Abstract: The invention pertains to polypeptide variants with increased heparin-binding ability. Increased heparin-binding ability is achieved by addition, insertion, and/or substitution of an amino acid sequence X1X2X3X4X5X6 (SEQ ID NO. 1 or NO.2). Polypeptide variants according to the invention are particularly suited for stimulation of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and wound healing. The invention also pertains to amino acid molecules that encode said polypeptide variants, host cells containing said nucleic acid molecules, and processes for producing the polypeptide variants.

Abstract: An anti-IL-23 specific human Ig derived protein is useful in therapeutic and diagnostic compositions, methods and devices. The anti-IL-23 Ig derived protein preferably includes one or more of the Seg 1, Seg 2, and Seg 3 epitopes of the p40 subunit of IL-23.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least a parathyroid hormone peptide (PTH) preferably PTH1-34 and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of PTH, for treating or preventing osteoporosis or osteopenia in a mammalian subject, preferably a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids and polypeptides for IRAK-4, a novel member of the IRAK family of protein kinases. Members of the IRAK family are indispensable signal transducer for members of the IL-1R/Toll family of transmembrane receptors, including IL-1 receptors, IL-18 receptors and LPS receptors. IRAK-4 sequences from human and mouse are provided, as are methods for identifying compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, novel IL-16 antagonists, preferably peptides derived from CD4, have been isolated and synthesized. These peptides possess IL-16 antagonistic properties including the ability to selectively bind to IL-16 and inhibit IL-16-mediated biological activity. The peptides comprise specific portions of the native human CD4 receptor and variations thereof and therefore are non-immunogenic when administered to humans. The present invention also provides compositions containing at least one IL-16 antagonist peptide which can inhibit, suppress or cause the cessation of at least one IL-16-mediated biological activity in mammals, including humans. The present invention provides a method and composition for treating inflammation associated with disease states such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic lupus (SLE) in mammals such as, for example, humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) polypeptide in conjunction with reperfusion therapy in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction or other ischemic events. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other well-known methods of treatment.

Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

Abstract: Differential expression of genes whose expression is different in the activated eosinophils of atopic dermatitis patients was measured by comparative analysis using a gene chip. As a result, the TR3 and TINUR genes, whose expression is significantly elevated in activated eosinophils, were successfully identified. The present inventors discovered that these genes can be used to test for allergic disease and to screen candidate compounds for therapeutic agents for allergic disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inducing IL-10 production.