Abstract: Provided herein are methods for modulating one or more of a T-helper cell or monocyte lineage cell-mediated immune response in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound which binds to surface membrane immunoglobulin D (smIgD). Also provided are methods of diagnosis of one or more of a T-helper cell or monocyte lineage cell-mediated immune disease, and compositions and kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: Methods for determining the viability of an embryo or an embryo precursor, comprising measuring the level of a polypeptide or peptide released by a cultured embryo or embryo precursor into the culture medium are disclosed. The polypeptide can be p53. Also disclosed are methods of ranking embryos on the basis of their viability using such methods. Methods for screening for agents which modulate embryo viability, as measured by changes in the level of a polypeptide marker released by a cultured embryo or embryo precursor are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides which affect T-cells, presumably by action on the T-cell antigen receptor. The present invention further relates to the therapy of various inflammatory and autoimmune disease states involving the use of these peptides. Specifically, the peptides are useful in the treatment of disorders where T-cells are involved or recruited. In one aspect the peptides have the formula: R1-A—B—A—R2 in which A is a hydrophobic amino acid or a hydrophobic peptide sequence comprising between 2 and 10 amino acids; B is a charged amino acid; R1 is NH2 and R2 is COOH. In another aspect the peptides have the formula: R1-A—B—C—R2 in which A is a peptide sequence of between 0 and 5 amino acids; B is cysteine; C is a peptide sequence of between 2 to 10 amino acids; R1 is NH2; and R2 is COOH.