Abstract: Nucleic acids that encode Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Ligand (TRELL), a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor family (TNF), modified TRELL, are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that inhibit proteolytic release of a soluble KIM-1 polypeptide from KIM-1 expressing cells. Also disclosed are methods of using the antibodies to inhibit shedding of the KIM-1 polypeptide.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind human CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE (FceRII/CD23), and contain either a human gamma-1 or human gamma-3 constant domain, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for modulating or inhibiting induced IgE expression. Accordingly, they have practical utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of disease conditions wherein inhibition of induced IgE production is therapeutically desirable, including allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I possess unexpectedly high affinity for Alk 5 and/or Alk 4, and can be useful as antagonists thereof for preventing and/or treating numerous diseases, including fibrotic disorders.

Abstract: A novel receptor in the TNF family is provided: BAFF-R. Chimeric molecules and antibodies to BAFF-R and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The use of KIM-1 antagonists to inhibit signaling between a T cell and a second cell, e.g., an antigen-presenting cell, is disclosed. Such inhibition is useful for treatment of diseases including various autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host disease. Also disclosed is the use of a KIM-1 antagonist to inhibit secretion of IFN-? by lymphocytes or other immune cells in a mammal. Inhibition of IFN-? is useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases or disorders, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that strategic modifications of non-human donor antibody CDR residue(s) can be used to humanize antibodies. Such modifications modulate the 3D structural fit between donor antibody CDRs and human acceptor antibody framework regions that comprise the variable domains of a CDR-grafted antibody. Whereas prior art methods of humanization have relied on making framework substitutions (in which selected human framework residues are backmutated to the corresponding amino acid residue present in the non-human donor antibody), the instant invention is based, at least in part, on a method of humanizing antibodies in which selected CDR residues, and optionally adjacent FR residues, are changed in order to accommodate differences in FR amino acid sequences between donor and acceptor antibodies.

Abstract: Biomarkers useful for identifying treatments for and monitoring treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are provided, as well as methods for their identification, methods of diagnosing MS, relapse of MS patients and disease progression in MS patients.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that compounds of formula (I) possess unexpectedly high affinity for the A2a adenosine receptor, and can be useful as antagonists thereof for preventing and/or treating numerous diseases, including Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The invention provides Cripto blocking antibodies, or biologically functional fragments thereof, and uses thereof. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate Cripto signaling are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, modulate signaling, and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 and modulate tumor growth are provided. The invention also provides methods of using these antibodies in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing serum exposure of an administered glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) ligand family protein by administering to a subject via systemic delivery (i) a GDNF ligand family protein, and (ii) an amount of heparin or heparan sulphate that increases serum exposure of the administered GDNF ligand family protein in the subject.

Abstract: [Problems] It is intended to provide a storing device which is convenient in preserving a slice of a pathological tissue or the like over a long time and by which a required number of slices can be quickly provided without waste. It is also intended to provide an instrument for microscopic observation which is equipped with this storing device and a transparent plate having an adhesive layer formed thereon. [Means for Solving Problems] A device comprising: a piece of a resin film on which a slice having been excised from a sample block or a cell block slice is adhered and fixed via an adhesive layer provided on the surface thereof; and a holder on the surface of which the back face of the film piece is detachably adhered and fixed via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. An instrument for microscopic observation which comprises the storing device and a transparent plate for adhering and fixing the film piece having been peeled off from the storing device.

Abstract: A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the pseudogene TDGF3 (Cripto-3) is expressed in cells and, in particular, that TDGF3 overexpression is associated with transformation of a cell, e.g., TDGF3 is overexpressed in cancer cell lines and cells from tumor tissue. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for detecting the presence of a TDGF3 polynucleotide or polypeptide in a sample. The invention further provides compositions, kits and methods for assessing whether a cell is transformed as well as for assessing whether a patient is a suitable candidate for an anti-Cripto antibody therapy.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a compound of the general Formula (I). Compounds of Formula (I) possess high affinity for Alk 5 and/or AIk 4, and can be useful as antagonists thereof for preventing and/or treating numerous diseases, including fibrotic disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to neublastin neurotrophic factor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding neublastin polypeptides, and antibodies that bind specifically to neublastin polypeptides, as well as methods of making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel (2R)-2-phenylpropanamides bearing a 4-sulfonylamino substituent on the 4 position of the phenyl group and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, which are used as inhibitors of the chemotaxis of polymorphonucleate and mononucleate cells, and which are useful in the treatment of various ELR+CXC chemokine-mediated disorders. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment and control of specific CXCR2 dependent pathologies such as BOS, COPD, angiogenesis and melanoma.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is disclosed, particularly the treatment of arthritis. The method comprises the administration of a function blocking antibody which is capable of binding an epitope of VLA-1.

Abstract: Antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to the receptor Fn14 and induce or enhance cell killing of Fn14-expressing cancer cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the antibodies and antibody fragments to induce death of a tumor cell and treat disorders and in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.