Abstract: The present invention is directed to ProMac signature genes and methods and kits for using the ProMac signature genes for diagnostic, prognostic, or monitoring ProMac associated diseases.

Abstract: Methods for treating viral infections using polyamine analogs, including mitoguazone (MGBG), are provided. In these methods, polyamine analogs destroy macrophages that act as viral reservoirs, facilitating the destruction of the viruses that dwell within the macrophages. Examples of viral infections that may be treated with the present methods include, but are not limited to, infections from human immunodeficiency viruses. These methods differ from previous methods of treatment using polyamine analogs, wherein the polyamine analogs were administered only as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease development or progression and monitoring an ALS therapy by determining the level of HLA-DR expression by CD14+ monocytes and/or the percentage of CD16+ cells in the population of CD14+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in peripheral blood of an individual with ALS. The invention is also directed to methods for decreasing the number of circulating CD14+ monocytes and/or the population of CD14+/CD16+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in an individual with ALS. The invention is also directed to methods of screening for agents which decrease the population of CD14+ monocytes with elevated HLA-DR expression and/or the population of CD14+/CD16+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in an individual with ALS.