Abstract: The present invention relates to a genes and autoimmunity. More specifically, the invention relates to the identification of genes that are associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in children and/or adults. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the genetic selection tool used to identify SLE associated genes, and their uses in diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Abstract: Genetic markers associated with programmed cell death were characterized and their extent of polymorphism in normal populations was determined allowing for a method for determining genetic predisposition to SLE and other autoimmune diseases by genotyping. The allelic distribution of these gene markers in a large Mexican American SLE cohort and ethnically matched controls was determined. The results were that bcl-2, Fas-L, and IL-10 loci showed significantly different allelic distribution in SLE patients compared with controls, indicating an association between these gens and SLE. The method allows for determining the presence of these alleles. Alone, the presence of each of these alleles is associated with a moderate increase in SLE risk, while the occurrence of these alles together increases the odds of developing SLE by more than 40-fold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunotherapeutic methos for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by administerring polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies specific for gamma interferon (IFN-gamma).

Abstract: A synthetic vaccine against cholera and against heat-labile toxin of E. coli comprising a conjugate of a high-molecular weight carrier with a synthetic polypeptide corresponding to part of the sequence of Subunit B of natural cholera toxin. The sequences of choice are those corresponding to sequences 45 to 64, 50 to 64 and 8 to 20 of Subunit B, or slightly modified sequences, similar to the above.