Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-? structures and the biological role of these cross-? structures. In one embodiment, the invention discloses a method for modulating extracellular protein degradation and/or protein clearance comprising modulating cross-?(beta) structure formation (and/or cross-? structure-mediated activity) of the protein present in the circulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and/or removal of conformationally altered proteins and/or molecules comprising a cross-? structure from a pharmaceutical composition. Disclosed is that unwanted and/or toxic side effects of pharmaceuticals are caused by proteins present in the pharmaceutical and adopting a cross-? structure conformation. Further disclosed is a method for detecting a protein in a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising: contacting the pharmaceutical composition or any of its constituents comprising a protein with at least one cross-? structure-binding compound resulting in a bound protein and/or peptide comprising a cross-? structure and; detecting whether bound protein and/or peptide comprising a cross-? structure are present in the pharmaceutical composition or any of its constituents comprising a protein. Further described are methods for removing cross-? structures from a pharmaceutical composition and controlling the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-? structure conformation. Even more particular, the invention relates to compounds capable of binding to a compound with cross-? structure conformation, i.e., cross-? structure binding compounds and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for producing and/or selecting immunogenic compositions, comprising providing said composition with at least one epitope for a B-cell receptor and/or at least one epitope for a T-cell receptor, coupled to a protein that comprises at least one crossbeta structure, and testing at least one immunogenic property.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-? structures and the biological role of these cross-? structures.

Abstract: Provided is means and methods for producing and/or selecting immunogenic compositions capable of activating a T-cell and/or a T-cell response, comprising providing the composition with at least one cross-beta structure and testing at least one immunogenic property.

Abstract: Described are means and methods for producing and/or selecting immunogenic compositions, comprising providing the composition with at least one cross-beta structure and testing at least one immunogenic property.

Abstract: Complement is recognized as an important, humoral defense system involved in the innate (nonspecific) recognition and elimination of microbial invaders, other foreign particles or molecules, and antigen-antibody complexes from the body. The present invention makes use of the surprising notion that the handling of lipids by the body, rather than its antimicrobial activity, is the primary and most ancient function of the complement system. Consequently, atherosclerosis as observed in disorders associated with disturbed lipid metabolism (familial combined hyperlipemia (FCHL), postprandial hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia with low levels of HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance associated with type-II diabetes and obesity), is ascribed to either genetic or acquired defects in ancient (activatory and/or regulatory) complement components. Based on this new insight, novel preventive measures and treatment modalities of disturbed lipid metabolism are introduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-? structures and the biological role of these cross-? structures. In one embodiment, the invention discloses a method for modulating extracellular protein degradation and/or protein clearance comprising modulating cross-?(beta) structure formation (and/or cross-? structure-mediated activity) of the protein present in the circulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of a protease inhibitor in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of microbial infections. The invention further discloses the use of a compound binding to a cross-? structure or an antibody specific for a cross-? structure in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of microbial infections. The invention further discloses methods for attenuating microbial pathogens by deleting at least part of a gene encoding a cross-? structure forming protein. The invention also discloses an antimicrobial composition, and a kit for detecting microbial contamination in a solution or a substance.

Abstract: A proteinaceous molecule comprising a lysine and/or arginine residue and/or a functional equivalent thereof, capable of providing enhanced levels of plasmin in a mammal through tPA-mediated plasminogen activation for use as a pharmaceutical. Methods of treating diseases associated with angiogenesis and/or inflammatory disorders and/or conformational disorders and/or aging. Also, a proteinaceous molecule for suppressing tumor growth, to regress established tumors, to degrade amyloid-?, and/or to inhibit amyloid-? action. Additionally, a method for treating a disease associated with or dependent on angiogenesis and/or associated with amyloid deposition comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a proteinaceous molecule comprising a lysine and/or arginine residue and/or a functional equivalent thereof, capable of providing enhanced levels of plasmin in the subject through tPA-mediated plasminogen activation.