Abstract: The present invention describes the use of leptin for the immune modulation of the Th1/Th2 response. One aspect of the invention provides for a shift in the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards pro-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. This shift results from an increase in the levels, expression and/or the activity of leptin. Another aspect of the invention provides for a shift in the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards anti-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. This shift results from a decrease in the levels, expression and/or the activity of leptin. The shifting of the Th1/Th2 balance provides a method for the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions for use in real time nucleic acid detection processes. Such real time nucleic acid detection processes are carried out with energy transfer elements attached to nucleic acid primers, nucleotides, nucleic acid probes or nucleic acid binding agents. Real time nucleic acid detection allows for the qualitative or quantitative detection or determination of single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acids of interest in a sample. Other processes are provided by this invention including processes for removing a portion of a homopolymeric sequence, e.g., poly A sequence or tail, from an analyte or library of analytes. Compositions useful in carrying out such removal processes are also described and provided.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.