Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human C-type lectin (human PAP-2) and polynucleotides which identify and encode human PAP-2. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies or antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with expression of human PAP-2.

Abstract: Neural injury may be advantageously treated with CM101, a polysaccharide toxin isolated from Group B &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. CM1O1 treatment aids in the re-establishment of neuronal connectivity, at least partially inhibits scar formation, and increases the probability of survival during the critical period following injury to the central nervous system. Preexisting neural injuries having scar tissue are ameliorated by surgical excision of the scar tissue in conjunction with administration of CM101.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to screening for an agent that inhibits the effect of a neurotoxin from a plaque component activated mononuclear phagocyte on a neuron. In addition, the present invention is directed to methods of screening for agents that inhibit mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation, plaque component activation of a mononuclear phagocyte, plaque component induced neurotoxicity of a mononuclear phagocyte. An agent obtained by the method of screening for an agent that inhibits mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the agent are embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to screening for an agent that inhibits the effect of a neurotoxin from a plaque component activated mononuclear phagocyte on a neuron. In addition, the present invention is directed to methods of screening for agents that inhibit mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation, plaque component activation of a mononuclear phagocyte, plaque component induced neurotoxicity of a mononuclear phagocyte. An agent obtained by the method of screening for an agent that inhibits mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the agent are embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecular compounds which encode the protective M-like protein of Streptococcus equi (SeM), the amino acid compound which is thereby encoded, and compositions of matter which incorporate either the encoding compounds or the cellular components for which they encode. For instance, vaccines which utilize the amino acid compounds or vectors and cell lines useful to make the amino acid compounds described herein are subjects of the present invention. The present invention provides methods to stimulate S. equi-specific immune response in horses. It also provides diagnostic assays for Streptococcus equi.

Abstract: A method is described to diagnose (1) renal salt wasting syndrome and (2) Alzheimer's disease among dementia patients by measuring a patient's level of prostaglandin D2 synthase. Methods are also described to (1) treat renal salt wasting syndrome, (2) inhibit the rate of apoptosis or (3) prevent the onset of, or slow the rate of, progression of Alzheimer's disease. These methods involve inhibiting the rate of -&Dgr;12prostaglandin J2 synthesis or by inhibiting the activity of -&Dgr;12prostaglandin J2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to screening for an agent that inhibits the effect of a neurotoxin from a plaque component activated mononuclear phagocyte on a neuron. In addition, the present invention is directed to methods of screening for agents that inhibit mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation, plaque component activation of a mononuclear phagocyte, plaque component induced neurotoxicity of a mononuclear phagocyte. An agent obtained by the method of screening for an agent that inhibits mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the agent are embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: DAN (Differential-screening-selected gene Aberrative in Neuroblastoma) and gremlin proteins and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are natural DAN and gremlin homologs from several species and proteins comprising a DAN or gremlin domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Vaccines for diseases caused by normally encapsulated organisms are produced by genetically modifying those organisms by deleting the genes encoding for capsule synthesis or a portion thereof sufficient to produce non-capsulated mutants of the organisms. As an example, a live, attenuated strain of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae genetically modified with a large deletion in a chromosomal regions of the DNA which encodes for capsule synthesis is a safe and effective vaccine against swine pleuropneumonia.

Abstract: ASP2 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing ASP2 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, and prohormone processing, among others, and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.