Abstract: Antagonists of mammalian interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) are disclosed and include muteins of IL-15 and modified IL-15 molecules that are each capable of binding to the IL-15R?-subunit and that are incapable of transducing a signal through either the ?- or ?-subunits of the IL-15 receptor complex. Also included are monoclonal antibodies against IL-15 that prevent IL-15 from effecting signal transduction through either the ?- or ?-subunits of the IL-15 receptor complex. Methods of treating various disease states are disclosed, including treating allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease.

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: Purified and isolated IL-1/TNF-?-activated kinase (ITAK), nucleic acids encoding ITAK, processes for production of recombinant forms of ITAK, pharmaceutical compositions containing ITAK, and use of ITAK in therapies and in various assays, including assays to detect antagonists and agonists of ITAK are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel polypeptide that contains an amino acid decarboxylase domain, and is a substrate for caspase-3. Nucleic acids that encode the novel polypeptide and antibodies to the polypeptide are also part of the present invention. Methods of using the polypeptide, the nucleic acids and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: There are disclosed Interleukin-15 Receptor (IL-15R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding IL-15R, and processes for producing IL-15R as products of recombinant cell cultures.

Abstract: There are disclosed Interleukin-15 Receptor (IL-15R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding IL-15R, and processes for producing IL-15R as products of recombinant cell cultures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to B7L-1 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the B7L-1, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding B7L-1 and processes for preparing B7L-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: 2F1 polypeptides are provided, along with DNA sequences, expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing the polypeptides. Soluble 2F1 polypeptides find use in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and treating inflammation. In addition, antibodies specific to 2F1 polypeptide are provided.

Abstract: 2F1 polypeptides are provided, along with DNA sequences, expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing the polypeptides. Soluble 2F1 polypeptides find use in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and treating inflammation.

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: A method of making a pressure sensitive matrix patch for transdermal delivery of a drug is disclosed. The method includes the steps of dissolving a hydrophilic salt form of the drug in the water phase of an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive, casting the resulting mixture as a thin film, and evaporating the water. The physical stability of the drug in the film is excellent, and crystallization of the drug is inhibited. A method of increasing the transdermal flux of an acidic drug is also disclosed.