Abstract: The invention relates to peptides which bind to MHC Class I and to MHC Class II molecules. These peptides are useful in different therapeutic and diagnostic contexts.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and processes utilized to modulate the immune system of mammals. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of low molecular weight substantially immunoglobulin free fractions isolated from mammals to induce a stimulated immune response in mammals.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions utilized to modulate the immune system of non-mammalian vertebrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of low molecular weight substantially immunoglobulin free fractions isolated from mammals to induce a stimulated immune response in non-mammalian vertebrates.

Abstract: A method of treating palmar and plantar fibromatosis is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: This invention pertains to vaccine compositions comprising a mixture of antigen, such as a 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 invention provides a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a mammal, by administering to the mammal composition containing taurolidine, taurultam, or a biologically active derivative thereof. The composition is administered to directly contact a tumor cell at a dose sufficient to induce cell death by apoptosis.

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 relates to a composition useful for hepatoprotection, said composition comprising polar extract of plant Cryptolepis Buchanani and/or fractions of the said extract, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable additives and a method of producing said composition and also a method of treating a subject using said composition.

Abstract: The method of immunotherapy of the present invention involves the regulation of the T cell immune response through the activation or suppression/inactivation of the CD28 pathway. Induction of activated T cell lymphokine production occurs upon stimulatory binding of the CD28 surface receptor molecule, even in the presence of conventional immunosuppressants. Inhibition of CD28 receptor binding to an appropriate stimulatory ligand or inactivation of the CD28 signal transduction pathway through other means down-regulates CD28-pathway related T cell lymphokine production and its resulting effects.

Abstract: The design of antagonists of 4-helix bundle cytokine specific receptors, mimetic peptides that are able to act as such antagonists and their use as pharmaceutical agents is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts are disclosed. Methods of treating patients who have diseases characterized bone loss are disclosed. The present invention also provides peptides and peptide analogues designed from a binding loop of a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. According to the methods, an amount of an inhibitor effective to inhibit osteoclastogenesis is administered to the patient. Methods of modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems in an individual are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to the individual an amount of an inhibitor effective to modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for IL-17, DNA's encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response.

Abstract: Procedure for obtaining Olea Europea extracts from Olea Europea leaves dried at less than 35° C. with alkanols at a low temperature and extract purification New pharmacological applications of Olea Europea extracts as an agent reinforcing cellular immunity and delayed hypersensitivity in healthy humans, activating and proliferating T-lymphocytes, Natural Killer cells, monocytes and granulocytes, and pro-inflammatory cytokins.

Abstract: This application relates to a material which is suitable for the treatment of atopic disease, non-atopic eczema or psoriasis. The material can be extracted from a freeze-dried decoction of a mixture comprising the following Chinese herbs: Radix Ledebouriella, Fructus Tribuli, Herba Potentilla chinensis, Caulis Clematis armandii, Radix Rehmannia, Radix Glycyrrhiza, Radix Paeonia rubra, Cortex Dictamni radicis, Herba Lopatheri, Spica Schizonepetae. The material comprises one or more of those components present in the freeze-dried decoction which run with Rf values in the ranges 0.00 to 0.100, 0.167 to 0.300, 0.400 to 0.533, 0.700 to 0.833 or 0.900 to 0.967 if the freeze-dried decoction is diluted in aqueous solution and subjected to chromatography on a Whatman 2 cms×55 cms×3 mm cellulose strip for 10 hours using a solvent mixture of butanol, ethanol and water in the proportions 4:1:1.

Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.

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: This invention relates to a method for the prophylaxis of or for treating COPD by administering a PDE4 inhibitor which has a defined therapeutic ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexes of human leukocyte antigen molecules and tyrosinase derived peptides SEQ ID NO: 2, on the surfaces of abnormal cells. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this observation are the subject of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents”, which block lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-&bgr; receptor signalling is provided.

Abstract: Aryl phosphate derivatives of d4T with para-bromo substitution on the aryl group show markedly increased potency as anti-HIV agents without undesirable levels of cytotoxic activity. In particular, these derivatives are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the phosphorus of the aryl phosphate group is further substituted with an amino acid residue that may be esterified or substituted, such as a methoxy alaninyl group.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the invention and the compounds used in the invention involve a novel immunosuppression mechanism, accelerated lymphocyte homing immunosuppression (ALH-immunosuppression). For example, the compound FTY720 specifically directs lymphocytes to the peripheral lymph nodes, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. By reversibly sequestering lymphocytes in these tissues, the compounds can inhibit an immune response in a mammal. Understanding these mechanisms provides a novel immunosuppression therapy that can synergistically interact with other immunosuppressive compounds. Screening methods for identifying similar ALH-immunosuppression compounds are also described. The invention allows better treatments and therapies wherever an immunosuppression regimen is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nervonic acid derivatives of formula (I) CH3—(CH2)7—CH═CH—(CH2)13—C(O)—O—(CH2)3—OR  (I) wherein R is hydrogen (H) or a residue of a carboxylic acid; or a salt of the compound where R is H; or a bioprecursor, prodrug thereof. Those compounds wherein R is other than H have pharmacological activity, in particular anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Those compounds wherein R is H can be used to prepare the pharmacologically active derivatives.

