Abstract: Ligands of CCX-CKR2 and the biological role of CCX-CKR2 in cancer is described.

Abstract: The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-22 (IL-22) and methods of using those antibodies, for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, septic shock, infectious disorders, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.

Abstract: Engineered antibodies to human IL-17A are provided, as well as uses thereof.

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 for nucleic acids improved for the expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in mammalian cells. The invention further provides for methods of expressing IL-12 in mammalian cells by transfecting the cell with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an improved IL-12 sequence.

Abstract: A method of treating weight loss due to underlying disease in a patient, the method comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an agent which reduces sympathetic nervous system activity. A method of treating weight loss due to underlying disease in a patient, the method comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of any one or more of the following: a compound which inhibits the effect of aldosterone such as an aldosterone antagonist; a chymase inhibitor; a cathepsin B inhibitor; a ? receptor blocker; an imidazoline receptor antagonist; a centrally acting ? receptor antagonist; a peripherally acting ? receptor antagonist; a ganglion blocking agent; a drug that has an effect on cardiovascular reflexes and thereby reduces SNS activity such as an opiate; scopolamine; an endothelin receptor antagonist; and a xanthine oxidize inhibitor. The methods are particularly useful in treating cardiac cachexia.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peptides derived from the natural cytotoxicity receptors on natural killer (NK) cells and to antibodies against peptide epitopes on these receptors. In particular, the present invention identifies an essential epitope in the proximal domain of NKp46 and NKp44 receptors present on NK cells, as a crucial element for the binding to viral-infected cells. The present invention provides peptides that are derived from the amino acid sequence of NKp46 receptor, capable of specific targeting of viral-infected cells and tumor cells and monoclonal antibodies which recognize a specific domain of NKp46. The present invention further provides hyperglycosylated peptides that are derived from the NKp44 receptor, capable of specific targeting of viral-infected cells.

Abstract: Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic acute (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, wherein the incidence of a gout flare is reduced or inhibited.

Abstract: The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-22 (IL-22) and methods of using those antibodies, for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, septic shock, infectious disorders, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the enteral treatment of autoimmune disease such a multiple sclerosis with polypeptide therapeutics. Enteral therapeutics comprise monomeric alpha-MSH polypeptides such as ACTH. Therapeutic formulations of the invention may be used to reduce the incidence or severity of autoimmune disease. For instance methods for the oral treatment of multiple sclerosis with alpha-MSH and ACTH are described.

Abstract: An IL-17 binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human IL-17, more preferably a human antibody to human IL-17 is provided, wherein the hypervariable regions of the heavy and light chains have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment of an IL-17 mediated disease or disorder, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated ELVIS-1, ELVIS-2, and ELVIS-3 (for Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Variant In Skin-1,2, and 3). ELVIS nucleic acid molecules encode wholly secreted and transmembrane proteins with homology to EGF and TGF-?. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to enhancing an immune response and increasing vaccine efficacy through the simultaneous or sequential targeting of specific immune system components. More particularly, specific immune components, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells, are individually activated by component-specific immunostimulating agents. One such component-specific immunostimulating agent is an antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibody. The invention is also directed to a method for the in vitro production of the antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibodies which relies upon the in vitro conversion of blood-borne immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. Vaccine efficacy is enhanced by the administration of compositions containing component-specific immunostimulating agents and other elements, such as antigens or carrier particles, such as colloidal methods, such as gold.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists comprising an IL-4 mutein receptor antagonist coupled to polyethylene glycol. Related formulations and dosages and methods of administration thereof for therapeutic purposes are also provided. These modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists, compositions and methods provide a treatment option for those individuals afflicted with a respiratory disorder such as asthma by inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13-mediated airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia. More particularly, these antagonists have an increased duration of effect versus unmodified IL-4RA by virtue of a greater plasma half-life.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to identify polymorphisms at the human TLR4 locus, as well as methods to identify individuals at risk of indications that increase their morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind CCX-CKR2 are described.

Abstract: DNA encoding SIGIRR polypeptides and methods for using the encoded polypeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: It has been found that Toll-like receptor 1 and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) physically interact. Antibodies that specifically bind to TLR2 and selectively inhibit induction of cytokines are also described. The invention relates to specific antibodies that selectively bind to TLR2, and to methods of identifying compounds that selectively interfere with signaling through TLR1/TLR2 complexes.

Abstract: A V?9V?2 T cell proliferation agent includes at least a bisphosphonate, interleukin 2, and interleukin 18. Since IL-18 has properties that improve cell viability by inhibiting cell death, IL-18 is presumably capable of acting as a cofactor for the bisphosphonate so as to significantly increase the effect of V?9V?2 T cell proliferation by the bisphosphonate and the IL-2. This allows providing a V?9V?2 T cell proliferation agent capable of growing V?9V?2 T cells with a proliferated efficiency significantly high compared to conventional methods so that the proliferated V?9V?2 T cells have a high antitumor activity and high cytokine productivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and uses of an immunoglobulin in the purification of an interferon composition. The methods of the invention provide for the use of a monoclonal antibody in the purification of an interferon composition comprising a plurality of interferon alpha subtypes. The use of the monoclonal antibody provides for the production of an interferon composition with a consistent proportion of interferon subtypes, providing a resulting improvement in simplicity of production of the resulting interferon composition.