Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody 3D9 specifically binding a C-terminal fragment of cleaved histone H3 in NETs that can be used to specifically detect NETs distinguishing them from chromatin of different origin. The invention also provides a method for in vitro detection of neutrophil extracellular traps in isolated biological samples as well as a method for assessing a disease condition associated with NET formation. The present invention also relates to an isolated fragment of human histone H3 cleaved at site L48R49, and to the use of cleavage site L48R49 for specific detection of human neutrophil extracellular traps. The present invention also relates to recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding said polypeptides, and host cells comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of an isobaric label in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis using data-independent acquisition (DIA), wherein said isobaric label comprises or consists of a group which fragments in the mass spectrometer (i) at an energy below the energy required for fragmenting analyte-derived precursor ions and/or a higher conversion rate than said precursor ions; and (ii) at said energy according to (i) and when coupled to a precursor ion, at a single site within said group, to yield a first moiety and a second moiety, said second moiety being coupled to said precursor ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of an isobaric label in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis using data-independent acquisition (DIA), wherein said isobaric label comprises or consists of a group which fragments in the mass spectrometer (i) at an energy below the energy required for fragmenting analyte-derived precursor ions and/or a higher conversion rate than said precursor ions; and (ii) at said energy according to (i) and when coupled to a precursor ion, at a single site within said group, to yield a first moiety and a second moiety, said second moiety being coupled to said precursor ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound which comprises or consists of (a) a reactive moiety, said reactive moiety being capable of reacting with a functional group of a peptide to form a covalent bond; and covalently joined thereto (b) a moiety which fragments in the mass spectrometer (i) at an energy below the energy required for fragmenting peptides and/or a higher conversion rate than peptides; and (ii) at said energy according to (i) and when coupled to a peptide via said reactive group, at a single site within said compound coupled to a peptide, to yield a first moiety and a second moiety, said second moiety being coupled to said peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods for identifying an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients for developing renal manifestations. The present invention further relates to polypeptides binding to one or more components of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET(s)) and to kits comprising components suitable to carry out the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating, preventing or ameliorating a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, in particular progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), said method comprising administering to a subject in need of such a treatment, prevention or amelioration a specific inhibitor of a caspase I-dependent cytokine. Also specific inhibitors of a caspase I-dependent cytokine for treating, preventing or ameliorating a neurodegenerative disorder, in particular PMA, are disclosed herein. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the use of (a) specific inhibitor(s) of a caspase I-dependent cytokine in the medical or pharmaceutical intervention of neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating bacterial infection in a subject, degrading bacterial virulence factors, preventing bacteria from escaping phagosomes of neutrophils, and preventing bacteria from invading host cells, by use of an elastase.

Abstract: Shigella IpaB protein or functional derivative binds to interleukin-1.beta.-converting enzyme (ICE) or an ICE homologue and activates a program of apoptosis. DNA encoding the Shigella IpaB protein, the IpaB protein or a functional derivative thereof is provided to a eukaryotic, preferably human, cell to induce apoptosis of that cell. This approach useful in treating diseases or disorders treatable by the eradication of unwanted cells, including cancer, autoimmunity, inflammation and chronic viral infections. Protein or peptide molecules (and the DNA coding therefor) which act as competitive antagonists for ICE binding without activating the apoptosis program are useful in treating or preventing diseases which involve an apoptotic mechanisms in their pathogenesis, for example AIDS, degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, myelodysplastic disorders, ischemic injuries or toxin-induced liver diseases.