Abstract: Peptides capable of interacting with smooth muscle cells are provided. Peptides are derived from Tenascin-C protein, particularly from the Fbg-L domain of Tenascin-C protein. Peptides of the present invention are useful in inhibiting smooth muscle cell migration. Methods of inhibiting smooth muscle cell adhesion and migration are also provided. Methods of the present invention may be used for treating intimal hyperplasia, restenosis, and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and assays for the quantification of hBNP in biological fluid samples such as plasma or serum. Antibodies are provided which are monospecific to epitopes comprising the amino acid sequences 5-13, 1-10 and 15-25 of hBNP. These antibodies, and peptide fragments containing these sequences, can be employed in the assays of the invention, which may be carried out in a sandwich format or a competition format.

Abstract: Methods of detecting activated T-cells involve monitoring levels of MUC-1 mucin expression at the protein and/or mRNA level. Compositions for modulating immune function contain compounds that modulate the expression or function of MUC-1. Methods of treating disorders associated an inappropriate state of T-cell activation involve contacting a T-cell with a compound containing an inhibitor of MUC-1 expression or function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new nucleotide sequences coding for variable regions of the .alpha. chains of human T lymphocyte receptors, corresponding peptide segments and the diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions are provided that encode a family of mammalian proteins expressed in the retina and brain. Members of the gene family are genetically linked to various neurosensory defects, including cochlear degeneration, peripheral retinal degeneration and cone-rod retinal dystrophy. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying DNA sequences encoding homologous or related proteins; for production of the encoded protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as treatment of neurosensory defects, identification of retinal cells based on expression, and the like. The DNA is further used as a diagnostic for genetic predisposition to the linked neurosensory defect.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunopotentiating agents, and vaccines thereof, which enhance and/or otherwise modify immune responses, and methods for their preparation and use in vivo. Immunopotentiating agents can be single agents that act directly, adjuvants added concurrently with the agents, or preferably, heteroconjugates wherein the immunopotentiating agent is chemically coupled to the compound against which an immune response is desired. Examples of immunopotentiating agents include monoclonal antibodies and proteins derived from microorganisms (e.g., enterotoxins) which activate T cells. The compounds against which an immune response can be generated, which may be the second component in a heteroconjugate, include compounds from abnormal or diseased tissues such as tumors, or infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoal or metozoal parasites, and can be obtained by natural or recombinant means.

Abstract: Novel peptides which are epitopes of the human 60 kDa heat shock protein (hsp60) may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Pharmaceutical compositions containing such peptides and kits for use in diagnosis of IDDM are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes consisting essentially of an isolated MHC component and an autoantigenic peptide associated with the antigen binding site of the MHC component. These complexes are useful in treating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Multimers comprising two or more monomers, wherein said monomers may be the same or different and are each independently selected from the group consisting of transmembrane intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (tmICAM-1) and fragments thereof, with the proviso that said monomers must comprise domains I and II of ICAM-1 and with the proviso that when said multimer is a dimer, the monomers cannot both be tmICAM-1, wherein said multimer binds to a ligand that binds to the human rhinovirus (HRV) binding site on ICAM-1, and wherein at least two of said monomers are oriented so that relative to each other they mimic the multimeric configuration of native tmICAM-1, such that said multimer exhibits enhanced binding to said ligand relative to at least one of its constituent monomers, and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a kinase which in its activated state is capable of site-specific phosphorylation of I.kappa.B.alpha., I.kappa.B.alpha. kinase. In particular, the present invention relates to the purified- kinase, purified polypeptide subunits of the kinase, nucleic acid molecules coding for the purified polypeptide subunits; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to the kinase or its polypeptide subunits; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of the nucleic acid encoding the kinase; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding the kinase or polypeptides of the kinase in a sample; and kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with an undesired activation of NF-.kappa.

Abstract: Novel peptides having a SEQ ID No. 2 and SEQ ID No. 4 which peptides possess mitogenic properties.

