Abstract: Provided herein is a method of monitoring the change of the alpha-4 integrin activities in an individual by correlating with the soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) and/or soluble mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (sMAd-CAM) levels. Particularly, this method can be used, for example, to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of an alpha-4 integrin inhibitor used to treat a disease associated with pathological or chronic inflammation.

Abstract: Endogenous Sp35 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Molecules that block endogenous Sp35 function, such anti-Sp35 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for Sp35, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous Sp35 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-Sp35 antibody.

Abstract: The instant invention describes methods of separating or preferentially synthesizing dimers which are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage from dimers which are not linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage from a mixture comprising the two types of polypeptide dimers. These forms can be separated from each other using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. In addition, the invention pertains to connecting peptides that result in the preferential biosynthesis of dimers that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage or that are not linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage. The invention also pertains to compositions in which a majority of the dimers are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage or are not linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage. The invention still further pertains to novel binding molecules, e.g., comprising connecting peptides of the invention.

Abstract: Endogenous LINGO-1 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Molecules that block endogenous LINGO-1 function, such anti-LINGO-1 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for LINGO-1, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous LINGO-1 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are certain methods of screening, identifying, and evaluating neuroprotective compounds useful for treatment of neurological diseases, such as, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS). The compounds described upregulate the cellular cytoprotective pathway regulated by Nrf2. Also provided are certain methods of utilizing such compounds in therapy for neurological disease, particularly, for slowing or reducing demyelination, axonal loss, or neuronal and oligodendrocyte death.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems and methods for monitoring column performance in process chromatography, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, column performance is monitored by generating a plurality of process values such as, for example, conductivity values or pH values with a detector during a chromatography step transition between a first mobile phase liquid and a second mobile phase liquid. The process values are transformed to form transformed process values in which noise present in the process values is suppressed. Column performance parameters are calculated based on the transformed process values and displayed during movement of the second mobile phase liquid through the chromatography column.

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: Endogenous Sp35 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination (Negative Regulator). Molecules that block endogenous Sp35 function, such anti-Sp35 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for Sp35, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous Sp35 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-Sp35 antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating disease with soluble inhibitors of the lymphotoxin pathway having improved properties. This invention also relates to improved LTBR-Ig fusion proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Compounds that have agonist activity at one or more of the SIP receptors are provided. The compounds are sphingosine analogs that, after phosphorylation, can behave as agonists at SIP receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing vascularization in a tissue by administering a neublastin polypeptide to a mammal exhibiting impaired or inadequate blood flow in the tissue. The methods can be used to in the treatment or prevention of a disorder characterized by impaired or inadequate blood flow or to increase vascularization in an organ that has been transplanted into a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polyalkylene glycol compounds and methods of using them. In particular, compounds comprising a novel polyethylene glycol conjugate are used alone, or in combination with antiviral agents to treat a viral infection, such as chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract: The invention provides humanized antibodies that bind to a plurality of ?-chemokines, particularly monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. The invention also provides therapeutic reagents and methods of treating disorders associated with detrimental MCP activity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for predicting therapeutic responsiveness of a subject having an autoimmune disorder to an agent that inhibits signaling via LT?R based on the level of expression of IFN or a marker thereof in the subject. The invention also provides methods of treating selected subjects with agents that inhibit or reduce signaling vial LT?R.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and agents for the treatment of TWEAK-related conditions, including cardiac, liver, kidney, lung, adipose, skeletal, muscle, neuronal, bone and cartilage conditions. The invention also provides methods for identifying TWEAK agonists or antagonists for the treatment of TWEAK-related conditions. Additionally, the invention provides transgenic animals that express an exogenous DNA encoding a TWEAK polypeptide, or fragments, analogs, or muteins thereof, and methods for using such animals to identify TWEAK agonists or antagonists. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing a disease based on TWEAK expression. The invention also provides methods for affecting cellular differentiation of progenitor cells using TWEAK polypeptides, agonists, or antagonists.

Abstract: Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contact with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.

Abstract: Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contract with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and agents for the treatment of TWEAK-related conditions, including cardiac, liver, kidney, lung, adipose, skeletal, muscle, neuronal, bone and cartilage conditions. The invention also provides methods for identifying TWEAK agonists or antagonists for the treatment of TWEAK-related conditions. Additionally, the invention provides transgenic animals that express an exogenous DNA encoding a TWEAK polypeptide, or fragments, analogs, or muteins thereof, and methods for using such animals to identify TWEAK agonists or antagonists. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing a disease based on TWEAK expression. The invention also provides methods for affecting cellular differentiation of progenitor cells using TWEAK polypeptides, agonists, or antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Death Receptor-6 (DR6) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to be important for regulating apoptosis in cells of the nervous system. In addition, it has been discovered that p75 is a ligand for DR6. As a result, this invention relates to methods for inhibiting the interaction of DR6 and p75 using DR6 and/or p75 antagonists. In addition, the methods described herein include methods of promoting survival of cells of the nervous system using DR6 antagonists, optionally in combination with p75 antagonists, and methods of treating neurodegenerative conditions by the administration of a DR6 antagonists, optionally in combination with a p75 antagonist.