic or allogeneic transplants.

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: The present invention relates to amino-terminally truncated RANTES, lacking NH2-terminal amino acids corresponding to amino acid residues 1, 1-2, 1-3 or 1-4 of the naturally-occurring RANTES and having chemokine antagonistic activity, as well as cDNA sequences encoding them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of the diseases, in which an antagonistic activity of the chemokine effects is required, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly breast cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more breast tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention ralates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is hydrogen (H) or C1-6 alkyl; and X is defined such that —NH—(X)—COOH is the residue of an amino acid, which amino acid may itself optionally be substituted at any pendant amino group thereof by a residue of a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof; or a salt thereof.

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: Synthetic and semisynthetic 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 an apoptosis-like mechanism in the patient.

Abstract: The use of interleukin-11 to prevent, to ameliorate, and to treat an immune-mediated disease in a mammal in need of such treatment is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel dipeptides thereof, represented by the general Formula I: where R1-R3 and AA are defined herein. The present invention relates to the discovery that compounds having Formula I are potent inhibitors of apoptotic cell death. Therefore, the inhibitors of this invention can retard or block cell death in a variety of clinical conditions in which the loss of cells, tissues or entire organs occurs.

Abstract: Lupus erythematosus can be treated by administering therapeutic amounts of ?5-androstene-3?-ol-7,17-dione and metabolizable precursors thereof, such as ?5-androstene-3b-acetoxy-7,17-dione, which are readily metabolized in vivo to ?5-androstene-3?-ol-7,17-dione but are not appreciably metabolizable in vivo to androgens, estrogens or dehydroepiandrosterone. Such treatment can be prophylactic, ameliorative or curative in nature.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel heteroethynylenic compounds having the general formula (I): as well as to the use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions intended for use in human or veterinary medicine (dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological complaints in particular), or alternatively in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for altering a B cell mediated malignancy in a patient. These methods comprise administering a composition comprising at least one or two chimeric proteins. Each chimeric protein comprises at least a portion of either the VH or VL region of the Id protein of the B cells associated with the B cell mediated malignancy, and an immunoglobulin constant region. The genes encoding VH or VL regions are isolated and inserted into an expression vector encoding immunoglobulin constant regions. The chimeric proteins are expressed in insect cell lines. The purified chimeric proteins are conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The conjugates comprising the chimeric Id protein(s) are administered to such a patient, with or without a cytokine or chemokine, the chimeric protein induces immune responses to alter the B cell mediated malignancy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating patients infected with hepatitis B virus comprising the adminstration of both a nucleoside analogue and interferon-? over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: The use of a chemokine receptor antagonist together with a cyclosporin to produce a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing rejection of transplanted organs, tissues or cells is herein disclosed. Said pharmaceutical compositions for the simultaneous, sepatate or sequential use of its active ingredients for the above specified therapy are also disclosed and claimed. In particular, the use of Met-RANTES together with cyclosporin A to produce a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of renal allograft transplant rejection is experimentally shown.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10?5-10?4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: Compositions of substantially homogeneous type II-like collagen from invertebrates belonging to the class Scyphozoa, phylum Coelenterata, i.e., jellyfish, particularly Stomolophus meleagris, and methods for its extraction are provided. Methods for the treatment of arthritis, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, by administering an effective amount of the collagen-containing compositions of the invention so as to induce immune tolerance, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a mammal with immunological disorders, particularly autoimmune disease, and most preferably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The method includes oral administration of germination activated Ganoderma lucidum spores (“GLSs”) to the mammal. Additionally, a corticosteroid, such as prednisolone, can be co-administered with the GLSs to the mammal to achieve synergistic effect of treatment.

Abstract: A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a protein thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for regulating T cell interactions with B7 positive cells. Methods are provided for using B7 antigen, its fragments and derivatives reactive with CTLA4 receptor, to regulate CTLA4 positive T cell responses, and immune responses mediated by T cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10?5-10?4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least a molecule containing selenium, in an amount corresponding to a daily dose of about 2 to 40 mg, even 80 mg of atomic selenium equivalent, on its own or combined with other synergetic molecules for controlling oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory reaction: zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, iron binder, glutathione precursor, copper and/or copper input binder, for preparing a medicine for treating severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, in particular any acute infectious condition endangering the patient's life whether of bacterial, parasitic, fungal or viral origin, and any condition corresponding to a severe onset of inflammatory pathology bringing about an exacerbation of cytokine secretion. The invention is applicable in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: This invention pertains to vaccine compositions comprising a mixture of antigen, such as pneumococcal or meningococcal antigen, and interleukin IL-12, which may be adsorbed onto a mineral in suspension. The pneumococcal or meningococcal antigen may be conjugated to a carrier molecule. These vaccine compositions modulate the protective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using various forms of a novel receptor expressed by hematopoietic and endothelial cells. An additional variant form of this receptor has been detected in brain cells and shown to bind to the obese gene product, leptin. Therefore, leptin may be used to stimulate the growth and development of receptor-positive hematopoietic and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this receptor is selectively expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells with long-term repopulating potential. Thus, agents that specifically bind to this receptor may be used to identify and isolate progenitor cells for a variety of clinical applications.