Abstract: Methods for determining the sensitizing, irritant and/or allergenic potential of a candidate substrate are provided. These methods involve simultaneously cultivating keratinocytes and Langerhans cell precursors in a nutrient medium in order to effect differentiation of the Langerhans cell precursors, and contacting the candidate substrate with the cultured cells to determine the effect if any on markers associated with sensitizing, irritant or allergenic potential.

Abstract: A method for determining a cause for digestive and immune disorders is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against normal intestinal microflora and food antigens. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the cause. The test can be used to diagnose food allergy or intolerance,microflora imbalance, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation, immunodeficiencies, candidiasis and autoimmunities.

Abstract: B cell lymphoma tumor-associated antigen or a fragment thereof containing an epitope are linked to an immune-enhancing cytokine, such as GM-CSF, IL-2, or IL-4 to form an immuno-complex. This immuno-complex elicits immune responses which are protective with respect to tumor proliferation. The linkers may be simple chemical bifunctional moieties introduced through chemical synthetic techniques or peptides introduce through recombinant methodologies. Antibodies immunoreactive with these immunocomplexes are also useful as passive vaccines and as analytical tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of severe diseases based on the determination of the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies in patients and to a method of treatment thereof. More precisely, the invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of severe diseases in patients, which comprises the steps of: a) incubating a solid support coated with an AGE antibody with a biological sample from said patient for a time sufficient for an immunoreaction to occur; and b) determining the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies present in said sample; whereby the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies in said patient's sample is indicative of a severe disease. Such severe diseases which may be diagnosed in accordance with the present invention include Rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, amyloidosis, diabetes, Henoch Schonlein Purpura, Crohn's disease and Coeliac disease.

Abstract: Multimeric antiviral agents comprising two or more monomers selected from the group consisting of monomers of transmembrane intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (tmICAM-1) and truncated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (tICAMs), with the proviso that when said multimer is a dimer said monomers cannot both be tmICAM-1, wherein each of said monomers comprises the human rhinovirus (HRV) binding site and retains the ability to bind to HRV and reduce infectivity thereof, and wherein said multimeric antiviral agent mimics the multimeric configuration of tmICAM-1 and exhibits enhanced binding to said HRV relative to at least one of the constituent monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cDNAs encoding murine antibodies against apolipoprotein B-100, the protein moiety of low density lipoprotein(LDL) in human plasma. In addition, the present invention relates to the method of preparation of recombinant antibodies specific for human plasma apolipoprotein B-100 of LDL, and use thereof, for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: A novel protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein. The isolated bovine protein has homology with human CD14 and murine CD14 and so is referred to as bovine CD14. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering CD14 is described. CD14 can be incorporated into infant formula. CD14 can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. CD14 can be incorporated as part of a vaccination. CD14 can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells. Preparation of medicaments including CD14 for activating B cells in a mammal in need of such activation is described. Natural or recombinant CD14 can be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and a means of vaccinating a vertebrate so as to prevent or control specific T cell mediated pathologies, including autoimmune diseases and the unregulated replication of T cells. The vaccine is composed of a T cell receptor (TCR) or a fragment thereof corresponding to a TCR present on the surface of T cells mediating the pathology. The vaccine fragment can be a peptide corresponding to sequences of TCRs characteristic of the T cells mediating said pathology. Such a peptide can bind to conventional antigens completed to MHC antigen presenting cells or to superantigens. Means of determining appropriate amino acid sequences for such vaccines are also provided. The vaccine is administered to the vertebrate in a manner that induces an immune response directed against the TCR of T cells mediating the pathology. This immune response down regulates or deletes the pathogenic T cells, thus ablating the disease pathogenesis. The invention additionally provides specific .beta.

Abstract: CLNH5-specific hybridomas, human monoclonal antibodies and their uses are provided. The antibodies distinguish a human neoplastic cell from a normal cell of the same tissue type. The monoclonal antibodies find use in therapy and diagnosis, both in vitro and in vivo.