Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing accessory cells, said accessory cells may themselves be used for preparing activated NK cells that may be used in various therapeutic protocols (e.g. cancer treatment). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an accessory cell comprising the steps consisting of i) providing a cell and ii) inhibiting in said cell the expression of a gene encoding for a Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor(s) (KIR) ligand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a compound capable of reducing the uric acid level in a mammal for the prevention and/or the treatment of IL-I? driven lung pathology, particularly to treat lung inflammation such as chronic fibrosis, COPD and interstitial fibrosis and other IL-1? driven lung pathologies including those of autoimmune origin. Preferred compounds capable of reducing the uric acid level are selected from the group consisting of xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as allopurinol, recombinant enzyme uricase and uricosuric compound capable of enhancing uric acid excretion, such as probenecid. The invention further relates to a method for identifying in vitro whether a patient presents an IL-1? driven lung pathology or is at risk to develop an IL-1? driven lung pathology, or for the screening of a compound for treating an IL-1? driven lung pathology.

Abstract: The invention concerns particles consisting essentially of fibers of an organogelling substance in the form of xerogel (dry gel), the fibers being essentially oriented in a common direction and randomly aligned around the longest fiber. The organogelling substance is preferably 1,3:2,4-di-O-benzylidene-D-sorbitol. Said particles, which are in the form of spindles, have interesting optical properties; they have a total light transmittance higher than 0.80, with a diffuse transmittance higher than the specular transmittance. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said particles by solvent evaporation process, by solvent diffusion/evaporation process or by shearing process. The invention finally concerns active particles consisting of said particles whereon is immobilized a dermocosmetically active principle, a dermocosmetic composition comprising said particles or said active particles and a cosmetic treatment method which consists in applying on the skin said dermocosmetic composition.

Abstract: Therefore the invention provides a hydrogen-absorbing alloy comprising at least one A5B19 type crystalline phase having the formula R1?yMgyNi3.8±0.1?zMz, in which R represents one or more elements chosen from La, Ce, Nd or Pr; M represents one or more elements chosen from Mn, Fe, Al, Co, Cu, Zr, Sn and M does not contain Cr; 0?y?0.30; z?0.5. The invention extends to an electrode comprising an active ingredient comprising said alloy. It also extends to a nickel metal hydride alkaline storage battery the negative electrode of which comprises said alloy. The invention also relates to the process for the manufacture of said alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing oligorhamnosides, comprising a one-pot reaction in acetonitrile without any rhamnose protection or deprotection reaction. The invention also relates to a composition a mixture of oligorhamnosides, which can be obtained using said method and which has between 2 and 12 rhamnose units. The invention further relates to a medicament comprising said composition, which is preferably intended to regulate inflammatory mechanisms, and to a cosmetic treatment method.