Abstract: Novel polypeptides of human megakaryocyte stimulating factors (MSFs). Pharmaceutical compositions containing same, and methods for their preparation and use are provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding the IL-13 receptor and fragments thereof are disclosed. IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing immune responses in which soluble forms of costimulatory molecules, e.g., B7 molecules, are administered to augment immune responses to antigens, e.g., to tumor cells and infectious agents are provided. The subject methods are useful for both prophylactic and therapeutic immunization of subjects.

Abstract: The invention concerns GENSET polynucleotides and polypeptides. Such GENSET products may be used as reagents in forensic analyses, as chromosome markers, as tissue/cell/organelle-specific markers, in the production of expression vectors. In addition, they may be used in screening and diagnosis assays for abnormal GENSET expression and/or biological activity and for screening compounds that may be used in the treatment of GENSET-related disorders.

Abstract: High throughput DNA sequencing vectors for generating nested deletions using enzymatic techniques and/or transposition-based techniques are disclosed. Methods of constructing contigs of long DNA sequences and methods of generating nested deletions are also disclosed. A truncated lacZ derivative useful in measuring the copy number of the lacZ derivative in a host cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: Arginine-containing cysteine-modifying compounds useful for MALDI-MS analysis of proteins are provided. These compounds termed isotope-coded ionization enhancement reagents (ICIER) can provide ionization enhancement in MALDI-MS, relative quantitation, and additional database searching constraints at the same time without any extra sample manipulation. More specifically, ICIER increase the ionization efficiency of cysteine-containing peptides by attachment of a guanidino functional group. ICIER also increase the overall hydrophilicity of these peptides due to the hydrophilic nature of ICIER and thus increase the percentage of recovery of these peptides during sample handling and processing such as in-gel digestion or liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Methods for inducing a population of T cells to proliferate by activating the population of T cells and stimulating an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule are described. T cell proliferation occurs in the absence of exogenous growth factors or accessory cells. T cell activation is accomplished by stimulating the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex or the CD2 surface protein. To induce proliferation of an activated population T cells, an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, such as CD28, is stimulated with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule. The T cell population expanded by the method of the invention can be genetically transduced and used for immunotherapy or can be used in methods of diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods for inducing a population of T cells to proliferate by activating the population of T cells and stimulating an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule are described. T cell proliferation occurs in the absence of exogenous growth factors or accessory cells. T cell activation is accomplished by stimulating the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex or the CD2 surface protein. To induce proliferation of an activated population T cells, an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, such as CD28, is stimulated with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule. The T cell population expanded by the method of the invention can be genetically transduced and used for immunotherapy or can be used in methods of diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods for inducing a population of T cells to proliferate by activating the population of T cells and stimulating an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule are described. T cell proliferation occurs in the absence of exogenous growth factors or accessory cells. T cell activation is accomplished by stimulating the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex or the CD2 surface protein. To induce proliferation of an activated population T cells, an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, such as CD28, is stimulated with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule. The T cell population expanded by the method of the invention can be genetically transduced and used for immunotherapy or can be used in methods of diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention identifies PD-1 as a receptor for B7-4. B7-4 can inhibit immune cell activation upon binding to an inhibitory receptor on an immune cell. Accordingly, the invention provides agents for modulating PD-1, B7-4, and the interaction between B7-4 and PD-1 in order to modulate a costimulatory or an inhibitory signal in a immune cell resulting in modulation of the immune response.

Abstract: Method of inhibiting and diagnosing spontaneous abortion in a subject are provided. The subject methods are based, inter alia, on the administration of an agent that inhibits a costimulatory signal in a T cell such that spontaneous abortion in the subject is inhibited. The subject methods are also based on the levels of adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell surface molecules which are altered in spontaneous abortion.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for downmodulation of immune responses, e.g., autoimmune responses. For example, methods of downmodulating an immune response using agents that specifically block CD28-mediated signaling are provided. The subject methods are useful for both prophylactic and therapeutic downmodulation of immune responses.

Abstract: Purified BMP-11 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the BMP-11 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be useful in regulating follicle stimulating hormone, such as for contraception. In addition, the proteins may be useful for the induction of bone, cartilage and/or other connective tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating an immune response comprising contacting a cell with an agent that modulates the interaction between CTLA4 and PP2AA via modulating the lysine rich motif of CTLA4. The invention further provides methods for treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from down regulation of an immune response comprising administering an agent that modulates the interaction between CTLA4 and PP2AA via modulating the lysine rich motif of CTLA4. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating the interaction of CTLA4 and PP2AA.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting and diagnosing spontaneous abortion in a subject are provided. The subject methods are based, inter alia, on the administration of an agent that inhibits a CD28-C mediated costimulatory signal in a T cell such that spontaneous abortion in the subject is inhibited. The subject methods are also based on the levels of adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell surface molecules which are altered in spontaneous abortion.

Abstract: Purified BMP-16 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-16 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage, other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis, nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds, and organs such as liver, lung, cardiac, pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the induction of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic and stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for inhibiting the interactions of B7-1 and B7-2 with their natural ligands. Such compositions comprise an antibody specific for B7-2 and an antibody specific for B7-1, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may be formulated for either separate or combined administration of the antibody components. The antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies, or humanized antibodies. Preferred antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods for producing recombinant heterodimeric BMP proteins useful in the field of treating bone defects, healing bone injury and in wound healing in general. The invention also relates to the recombinant heterodimers and compositions containing them.

Abstract: Novel IL-1-R intracellular ligand proteins are disclosed. Polynucleotides encoding the IL-1-R intracellular ligand protein are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of making the IL-1-R intracellular ligand protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the IL-1-R intracellular ligand protein, methods of treating inflammatory conditions, and methods of inhibiting IL-1-R intracellular domain binding are also disclosed. Methods of identifying inhibitors of IL-1-R intracellular domain binding and inhibitors identified by such methods are also disclosed.