Abstract: There is disclosed a fibrocyte-based vaccine formulations made from isolated fibrocytes. There is further disclosed a method for establishing an immune response against a specific antigen by administering a fibrocyte-based vaccine formulation, such as one made by pulsing fibrocytes in culture with the antigen peptide or protein, or by fusing tumor cells (whole cells or membrane fragments thereof) with fibrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns alkyl aryl carbonyl compounds that possess anti-infective activity. The compounds of the invention can be used to target specific nuclear localization signal, thereby blocking importation of specific proteins or molecular complex into the nucleus of a cell. The invention encompasses methods of use of such compounds for treatment or prevention of infectious diseases, such as parasitic and viral diseases, including, for example, malaria and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The use of the compounds to detect certain specific protein structures which are present in nuclear localization sequences is also taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a genus of optionally substituted Schiff base condensation products (and the carba analogs thereof) comprising an amino acid component and a benzaldehyde component, that have MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) antagonist activity. The compounds are useful for treating a variety of diseases involving inflammatory activity or pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, such as autoimmune diseases, asthma, arthritis, EAE, ARDS and various forms of sepsis and septic shock, and other conditions characterized by underlying MIF responses including, for instance, tumor growth and neovascularization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of iPFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated iPFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit iPFK-2, preferably kinase activity.

Abstract: Chemical processes for more efficient synthesis of carbocyclic polyols and substituted sugar analogs are disclosed, together with a novel class of cyclopentene polyol intermediate products and anhydro derivatives thereof.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions for two related genera of low molecular weight compounds comprising optionally substituted iminoquinone or orthoquinone ring systems. The compounds have MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) antagonist activity and find utility as such. For example, the compounds are useful for treating a variety of diseases involving inflammatory activity or pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, such as autoimmune diseases (including rheumatiod arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, graft versus host disease, lupus syndromes), asthma, arthritis, EAE, ARDS, psoriasis, interleukin-2 toxicity, proliferative vascular disease, and various forms of sepsis and septic shock, and other conditions characterized by underlying MIF responses including, for instance, tumor growth and neovascularization (angiogenesis).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, compositions are disclosed which comprise an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins, and which additionally reverse pre-formed crosslinks in the advanced glycosylation endproducts by cleaving alpha-dicarbonyl-based protein crosslinks present in the advanced glycosylation endproducts. Certain agents useful are thiazolium salts. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. A immunoassay for detection of the reversal of the nonenzymatic crosslinking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses assays to identify compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of MIF which catalyzes the tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of PFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated PFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit PFK-2 but not PFK.

Abstract: There is disclosed a means for standardizing a kit that provides a means for measuring the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs). The present invention further provides a novel isolate AGE that is antigenic and useful for forming antibodies having utility in diagnostic assays and for standardizing diagnostic assays.

Abstract: There is disclosed a means for standardizing a kit that provides a means for measuring the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs). The present invention further provides a novel isolate AGE that is antigenic and useful for forming antibodies having utility in diagnostic assays and for standardizing diagnostic assays.

Abstract: There is disclosed a complex and a combination of the glycosylated polypeptide fetuin and a therapeutically active small molecule compound having a net positive charge at physiological pH. The presence of fetuin as a drug complex or in combination with the therapeutically active small molecule compound enhances therapeutic activity of the small molecule compound. The present invention further provides a means for screening for therapeutically active small molecule compounds by means of binding to fetuin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns alkyl aryl carbonyl compounds that possess anti-infective activity. The compounds of the invention can be used to target specific nuclear localization signal, thereby blocking importation of specific proteins or molecular complex into the nucleus of a cell. The invention encompasses methods of use of such compounds for treatment or prevention of infectious diseases, such as parasitic and viral diseases, including, for example, malaria and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The use of the compounds to detect certain specific protein structures which are present in nuclear localization sequences is also taught.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of iPFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated iPFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit iPFK-2, preferably kinase activity.

Abstract: This invention concerns new methods and compositions that are useful in preventing and ameliorating cachexia, the clinical syndrome of poor nutritional status and bodily wasting associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. More particularly, the invention relates to aromatic guanylhydrazone (more properly termed amidinohydrazone) compositions and their use to inhibit the uptake of arginine by macrophages and/or its conversion to urea. These compositions and methods are also useful in preventing the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by cells, and so to prevent NO-mediated inflammation and other responses in persons in need of same. In another embodiment, the compounds can be used to inhibit arginine uptake in arginine-dependent tumors and infections.

Abstract: This invention concerns new methods and compositions that are useful in preventing and ameliorating cachexia, the clinical syndrome of poor nutritional status and bodily wasting associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. More particularly, the invention relates to aromatic guanylhydrazone (more properly termed amidinohydrazone) compositions and their use to inhibit the uptake of arginine by macrophages and/or its conversion to urea. These compositions and methods are also useful in preventing the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by cells, and so to prevent NO-mediated inflammation and other responses in persons in need of same. In another embodiment, the compounds can be used to inhibit arginine uptake in arginine-dependent tumors and infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a population of blood borne mammalian cells that express a unique profile of surface markers that includes certain markers typical of connective tissue fibroblasts, and are referred to herein as “blood-borne mesenchymal cells.” In particular, it relates to the isolation, characterization and uses of such blood-borne mesenchymal cells. The cells of the present invention can be distinguished from peripheral blood leukocytes by their distinct size, morphology, cell surface phenotype and biologic activities, and are likewise distinguishable from connective tissue fibroblasts by other surface phenotypic markers. These cells proliferate in culture, and in vivo, as demonstrated in animal models, are capable of migrating into wound sites from the blood. Therefore, such blood-borne mesenchymal cells may have a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, the promotion of wound healing, tissue remodeling, and for gene therapy.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating diseases and disorders involving T cell activation and HIV-infection, using the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway as a target for intervention. There is further disclosed a use for guanylhydrazone-substituted compounds to treat diseases and disorders related to T cell activation and HIV-infection.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for helping to prevent miscarriages during pregnancy, comprising administering an effective amount of a fetuin polypeptide.