Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating an immune-mediated disease, e.g., an autoimmune disease, an allergy or an inflammatory disease. Diagnosis is made by detecting a heterozygous or homozygous genotype of haptoglobin 2 or by detecting and quantifying pre-haptoglobin 2 mRNA or protein. After diagnosis, the disease may be treated by decreasing cell permeability leading to increased transepithelial electrical resistance, for example, by administering an antibody directed against single chain zonulin thereby inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor and inhibiting proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2).

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease. In addition, the present invention provides materials and methods of monitoring the treatment of a subject having celiac disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease. In addition, the present invention provides materials and methods of monitoring the treatment of a subject having celiac disease.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods for treating acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The methods include administering one or more tight junction antagonists to the lung of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibacterial peptides isolated from lactobacillus GG. Also provided are methods of treating an individual having a bacterial infection or at risk for developing a bacterial infection, comprising the steps of administering an antibacterial peptide of the invention to an individual having a bacterial infection or at risk for developing a bacterial infection.

Abstract: Agonist polypeptide of a receptor protein has been identified. The agonist can be used to facilitate drug and antigen absorption. Suitable routes of administration include oral, nasal, transdermal, and intravenous. Pharmaceutical formulations may comprise a therapeutic agent or an immunogenic agent in combination with the agonist polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for preventing or delaying the onset of autoimmune diseases is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to facilitate the pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, agonists of tight junctions (e.g., zonulin agonists) are used in compositions to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents from the pulmonary mucosa.

Abstract: CXCR3 is identified as a physiological receptor for Gliadin. Assays for determining modulators of CXCR3 signaling are provided. Fragments of gliadin which function as inhibitors of CXCR3 signaling can be determined. Methods for treating diseases relating to gluten and/or autoimmunity by targeting CXCR3 are provided. Such diseases include celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma, and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials, including kits, to evaluate Crohn's disease, including to diagnose, monitor, or determine the efficacy of treatment for Crohn's Disease. The methods involve determining the presence, absence, or level of zonulin in a subject sample. In certain embodiments, the need for more laborious and/or invasive tests to monitor disease state is minimized or obviated.

Abstract: A method for preventing or delaying the onset of autoimmune diseases is disclosed.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: A method for preventing or delaying the onset of autoimmune diseases is disclosed.

Abstract: Agonist polypeptide of a receptor protein has been identified. The agonist can be used to facilitate drug and antigen absorption. Suitable routes of administration include oral, nasal, transdermal, and intravenous. Pharmaceutical formulations may comprise a therapeutic agent or an immunogenic agent in combination with the agonist polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease. In addition, the present invention provides materials and methods of monitoring the treatment of a subject having celiac disease.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to diagnose celiac disease. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing celiac disease by measuring the serum zonulin level of a subject.