Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating leukocyte activation. Nucleic acids encoding proteins and proteins so encoded which are capable of modulating leukocyte activation are provided. Compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders related to leukocyte dysfunction or dysregulation are also provided. Prophylactics and methods for the prevention of such disorders are also provided. Also provided are compositions and methods for diagnostic and prognostic determination of such disorders. Further provided are assays for the identification of bioactive agents capable of modulating leukocyte activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell-based screening assays designed to identify agents that regulate the activity of the polycystic kidney disease proteins encoded by the PKD-1 and PKD-2 genes and that may be useful in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. The assays of the invention comprise the contacting of genetically engineered cells expressing a mutant or truncated PKD gene product with a test agent and assaying for a decrease in the PKD mediated mutant phenotype. Characteristics associated with such a mutant phenotype include increased adherence to type I collagen coated surfaces; apical expression of NaK-ATPase on the cell membrane; increased expression of ?-2-NaK-ATPase; and decreased focal adhesion kinase (FAK) incorporation into focal adhesion complexes, and inability to form tubular structures in a gel matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated PCIP nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins that bind potassium channels and modulate potassium channel mediated activities. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PCIP nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PCIP gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated PCIP proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PCIP antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions useful in screening for modulators of IgE synthesis, secretion and switch rearrangement.

Abstract: Isolated and purified platelet voltage dependent calcium channel (VDCC) ?1 subunit polypeptides, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to platelet VDCC ?1 subunit polypeptides, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. Platelet VDCC ?1 subunit polypeptides have biological activity in calcium transport. Thus, therapeutic and diagnostic methods involving this activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polycation-sensing receptors present in aquatic species and methods of regulating polycation-sensing receptor-mediated functions in aquatic species are described.

Abstract: The protein tyrosine kinase receptors, designated Rse and HPTK6, have been purified from human and/or murine cell tissues. Rse and HPTK6 have been cloned from a cDNA library of a human liver carcinoma cell line (i.e., Hep 3B) using PCR amplification. Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding Rse and HPTK6 useful as diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of Rse and HPTK6. Rse and HPTK6 are used in the preparation and purification of antibodies thereto and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provide purified Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase polypeptides and fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind such polypeptides, and uses therefor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a mutant TLR-4 in mice that does not recognize endotoxin and therefore does not stimulate the secretion of TNF from macrophages. Methods of detecting the mutation are provided; as are methods screening for drugs that may stimulate TNF production. Finally methods of incorporating and expressing the mutant TLR-4 genes into a host cell are contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identifying ligands, and inhibitors (e.g., antagonists) or promoters (e.g., agonists) of receptor function, including methods in which host cells comprising a nucleic acid encoding a CXCR3 or variant thereof are used in an assay to identify and assess the efficacy of ligands, inhibitors or promoters. Inhibitors and promoters of receptor function can be used to modulate receptor activity, permitting selective inhibition of lymphocyte function, particularly of effector cells such as activated T lymphocytes and NK cells for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Fc fusion proteins of human EPO with increased biological activities relative to rHuEPO on a molar basis are disclosed. The HuEPO-L-vFc fusion protein comprises HuEPO, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such HuEPO-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended serum half-life and increased biological activities, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human Receptor Interacting Protein (hRIP), nucleic acids which encode hRIP and methods of using the subject compositions; in particular, methods such as hRIP-based in vitro binding assays and phosphorylation assays for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated human EN-RAGE peptide. The present invention also provides for a method for determining whether a compound is capable of inhibiting the interaction of an EN-RAGE peptide with a RAGE peptide, which comprises: (a) admixing: (i) a RAGE peptide or an sRAGE peptide or a fragment of either thereof, (ii) an EN-RAGE peptide or a fragment thereof, and (iii) the compound; (b) measuring the level of interaction between the peptide of step (a) (i) and the peptide of step (a) (ii), and (c) comparing the amount of interaction meausred in step (b) with the amount measured between the petpide of step (a) (i) and the peptide of step (a) (ii) in the absence of the compound, thereby determining whether the compound is capable of inhibiting the interaction of the EN-RAGE peptide with the RAGE peptide, wherein a reduction in the amount of interaction in the presence of the compound indicates that the compound is capable of inhibiting the interaction.

Abstract: Calcium independent CD81 inhibition of IgE-mediated degranulation in mast cells, particularly through the Fc?RIII and Fc?RI receptors, is described, as well as methods of inhibiting allergic processes.

Abstract: Novel parathyroid hormone(PTH) polypeptide derivatives are disclosed, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing said polypeptides, and synthetic and recombinant methods for producing said polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods for treating mammalian conditions characterized by decreases in bone mass using therapeutically effective pharmaceutical compositions containing said polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods for screening candidate compounds of the invention for antagonistic or agonistic effects on parathyroid hormone receptor action. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acids which encode a mammalian (e.g., human) receptor protein designated C—C Chemokine Receptor 3 (CKR-3) or Eos L2, and to proteins or polypeptides, referred to herein as isolated, recombinant mammalian CKR-3 receptors. The invention further relates to recombinant nucleic acid constructs, comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a receptor protein of the present invention or a portion thereof; to host cells comprising such constructs, useful for the production of recombinant CKR-3 receptors or polypeptides; and to antibodies reactive with the receptors, which are useful in research and diagnostic applications. Also provided are methods of use of the nucleic acids, proteins, and host cells to identify ligands, inhibitors (e.g., antagonists) or promoters (agonists) of receptor function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a TNF Receptor together with a steroid hormone to produce a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of lethal bacterial and viral infections as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It also relates to said pharmaceutical compositions for the simultaneous, separate or sequential use of its active ingredients for the above specified treatment. In particular, it relates to the use of TBP-1 together with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or its metabolites to produce a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions useful in screening for modulators of IgE synthesis, secretion and switch rearrangement.