Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: A metalloprotease that converts TNF-&agr; from the 26 kD cell form to the 17 kD form has been isolated and purified and the cDNA sequence known. In particular, the protease has a molecular weight of approximately 80 kD. The isolated and purified protease is useful for designing an inhibitor thereof, and may find use as a therapeutic agent. Assays for detecting the protease-inhibiting activity of a molecule are also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Purified and isolated IL-1/TNF-&agr;-activated kinase (ITAK), nucleic acids encoding ITAK, processes for production of recombinant forms of ITAK, pharmaceutical compositions containing ITAK, and use of ITAK in therapies and in various assays, including assays to detect antagonists and agonists of ITAK are provided.

Abstract: A new family of immunoreceptor molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily, (LIR) polypeptides is described. Disclosed are sequences encoding LIR family members and their deduced amino acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by DNA that hybridize to oligonucleotide probes having defined sequences, processes for producing polypeptides of the LIR family, and antagonistic antibodies to LIR family members. LIR family members can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and disease states associated with suppressed immune function.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding TNF receptors, and processes for producing TNF receptors as products of recombinant cell culture, are disclosed.

Abstract: Flt3-ligand can be used to generate large numbers of dendritic cells from hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Flt3-ligand can be used to augment immune responses in vivo, and expand dendritic cells ex vivo. Such dendritic cells can then be used to present tumor, viral or other antigens to naive T cells, can be useful as vaccine adjuvants. When flt3-L is used and/or administered in combination with other reactive agents, e.g. CD40 binding proteins, 4-1BBL or antibodies reactive with 4-1BB, CD30 ligand antagonists, RANKL, and/or interferon alpha the combination further enhances immune responses and the effectiveness of vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel interaction between a TNF receptor (TACI) and its interacting ligand (TACI-L). Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate molecules to determine potential antagonists and agonists of the TACI/TACI-L interaction. The use of the antagonists and agonists as therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and to inhibit graft vs. host rejections is further disclosed.

Abstract: CD4+ cells obtained from individuals with defective CD40L gene and transfected with a vector containing CD40-L are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel murine and human kinase polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above.

Abstract: The present invention provides Tek antagonists and methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal by administering Tek antagonists. The methods are particularly useful in treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and diseases or conditions characterized by ocular neovascularization.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated kappa B kinase-related kinases 1 and 2 (IKR-1 and IKR-2) polypeptides and fragments thereof, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel ULBP polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above. ULBP polypeptide can be found on the surface of human B cell lymphomas. Mammalian forms of ULBP polypeptide in isolated or purified forms are provided. In addition, isolated nucleic acids encoding ULBP polypeptides and expression vectors comprising a cDNA encoding ULBP polypeptides are provided. The ULBP polypeptides can be isolated or synthesized and used to prepare antibodies, and in particular monoclonal antibodies, against the polypeptides. The antibodies, in turn, are useful for detecting the presence of ULBP polypeptides in human cell samples, which can be correlated with the existence of a malignant condition in a patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to B7L-1 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the B7L-1, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding B7L-1 and processes for preparing B7L-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: There are disclosed nucleotide sequences which can improve expression of recombinant proteins two- to eight-fold in stable cell pools when present in an expression vector.

Abstract: A polypeptide that functions as an IL-18 receptor is disclosed. The receptor is multimeric and includes at least one AcPL polypeptide, or fragment thereof, and at least one IL-1Rrp1 polypeptide, or fraction thereof. The receptor binds IL-18 and finds use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by IL-18.

Abstract: Methods for treating medical conditions induced by interleukin-4 involve administering an IL-4 antagonist to a patient afflicted with such a condition. Suitable IL-4 antagonists include, but are not limited to, IL-4 receptors (such as a soluble human IL-4 receptor), antibodies that bind IL-4, antibodies that bind IL-4R, IL-4 muteins that bind to IL-4R but do not induce a biological response, molecules that inhibit IL-4-induced signal transduction, and other compounds that inhibit a biological effect that results from the binding of IL-4 to a cell surface IL-4R. Particular antibodies provided herein include human monoclonal antibodies generated by procedures involving immunization of transgenic mice. Such human antibodies may be raised against human IL-4 receptor. Certain of the antibodies inhibit both IL-4-induced and IL-13-induced biological activities.

Abstract: A device for aligning a vial and a syringe used for medical injections. The device includes a vial alignment portion and a syringe alignment portion, both aligned on an alignment axis extending between the two portions. The alignment portions can restrict motion of both the vial and the syringe transverse to the alignment axis so as to maintain a needle of the syringe aligned with an access port of the vial. The device can also include provisions for removing a protective cap from the vial and for removing a protective cover from the syringe needle. The syring and the vial can be packaged in a container which can also be used to align the syringe with the vial.

Abstract: Flt3-ligand can be used to generate large numbers of dendritic cells from hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Flt3-ligand can be used to augment immune responses in vivo, and expand dendritic cells ex vivo. Such dendritic cells can then be used to present tumor, viral or other antigens to naive T cells, can be useful as vaccine adjuvants. When flt3-L is used and/or administered in combination with other reactive agents, e.g. CD40 binding proteins, 4-1BBL or antibodies reactive with 4-1BB, CD30 ligand antagonists, RANKL, and/or interferon alpha the combination further enhances immune responses and the effectiveness of vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide functions as the &bgr; chain of an oncostatin M receptor and is thus designated OSM-R&bgr;. Heterodimeric receptor proteins comprising OSM-R&bgr; and gp130 bind oncostatin M and find use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by oncostatin M.