Abstract: D-Ribose and methods for using D-Ribose are provided for enhancing the immune response in mammals. Those with a less than optimal immune response will benefit from oral or parenteral administration of D-Ribose. Methods are also provided for the enhancement of the immune response in isolated leukocytes. Leukocytes are cultured ex vivo in the presence of D-Ribose and transfused into a patient in need of leukocyte augmentation.

Abstract: Enhancement of T-cell proliferation in a host inhibition is provided by administering 2′-deoxyguanosine and/or prodrug thereof and a PNP inhibitor. The PNP inhibitor has a Ki value of 50 nanomoles or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to the compositions and method of treating and preventing arthritis, repairing of articular joint surfaces and the relief of symptoms associated with arthritis. The composition comprises bio-affecting agents to reduce nitric oxide production and increase chondroprotective agents. The preferred composition comprises; nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, nitric oxide scavangers, and amino sugars. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and nitric oxide scavengers reduce the level of nitric oxide, the free radical responsible for the degradation of articular cartilage. Amino sugars are the building blocks of articular cartilage and have anti-inflammatory actions.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunopotentiating composition and to a composition accelerating the production of interferon-&ggr;, both comprising lactosuclose as an active ingredient. In particular, the invention provides such compositions in the form of a foodstuff. Oral administration or ingestion of the compositions enhances biophylaxis mechanism (immunological function) in the digestive tract, thus achieving significant treating and preventing effects on intestinal infections and like diseases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising an IL-1 mutein that is useful as an adjuvant for stimulating a controlled immune response when administered to a human or animal. For example, muteins of IL-1&bgr; can be used according to the invention. The mutein composition can include a vaccine antigen, such as whole inactivated or attenuated virus, recombinant or synthetic peptides, and other antigenic materials. The present invention also pertains to the use of an IL-1 mutein in a human or animal as an adjuvant to increase immune responses to an antigen or other material to which an immune response is desired.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a B cell activation antigen, B7, are provided. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecules are DNA sequences. The DNA sequences of the invention can be integrated into various expression vectors, which in turn can direct the synthesis of the corresponding proteins or peptides in a variety of hosts, particularly eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian and insect cell culture. Also provided are host cells transformed to produce proteins or peptides encoded by the DNA molecules of the present invention and purified proteins and peptides which comprise at least a portion of the B cell activation antigen. The proteins and peptides comprise at least a portion of the mature form of the B7 activation antigen and preferably comprise a soluble form of the B7 protein.

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: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insect repellant compositions containing, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 6 to about 30 percent by weight of insect repellant active material having functionality selected from ester, amide, urethane or combinations thereof; from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight of alcohol, and from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of nonionic surfactant. The compositions of the invention exhibit reduced rates of degradation of the active material in solution and are less drying and irritating to sensitive skin.

Abstract: The invention identifies the B7 antigen as a ligand that is reactive with the CD28 receptor on T cells. Fragments and derivatives of the B7 antigen and CD28 receptor, including fusion proteins having amino acid sequences corresponding to the extracellular domains of B7 or CD28 joined to amino acid sequences encoding portions of human immunoglobulin C&ggr;1, are described. Methods are provided for using B7 antigen, its fragments and derivatives, and the CD28 receptor, its fragments and derivatives, as well as antibodies and other molecules reactive with B7 antigen and/or the CD28 receptor, to regulate CD28 positive T cell responses, and immune responses mediated by T cells. The invention also includes an assay method for detecting ligands reactive with cellular receptors mediating intercellular adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation for stimulating or enhancing an immune system comprising one or more agents that stimulate T-lymphocytes in vivo. Such a preparation can be sued in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a medical condition. The invention further relates to a preparation for use in a pharmaceutical or food product and to a preparation for medical use.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to inhibit the inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises, as a first component an effective amount of a diterpene triepoxide lactone species and an effective amount of a second component selected from the group consisting of a diterpene lactone species and a triterpene species or derivatives thereof, and provides synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in response to physical or chemical injury or abnormal immune stimulation due to a biological agent or unknown etiology.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an oxihumic acid, salt, ester, or derivative thereof as an active ingredient is disclosed. The composition is preferably administered only for stimulating lymphocytes in a human, animal, or bird. It may be used in treating viral and bacterial infections, HIV infections, opportunistic diseases, inflammation, pain and fever, cancer growth, and diseases associated with viral infection and a depressed immune system.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of an active principle contained in a multiple water-in-oil-in-water emulsion characterized in that the multiple emulsion comprises an invert emulsion Ei with an aqueous phase A1 containing at least a hydrophilic active principle. The emulsion Ei is dispersed in the form of direct emulsion droplets Ed, in a continuous aqueous phase A2, with the two emulsions Ed and Ei stabilized by at least a surfactant, present in their respective continuous phases. The multiple emulsion is brought in the presence of an effective amount of an agent for transforming it into a direct emulsion and induce the release of the active principle, contained in the aqueous phase A1 of emulsion Ei, in the aqueous phase A2.