Abstract: A nutraceutical composition containing 0.01-99% by weight polysaccharides enriched from an extract of beans of Glycine max (L.) Merr. Also disclosed are a method of enriching polysaccharides from pulverized beans of Glycine max (L.) Merr.; a polysaccharide having a backbone of ?-(1,6)-linked glucose residues, and one or more galactose or mannose residues are bonded to the C-3 or C-4 position of one or more of the glucose residues by a (1,3)- or a (1,4)-linkage; and a method of treating a subject with such polysaccharides to increase blood cell counts.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for a cancer comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient, wherein the therapeutic agent is used referring to an ability of acting on NK cell antigen receptor NKR-P1 of NKT cell as an index of the ability to activate the NKT cell.

Abstract: An oral supplement composition and method of making and using it, in which a combination of fourteen different specialized mushroom species, each of which has its own unique immunomodulatory properties, demonstrate enhancement of the immune system. When taken together, the combination of mushroom species exert a potentiated, synergistic effect that enhances immune function greater than the sum of each mushroom species' immunoenhancing influence. The oral supplement can be prepared into a variety of dosage forms, such as capsules, caplets, tablets, pills, dispersions, suspensions, solution, powders, teas, or syrup concentrates, and can be packaged in bottles or other packaging for sale.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody which specifically induces an immune response against a glycosphingolipid. Additionally, this invention provides a method of producing the anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody. Finally, this invention provides a composition of matter comprising an effective amount of a cytokine and a melanoma ganglio-side-specific antibody attached to a carrier.

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: Synthetic Phorboxazole A and derivatives thereof for the treatment of cancer, including inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of metastises.

Abstract: This invention provides a protein free of cell membranes and other cellular components, said protein being specifically recognized by an antibody that specifically binds an epitope that is specifically bound by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916. This invention further provides a protein that is a fragment of a protein specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916, wherein said fragment is free of cell membranes and other cellular components and comprises an epitope that is specifically bound by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916. This invention also provides a protein free of cell membranes and other cellular components, said protein consisting essentially of an epitope that is specifically bound by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916.

Abstract: Adverse inflammatory reactions can be treated by administrating to an organism a composition having diglucosylamine as the active ingredient. The preferred compound is di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine. A simple method for making diglucosylamine in high purity is obtained by reacting glucose, a nitrogen containing base, and either methanol or ethanol to form the diglucosylamine and then recovering the diglucosylamine preferably with the use of charcoal. The preferred diglucosylamine, di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine, has extraordinary anti-inflammatory activity. It can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to make pharmaceutical compositions which are effective in treating inflammations. This pharmaceutical composition can also be used to treat adverse inflammatory reactions that are the result of the disruptions of a dynamic network of cellular mechanisms in organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-toxic therapy and a novel use for Bowman Birk Inhibitor (BBI), as administered in Bowman Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC), for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in a patient, wherein the disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; and more particularly for the treatment of those diseases that are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and/or demyelination, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). In addition, the present invention provides methods for using BBI/BBIC to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic inflammation in such patients; and more particularly, to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic neuroinflammation and demyelination that occurs when the patient's nerve tissue is affected by the disease.

Abstract: Methods of using inhibitors of the CD2/LFA-3 interaction in treating skin conditions characterized by increased T cell activation and abnormal antigen presentation in the dermis and epidermis in mammals, including humans. Such conditions include psoriasis, UV damage, e.g., photoaging, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous T cell lymphoma such as mycosis fungoides, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, pyoderma gangrenosum, vitiligo, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, and urticaria.

Abstract: Seaweed supplement is included in diet of mammals and poultry to enhance immune response. In one embodiment, pasture forage is treated with seaweed supplement. In another embodiment, seaweed meal is directly fed to mammals and enhanced immune responses is manifested by increased width response after intradermal injection of phytohemaglutinin. In an independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to pigs exposed to PRRS disease to impart resistance to said disease and improve performance. In stilt another independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to lactating mares prior to weaning to mitigate the stress of weaning.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel adjuvants which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides vaccine formulations comprising oil bodies and an antigen and methods for preparing the vaccines and the use of the vaccines to elicit an immune response.

Abstract: There are provided according to the invention, novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described in the specification, processes for preparing them, formulations containing them and their use in therapy for the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A majority of E. faecalis and E. faecium clinical isolates fall into two groups and three groups, respectively. Distinct antigens are associate with each of the five groups. The Enterococcus antigens are readily obtained from strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium, and can elicit production of protective antibodies. Accordingly, the antigens are useful for vaccines which protect against infection by clinically significant (pathogenic) Enterococcus isolates. The antigens and antibodies generated to the antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: New compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are of the formula and their 1,4-diene isomers and the metallated and/or labeled and/or conjugated forms thereof wherein each R1 is independently alkyl (1-6C); each n is independently an integer of 0-6; and R2 is vinyl or a derivative form thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits OX-2.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of biochemistry, and more precisely biological substances of vegetable origin. The invention concerns substances having non-cytotoxic biological activity, extracted from plants with CAM metabolism, such as plants of the Cactacees, Crassulacees and Saxifragacees family. The invention also concerns the method for obtaining these substances as well as compositions containing them. Said compositions are designed for accelerating and amplifying the synthesis of thermal shock proteins of cells of living beings in vivo or in vitro.