Abstract: Provided by the present invention are topical formulations of Interleukin-11 and methods for treating a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and infectious colitis), mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, nasal mucositis, and proctitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and contact hypersensitivity), aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, and ocular diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, retinitis, and uveitis).

Abstract: Highly purified mocarhagin, a cobra venom protease, is disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic uses of the highly purified protease are also provided. Polynucleotides encoding such protease and related proteases are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of treating autoimmune conditions are disclosed comprising administering to a mammalian subject IL-12 or an IL-12 antagonist. In certain preferred embodiments the autoimmune condition is one which is promoted by an increase in levels of IFN-? or TNF-?. Suitable conditions for treatment include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes melitis and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.

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

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind interleukin-22 (IL-22), in particular, human IL-22, and their uses in regulating IL-22-associated immune responses are disclosed. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, or treating IL-22-associated immune disorders, e.g., autoimmune disorders (e.g., arthritis).

Abstract: This invention provides polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding amino-terminal-modified chemokines, the encoded amino-terminal-modified chemokines, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated SLIC-1 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL-1) binding molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing SLIC-1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a SLIC-1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated SLIC-1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-SLIC-1 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Method of treating autoimmune conditions are disclosed comprising administering to a mammalian subject IL-12 or an IL-12 antagonist. In certain preferred embodiments the autoimmune condition is one which is promoted by an increase in levels of IFN-&ggr; or TNF-&agr;. Suitable conditions for treatment include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes melitis and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.

Abstract: Novel compounds are disclosed which inhibit the activity of phospholipase enzymes, particularly cytosolic phospholipase A2. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of treatment using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humanized anti-B7-2 antibody that comprises a variable region of nonhuman 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: The present invention relates to, inter alia, methods for inhibiting the interaction of the B-lymphocyte antigen, B7-2, with its natural ligand on the surface of an immune cell are disclosed. The methods comprise contacting the immune cell with an agent which inhibits B7-2 binding with its natural ligand, to thereby inhibit the interaction. Examples of such agents are provided, and include a soluble form of B7-2, an antibody that recognized B7-2. The method may also include contacting the immune cell with an agent that blocks the interaction of B7-1 with its natural ligand. Further, the method may include contacting the immune cell with an immunomodulating agent, for example, an antibody reactive with CD28, an antibody reactive with CTLA4, an antibody reactive with a cytokine, a CTLA4Ig fusion protein, a CD28Ig fusion protein, and an immunosuppressive drug. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of the method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for crystalline cPLA2. The crystal structure of cPLA2 has also been solved using such material. Models based upon such crystal structure are also provided. Methods of identifying inhibitors of cPLA2 activity and membrane binding using such models are also disclosed.

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 of functional repair of articular cartilage tissue.

Abstract: The use of interleukin-11 to prevent, to ameliorate, and to treat a gastrointestinal disorder in a mammal in need of such treatment is disclosed.

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: Novel serine/threonine receptor proteins and BMP receptor proteins are disclosed, as well as DNA molecules encoding said proteins and methods of using the receptor proteins. Further disclosed are truncated BMP receptor proteins and molecules which act as ligands to said BMP receptor proteins.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid sequence sequences encoding enterokinase activity, the expression products thereof, and methods for using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the modulation of restenosis and stenosis characterized by constrictive vascular remodeling and neointimal formation, in a subject, by administering a P-selectin antagonist. The invention further provides methods for modulating leukocyte recruitment, cell to cell adhesion, and cell adhesion to blood vessels in a subject by administering soluble P-selectin ligand, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating restenosis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for purification of Factor VIII polypeptides by immunoaffinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography, in which the eluate from the immunoaffinity column is diluted with a solution comprising higher salt concentration, or lower non-polar agent concentration than that of the elution solution, prior to passing the diluted solution through the ion exchange column. The methods result in improved purification without significant yield loss.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing cDNA libraries is disclosed.