Abstract: The present invention provides analogues of autoinducer molecules that are derivatized to allow their attachment to other molecules and surfaces. Libraries of the autoinducer analogues are also contemplated. Also provided are methods for using the compounds of the invention to produce compositions, such as immunoconjugates, antibodies and vaccines, which are useful for treating and preventing disease states in a subject. The compositions of the invention are also useful in various assays, including assessing the autoinducer load in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides analogues of autoinducer molecules that are derivatized to allow their attachment to other molecules and surfaces. Libraries of the autoinducer analogues are also contemplated. Also provided are methods for using the compounds of the invention to produce compositions, such as immunoconjugates, antibodies and vaccines, which are useful for treating and preventing disease states in a subject. The compositions of the invention are also useful in various assays, including assessing the autoinducer load in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides analogues of autoinducer molecules that are derivatized to allow their attachment to other molecules and surfaces. Libraries of the autoinducer analogues are also contemplated. Also provided are methods for using the compounds of the invention to produce compositions, such as immunoconjugates, antibodies and vaccines, which are useful for treating and preventing disease states in a subject. The compositions of the invention are also useful in various assays, including assessing the autoinducer load in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating corneal diseases mediated by elevated protease activity include ocular administration of protease inhibitors. One or more protease inhibitors selected from an aspartic, serine, cysteine, or metallo-protease inhibitor are administered to an ocular fluid, surface, or tissue, preferably by topical administration, to inhibit proteolytic activity associated with a corneal disease or condition, for example keratoconus. Antiproteolytic formulations of the invention may include carriers that prolong the retention and/or enhance delivery of the protease inhibitor. These formulations can also include other therapeutic agents such as antiinflammatory or antibiotic drugs. In preferred aspects of the invention, antiproteolytic formulations are administered during periods of closed eye tear production. Also provided within the invention are implant devices for corneal delivery of a protease inhibitor.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.