Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1 ”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder.

Abstract: Methods for treating multiple myeloma with inhibitors of CXCR4, such as AMD3100 and anti-CXCR4 antibodies, are described. The decreased expression of CXCR4 on multiple myeloma cells according to the invention results in decreased homing of the cells to the bone marrow and a reduction in the development of the disease. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such inhibitors for use in the therapeutic treatment of multiple myeloma. The treatment methods described herein can be used independently, or in conjunction with, other therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Abstract: Methods for treating multiple myeloma with inhibitors of CXCR4 are described. The decreased expression of CXCR4 on multiple myeloma cells according to the invention results in decreased homing of the cells to the bone marrow and a reduction in the development of the disease. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such inhibitors for use in the therapeutic treatment of multiple myeloma. The treatment methods described herein can be used independently, or in conjunction with, other therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Abstract: Substantially purified populations of APCLP cells capable of expressing CD70 are described. Also described are methods for the treatment of certain diseases and medical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease, by utilizing inhibitors of CD70 activity.

Abstract: The invention provides natural IgM antibody inhibitors that may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of RNA interference, which comprises contacting the cell with a fusion protein-double stranded RNA complex, the complex comprising the double stranded RNA segment containing a double stranded RNA of interest and a fusion protein, the fusion protein comprising (1) a targeting moiety, which will specifically binds to a site on a target cell, and (2) a binding moiety, which will bind to the double stranded RNA, wherein the double stranded RNA segment initiates RNA interference in the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides inducible expression systems for making short RNA transcripts that can be used in cells and transgenic animals for a variety of applications, including but not limited to, producing and studying the effects of RNAi and microRNA mediated gene silencing.

Abstract: Isolated peptide fragments of the conserved regulatory domain of NFAT protein capable of inhibiting protein—protein interaction between calcineurin and NFAT, or a biologically active analog thereof are described. Isolated polynucleotides and gene therapy vectors encoding such peptide fragments are also described. In addition, methods for treating immune-related diseases or conditions and methods for high throughput screening of candidate agents are described. Pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-amoebic vaccine containing an oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The anti-amoebic vaccines are particularly effective against inflammation and liver abscesses resulting from amoebic invasion when administered to patients.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that plasma C1INH contains a sialyl Lewisx related moiety on its N-glycan and is capable of binding selectin molecules. The invention provides methods for modulating cell-to-cell adhesion or cell migration comprising contacting a cell with a C1INH-type protein or fragment thereof or a nucleic acid encoding a C1INH-type protein or fragment thereof, such that cell-to-cell adhesion is modulated. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing cell adhesion related disorders in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a C1INH-type protein or fragment thereof or a nucleic acid encoding a C1INH-type protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated dendritic cells genetically modified to express a selectin polypeptide, optionally treated with activated platelets or membrane microparticles thereof. The invention also provides isolated platelet modified dendritic cells. Methods for delivering the modified dendritic cells to peripheral lymph nodes and methods for using the modified dendritic cells to stimulate immune responses also are provided. Vaccine compositions containing the modified dendritic cells also are provided.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a colloidal suspension of a biomolecule-binding matrix material (preferably nitrocellulose) dispersed in a liquid, with particles of the matrix material being of a defined particle size, and replicate copies of a biomolecule, e.g., protein or nucleic acid probes, which are distributed, preferably uniformly, throughout the colloidal suspension and are bound to the matrix material particles, is disclosed. The liquid composition of the invention can be used directly for sample analysis or preparation of biomolecules, or aliquots of the composition can be spotted onto a support to form a microporous matrix system or microarray for analysis or preparation of biomolecules. Compositions and microarrays according to the invention are useful in any type of analytical or preparative procedure relating to biomolecules. They are particularly useful, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel alkaloid compounds and collections of these compounds, and provides methods for the synthesis of these compounds using biomimetic synthetic strategies. Additionally, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disorders such as bacterial infections, proliferative diseases, and reproductive disorders, to name a few.