Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing vascular-associated disorders.

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 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: 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: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated GL50 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel GL50 polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing GL50 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a GL50 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated GL50 polypeptides, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-GL50 antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated BFLP0169 polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the BFLP0169 polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a BFLP0169 polypeptide or any derivative (including fusion derivative), variant, mutant or fragment of the BFLP0169 polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the BFLP0169 polypeptide, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, as well as to other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of obesity research. Obesity is a public health problem that is serious and widespread. A compound, globular OBG3, has been identified that reduces weight gain in animals. This compound should be effective for reducing body mass and for treating obesity-related diseases and disorders. These obesity-related diseases and disorders include hyperlipidermias, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension.

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. Methods of medical treatment using such molecules and antagonists of the IL-13/IL-13R interaction are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding human CTLA-8 and related proteins are disclosed. Human CTLA-8 proteins and methods for their production are also disclosed. Methods of treatment using human CTLA-8 proteins, rat CTLA-8 proteins and herpesvirus herpes CTLA-8 proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the genomic sequence of the FLAP gene. The invention also concerns biallelic markers of a FLAP gene and the association established between these markers and diseases involving the leukotriene pathway such as asthma. The invention provides means to determine the predisposition of individuals to diseases involving the leukotriene pathway as well as means for the diagnosis of such diseases and for the prognosis/detection of an eventual treatment response to agents acting on the leukotriene pathway.

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 is drawn to methods of screening for new compounds for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases and disorders, as well as methods of treating obesity-related diseases and disorders, based on the discovery of the role of the leptin-LSR interaction in obesity.

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: The present invention relates to the three dimensional solution structure of the N-terminal domain of TNFR-1 associated death domain protein (“N-TRADD”), as well as the identification and characterization of a C-TRAF2 binding active site of N-TRADD. Also provided for by the present invention are methods of utilizing the three dimensional structures for the design and selection of potent and selective inhibitors of TNF signaling pathways.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding novel CTLA4/CD28 ligands which costimulate T cell activation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid has a sequence which encodes a B lymphocyte antigen, B7-2. Preferably, the nucleic acid is a DNA molecule comprising at least a portion of a nucleotide sequence shown in FIG. 8, SEQ ID NO:1 or FIG. 14, SEQ ID NO:23. The nucleic acid sequences of the invention can be integrated into various expression vectors, which in turn direct the synthesis of the corresponding proteins or peptides in a variety of hosts, particularly eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian and insect cell culture. Also disclosed are host cells transformed to produce proteins or peptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequences of the invention and isolated proteins and peptides which comprise at least a portion of a novel B lymphocyte antigen. Proteins and peptides described herein can be administered to subjects to enhance or suppress T cell-mediated immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of obesity research. Obesity is a public health problem that is serious and widespread. A compound, homotrimer of OBG3 polypeptide fragment comprising globular domain and all or part of OBG3 collagen-like region, has been identified that has utility for reducing body mass, for maintaining weight loss, and for treating obesity-related diseases and disorders. These obesity-related diseases and disorders include hyperlipidemias, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension.

Abstract: The invention relates to polynucleotides of the PAPAP gene, polypeptides encoded by the PAPAP gene, and antibodies directed specifically against such polypeptides. The invention also concerns methods for the treatment or diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or related CNS disorder. The invention also concerns the interaction of PAPAP with schizophrenia candidate gene g34872.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for enhancing the efficiency of biological processes that involve successive enzymatic reactions. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the efficiency of an enzymatic purification process by increasing the temperature between successive enzymatic purification steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of muscle research, in particular to the discovery of a compound effective for increasing muscle mass, muscle cell differentiation, and oxidation of free fatty acids in muscle, useful in methods of treating muscle-related diseases and disorders as well as for augmenting muscle mass in general. The muscle-related diseases or disorders envisaged to be treated by the methods of the invention include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions resulting in muscle atrophy or muscle wasting.

Abstract: The invention encompasses polypeptides and polynucleotides of three novel bipolar disorder-associated potassium channel polypeptides, KCNQ2-15bx, KCNQ2-15by and KCNQ2-15bz. The invention further relates to the use of potassium channels comprising KCNQ2 subunits for screening for modulators thereof, the use of these modulators for treating mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression, and drugs comprising these modulators. The invention also discloses biallelic markers located in the KCNQ2 gene and their use for diagnosing mental disorders.