Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treatment of autoimmune diseases with the combination of an immunoregulatory antibody, e.g. an anti-B7.1 or anti-B7.2 or anti-CD40L antibody and at least one B cell depleting antibody, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, or CD37, wherein such antibodies may be administered separately, or in combination, and in either order, over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases; and an immunosuppressant during transplantation of heterologous cells, tissues or organs, cell therapy, and gene therapy.

Abstract: An improved method for producing human antibodies in SCID mice is provided. The improvement includes the use of dendritic cells pulsed with antigen-antibody complexes and antigen-antibody complexes as immunizing agents.

Abstract: The specification provides methods of preparing high-affinity antibodies to a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in animals in which the MIF gene has been homozygously knocked-out (MIF?/?). Also provided are methods of preparing hybridomas which produce the anti-MIF antibodies, methods of administering the antibodies to treat inflammatory or cancerous conditions and/or diseases modulated by MIF, as well as compositions comprising said high-affinity anti-MIF antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a concentrated antibody preparation that includes the steps of: (a) obtaining an initial antibody preparation that is an aqueous solution of antibodies and histidine or acetate buffer at a concentration in the range of from about 2 mM to about 48 mM; and (b) subjecting the antibody preparation to membrane filtration so as to remove water and buffer but not antibodies from the antibody preparation, thereby producing an antibody preparation having a higher concentration of antibodies than the initial antibody preparation. The concentrated antibody preparations produced by the method have lower viscosity and are more stable than those of other formulations. The invention further includes concentrated antibody preparations produced by the method, pharmaceutical compositions made using such preparations, and therapeutic methods in which such pharmaceutical compositions are administered to treat diseases.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Monoclonal anti-human CD20 antigen binding antibodies containing human IgG3 constant domains are provided. These antibodies possess effector functions that render them well suited for use in therapeutic methods, especially treatments wherein inhibition of B cell function or B cell number is therapeutically desirable.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and proteins that are overexpressed in colon or colorectal tumor tissues, and which are useful diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I and II are disclosed as antagonists of subtype A1 adenosine receptors. These compounds are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders, including systemic hypertension, renal failure, diabetes, asthma, an edematous condition, congestive heart failure, and renal dysfunction.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response (CTL) in a human or domesticated or agriculturally important animal. The method includes the steps of providing the antigen to which the CTL response is desired and providing a microfluidized antigen formulation which comprises, consists, or consists essentially of two or more of a stabilizing detergent, a micelle-forming agent, and an oil. This antigen formulation is preferably lacking in an immunostimulating peptide component, or has sufficiently low levels of such a component that the desired CTL response is not diminished. This formulation is provided as a stable oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synergistic composition and methods for treating neoplastic or cancerous growths as well as for treating such patients in order to restore or boost hematopoiesis. The present invention comprises administration of the combination of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte inducing composition and at least one agent which is capable of neutralizing or down regulating the activity of tumor secreted immunosuppressive factors, separately or in combination.

Abstract: Methods and kits for radiolabeling proteins, peptides and ligands with radiolytic isotopes, particularly yttrium-90, are disclosed, whereby sufficient purity, specific activity and binding affinity are achieved such that the radiolabeled protein may be directly administered to a patient without further column purification. Such kits and methods will be particularly useful in bringing radioimmunotherapy to the hospital and outpatient setting for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signaling. These antibodies or B7.1-binding fragments thereof, may be used for the treatment or prevention of resistance to or rejection of transplanted organs or tissues and/or graft-versus-host diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides Cripto-specific antibodies, or biologically functional fragments thereof, and uses thereof. Antibodies which bind Cripto and inhibit Cripto activity are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and inhibit the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 and/or between Cripto and Activin B are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and inhibit tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, inhibit Cripto activity, and inhibit tumor growth are also provided. The invention also provides methods of using these antibodies in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is disclosed, particularly the treatment of arthritis. The method comprises the administration of a function blocking antibody which is capable of binding an epitope of VLA-1.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is disclosed, particularly the treatment of arthritis. The method comprises the administration of a function blocking antibody which is capable of binding an epitope of VLA-1.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising the TGF-beta Type II receptor linked to a portion of an immunoglobulin constant chain are described. Also described are methods of using the fusion proteins of the invention to treat a variety of fibroproliferative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention discloses combined therapies for treating hematologic malignancies, including B cell lymphomas and leukemias or solid non-hematologic tumors, comprising administration of anti-cytokine antibodies or antagonists to inhibit the activity of cytokines which play a role in perpetuating the activation of B cells. The administration of such antibodies and antagonists, particularly anti-IL10 antibodies and antagonists, is particularly useful for avoiding or decreasing the resistance of hematologic malignant cells or solid tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents and anti-CD20 or anti-CD22 antibodies. The invention also provides combination therapies for solid tumors having B cell involvement comprising the administration of an anti-cytokine antibody and a B cell depleting antibody such as RITUXAN®.