Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems and kits for correlating the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences within a population with the ability to create immune tolerance in that same population. Tolerance can be induced by solo or repeated administration of antigen, including soluble antigens administered either intravenously or sublingually. This application also discloses methods for detecting variants. In addition the application addresses the use or avoidance of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in therapy.

Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems and kits for correlating the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences within a population with the ability to create immune tolerance in that same population. Tolerance can be induced by solo or repeated administration of antigen, including soluble antigens administered either intravenously or sublingually. This application also discloses methods for detecting variants. In addition the application addresses the use or avoidance of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in therapy.

Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems and kits for correlating the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences within a population with the ability to create immune tolerance in that same population. Tolerance can be induced by solo or repeated administration of antigen, including soluble antigens administered either intravenously or sublingually. This application also discloses methods for detecting variants. In addition the application addresses the use or avoidance of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in therapy.

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: This application discloses methods, systems and kits for correlating the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences within a population with the ability to create immune tolerance in that same population. Tolerance can be induced by solo or repeated administration of antigen, including soluble antigens administered either intravenously or sublingually. This application also discloses methods for detecting variants. In addition the application addresses the use or avoidance of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are steroidal compounds that are androsta-5,7-dienes or a pregna-5,7-dienes and ultraviolet B (UVB) conversion products thereof which includes pharmaceutical compositions of the steroidal compounds as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Also provided is a method for producing hydroxylated metabolites of cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol via the P450scc (CYP11A1) or CYP27B1 enzyme systems where the hydroxylase has an activity to hydroxylate position C20 of a secosteroid or its 5,7-dieneal precursor and the hydroxylated metabolites so produced. In addition, a method for inhibiting proliferation of either a normally or abnormally proliferating cell by contacting the cell with any of the compounds described herein. A related method is provided of treating a condition associated with the proliferating cell such as a cancer, a skin disorder, a defect in cell differentiation, cosmetic, prophylaxsis, or healthy cell maintenance.

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: Provided herein are steroidal compounds that are androsta-5,7-dienes or pregna-5,7-dienes and ultraviolet B (UVB) conversion products thereof and cholecalciferol derivatives hydroxylated at one or more of C1, C17, C20, C23, C24, C25, and C26 which includes pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical or nutraceutical compositions of the steroidal compounds as shown in Tables 1A, 2A and 3. Also provided is a method for producing hydroxylated metabolites of cholecalciferol via CYP11A1, CYP24, CYP27A1, or CYP27B1 enzyme systems where the hydroxylase has an activity to hydroxylate position C1 or C20 or other position of the sidechain of a secosteroid or its 5,7-dieneal precursor and the hydroxylated metabolites so produced.

Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems and kits for correlating the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences within a population with the ability to create immune tolerance in that same population. Tolerance can be induced by solo or repeated administration of antigen, including soluble antigens administered either intravenously or sublingually. This application also discloses methods for detecting variants. In addition the application addresses the use or avoidance of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are steroidal compounds that are androsta-5,7-dienes or a pregna-5,7-dienes and ultraviolet B (UVB) conversion products thereof which includes pharmaceutical compositions of the steroidal compounds as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Also provided is a method for producing hydroxylated metabolites of cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol via the P450scc (CYP11A1) or CYP27B1 enzyme systems where the hydroxylase has an activity to hydroxylate position C20 of a secosteroid or its 5,7-dieneal precursor and the hydroxylated metabolites so produced. In addition, a method for inhibiting proliferation of either a normally or abnormally proliferating cell by contacting the cell with any of the compounds described herein. A related method is provided of treating a condition associated with the proliferating cell such as a cancer, a skin disorder, a defect in cell differentiation, cosmetic, prophylaxsis, or healthy cell maintenance.

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: 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: Peptides corresponding to amino acid sequences in the C-terminal region of TGF-.beta. are provided. The peptides all contain at least a seven amino acid sequence substantially corresponding to the amino acid sequence of TGF-.beta.1 amino acids 368-374: VYYVGRK, as well as homologs and analogs thereof. The peptides have chemotactic activity towards fibroblasts, monocytes and neutrophils and induce fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. The peptides may be used in compositions and methods for promoting wound healing.

Abstract: Peptides corresponding to an no acid sequences in the C-terminal region of TGF-.beta. are provided. The peptides all contain at least a seven amino acid sequence substantially corresponding to the amino acid sequence of TGF-.beta.1 amino acids 368-374: VYYVGRK, as well as homologs and analogs thereof. The peptides have chemotactic activity towards fibroblasts, monocytes and neutrophils and induce fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. The peptides may be used in compositions and methods for promoting wound healing.

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.

Abstract: A protein fragment for inducing sleep in mammals comprising a fragment of interleukin-1 .beta. from about amino acid 208 to about amino acid 240 and its physiologically active derivatives. The fragment comprises the amino acids sequence: ##STR1## The protein fragment may be derived by synthetic methods and a cysteine residue may be attached to the last threonine residue.