Abstract: The current inventive technology includes systems, methods, and compositions for directly synthesizing sticky ended DNA fragments for subsequent gene assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive technology includes strategies for the direct synthesis of sticky ended DNA with 5? overhangs that have any desired length and base composition, using typical PCR protocols with no additional manipulation. In another embodiment, the inventive technology includes the direct synthesis of sticky ended DNA using chemically modified oligonucleotide primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In certain embodiments, the inventive technology allows for the generation of larger DNA constructs formed by the sticky-ended assemblies generally described herein compared to traditional synthesis and ligation applications.

Abstract: Certain noble metal complexes are able to strip peptides from class II MHC proteins, resulting in class II MHC peptides in a peptide-empty conformation that do not support T-cell activation. Methods for identifying additional compounds are provided. Also provided are methods for use of this class of compounds to inhibit an immune response and to treat subjects having an unwanted immune response such as autoimmunity, allograft rejection, allergy, asthma, and inflammation.