Abstract: The prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease in humans (as well as other animals) is described through the use of ligands directed to cytokines. Antibodies and receptors to the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF, IL-12 and IFN-gamma are employed (along with other ligands to such cytokines). Such ligands administered luminally are effective (as demonstrated in two experimental models of autoimmune disease) at delaying the onset of autoimune disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a convenient, oral administered and non-toxic immunomodulating agent to suppress transplant rejection. Such agent is a type one interferon.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides isolated from cDNA libraries of human fetal liver-spleen and macrophage as well as polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof. The polypeptides correspond to a novel human CD39-like protein. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing polynucleotides of the invention and related host cells as well a processes for producing novel CD39-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the therapeutic treatment of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, autoimmune uveitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, or graft-versus-host disease. The pharmaceutical composition contains, as the effective ingredient, a gp34 binding-inhibitory substance.

Abstract: A process of inhibiting activation of complement via the alternative pathway, including inhibiting the formation of complement activation products via the alternative pathway, is provided.

Abstract: The invention involves isolation of nucleic acid molecules, the expression of which are upregulated by interleukin-9. The amino acid sequences of the proteins which correspond to the nucleic acid molecules show some structural features of cytokines. In addition to the nucleic acid molecules and the proteins, various uses of the molecules are disclosed. The molecules are referred to as T cell inducible factors.

Abstract: A method for regulating immunological interaction comprising inhibiting the binding between cells bearing CD55 protein and activated leucocytes bearing CD97 protein.

Abstract: Polypeptides derived from a proteolytically cleaved portion of the invariant chain of MHC class II, termed CLIP, have been found to have immune modulatory properties. Depending on the portions of CLIP administered, immune responses can be either enhanced or suppressed. In addition, these portions can be used to cause weakly immunogenic proteins more strongly immunogenic. The polypeptides can be used directly to modulate the immune response, as can antibodies directed to particular portions of the CLIP polypeptides. Alternatively, polynucleotides encoding either the polypeptides of the antibodies can be administered to cause in situ generation of the immunomodulatory polypeptide or antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable Factor IXa compound in a sufficient amount over a sufficient time period so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject. The invention further provides a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable form of inactivated Factor IXa in a sufficient amount over a sufficient period of time to inhibit coagulation so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocomability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing an immune response to an immunogen in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the immunogen and an effective amount of a modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine. The vaccine comprises an immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP in a pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicle. The invention further provides a kit for immunizing an animal to an immunogen comprising (1) a container holding the immunogen and a container holding an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP or (2) a container holding the immunogen and an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention also provides a method of elicing an immune response to a hapten in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the hapten in association with an an effective amount of an mCRP or a mutant-mCRP. The invention further provides a vaccine and a method of producing this vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, such as proteins, peptides and organic compounds, capable of blocking or inhibiting the binding interaction of Raf-1 or 14-3-3 proteins to the &bgr; chain of IL-2, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. In vitro assays for isolating, identifying and characterizing such compound capable of inhibiting interaction of Raf-1 or 14-3-3 proteins to IL-2&bgr; are also provided.

Abstract: The invention involves isolation of nucleic acid molecules, the expression of which are upregulated by interleukin-9. The amino acid sequences of the proteins which correspond to the nucleic acid molecules show some structural features of cytokines. In addition to the nucleic acid molecules and the proteins, various uses of the molecules are disclosed. The molecules are referred to as T cell induceable factors.

Abstract: Method for the determination of thyroid autoantibodies Method for the determination of thyroid autoantibodies in a biological sample obtained from a patient in the differential diagnosis of diseases which are associated with changes of the thyroid and/or disturbances of the normal thyroid function, the determination of the presence and/or amount of the thyroid autoantibodies in the sample being effected with the use of an inmunodiagnostic assay method in which a test signal which represents overall the presence and amount of at least two antibodies, including anti-TPO autoantibodies and anti-Tg autoantibodies, in the sample is obtained per determination. The method increases the selectivity and sensitivity of the detection of the autoantibodies typical of specific autoimmune diseases while reducing the effort required.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an IgE and antigen-specific screening assay for use in identifying agents which suppress the IgE mediated immune response to antigen. The assay is performed in vivo in animals which hyper respond to antigen by producing exaggerated levels of IgE. The animals are sensitized to an antigen during a specific window of sensitivity which closes a day after the animal has been treated to produce the IgE hyper responsive phenotype. The screening assay is performed in the animals by treating them with a candidate IgE suppressor agent in conjunction with further immunization made after closure of the window of sensitivity defined by the invention. Positive results (indicating that the candidate agent has IgE suppressive activity) are obtained in the assay through measurement of a decline in antigen-specific IgE in the animal following its treatment with the candidate agent.

Abstract: Native complement pathway proteins modified such that the protein is capable of forming a down-regulation resistant C3 convertase. Preferably the modified protein is a modified human C3 protein. DNA sequences encoding such proteins are also provided, together with DNA constructs. Conjugates comprising such proteins and a specific binding moiety, for example an antibody, are also described, as are uses of such proteins and/or conjugates in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and process for suppressing an immune response using a T lymphocyte veto molecule capable of blocking cell surface molecules responsible for T cell activation. Disclosed is a CD4 or CD2 molecule, associated with an immunoglobulin molecule capable of binding to a major histocompatibility antigen. Also disclosed is a method to produce a T lymphocyte veto molecule, a therapeutic composition comprising a T lymphocyte veto molecule and methods to use T lymphocyte veto molecules in therapeutic processes requiring suppression of an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of molecules capable of specifically binding a &bgr; PDGFR as diagnostic reagents for the detection of fibrosis in vivo. Such fibrosis can include, but are not limited to, liver, lung, kidney, prostrate and breast fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which has been altered by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids, or by way of tagging, with for example, the Fc portion of human IgG-1, but which retains its ability to bind the TIE-2 receptor. The invention further provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which is a chimeric TIE-2 ligand comprising at least a portion of a first TIE-2 ligand and a portion of a second TIE-2 ligand which is different from the first. In a specific embodiment, the invention further provides for a chimeric TIE ligand comprising at least a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-1 and a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-2. In addition the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the modified TIE-2 ligands described.