Abstract: Human serum paraoxonase enzyme and DNA (RNA) encoding such serum paraoxonase enzymes are disclosed. Also provided is the procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Uses of such polypeptides include their use as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning and to prevent neuronal cell death.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating autoimmune diseases in a mammal comprising as an active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of Copolymer 1, and microcrystalline cellulose are disclosed. Processes for the manufacture of such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns citrulline polypeptide derived from fibrin useful for diagnosing or treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Improved receptor assays for the detection of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies are described which use immobilized, affinity-purified rTSHR preparations as specific binders. This format, as well as novel measures for neutralizing pathologically increased human TSH (hTSH) levels in the sera, e.g., by the addition of anti-hHSH antibody, and/or eliminating the influence of anti-bovine TSH antibody, result in increased assay reliability and open up the possibility of preparing the assay constituents in a ready to use and/or well-standardized form for automatic processing and/or convenient marketing.

Abstract: A new family of immunoreceptor molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily, (LIR) polypeptides is described. Disclosed are sequences encoding LIR family members and their deduced amino acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by DNA that hybridize to oligonucleotide probes having defined sequences, processes for producing polypeptides of the LIR family, and antagonistic antibodies to LIR family members. LIR family members can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and disease states associated with suppressed immune function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human eosinophil-derived basic protein (EBPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EBPH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding EBPH and a method for producing EBPH. The invention also provides for use of EBPH and agonists, antibodies or antagonists specifically binding EBPH, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of EBPH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding EBPH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of EBPH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding EBPH.

Abstract: Peptide-like compounds and their variants having immunomodulating activity including the N-terminal acylated and/or C-terminal amidated or esterified forms thereof of up to 60 amino acids wherein the peptide-type compound comprises the formula: ??? wherein: ? and ? are the same or different and are of the formula: {R aa76-77 L}(aa79-84)(SEQ ID NO:1) ??(a) or (aa84-79){L aa77-76 R}(SEQ ID NO:2) ??(b) wherein: aa76 is E or V; aa77 is D, S or N; aa79 is R or G; aa80 is I or N; aa81 is a hydrophobic or small amino acid; aa82 is R or L; aa83 is G or R; aa84 is a hydrophobic or small amino acid; wherein the sequence in the brackets may optionally be absent or truncated at any peptide type bond within the brackets may be used by themselves or in combination with immunosuppressant drugs, to reduce CTL activation, particularly in association with transplantation.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which bind to the CD23 (FC?RII) type II molecule particularly altered antibodies including antibodies which bind to the CD23 (FC?RII) type II molecule characterized by an affinity constant equal to or greater than 1×109 Ka Mol?1, the preparation of such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions which contain such antibodies and their use in therapy particularly in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inhibiting myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils in an individual by administering to the individual an effective amount of a lignan, where said lignan is enterolactone. The invention is further directed to a method inhibiting myeloperoxidase activity or oxidative burst of macrophages in an individual by administering to the individual an effective amount of a lignan where said lignan is enterolactone or hydroxymatairesinol or a mixture. Finally, the invention is directed to a method of inhibiting oxidative burst or myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils in an individual by administering to the individual an effective amount of a lignan which is hydroxymatairesinol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying substances with antiapoptotic activity, where i) cells which express both IAP and the integrin ?v?3 are cultured, ii) the cells are caused to produce an apoptosis-inducing substance, and/or a substance or substances which induces/induce apoptosis is/are added, iii) the test substance is added, and iv) the apoptosis rate is measured, and to the substances which can be identified with the method.

Abstract: The invention teaches peptide epitopes which bind to HLA-Cw3 and HLA-Cw6 molecules on the surface of cells. The peptides are useful diagnostically and therapeutically, as are DNA molecules which encode them, and the cytolytic T lymphocytes specific to the HLA/peptide complexes. Also a feature of the invention is a method for identifying relevant molecules such as those described herein, in a system that uses stimulation and restimulation using different viral vectors.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inducing cell-mediated immunity against cellular antigens. More specifically, the invention provides for a method for inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immunity against weak antigens, notably self-proteins. The method entails that antigen presenting cells are induced to present at least one CTL epitope of the weak antigen and at the same time presenting at least one foreign T-helper lymphocyte epitope. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen is a cancer specific antigen, e.g. PSM, Her2, or FGF8b. The method can be exercised by using traditional polypeptide vaccination, but also by using live attenuated vaccines or nucleic acid vaccination. The invention furthermore provides immunogenic analogues of PSM, Her2 and FGF8b, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding these analogues. Also vectors and transformed cells are disclosed. The invention also provides for a method for identification of immunogenic analogues of weak or non-immunogenic antigens.

Abstract: An immune response is modulated by selectively inhibiting ERAAP (an acronym for ER aminopeptidase associated with antigen processing) and confirming a resultant immune response modulation. More particularly, the method comprises contacting a patient determined to be in need of immune response modulation with a physiologically acceptable dosage composition comprising an effective amount of an inhibitor of ERAAP activity; confirming a resultant inhibition of said ERAAP activity and confirming a resultant immune response modulation in the patient. A variety of selective inhibitors are shown to be effective, including amino thiols, such as leucine thiol, ERAAP-specific antibody complementarity-determining region, and an ERAAP-specific siRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid molecules encoding a Rhesus D antigen contributing to the weak D phenotype which are characterized by one or a combination of missense mutations or by a gene conversion involving exons 6 to 9 of the RHD and RHCE genes. The present invention further relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to hosts transformed with said vectors, to proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules and to methods of producing such polypeptides. The fact that missense mutations and the conversion referred to above can be directly correlated to the weak D phenotype has a significant impact on the routine testing of blood samples. For example, oligonucleotides and antibodies can now be designed that generally allow the detection of weak D phenotypes in a sample. Such oligonucleotides, antibodies as well as a variety of diagnostic methods all fall within the scope of the present invention.

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 comprises a method of purifying GPVI, GPVI peptides, cDNA and protein sequence, and methods for using GPVI and antibodies directed against GPVI.

Abstract: The invention relates to C2a inhibitors, which bind to C2a and block the functional activity of C2a in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab?)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody, which bound to C2a and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 175-62. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553.

Abstract: A novel ligand (p30) for herpes virus entry mediator, HVEM, is provided. p30 is useful for modulating immune responses and in inhibiting infection by herpes virus. Methods for treating subjects with lymphoid cell disorders or those having or suspected of having a herpes virus infection, utilizing p30 of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: Peptide constructs including a first peptide segment which includes an amino acid sequence associated with autoimmune disease, asthma, allergy or xeno- or allograft transplantation rejections bonded directly or via a linker or spacer to a second peptide which binds to T cells and which will redirect the immune response from a harmful Th1 response to a less harmful Th2 response, or which will bind to T cells to initiate, but not complete, an immune response causing the T cells to which the first peptide binds, to undergo anergy and apoptosis, are useful in treating autoimmune conditions. For instance, the peptide construct NGQEEKAGVVSTGLIGGGDSAFDVLSFTAEEKAGVYK (SEQ ID NO:14) wherein Th2 stimulating Peptide G (SEQ ID NO:15) is covalently linked, via spacer GGG, to cardiac myosin molecule My1 (SEQ ID NO:16), can be used for treatment or prevention of myocarditis.

Abstract: The invention provides NAIP nucleic acid and sequences. Also provided are anti-NAIP antibodies and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.