Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and process for regulating an immune system using an immunoglobulin fusion protein capable of targeting a specific peptide precursor to a specific antigen presenting cell. Disclosed is a peptide precursor associated with an immunoglobulin molecule capable of binding to an antigen on the surface of an antigen presenting cell. Also disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence encoding an immunoglobulin fusion protein comprising a peptide precursor and an immunoglobulin molecule. The invention is additionally directed to therapeutic reagents which can act as toleragens or immunogens useful in the regulation of an immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing antibodies of desired specificity. In particular, the method involves immunizing a subject animal with the chosen antigen following prior stimulation of the non-human animal's B cells. The prior stimulation may be accomplished, e.g., by immunization with a first antigen which is different from the second antigen. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the animal is a transgenic animal containing a human immunoglobulin gene, such as a transgenic mouse.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors which express chimeric T cell receptors are disclosed. These chimeric T cell receptors contain one human element, and the rest of the elements are all of the same, non-human animal species, such as a mouse. Of particular interest are chimeras where the human element is V.alpha. or V.beta.. The vectors are used to transfect cells which derive from the same non-human animal species as the non-human animal species of the chimera, and the resulting transfectants are used to produce monoclonal antibodies against the human element of the chimera.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolated toxin associated with Kawasaki syndrome and the bacteria from which these are isolated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing inflammation in an animal which includes analyzing cells to assess glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity or glucocorticoid receptor number. A low binding affinity and high receptor number are each indicative of inflammation. Also disclosed is a method for treating inflammation in an animal, which inflammation causes glucocorticoid receptor alteration which includes suppressing the activity or expression of cytokines which, in the absence of suppression, alter glucocorticoid receptors. Also disclosed are methods for identifying Type II glucocorticoid receptor binding abnormality and for distinguishing Type I glucocorticoid receptor binding abnormalities from Type II. Further disclosed are treatments for steroid-resistant inflammatory disorders induced by IL-2 and IL-4 which are associated with glucocorticoid receptor binding abnormalities. The treatment includes administering an agent which is an IL-2 suppressor and/or an IL-4 suppressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules coding for toxins associated with Kawasaki Syndrome. Also described are various applications of the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to substantially pure transfer factor with a specific activity of at least 5000 units per absorbance unit at 214 nm. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the transfer factor from cell lysates. The present invention includes the use of substantially pure transfer factor with a specific activity of at least 5000 units per absorbance unit at 214 nm to treat infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to various methodologies for diagnosing Kawasaki syndrome. Various bacteria, including TSST-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus, and SPEB and SPEC producing streptococcus have been found to be indicative of the pathological condition. Also described is a Kawasaki syndrome implicated isolate of S. aureus, and therapeutic methodologies for preventing treating the condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to various methodologies for diagnosing Kawasaki syndrome. Various bacteria, including TSST-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus, and SPEB and SPEC producing streptococcus have been found to be indicative of the pathological condition. Also described is a Kawasaki syndrome implicated isolate of S. aureus, and therapeutic methodologies for preventing treating the condition. These involve the administration of anti-TSST-1 agents which are not gamma globulin.

Abstract: The isolated nucleic acid sequence for MEKK, the MEKK amino acid sequence and protein, antibodies to MEKK, and methods for using such sequences, proteins and antibodies are described. The amino acid sequence of MEKK (MEK kinase), was elucidated from a cDNA sequence encoding a protein of 672 amino acid residues (73 kilodaltons). When MEKK is expressed, it phosphorylates and activates MEK. Phosphorylation and activation of MEK by MEKK is independent of Raf, a growth factor regulated protein kinase that also phosphorylates MEK. Thus, MEKK and Raf converge at MEK in the protein kinase network mediating the activation of MAPKs by hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method for determining levels of T-cell surface antigens in humans, specifically, V.beta. molecules. Measurement of such levels allows for diagnosis of pathological conditions, such as infections, where changes in these levels are indicative of a superantigen initiated pathological condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to screening of patients to determine the possible presence of Kawasaki Disease. The screening involves assaying for levels of V.beta.2 or V.beta.8.1 by immunoassay, or for the mRNA expressing either of these V.beta. elements. The polymerase chain reaction is one way the mRNA level can be determined. Once the levels in the patient are determined, they are compared to normal levels. An increase is indicative of possible Kawasaki Disease.

Abstract: A method of identifying potential polypeptide vaccines to an agent, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. A critical binding segment of a first polypeptide known to bind to a first MHC type, is ascertained. The effect of replacing each of the amino acids in the critical segment, upon binding of that segment to the first MHC type, is evaluated. Following this, a protein produced by the agent is scanned for at least one trial amino acid sequence which the foregoing evaluation indicates will be a good binder to the first MHC type. When a potentially good binding sequence is found, a polypeptide containing such sequence can be evaluated as a synthetic vaccine.

Abstract: 6-cyclo-octylamino-5,8-quinoline quinone, a Vitamin K analogue, shows surprising efficacy as an in vivo therapeutic agent for treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy. Mycobacteria species, intracellulare, tuberculosis, and leprae are inhibited following administration of the compound in any form.

Abstract: A method for determining respiratory function in subjects, as well as the apparatus thus employed. The method involves blocking exhalation while the subject inhales spontaneously. Increased volume in the lungs and face mask pressure are measured to determine respiratory compliance. When the exhalation block or occlusion is removed, flow of exhaled air and volume changes in the lungs are measured to determine the time constant. The relationship between time constant and respiratory compliance permits determination of respiratory resistance.