Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of autoimmune conditions include as an active ingredient a soluble lectin having a molecular weight of about 14 kilodaltons or a fragment thereof. The lectin or fragment binds .beta.-galactoside-containing moieties independent of the presence or absence of Ca.sup.+2, stimulates hemagglutination of trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes in standard lectin assays wherein the stimulation is inhibited by lactose or thiogalactoside, has an amino acid sequence containing at least one N-glycosylation site and is at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in positions 2-135 of FIG. 1 or the relevant portions thereof. The composition is used for treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as modulating the immune response in an allergic reactions or to organ or tissue transplant rejection. The inventive composition can be combined with general immunosuppressants.

Abstract: The present invention provides arrays having associated modified oligonucleotides, e.g., 2'-O-R oligonucleotides, methods of making such arrays, assays for using such arrays, and kits containing such arrays. In one embodiment, the arrays of the invention exhibit an increased binding affinity with complementary nucleic acids, and in particular with complementary RNA. In another embodiment, the associated nucleic acids of the array of the invention exhibit substantial acid resistance, allowing the arrays to be treated with low pH solutions. In another embodiment, the modified associated nucleic acids of the array of the invention exhibit substantial resistance to nuclease degradation.

Abstract: The present invention features non-human transgenic animal models for gene function, wherein the transgenic animal is characterized by having altered endogenous apolipoprotein E gene function and a transgene for an exogenous human apolipoprotein E isoform. The transgenic animals may be either homozygous or heterozygous for the transgene. The invention also features methods for using non-human transgenic animal models for the study of apolipoprotein E-mediated pathologies and the identification of compounds and therapies for such pathologies.

Abstract: The invention provides prion protein standards for use as reference materials for prion detection. The standard may be species specific, i.e. the standard is comprised of a preparation for detection of a single strain prion or it may be prepared to allow detection of multiple prion strains simultaneously. The invention also provides methods of preparing the prion protein standards using a group of non-human host mammals which have their genome manipulated with respect to genetic material related to a PrP gene such that the mammals are susceptible to infection with a prion which generally only infects an animal which is genetically diverse from the host.

Abstract: The activation of neurons in specific areas of a mammalian brain are determined by measurement of levels of mRNA following administration of an agent that potentially affects neuronal activity. Differential levels of mRNA caused by an agent can be measured, as can the specific distribution of the alteration of neuronal activity. Many mental disorders are associated with the abnormal function of a particular area of the brain. The present invention allows the determination of which area of the brain, if any, is affected by an administered agent. Accordingly, the invention provides a valuable tool for assaying compounds as potential therapeutic agents.