Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for a molecule that antagonizes or agonizes RANK activity. One aspect of the invention involves the growth of RANK responsive cells in semi-solid medium, wherein exposure to a RANK antagonist promotes colony formation. Other aspects of the invention rely on promoter/reporter constructs using RANK responsive promoters derived from the MMP-9 and TRAP genes. Additional aspects of the invention exploit the ability of RANK to activate c-src activity, F-actin ring formation and CaPO4 resorption.

Abstract: Isolated ligands, DNAs encoding such ligands, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated ligands can be used to regulate an immune response. The ligands are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies that bind human RANKL polypeptides.

Abstract: Isolated ligands, DNAs encoding such ligands, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated ligands can be used to enhance the functional capacity of dendritic cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated antibodies that specifically bind a RANK polypeptide.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: A new family of immunoreceptor molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily, (LIR) polypeptides is described. Disclosed are sequences encoding LIR family members and their deduced amino acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by DNA that hybridize to oligonucleotide probes having defined sequences, processes for producing polypeptides of the LIR family, and antagonistic antibodies to LIR family members. LIR family members can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and disease states associated with suppressed immune function.

Abstract: Isolated recombinant RANK-L polypeptide DNAs encoding RANK-L polypeptide, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated RANK-L polypeptide can be used to regulate an immune response. The RANK-L polypeptide is also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: A new family of immunoreceptor molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily, (LIR) polypeptides is described. Disclosed are sequences encoding LIR family members and their deduced amino acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by DNA that hybridizes to defined nucleotide sequences, processes for producing polypeptides of the LIR family, and specific antibodies directed against LIR polypeptides. LIR family members can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and disease states associated with suppressed immune function.

Abstract: Provided are methods for reducing the HIV viral load in HIV-infected patients by administering human GM-CSF. The GM-CSF is administered in conjunction with at least two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Abstract: Formulations for controlled, prolonged release of GM-CSF have been developed. These are based on solid microparticles formed of the combination of biodegradable, synthetic polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), and copolymers thereof with excipients and drug loadings that yield zero order or first order release, or multiphasic release over a period of approximately three to twenty one days, preferably one week, when administered by injection. In the preferred embodiment, the microparticles are microspheres having diameters in the range of 10 to 60 microns, formed of a blend of PLGA having different molecular weights, most preferably 6,000, 30,000 and 41,000. Other embodiments have been developed to alter the release kinetics or the manner in which the drug is distributed in vivo.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: Isolated ligands, DNAs encoding such ligands, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated ligands can be used to regulate an immune response. The ligands are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.