Abstract: The present invention provides isolated human and bovine TNF-? convertases, nucleic acids and recombinant vectors encoding the same, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors, and methods for making the convertases using the host cells. This invention further provides antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which specifically bind to the convertases and are useful for treating medical conditions caused or mediated by TNF-?. Also provided are screening methods for identifying specific inhibitors of mammalian TNF-? convertases, and for identifying nucleic acids encoding such convertases.

Abstract: The use of azetidinone compounds that are inhibitors of cholesterol absorption as tools for discovering and characterizing proteins involved in trafficking or absorption of cholesterol and/or cholesteryl esters in biological systems is presented. These compounds can serve as tools for competitive binding assays to discover and characterize other chemical agents useful as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. New compounds of the present invention are also highly efficacious inhibitors of cholesterol absorption.

Abstract: Methods for treating treatment-naive as well as treatment-experienced patients having melanoma to increase the progression-free survival time involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of pegylated interferon-alpha, e.g., preferably pegylated interferon alpha-2b, as adjuvant therapy to definitive surgery are disclosed.

Abstract: Purified mammalian DC cell surface protein, designated Langerin, nucleic acids encoding Langerin, and antibodies which specifically bind Langerin.

Abstract: The invention provides immunological reagents (antibodies) capable of binding to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), to cell lines which express such antibodies and to a process for identifying and purifying plasmacytoid dendriticcells from tissues containing pDC using such antibodies.

Abstract: A novel CC chemokine which is from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding said chemokine. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for using mammalian CCR8 receptor proteins, antagonists and related reagents to treat diseases or conditions associated with Th2-mediated responses in an individual, especially asthma, are provided. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CCR8 antagonist, alone or in combination with other therapeutic reagents. Also provided are methods for screening for therapeutics. Genetically-engineered animals and their use as models of molecular mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various lymphocyte cell proteins from mammalian, including primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The use of azetidinone compounds that are inhibitors of cholesterol absorption as tools for discovering and characterizing proteins involved in trafficking or absorption of cholesterol and/or cholesteryl esters in biological systems is presented. These compounds can serve as tools for competitive binding assays to discover and characterize other chemical agents useful as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. New compounds of the present invention are also highly efficacious inhibitors of cholesterol absorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated mammalian histamine receptor, isolated or recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant vectors encoding the same, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors, and methods of making the receptor using the host cells. This invention further provides antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which specifically bind to the receptor and are useful for treating medical conditions caused or mediated by histamine. Also provided are screening methods for identifying specific agonists and antagonists of the mammalian histamine receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-human transgenic mouse containing a constitutively active G-protein coupled receptor, which produces Kaposi's sarcoma-like symptoms. The transgenic mouse is useful in identification of reagents for the prevention, treatment and/or cure of diseases related to production of proliferative vascular lesions, including Kaposi's sarcoma.

Abstract: The use of azetidinone compounds that are inhibitors of cholesterol absorption as tools for discovering and characterizing proteins involved in trafficking or absorption of cholesterol and/or cholesteryl esters in biological systems is presented. These compounds can serve as tools for competitive binding assays to discover and characterize other chemical agents useful as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. New compounds of the present invention are also highly efficacious inhibitors of cholesterol absorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated human and bovine TNF-&agr; convertases, nucleic acids and recombinant vectors encoding the same, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors, and methods for making the convertases using the host cells. This invention further provides antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which specifically bind to the convertases and are useful for treating medical conditions caused or mediated by TNF-&agr;. Also provided are screening methods for identifying specific inhibitors of mammalian TNF-&agr; convertases, and for identifying nucleic acids encoding such convertases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the agonist properties of vMIP-I for the chemokine receptor CCR8 as expressed on Th2 cells. Methods of modulating a physiological signal specific to Th2 cells comprising contacting these cells with vMIP-I, agonists and antagonists thereof are disclosed. Methods for treating disease using CCR8 antagonists are also provided. The modulation of the Th2 cell populations through the vMIP-I/CCR8 interaction provides a new means for diagnosing and treating specific disease states and immunologic conditions.