Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for initiating and propagating ICOS-mediated signaling. In particular, the present disclosure provides three peptide motifs which promote ICOS binding and whose ablation leads to modulated ICOS signaling and modulated signaling mediated by TBK1, IRF4, IKK?, or TBKBP1. The binding of these peptide motifs or the addition of such motifs as co-stimulatory agents leads to modulated immune responses, and provides new and unexpected therapies for neurodegenerative, autoimmune, metabolic, cancer inflammatory, or immunodeficiency conditions, diseases, or disorders.

Abstract: Methods of modulating immune responses are provided, including contacting SLAT or IP3R1 with an agent that modulates binding of SLAT to IP3R1. Methods of modulating activation or differentiation of CD4+ T cells are also provided, including contacting SLAT or IP3R1 with an agent that modulates binding of SLAT to IP3R1. Peptides and fragments of an IP3R1 amino acid sequence that binds to a SLAT amino acid sequence, and peptides and fragments of a SLAT amino acid sequence that binds to am IP3R1 amino acid sequence, are further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for initiating and propagating ICOS-mediated signaling. In particular, the present disclosure provides three peptide motifs which promote ICOS binding and whose ablation leads to modulated ICOS signaling and modulated signaling mediated by TBK1, IRF4, IKK?, or TBKBP1. The binding of these peptide motifs or the addition of such motifs as co-stimulatory agents leads to modulated immune responses, and provides new and unexpected therapies for neurodegenerative, autoimmune, metabolic, cancer inflammatory, or immunodeficiency conditions, diseases, or disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods and uses of inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, and modulating an undesirable or aberrant immune response, disorder or disease, an inflammatory response, disorder or disease, inflammation or an autoimmune response, disorder or disease. Compositions include inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, which include, among others, PKC?, CD28 and Lck sequences, subsequences, variants and modified forms, and polymorphisms.

Abstract: Compounds, uses and methods for modulating an immune response are provided. In particular, modulating the interaction of PKC? with CTLA-4 can modulate an immune response. For example, modulating activity or expression of PKC?, and/or modulating activity or expression of CTLA-4, can be used to modulate interaction of PKC? with CTLA-4, thereby modulating an immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods and uses of inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, and modulating an undesirable or aberrant immune response, disorder or disease, an inflammatory response, disorder or disease, inflammation or an autoimmune response, disorder or disease. Compositions include inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, which include, among others, PKC?, CD28 and Lck sequences, subsequences, variants and modified forms, and polymorphisms.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying agents that modulate activities of protein kinase C theta (PKC&thgr;) polypeptides. The invention provides methods for identifying a therapeutic agent for ameliorating an HIV infection. The invention provides methods for ameliorating a condition in a subject (e.g., an HIV infection, a skeletal muscle disorder, an immune disorder) by modulating PKC&thgr; polypeptide activity. The invention also provides for ablation of the CD28 costimulatory signal in T cells, abolishing of a T cell survival signal, and promote the apoptosis of activated self-reactive T cells, e.g., in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Chemically synthesized polypeptides containing about 6 to about 40 amino acid residues having amino acid residue sequences that substantially correspond to the amino acid residue sequences of antigenic determinants of interleukin-2, when administered alone or as polymers or as conjugates bound to carriers, induce the production of antibodies of predetermined specificities. The polypeptides and the antibodies produced thereto can be used in diagnostic systems to measure the presence and amount of interleukin-2 and interleukin-2 cell surface receptors or binding sites in an assayed sample.