Abstract: Methods of detecting antibodies to one or more ganglioside(s) of interest in a sample are disclosed which comprise using a solid-phase reactant having carbonyl groups attached thereon, and the ganglioside(s) of interest linked to the solid-phase reactant by an amide bond between an amino group of the ganglioside of interest and a carbonyl group attached to the solid-phase reactant. The methods of detecting antibodies to ganglioside(s) of interest can be used in methods of diagnosing neuropathies in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a fusion protein containing at least one binding domain that specifically recognizes an eptitope of a plant pathogen and at least one additional domain made from a protein or peptide sequence which is toxic to the pathogen or detrimental the replication, transmission or life cycle of the pathogen. The present invention is further drawn to a pathogenocide made from the binding domain, a cellular targeting sequence and/or membrane localization sequence that leads to membrane anchoring. The present invention is further drawn to nucleotide sequences encoding fusion proteins and pathogenocides and to vectors containing the nucleotide sequences; as well as methods of making the fusion proteins and pathogencides and methods of making pathogen resistant plants, plant cells, or plant tissues with the fusion proteins and pathogenocides.

Abstract: A diagnostic drug and a diagnostic kit for autoimmune diseases including at least one of a polypeptide selected from an HMG-1 family, a polypeptide selected from an HMG-2 family, a fragment thereof which is reactable with an antibody of an autoimmune disease patient, and a method for detecting an antibody of an autoimmune disease patient using the same are provided.

Abstract: A method of modulating cell proliferation or apoptosis comprising modulating psoriastatin activity.

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: Methods and compositions are provided for use in the diagnosis and treatment of a host suffering from a chronic immune disease. In the diagnostic methods of the subject invention, a host derived sample, typically PBMC or a derivative thereof is assayed for the presence of low molecular weight fragments of RNase L, typically in conjunction with an evaluation of caspase activity. The results of this assay are then employed to diagnose and/or characterize a chronic immune disease in the host. In the treatment methods of the subject invention, an effective amount of agent capable of enhancing RNase L homodimer activity in the host, e.g., in host PBMC, is administered to the host. Also provided are methods for identifying agents having RNase L cleavage-inhibitory activity or RNase L fragment antagonist activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing bone density using antibodies directed to a novel class or family of TGF-&bgr; binding proteins are provided. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with a loss of bone density, for example osteoporosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of therapy and diagnostic methods for ulcerative colitis. Specifically, the method comprises administering a compound or recombinant protein that inhibits interaction between CEP and human tropomyosin. Also included in the invention are methods to screen for drugs useful in treating ulcerative colitis and diagnostic methods for detecting diseases associated with an autoantigen response to hTM in affected tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a mammalian subject suffering from an autoimmune or alloimmune disease by administering to the subject a drug treatment which results in at least partial remission of one or more symptoms of the autoimmune or alloimmune disease, and administering to the subject autologous mammalian blood which has been modified extracorporeally by exposure to at least one stressor selected from an oxidative environment, an electromagnetic emission and a temperature above or below body temperature. The modified mammalian blood is administered to the subject in an amount which is sufficient to maintain the remission of the symptoms of the autoimmune or alloimmune disease.

Abstract: Variants of allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus species with reduced allergenic activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to new polynucleotides which encode polypeptides expressed in the salivary glands of ticks, more particularly the Ixodes ricinus arthropod tick, during the slow-feeding phase of the blood meal have. Said polynucleotides and related polynucleotides may be used in different constructions and for different applications which are also included in said invention.

Abstract: The invention refers to peptides consisting of 7 to 20 amino acid residues with the sequence A-Leu-B-Ser-C-Thr-Ala-Ala-D, in which B and C are each an amino acid or amino acids and A and D are each monomeric or polymeric organic groups, and especially those, in which B is serine, threonine or leucine and/or in which C is threonine, tryptophane, glutamic acid or serine. The monomeric or polymeric organic groups can independently of each other consist especially of one or several amino acid residues, organic aliphatic groups, especially fatty acids or lipopolysaccharides. The peptides according to the invention are preferentially used for the preparation of a therapeutic composition for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, especially for the treatment of uveitis. In this context the peptides are especially useful for the preparation of a therapeutic composition for the immunization against retinal S-antigen or interphotoreceptor retinol binding protein. Tolerance can be induced orally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody active against a fusion polypeptide comprising a histidine portion, a process for the preparation thereof and its use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treatment of focal muscle spasms. Immunotoxin conjugates comprise a toxin conjugated to an antibody reactive to a muscle specific antigen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in a mammal. Particular compositions comprise a binding element, a translocation element, and a therapeutic element able to prevent accumulation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting autoimmune disease in a mammal, comprising providing a biological sample from a mammal and detecting proteasome activity, wherein a reduction in proteasome activity from a basal state is indicative of autoimmune disease. In addition, the invention encompasses a method of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal suspected of suffering from an autoimmune disease an agent which restores NF&kgr;B activity in an amount and for a time sufficient to result in normal NF&kgr;B activity in the mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleotide sequences capable of coding for polypeptides having lectinic properties and to corresponding polypeptides of the sarcolectin type and their uses in therapeutics. In particular, the invention relates to the use of polypeptides of the sarcolection type to stimulate immunity, if necessary in combination with interferon or butyroids. The use of specific inhibitors or antagonist peptides allows opposition to the constituent production of SCL. The antibodies directed against said peptides can be used in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: This invention relates to allergenic proteins of natural rubber latex in substantially purified form, their production and their use, together with monoclonal antibodies developed against those allergenic proteins, in assays for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the levels of the allergenic proteins in natural rubber latex or in products made from latex. Assays for identifying and/or quantitating antibodies in blood or blood products that mediate the occurrence of an allergic reaction induced by natural rubber latex are also provided, together with in vivo and in vitro diagnostic tests for detecting hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex and which involve use of the aforesaid allergenic proteins. The invention also provides for the use of the aforesaid allergens as de-sensitizing agents in the treatment of latex protein allergy. There is still further provided a method for removing allergenic proteins from latex products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lysosomal storage disorders and to diagnostic agents for their detection in humans and other animals. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the uses of the LSD markers Lamp-1, Lamp-2, Limp-II, 4-sulphatase, acid phosphatase (ACP), &bgr;-hexosaminidase or &agr;-mannosidase, amongst others as diagnotic agents for the detection of many lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: Novel biological markers indicative of the action of an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drug can be used to evaluate drug efficacy and compare local and systemic drug effects. They can also aid in comparison of different drugs, doses, and delivery routes. The biological markers include cell populations, cell surface antigen expression levels, and soluble factor concentrations. Measurement values of the novel biomarkers were shown to change significantly in allergic, atopic asthmatic, and healthy subjects after administration of prednisone.