Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and methods for preparing and using them.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and methods for preparing and using them.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and for preparing and using them.

Abstract: Chemically-defined, non-polymeric valency platform molecules and conjugates comprising chemically-defined valency platform molecules and biological or chemical molecules including polynucleotide duplexes of at least 20 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies.

Abstract: Chemically-defined, non-polymeric valency platform molecules and conjugates comprising chemically-defined valency platform molecules and biological or chemical molecules including polynucleotide duplexes of at least 20 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies.

Abstract: Molecules comprising aminooxy groups are provided, wherein the aminooxy groups provide attachment sites for the covalent attachment of other molecules. In one embodiment, polyoxyethylene molecules comprising aminooxy groups are provided that can be conjugated to wide variety of biologically active molecules including poly(amino acids). In another embodiment, valency platform molecules comprising aminooxy groups are provided. The aminooxy groups can be used to form covalent bonds with biological molecules such as poly(amino acids). The aminooxy groups can, for example, react with poly(amino acids) modified to contain carbonyl groups, such as glyoxyl groups, to form a conjugate of the valency platform molecule and the biologically active molecule via an oxime bond. The valency platform molecules comprising aminooxy groups are advantageously reactive in the formation of conjugates, and they also can be readily synthesized to form a composition with very low polydispersity.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), also known as vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1). The compounds disclosed are amine-containing and amide-containing compounds. The compounds and compositions are useful for treatment of diseases, including inflammation, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating proteinuria in an individual such as human by administering an effective amount of an agent that reduces the level of anti-dsDNA antibodies (such as a dsDNA epitope as in the form of an epitope-presenting carrier or an epitope-presenting valency platform molecule like LJP 394) to the individual. The invention also provides methods of determining responsiveness of the individual to (or selecting an individual for continuing) treatment of an agent that reduces anti-dsDNA antibodies by determining reduction of proteinuria after a certain period of time upon initiation of the treatment.

Abstract: Chemically-defined, non-polymeric valency platform molecules and conjugates comprising chemically-defined valency platform molecules and biological or chemical molecules including polynucleotide duplexes of at least 20 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods identifying individuals suitable for treatment for lupus and methods of monitoring treatment, based on measuring antibody affinities, as well as of treating lupus based on measuring antibody affinities. The treatment entails administration of a conjugate comprising a non-immunogenic valency platform molecule and at least two double stranded DNA epitopes, such as DNA molecules, which bind to anti-DNA antibodies from the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods identifying individuals suitable for treatment for lupus and methods of monitoring treatment, based on measuring antibody affinities, as well as of treating lupus based on measuring antibody affinities. The treatment entails administration of a conjugate comprising a non-immunogenic valency platform molecule and at least two double stranded DNA epitopes, such as DNA molecules, which bind to anti-DNA antibodies from the patient.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to valency molecules, such as valency platform molecules which act as scaffolds to which one or more molecules may be covalently tethered to form a conjugate. More particularly, the present invention pertains to valency platform molecules which comprise a carbamate linkage (i.e., —O—C(?O)—N<). In one aspect, the present invention pertains to valency platforms comprising carbamate linkages, which molecules have the structure of any one of Formulae I, II, or III, shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, the present invention pertains to valency platforms comprising carbamate linkages, which molecules have the structure of any one of Formulae IV, V, or VI, shown in FIG. 8. The present invention also pertains to methods of preparing such valency platform molecules, conjugates comprising such valency platform molecules, and methods of preparing such conjugates.

Abstract: Valency platform molecules comprising high molecular weight polyethylene oxide groups are provided, as well as conjugates thereof with biologically active molecules, and methods for their preparation. The high molecular weight polyethylene oxide group has, for example, a molecular weight of greater than 22,000 Daltons, for example at least 40,000 Daltons. In one embodiment, a composition comprising the valency platform molecules is provided, wherein the molecules have a polydispersity less than about 1.2. Conjugates of the valency platform molecule and a biologically active molecule, such as a saccharide, poly(saccharide), amino acid, poly(amino acid), nucleic acid or lipid also are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the conjugates disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods of making and using the conjugates and compositions.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to valency molecules, such as valency platform molecules which act as scaffolds to which one or more molecules may be covalently tethered to form a conjugate. More particularly, the present invention pertains to valency platform molecules which comprise a carbamate linkage (i.e., —O—C(═O)—N<). In one aspect, the present invention pertains to valency platforms comprising carbamate linkages, which molecules have the structure of any one of Formulae I, II, or III, shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, the present invention pertains to valency platforms comprising carbamate linkages, which molecules have the structure of any one of Formulae IV, V, or VI, shown in FIG. 8. The present invention also pertains to methods of preparing such valency platform molecules, conjugates comprising such valency platform molecules, and methods of preparing such conjugates.

Abstract: aPL analogs that (a) bind specifically to B cells to which an aPL epitope binds and are disclosed. Optimized analogs lack T cell epitope(s) are useful as conjugates for treating aPL antibody-mediated diseases. Conjugates comprising aPL analogs and nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules are provides as are novel nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and linkers. Methods of preparing and identifying said analogs, methods of treatment using said analogs, methods and compositions for preparing conjugates of said analogs and diagnostic immunoassays for aPL antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides conjugates useful for xenotransplantation which comprise a galactose &agr;1,3 galactosyl (&agr;Gal) epitope conjugated to a valency platform molecule, preferably a chemically defined valency platform molecule which allows precise valency. The invention also provides compositions comprising these conjugates, and methods (such as methods for inducing tolerance) using these conjugates and compositions.

Abstract: aPL analogs that (a) bind specifically to B cells to which an aPL epitope binds and are disclosed. Optimized analogs lack T cell epitope(s) are useful as conjugates for treating aPL antibody-mediated diseases. Methods of preparing and identifying said analogs, methods of treatment using said analogs, methods and compositions for preparing conjugates of said analogs and diagnostic immunoassays for aPL antibodies are disclosed.