Abstract: The invention involves assays, diagnostics, kits, and assay components for determining levels of K41-glycated CD59 in subjects. Treatments for subjects based upon levels of K41-glycated CD59 also are provided.

Abstract: A peptide, previously identified as a binding partner of HLA-B44, has now been found to bind to HLA-B18 forming a T cell epitope. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this are the subject of this invention, as are various products obtained in the course of the development of the invention.

Abstract: Polypeptides capable of forming antigen binding structures specific for Rhesus D antigens include the sequences indicated in the FIGS. 1a to 16b. The obtained polypeptides, being Fab fragments, MAY be used directly as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions. The Fab and their DNA sequences can also be used for the preparation of complete recombinant Anti-Rhesus D antibodies. Useful in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compostions.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of delivering an antigen to an Class I or Class II MHC receptors to induce immunity against the antigen in a subject having a disease. This invention also provides methods of delivering an antigen to an Class II or class I MHC receptor to supress immunity against the antigen in a subject having a disease.

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of blood-borne and toxin mediated diseases, and in particular anti-C5a antibodies for the prevention and treatment of sepsis in humans as well as other animals. The present invention also relates to methods of generating anti-C5a antibodies employing C-terminal truncated C5a peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human polypeptide defensin Def-X, genomic DNA and cDNA encoding Def-X, vectors containing Def-X encoding polynucleotides, and cells transformed with these vectors. The invention also provides for the use of Def-X polypeptides as an antibiotic, a cytotoxic, repair, and endocrine regulatory agent, and as pesticide. Def-X can also be used as agent, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of microbial infections, in particular bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, parasitic infections, cancer, inflammation, and immune deficiencies. The invention provides diagnostic methods and kits for the determination of a microbial or parasitic infection and/or inflammation; also provided are methods of screening for predisposition to immune deficiencies or cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to factor D inhibitors, which bind to factor D and block the functional activity of factor D 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 factor D and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 166-32. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number HB-12476.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides MHC Class II restricted melanoma antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells. This invention further provides prophylactic and therapeutic applications for the Class II restricted melanoma antigens. In particular, this invention provides tyrosinase Class II restricted melanoma antigens, as well as tyrosinase immunogenic peptides which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. These antigens can serve as an immunogens or vaccines to prevent or treat melanoma. In addition a method for isolating Class II restricted melanoma antigens or identifying new Class II restricted melanoma antigens is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides antigenic peptides derived from MAGE-A12 polypeptides and presented by HLA molecules. Methods for diagnosis and treatment which involve the polypeptides also are provided.

Abstract: Coupling of C3d molecules or ligands of CD21 or CD19 to an antigen alters the level of immune response to the immunogen upon its administration to an individual. For C3d, the magnitude of the effect is dependent on the number of C3d molecules included in the conjugate. Conveniently, C3d molecules or CD21/CD19 ligands are coupled to an immunogen in fusion polypeptides which may be produced by expression from coding nucleic acid, for instance by culturing host cells containing the nucleic acid. Other means of associating the molecules include chemical cross-linking and co-expression on the surface of a carrier structure. Administration of compositions comprising, in a preferred embodiment, C3d molecules and an immunogen of interest may be used prophylactically (by virtue of the immunological memory induced) or therapeutically. The administration may be for the purpose of raising antibodies to the immunogen. A T-cell response may also be induced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of therapeutic compounds in the modification of T-cells, T-cell-antigen presenting cell (APC) interactions and the interaction between pathogenic organism and immunocompetent cells of a host. In particular, it relates to the use of these compounds in the modulation of the interaction between Notch proteins and their ligands and to the use of such compounds in the therapy of conditions such as graft rejection, autoimmunity, allergy, asthma and infectious diseases.

Abstract: A human gene termed APC is disclosed. Methods and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the APC gene in human tissues and body samples. APC mutations are found in familial adenomatous polyposis patients as well as in sporadic colorectal cancer patients. APC is expressed in most normal tissues. These results suggest that APC is a tumor suppressor.