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: 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 compositions and methods for the administration of the compositions to mammals. The compositions comprise therapeutic agents and an intestinal absorption enhancing amount of one or more tight junction agonists. Tight junction agonists include zonulin and/or ZOT receptor agonists. Methods of the invention include orally administering compositions of the invention.

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: Gliadin is identified as a physiological receptor for CXCR3. 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: The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of diabetes. Using the materials and methods of the invention, the loss of pancreatic ?-cells can be slowed and/or prevented. In addition, the materials and methods of the invention can be used to regenerate pancreatic ?-cells.

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: 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 to assess the efficacy of a treatment. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of assessing the efficacy of a treatment for celiac disease by measuring the serum zonulin level of a subject having received the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a adjuvant peptide and uses to facilitate antigen absorption in the mucosa, particularly nasal tissue. Vaccine compositions for mucosal delivery include the adjuvant peptide and an antigen for inducing an immune response.

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

Abstract: A method for prevention of delaying the onset of diabetes using peptide antagonists of zonulin, 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 prevention of delaying the onset of diabetes using peptide antagonists of zonulin, 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: “Black holes” in the genomes of bacterial pathogens represent deletions of “anti-virulence” genes, i.e. genes that are detrimental to a pathogenic lifestyle. Identification of the missing genetic loci in the “black hole” identifies genes that are incompatible with the bacteria's pathogenicity. These genes, their gene products, and compounds generated by the enzymatic action of these gene products represent potential new compounds that are inhibitory to the bacterial pathogen and thus useful as pharmaceuticals. The utility of this concept is demonstrated in the missing gene for lysine decarboxylase, and the resulting inhibitory activity of cadaverine (the diaminoalkyl reaction product of lysine decarboxylase) on the Shigella enterotoxins. Diaminoalkyl compounds are therefore potent inhibitors of E. coli and Shigella spp. enterotoxins. Lysine decarboxylase generated from the gene cadA results in attenuation of the enterotoxic effects.

Abstract: Methods of using Zot or zonulin as an antigen specific inhibitor of APC activity and lymphocyte proliferation, being primarily useful in the field of immunoregulation and immunotherapy as described. Specifically, Zot and zonulin inhibit antigen presenting cell-mediated antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation in a dose dependent manner. This effect is associated with the presence of a macrophage surface receptor to which Zot binds in a specific and saturable way. This down-regulation of the immune response is, at least in part, associated with a decreased uptake of antigen.

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.