Abstract: Human melanoma cells bear antigens that are recognized by autologous CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The invention involves the reception of particular peptides analogues of the MZ2-E antigen by HLA molecules. Disclosed herein are peptide analogues of the tumor antigen MZ2-E that have been modified to resist peptidase degradation, and which bind HLA molecules to form a complex whose recognition by specific cytolytic T cells leads to lysis of the complex. The identification by cytolytic T cells of the peptide analogue/HLA complex may be used in diagnostics, or therapeutically.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting and diagnosing spontaneous abortion in a subject are provided. The subject methods are based, inter alia, on the administration of an agent that inhibits a CD28-C mediated costimulatory signal in a T cell such that spontaneous abortion in the subject is inhibited. The subject methods are also based on the levels of adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell surface molecules which are altered in spontaneous abortion.

Abstract: Mucosal adjuvants for vaccines contain water-soluble polyanionic polymers which have anionic constitutional units obtained from acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, ethylsulphonic acid, vinylsulphuric acid, vinylsulphonic acid, styrenesulphonic acid, vinylphenylsulphuric acid, 2-methacryloyloxyethane sulphonic acid, 3-methacryloyloxy-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, 3-methacryl amido-3-methylbutanoic acid, acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid, vinylphosphoric acid, 4-vinylbenzoic acid, 3-vinyl oxypropane-1-sulphonic acid, N-vinylsuccinimidic acid, and salts of the foregoing. The polyanionic polymers may further have hydrophobic constitutional repeating units, such as alkylesters, cycloalkylesters, hydroxyalkylesters, ethers, glycols, aromatic groups and salts thereof. The adjuvants containing the polyanionic polymers are used in vaccines for the induction or enhancement of mucosal immune responses.

Abstract: It has been newly found out that ascochlorin, which is a publicly known fat-soluble antibiotic, and its homologues serve as a ligand of retinoid X receptor and react in vivo with the amino group of serum protein to form Schiff bases without showing any side effect of retinoid. Ascochlorin and its homologues are usable in treating and/or preventing a disease or condition which can be relieved by the retinoid X receptor ligand-dependent gene transcriptional regulation (for example, diseases caused by the expression of insulin resistance, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, Ca metabolic disorder, complication of diabetes, arteriosclerosis, etc.). Moreover, they can inhibit denaturation and/or necrosis of pancreatic Langerhans islet &bgr;-cells and, therefore, are usable in making these cells to sustain the insulin productivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 173. The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 in a human patient in need of such inhibiting are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are useful for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds and methods of using them for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. They are particularly well-suited for treatment of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

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.

Abstract: Lupus erythematosus can be treated by administering therapeutic amounts of &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-ol-7,17-dione and metabolizable precursors thereof, such as &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-acetoxy-7,17-dione, which are readily metabolized in vivo to &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-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 present invention provides a vaccine for inducing an immune response in mammal to a specific antigen, where the vaccine comprises a unit dose of a binary, cytotoxic T lymphocyte vaccine comprising an anthrax protective antigen and a full length protein antigen bound to a nontoxic anthrax protective antigen binding protein comprising at least about the first 250 amino acid residues of the lethal factor of Bacillus anthracis and less than all of the amino acid residues of the lethal factor. The present invention also provides a method of immunizing a mammal against an antigen using the vaccine, and a method of inducing antigen-presenting mammalian cells to present specific antigens via the MHC class I processing pathway.

Abstract: A method for chemical modification of mammal urine and mammal blood is disclosed.

Abstract: A multinutrient nutritional supplement is provided that is designed to be most effective in optimizing health, increasing the immunity and decreasing the instances and severity of infection particularly among children.

Abstract: A compound for use especially as an antiviral drug, mainly containing salts of heteropolyanions consisting of a tungstoantimonate (III) vanadium-mixed metal oxide or related salts represented by formula [(XW9O33)2V3O3]P−, where p is a positive number between 9 and 12 and X is Sb, P. As or Bi and especially Sb. An antiviral drug having a broad spectrum of antiviral activity, high potent efficacy and low toxicity is provided.

Abstract: Canine interleukin 12 and a method for producing it by genetic engineering are disclosed. The canine interleukin 12 includes a protein having an amino acid sequence substantially the same as SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:11 or corresponds to part of either of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 11, and a protein having an amino acid sequence substantially the same as SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:12 or corresponds to part of either of SEQ ID NOS:2 and 12, and relates to a production method thereof. There is also an immune disease remedy and preventive agent for dogs and cats containing canine interleukin 12, and a method of treating immune disease and a preventive method for dogs and cats using the immune disease remedy or preventive agent.