Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for inhibiting an autoimmune disease by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that increases FOXP3 expression, thereby inhibiting the autoimmune disease. Further disclosed herein are methods for detecting in a subject an autoimmune disease or a predisposition to an autoimmune disease, and methods for assessing the efficacy of a therapy for an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to identify a T cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) peptide of use as a therapeutic agent in a subject. A method is also disclosed for monitoring the efficacy of a T Cell Receptor (TCR) V peptide for the treatment of a subject. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for selecting a TCR V peptide of use in therapy for a subject having an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic peptides derived from human prostate cancer antigen (PSA-derived peptides) and their use as vaccines to treat or prevent prostate cancer. The invention is also related to dendritic cells from a patient having prostate cancer, which dendritic cells have been exposed to one or more PSA-derived peptides, and their use to treat or prevent prostate cancer in the patient. The invention is also directed to T-cells from a patient which cells are specific for PSA-activated peptide(s), and their uses to treat or prevent prostate cancer.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: A method for direct electrical detection of proteins, peptides and the like, and their interactions includes an electrode arrangement, a current/voltage provider, and a circuit analyzer. The electrode arrangement has an interdigitated electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode. Coupled to the electrode arrangement is a signal generator adapted to provide a signal (e.g., an alternating current or voltage) having a selected range of frequencies. The analyzer is coupled to the electrode arrangement and is operative to analyze an electrical parameter of the circuit as the signal is applied. An analytic method includes measuring changes in one or more parameters of the circuit over the range of frequencies. By such measurement, the device can determine whether a target moiety has been bound by a probe attached to the electrode(s). The device can also specifically identify the intermolecular system detected, i.e.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: An analysis device includes an electrode arrangement, a current/voltage provider, and a circuit analyzer. The electrode arrangement has an interdigitated electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode. Coupled to the electrode arrangement is a signal generator adapted to provide a signal (e.g., an alternating current or voltage) having a selected range of frequencies. The analyzer is coupled to the electrode arrangement and is operative to analyze an electrical parameter of the circuit as the signal is applied. An analytic method includes measuring changes in one or more parameters of the circuit over the range of frequencies. By such measurement, the device can determine whether a target moiety has been bound by a probe attached to the electrode(s). The device can also specifically identify the intermolecular system detected, i.e., by “finger-printing” the electrical response of each molecule or intermolecular complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in particular embodiments, for modified recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTLs) comprising a MHC class I or MHC class II component. The modified RTLs have redesigned surface features that preclude or reduce aggregation, wherein the modified molecules retain the ability to bind Ag-peptides, target antigen-specific T cells, inhibit T cell proliferation in an Ag-specific manner and have utility to treat, inter alia, autoimmune disease and other conditions mediated by antigen-specific T cells in vivo.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to identify a T cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) peptide of use as a therapeutic agent in a subject. A method is also disclosed for monitoring the efficacy of a T Cell Receptor (TCR) V peptide for the treatment of a subject. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for selecting a TCR V peptide of use in therapy for a subject having an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The OX-40 antigen is characterized and claimed together with variants and derivatives thereof. Also described are binding agents for the antigen and the use of these in diagnosis and therapy. Examples of such use include a method for the selective depletion of activated CD4+ T-cells in vivo by using immunotoxins comprising an OX-40 antibody conjugated to a toxic molecule (such as Ricin-A chain). The administration of these specific immunotoxins is used therapeutically to deplete autoimmune reactive CD4+ T-cells which have been implicated in diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, and Autoimmune Uveitis as well as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease. This type of therapy is also beneficial for eradicating CD4+ T-cell lymphomas and alloreactive CD4+ T-cells involved with a transplantation reaction. The use of the human form of the OX-40 antibody will also help in the early diagnosis of all the diseases mentioned above.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying a T cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) gene expressed by target T cells in an individual. The method is practiced by determining expression of one or more TCR V genes by activated T cells from the individual, and determining regulatory activity elicited in response to one or more TCR V peptides by T cells from the individual. A TCR V gene that is preferentially expressed, whose corresponding TCR V peptide elicits low T cell regulatory activity, is identified as a V gene expressed by target T cells.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: TCR peptides from the V.beta.5 family, particularly those encompassing at least a part of the second complementarity determining region, are useful, e.g., in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A method for the selective depletion of activated CD4.sup.+ T-cells in vivo by using immunotoxins comprising the OX-40 antibody conjugated to a toxic molecule (such as Ricin-A chain). The administration of these specific immunotoxins is used therapeutically to deplete autoimmune reactive CD4.sup.+ T-cells which have been implicated in diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, and Autoimmune Uveitis. This type of therapy is also beneficial for eradicating CD4.sup.+ T-cell lymphomas and alloreactive CD4.sup.+ T-cells involved with a transplantation reaction. The use of the human form of the OX-40 antibody will also help in the early diagnosis of all the diseases mentioned above.

Abstract: Peptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising immunogenic peptides of a marker T cell receptor (TCR) characteristic of an immune-related disease, capable of preventing, suppressing, or treating the disease, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the peptide corresponds to at least part of the second complementarity determining region (CDR2) of the TCR. Antibodies and/or T cells immunologically reactive to the TCR peptide capable of preventing, suppressing, or treating an immune-related disease by passive transfer are also disclosed.