Abstract: The present invention has demonstrated for the first time that orally administered type I collagen (CI) induced tolerance to CI in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ameliorated clinical manifestations of the disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating a fibrosing disease by oral administration of a tissue protein, for example, collagen, derived from the tissue undergoing fibrosis.

Abstract: One embodiment of a therapeutic composition comprises one or more APLs, e.g., APL A12, for treating diseases or disorders related to arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Another embodiment includes a method of inducing a Th2-type cytokine secretion profile in a mammal, including administering a therapeutic amount of A12 analog peptide. Another embodiment includes a method for generating functional T regulatory cells, the method including administering a therapeutic amount of APL A12 to a RA patient.

Abstract: The present invention has demonstrated for the first time that orally administered type I collagen (CI) induced tolerance to CI in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ameliorated clinical manifestations of the disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating a fibrosing disease by oral administration of a tissue protein, for example, collagen, derived from the tissue undergoing fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention has demonstrated for the first time that orally administered type I collagen (CI) induced tolerance to CI in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ameliorated clinical manifestations of the disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating a fibrosing disease by oral administration of a tissue protein, for example, collagen, derived from the tissue undergoing fibrosis.

Abstract: Peptides that are capable of suppressing autoimmune arthritis are disclosed. The polypeptides described by the present invention which are capable of suppressing autoimmune arthritis in mammals include analogues of CII 245-270. The peptides do not provoke a material immunogenic response from T cells, and thus are useful therapeutic agents for suppressing autoimmune arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylo arthritis, relapsing polychondritis and other connective tissue diseases. A method of surpressing autoimmune arthritis in mammals is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Peptides for suppressing autoimmune arthritis by disrupting formation of trimolecular complexes which stimulate T cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis in mammals, by oral administration of collagen, including type I collagen, or biologically active peptide fragments thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for promoting the healing of an open wound, such as a fresh surgical incision, a decubitus ulcer, or a diabetes ulcer. The method includes applying to the wound a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a protein fragment of tumor necrosis factor .alpha.(TNF-.alpha.) including amino acids 31 through 68 SEQ ID NO.: 1. The composition may be applied topically or injected locally into a wound or ulcer site. A preferred composition includes a carrier medium selected from sterile water, sterile saline, and albumin. Topical formulations are administered as sprays, gels, ointments or salves.