Abstract: A soluble multimeric protein or polypeptide is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more linked Fc binding regions, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor and, particularly, Fc?RIIa. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein or polypeptide and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: HB-EGF is exploited to treat conditions associated with enhanced urothelium permeability, including interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for identifying a subject having elevated CD200 levels and/or comprising cells overexpressing CD200, the method comprising the step of assaying a biological fluid from the subject to determine a level of soluble CD200, wherein a level above control indicates the subject has elevated CD200 levels. Diagnostic methods, methods of monitoring prognosis and methods of medical treatment relating to CD200 associated medical conditions are also provided. The disclosure also provides assays and kits useful in the diagnosis of a medical condition associated with elevated CD200 and/or comprising cells overexpressing CD200.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for identifying a subject having elevated CD200 levels and/or comprising cells overexpressing CD200, the method comprising the step of assaying a biological fluid from the subject to determine a level of soluble CD200, wherein a level above control indicates the subject has elevated CD200 levels. Diagnostic methods, methods of monitoring prognosis and methods of medical treatment relating to CD200 associated medical conditions are also provided. The disclosure also provides assays and kits useful in the diagnosis of a medical condition associated with elevated CD200 and/or comprising cells overexpressing CD200.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds capable of binding to an Fc receptor and modulating Fc receptor activity comprising a core lipophilic group in the form of an Aryl ring substituted with a group rich in p-electrons. The invention further provides for a method of treating an autoimmune disease involving Fc receptor activity using such compounds. A method for obtaining a compound which modulates Fc receptor activity is also provided, the method comprising: (a) providing or designing compounds having structural characteristics to fit in the groove of the Fc?RIIa structure; and (b) screening the compounds for modulating activity on the Fc receptor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds capable of binding to an Fc receptor and modulating Fc receptor activity comprising a core lipophilic group in the form of an Aryl zing substituted with a group rich in p-electrons. The invention further provides for a method of treating an autoimmune disease involving Fc receptor activity using such compounds. A method for obtaining a compound which modulates Fc receptor activity is also provided, the method comprising: (a) providing or designing compounds having structural characteristics to fit in the groove of the Fc?RIIa structure; and (b) screening the compounds for modulating activity on the Fc receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to CD200 receptor isoforms and modulators thereof and their use in methods of immune modulation and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Fc?RIIa transgenic non-human animal model for autoimmune disease, particularly arthritis. This invention also provides a method of using this model to screen compounds that can reduce aberrant immune activity including aberrant immune complex formation aberrant immune complex clearance and immune complex induced inflammation. This invention also provides means of using this model to treat or prevent autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds capable of binding to an Fc receptor and modulating Fc receptor activity comprising a core lipophilic group in the form of an Aryl ring substituted with a group rich in p-electrons. The invention further provides for a method of treating an autoimmune disease involving Fc receptor activity using such compounds. A method for obtaining a compound which modulates Fc receptor activity is also provided, the method comprising: (a) providing or designing compounds having structural characteristics to fit in the groove of the Fc?RIIa structure; and (b) screening the compounds for modulating activity on the Fc receptor.

Abstract: A soluble multimeric protein or polypeptide is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more linked Fc binding regions, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor and, particularly, Fc?RIIa. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein or polypeptide and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits MD-1 with or without an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of MD-1 or an agent that activates or stimulates MD-1.