Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of gene sequences and proteins involved in vaccinia virus dominant T cell epitopes. Two vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by the most common human MHC class I allele, HLA-A0201 have been identified. Both epitopes are highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. The induction of the T cell responses following primary vaccination is demonstrated by the kinetics of epitope specific CD8+ T cells in 3 HLA-A0201 individuals. This information will be useful for the design and analyses of the immunogenicity of experimental vaccinia vaccines, and for basic studies of human T cell memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for immunizing a cat against feline viruses. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid clone that encodes the capsid protein of the isolated feline calicivirus. The present invention further relates to a live or killed vaccine comprising the isolated feline calicivirus, a subunit vaccine comprising the capsid protein of the isolated feline calicivirus, a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a nucleic acid clone of the isolated feline calicivirus, and a recombinant virus vector vaccine comprising nucleic acid encoding the capsid protein of the isolated feline calicivirus. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying a feline calicivirus useful for producing a vaccine composition and for assays for diagnosing cats infected with feline calicivirus. Also disclosed is a method of immunizing animals, especially cats, against disease, in particular against feline calicivirus (FCV).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an expression vector that allows for stable production of N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2 in large amounts and a process for production of N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2 using the same. The present invention provides a recombinant baculovirus expression vector obtained by incorporating into baculovirus DNA, a DNA fragment having lobster L21 DNA, DNA encoding gp67 signal peptide and DNA encoding the 79th to 883rd amino acids of human N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2 in this order in the 5? to 3? direction.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a composition comprising an ordered and repetitive antigen or antigenic determinant array, and in particular a RANKL protein, RANKL fragment or RANKL peptide-VLP-array. More specifically, the invention provides a composition comprising a virus-like particle and at least one RANKL protein, RANKL fragment or RANKL peptide bound thereto. The invention also provides a process for producing the conjugates and the ordered and repetitive arrays, respectively. The compositions of the invention are useful in the production of vaccines for the treatment of bone diseases and as a pharmaccine to prevent or cure bone diseases and to efficiently induce immune responses, in particular antibody responses. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention are particularly useful to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses within the indicated context.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating immune responses utilizing alphavirus-based vector systems.

Abstract: A new member of a family of ICE-like cysteine proteases has been identified. The protease family is termed LICE (Like ICE) and the family member described herein is LICE3. LICE3 polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding LICE3 and vectors and host cells for the expression LICE3 are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying LICE3 agonists and antagonists, and methods for treatment of disorders characterized by altered apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody useful for immunoassay of human serum amyoloid A (SAA), which can be used as a marker for inflammations based on the agglutination reaction, as well as a reagent for immunoassay comprising the monoclonal antibody, and a method for immunoassay utilizing the monoclonal antibody. In a preferred embodiment, the monoclonal antibody recognizes at least one epitope of human amyloid A and it agglutinates with human serum amyloid A. The present invention improves the specificity of immunoassay by utilizing the agglutination reaction of SAA and monoclonal antibody in the presence or absence of other monoclonal antibodies recognizing SAA.

Abstract: This invention relates to drug binding proteins, to genes encoding same and to assays and methods for screening pharmaceuticals. More specifically, this invention relates to a Cytokine Suppressive Anti-Inflammatory Drug (CSAID) binding protein, to a gene encoding same and to assays and screens useful in the evaluation and characterization of drugs of this pharmacologic class.

Abstract: The invention features a monoclonal antibodies specific for human type I alveolar cells or for human type II alveolar cells. The invention also features methods of detecting lung injury in a subject using these monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the identification of peptides useful in the detection and treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Abstract: CTLA-8 antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding said antigen. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method for therapeuticaly treating a patient afflicted with autoimmune disorders or disease. The subject method comprises admninistering to a patient an antibody composition that is capable of binding to and inhibiting self-reactive pathogenic anti-bodies present within the patient. Specifically exemplified is a method for treating systemic lupus erythematosis wherein the antibody composition administered to the patient comprises purified anti-DNA anti-idiotypic antibodies. The subject invention further concerns a method for purifying from pooled human gamma globulin preparations anti-idiotype antibodies useful in the present therapeutic method. The present invention further concerns a purified antibody composition useful in the present therapeutic method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to determine antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases in a patient, which comprises the steps of: a) determining the amount of clusterin present in a serum, saliva or tissue sample of the patient with an anti-clusterin antibody; b) comparing the amount of clusterin in step a) with normal serum, saliva or tissue sample, wherein a lower than normal amount is indicative of active antibody-mediated autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one complement moiety and at least one carbohydrate moiety, and methods of producing such compositions. In particular, the compositions of the invention comprise complement proteins related to the complement receptor type 1, and further comprise ligands for intercellular molecules, such as selectins. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise a complement-related protein in combination with the Lewis X antigen or the sialyl Lewis X antigen. The compositions of the invention have use in the diagnosis or therapy of disorders involving complement activity and inflammation. Pharmaceutical compositions are also provided for treating or reducing inflammation mediated by inappropriate complement activity and intercellular adhesion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptide or fragments thereof which interact with autoantigens of autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, and nucleic acid sequences which encode those polypeptide. The invention is also directed to methods for screening for autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, and methods and compositions for modulating hormone and neuropeptide secretion using proteins which interact with autoantigens of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide sequences are provided coding for T-cell-specific antigen receptors or fragments thereof. The oligonucleotide sequences can be used as probes for detecting helper and cytotoxic T-cells, preparing and isolating DNA sequences encoding for the receptor polypeptide, and in constructions for expression of receptor polypeptides or fragments thereof. In addition, processing signals from the receptor subunits can be employed in conjunction with modified wild type oligonucleotide sequences or non-wild type oligonucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A stable aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody not subjected to prior lyophilization, a buffer maintaining the pH in the range from about 4.5 to about 6.0, a surfactant and a polyol is described, along with uses for such a formulation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to detect chronic pulmonary diseases of the airways associated with anti-Fc.sub..epsilon. R IgG autoantibodies. Preferred diseases to detect include atopic asthma and non-atopic asthma. The invention also includes methods to prescribe and monitor treatment for animals with such diseases. Also included are kits to detect disease as well as kits to prescribe or monitor treatment. The present invention also includes formulations to treat chronic pulmonary diseases of the airways associated with anti-Fc.sub..epsilon. R IgG autoantibodies. Preferred formulations include compounds that inhibit the ability of anti-Fc.sub..epsilon. R IgG autoantibodies in susceptible animals to bind to Fc.sub..epsilon. R-expressing cells. Also included are methods to treat such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods that can be used for diagnosing whether an individual either has, or is likely to develop, an autoimmune disease. The methods are based upon determining the level of CD4.sup.- CD8.sup.- V.alpha.24J.alpha.Q.sup.+ T cells present in the individual being tested or the pattern of cytokine secretion evidenced by these cells. In addition, the invention is directed to a therapeutic method for treating or preventing autoimmune disease which is based upon the specific expansion of the CD4.sup.- CD8.sup.- V.alpha.24J.alpha.Q.sup.+ T cell population.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.