Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes consisting essentially of an isolated MHC component and an autoantigenic peptide associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes consisting essentially of an isolated MHC component and an autoantigenic peptide associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly sensitive assay for the detection of T-cells reactive to an antigen by detecting a soluble factor whose secretion is induced by stimulation of the T-cell by the antigen. The assay includes an antigen-driven proliferation of specific T cells prior to restimulation with irradiated antigen presenting cells (APCs) and antigen. In exemplary embodiments the assay is used to enhance the detection limits of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) secreting interferon-&ggr; (IFN-Y) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). The assay can be performed on previously frozen PBMCs, providing greater convenience in sample processing, multiple use of a single sample as an internal standard, and simultaneous analysis of samples collected at different time points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes consisting essentially of an isolated MHC component and an autoantigenic peptide associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method for preparing a responder cell clone that proliferates when combined with a selected antigenic peptide presented by a stimulator cell is disclosed. CD56 negative, CD8 negative responder cells are isolated from peripheral blood mononucleocytes and stimulated with pulsed or primed stimulator cells. Responder cell clones from prediabetic or new onset diabetic patients which are specific for GAD peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic oligopeptides derived from the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) glycoprotein protein sequences for use in compositions and methods for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of deleterious immune responses, such as autoimmunity and allergies. The peptides are capable of inducing an immune response against glycoproteins encoded MHC alleles associated with the target disease. In preferred embodiments the peptides of the invention are derived from hypervariable region of the .beta. chain of an MHC Class II molecule associated with the deleterious immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification and characterization of MHC-peptide complexes useful in ameliorating immunological disorders, such as, for example, autoimmune diseases, allergic responses and transplant responses. The method disclosed is a one-step method based on the use of metal chelate affinity chromatography to separate the MHC-peptide complexes of interest from both uncomplexed MHC molecules and other endogenous MHC-peptide bound complexes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of improving the binding affinity of a peptide epitope for MHC Class II molecules by attaching to the N-terminus of the peptide epitope a hydrophobic amino acid or a peptide containing a hydrophobic amino acid. The invention also provides complexes between the modified antigenic peptides and MHC Class II molecules, as well as method for treating deleterious immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification and characterization of MHC-peptide complexes useful in ameliorating immunological disorders, such as, for example, autoimmune diseases, allergic responses and transplant responses. The method disclosed is a one-step method based on the use of metal chelate affinity chromatography to separate the MHC-peptide complexes of interest from both uncomplexed MHC molecules and other endogenous MHC-peptide bound complexes.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly sensitive assay for the detection of T-cells reactive to an antigen by detecting a soluble factor whose secretion is induced by stimulation of the T-cell by the antigen. The assay includes an antigen-driven proliferation of specific T cells prior to restimulation with irradiated antigen presenting cells (APCs) and antigen. The assay can be performed on previously frozen PBMCs, providing greater convenience in sample processing, multiple use of a single sample as an internal standard, and simultaneous analysis of samples collected at different time points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes comprising an isolated MHC subunit component, an antigenic peptide and, in some cases, an effector component. The antigenic peptide is associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC subunit component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel and rapid method for isolating MHC:antigen-restricted T cells. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing an isolated MHC:peptide complex wherein said complex is bound to a solid support; (b) contacting the complex with the biological sample containing T lymphocytes to form a MHC:peptide:T cell complex; (c) removing the MHC:peptide:T cell complex from the peripheral blood; and (d) separating the bound T lymphocytes from the MHC:peptide:T cell complex. The T-cells can be used to detect the presence, in a biological sample, of antigen presenting cells bearing a preselected MHC:antigen complex.

Abstract: Intracellularly cleavable derivatives of toxic compounds including antibiotics are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and materials useful in treating autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic agents are of the formula X--MHC--peptide or MHc--peptide--X wherein X represents a functional moiety selected from a toxin and a labeling group; MHC is an effective portion of the MHC glycoprotein, said glycoprotein dissociated from the cell surface on which it normally resides; and "peptide" represents an antigenic peptide sequence associated with an autoantigen;--represents a covalent bond or a linker bound to X and MHC or to X and peptide by covalent bonds; and--represents a covalent bond, a noncovalent association, or a linker covalently bound to or associated with the MHC and peptide. These complexes can be used to target helper T-cells which are specifically immunoreactive with autoantigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes consisting essentially of an isolated MHC component and an autoantigenic peptide associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and materials useful in treating autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic agents are of the formula X.sup.1 MHC.sup.2 peptide or MHC.sup.2 peptide.sup.1 X wherein X represents a functional moiety selected from a toxin and a labeling group; MHC is an effective portion of the MHC glycoprotein, said glycoprotein dissociated from the cell surface on which it normally resides; and "peptide" represents an antigenic peptide sequence associated with an autoantigen; .sup.1 represents a covalent bond or a linker bound to X and MHC or to X and peptide by covalent bonds; and .sup.2 represents a covalent bond, a noncovalent association, or a linker covalently bound to or associated with the MHC and peptide. These complexes can be used to target helper T-cells which are specifically immunoreactive with autoantigens.

Abstract: Intracellularly cleavable derivatives of toxic compounds including antibiotics are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and materials useful in treating autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic agents are of the formula X--MHC--peptide or MHC--peptide--X wherein X represents a functional moiety selected from a toxin and a labeling group; MHC is an effective portion of the MHC glycoprotein, said glycoprotein dissociated from the cell surface on which it normally resides; and "peptide" represents an antigenic peptide sequence associated with an autoantigen; -- represents a covalent bond or a linker bound to X and MHC or to X and peptide by covalent bonds; and -- represents a covalent bond, to noncovalent association, or a linker covalently bound to or associated with the MHC and peptide. These complexes can be used to target helper T-cells which are specifically immunoreactive with autoantigens.