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 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: The present invention relates to methods of asthma treatment and prevention using ?v?6 antagonists, such as ?v?6-binding antibodies. In particular, the invention relates to the discovery of a correlation between reduced expression of ?v?6 and the protection from the increase in airway sensitivity seen in chronic allergen-challenged mice. This protection is associated with protection from the usual allergen-induced increase in airway epithelial mast cells.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules, including humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of specific and non-specific inflammation, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibodies disclosed can be useful in methods of diagnosing and localizing sites of inflammation.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies to the prolactin receptor, particularly the human prolactin receptor. Preferred antibodies are capable of blocking prolactin binding to the prolactin receptor, inhibiting signaling through the prolactin receptor, and/or inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells induced by prolactin. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the antibodies, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids, and uses of the antibodies and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind human CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE (FceRII/CD23), and contain either a human gamma-1 or human gamma-3 constant domain, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for modulating or inhibiting induced IgE expression. Accordingly, they have practical utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of disease conditions wherein inhibition of induced IgE production is therapeutically desirable, including allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.

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: Antibodies that specifically bind to VLA-1 integrin and methods of using these antibodies to treat immunological disorders in a subject. Also included are crystal structures of complexes formed by VLA-1 antibodies and their ligands, and VLA-1 antagonists and agonists identified by using the structure coordinates of these structures.

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: Novel receptor in the TNF family: TRAIN-receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention relates to the discovery that there is a relationship between the expression levels of the tumor suppressor gene smad4 (also known as dpc4) and integrin ?v?6, and the responsiveness of patient populations to ?v?6-active compounds and compositions (e.g., antibodies and other ligands that bind ?v?6), particularly in cancer cells from such patient populations, more particularly on carcinomas such as pancreatic carcinomas.

Abstract: Formulations of VLA-4 binding antibody are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic Nogo receptor-1 polypeptides, Nogo receptor-1 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, soluble Nogo receptors and fusion proteins thereof and nucleic acids encoding the same. Also disclosed are compositions comprising, and methods for making and using, such Nogo receptor antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, soluble Nogo receptors and fusion proteins thereof and nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to M.96. Also included are methods of using these antibodies to treat mammals having or at risk of having 006-mediated diseases, or to diagnose % Qmediated diseases.

Abstract: A dimer comprising a mutated neublastin polypeptide coupled to a polymer is disclosed. Such dimers exhibit prolonged bioavailability and, in preferred embodiments, prolonged biological activity relative to wild-type forms of neublastin.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides, and fragments thereof, and antibodies, or fragments thereof comprising the same, wherein the peptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution compared to wild type 5c8 antibody. The present invention also provides compositions and methods of treating CD154-related diseases or disorders in a subject.

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: The present invention is directed to novel methods of treating, identifying or diagnosing a hyperproliferative disorder in a patient in need thereof. The methods of the invention include administering to a patient a composition comprising a binding molecule which binds to a cell surface expressed glycoprotein expressed predominantly in tumor or tumor-associated cells. In particular, the therapeutic and diagnostic methods of the present invention include the use of a binding molecule, for example an antibody or immunospecific fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a membrane associated molecule, variant polypeptide or fragment thereof. The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery of membrane associated proteins, i.e., nucleic acid molecules which encode membrane proteins and the use of these molecules to generate custom arrays to screen for markers associated with various diseases and disorders, e.g., cancer, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods useful for activating LT-? receptor signaling, which in turn elicits potent anti-proliferative effects on tumor cells. More particularly, this invention relates to lymphotoxin heteromeric complexes formed between lymphotoxin-? and multiple subunits of lymphotoxin-?, which induce cytotoxic effects on tumor cells in the presence of lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents. Also within the scope of this invention are antibodies directed against the lymphotoxin-? receptor which act as lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents alone or in combination with other lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents either in the presence or absence of lymphotoxin-?/? complexes. A screening method for selecting such antibodies is provided. This invention also relates to compositions and methods using cross-linked anti-lymphotoxin-? receptor antibodies either alone or in the presence of other lymphotoxin-? receptor activating agents to potentiate tumor cell cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Methods of treating patients and evaluating patients for disease stage and/or severity are disclosed.