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: An altered MHC class II determinant comprises .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2, .beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2, domains of a mammalian MHC class II locus in which the domains are covalently linked to form a construct comprising the .beta..sub.2 -.alpha..sub.2 -.alpha..sub.1 .beta..sub.1 domains in sequence. The altered class II determinants can be associated with an antigen to elicit an immune response. In addition, the altered determinants may be used to prepare antibodies. The antibodies so produced have various diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Modified hydrolyzed vegetable protein microspheres and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described.

Abstract: The invention involves the identification of an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a tumor rejection antigen. Various uses of this nucleic acid molecule and the protein it encodes are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated cytolytic T cells which recognize complexes of HLA-B35 molecules and the peptide defined by SEQ ID NO: 2, as well as methods for identifying HLA-B35 positive cells. The method involves contacting the cytolytic T cells to a sample, and determining activity of these cytolytic T cells.

Abstract: The invention involves the identification of an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a tumor rejection antigen. Various uses of this nucleic acid molecule and the protein it encodes are discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a class of compounds referred to herein as effector compounds. Effector compounds are useful in connection with the modulation of an immune response. Modulation refers to the ability of the effector compounds of the present invention to either enhance (antigen supercharging) or inhibit (immunosuppressant activities) antigen presentation, depending upon the nature of the particular effector compound and the therapeutic context. Effector compounds include peptides, modified peptides and peptidomimetics. Also disclosed are methods for modulating presentation of an MHC class II restricted antigenic peptide to a T cell. Also disclosed are effector compounds demonstrated to act specifically on a human MHC class II allele. Also disclosed is a second class of compounds, referred to herein as immunomodulatory organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated peptide that functionally mimics a binding site for a monoclonal antibody, the monoclonal antibody recognizing an epitope within the human platelet glycoprotein Ib/IX complex. This peptide is called a mimotope. The invention also provides an isolated molecule capable of binding to the peptide, or the mimotope, which molecule can be an antibody, a second peptide, a carbohydrate, a DNA molecule, an RNA molecule, or other naturally or chemically synthesized molecules. This isolated molecule is called an anti-mimotope. Mimotopes mimicking the binding site for monoclonal antibody C-34 and SZ-2, as well as anti-mimotopes to the C-34 mimotopes, are specifically provided.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugates of poorly immunogenic antigens, e.g., peptides, proteins and polysaccharides, with a synthetic peptide carrier constituting a T cell epitope derived from the sequence of E. coli hsp65 (GroEL), or an analog thereof, said peptide or analog being capable of increasing substantially the immunogenicity of the poorly immunogenic antigen. A suitable peptide according to the invention is Pep278e, which corresponds to positions 437-453 of the E. coli hsp65 molecule.

Abstract: A group of proteins which are associated with T cell activation are disclosed, as are the nucleic acid molecules encoding them. Various uses of these materials are also discussed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means of treating a patient having a wound, especially by minimizing scarring and accelerating wound healing, by administering CM101 or GBS toxin isolated from Group B .beta.-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. The method of the present invention also includes administration of CM101 or GBS toxin to surgery patients having tumors in order to facilitate wound healing and minimize the likelihood of tumor progression.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for regulating surface membrane receptor responses by modulating interaction between MHC Class I antigen and the surface membrane receptor. Various techniques may be employed for enhancing or reducing the interaction between the MHC Class I antigen and surface membrane receptor (e.g., enhancing surface expression of the MHC Class I antigen or employing agents which affect interaction between MHC Class I antigen and surface receptors). The aggregative characteristics of oligopeptides which act as agents in affecting interaction between MHC Class I antigen and surface receptors may be employed in a screening assay for determining drugs which affect interaction between Class I antigen and surface receptors. Active peptide aggregative characteristics may also be employed in a method of administration of effectors of surface receptor response modulation.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence substantially corresponding to all or a portion of IBDV RNA, particularly the IBDV RNA segment of approximately 3400 b.p. In particular, a DNA molecule coding for all or a part of at least one structural protein of IBDV, for example, the 32 Kd and/or the 41/37 Kd structural proteins. Synthetic peptides or polypeptides, and fused polypeptides, prepared by expression of host cells containing these DNA molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves cytolytic T cell lines which are specific for complexes of HLA-B44 molecules and nonamers which bind to these.

Abstract: A confectionery product that also functions to transmit a greeting or a message to a person receiving the product. The product comprises a rectangular bar of chocolate candy having a top surface provided with a cavity. A wrapper enclosing the candy bar and extending into the cavity is in turn encircled by a tubular heat shrink member. The heat shrink member is in firm engagement with the wrapper that provides access to the cavity so that the greeting card can be personalized and then inserted in one end of the heat shrink member and pushed to a position in the cavity. The resulting product can then be displayed in a flower arrangement or used by itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic modalities and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of HIV-infection using cyclophilin A and its corresponding human cellular binding partner or receptor as a target for intervention. The present invention relates to the use of exogenous or engrafted sources of cyclophilins, anti-cyclophilin antibodies, cyclophilin decoys, soluble forms of cyclophilin-binding partners and small molecules which are supplied extracellularly, and act presumably by interrupting the binding of cyclophilin A with its cellular binding partner(s) or receptor(s) as a treatment for HIV-infection. The present invention further relates to the use of forms of cyclosporin A that have been derivatized by bulky or charged substituents to inhibit cellular uptake and minimize their immunosuppressive activities, which presumably act to disrupt cyclophilin binding to its cellular receptor, likewise as a treatment for HIV-infection.

Abstract: A peptide that induces CTL against human gastric cancer cells is provided. A peptide having a specific amino-acid sequence and induces cytotoxic T cells that targets gastric cancer cells may be used as an agent for preventing or treating gastric cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing undesired immune responses in which a recombinant protein is prepared which includes a glycine-containing amino acid sequence, protein substantial invisibility to the immune system.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of improving the binding affinity of a peptide epitope for MHC Class II molecules by attaching to the N-terminus of the peptide epitope a hydrophobic amino acid or a peptide containing a hydrophobic amino acid. The invention also provides complexes between the modified antigenic peptides and MHC Class II molecules, as well as method for treating deleterious immune responses.