Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated PD-L2 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel B7-related molecules which are ligands for PD-1. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PD-L2 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PD-L2 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention further provides isolated PD-L2 polypeptides, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PD-L2 antibodies. The invention still further provides methods for promoting or inhibiting the interaction between PD-L2 and PD-1. Diagnostic and treatment methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions of proteins with tendon/ligament-like tissue inducing activity are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the treatment of tendinitis and tendon or ligament defects and in related tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention relates to humanized anti-B7-2 and anti-B7-1 antibodies, wherein each comprise a variable region of non-human origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also pertains to methods of treatment for various autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases by administering humanized anti-B7-2 and/or anti-B7-1 antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of articular cartilage defects and disease involving the combination of tissue, such as osteochondral grafts, with active growth factor. The active growth factor is preferably a composition containing at least one bone morphogenetic protein and a suitable carrier. The method results in the regeneration and/or functional repair of articular cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Novel human GIL-19/AE289 protein is disclosed which shows a high degree of homology to interleukin-10 (IL-10). Polynucleotides encoding such protein are also enclosed.

Abstract: Purified BMP-2 and BMP-4 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.

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: Methods and compositions for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders, and for inhibiting selectin-mediated binding by administering a mocarhagin protein, or fragments thereof with mocarhagin protein activity are provided. The mocarhagin protein may be administered alone, or in combination with a cytokine, lymphokine, or hematopoietic factor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the crystal structure of Estrogen Receptor-? (ER-?) complexed with genistein, and to the use of this structure in rational drug design methods to identify agents that may interact with active sites of ER-?, which may be useful as novel chemotherapeutic agents.

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 present invention provides a process for dissociating Fc-containing molecules from complexes of Protein A/Fc-containing molecules or mixtures containing Fc-containing molecules and Protein A. The association, e.g., by hydrophobic interactions, between the Fc-containing molecules and Protein A can be reduced or inhibited by raising the pH of dissociation. The pH of dissociation can be raised by addition of agents capable of inhibiting hydrophobic interactions, including buffers containing arginine and/or ethylene glycol, to the mixture, either prior to adding the mixture to the column chromatography substrate, after adding the mixture to the column chromatography substrate, or both prior to and after adding the mixture to the column chromatography substrate.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding the human IL-11 receptor and fragments thereof are disclosed. IL-11 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of human IL-11 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: Purified BMP-2 and BMP-4 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for downmodulating an immune response comprising contacting immune cells from a subject with at least one agent that binds to at least one B7 molecule in combination with a Rapamycin compound.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using agonists or antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (“IL-21R” or “MU-1”), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating or preventing immune cell-associated pathologies (e.g., pathologies associated with aberrant activity of one or more of mature T cells (mature CD8+, mature CD4+ T cells), mature NK cells, B cells, macrophages and megakaryocytes, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders). IL-21/IL-21R agonists can be used by themselves or in combination with an antigen, e.g., as an adjuvant (e.g., a vaccine adjuvant), to up-regulate an immune response in vivo, e.g., for example, for use in treating cancer and infectious disorders.

Abstract: An injectable formulation is disclosed for delivery of osteogenic proteins. The formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable admixture of an osteogenic protein; and formulations comprising osteogenic protein, hyaluronic acid derivatives and tricalcium phosphate are also disclosed. Methods for formulating porous injectable gels and pastes from hyaluronic acid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of suppressing an immune response in a subject by administering an antagonist of a MU-1 hematopoietin receptor superfamily chain protein.

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: Purified BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-17 and BMP-18 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, epithelium, brain, spleen, 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.