Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the diagnosis and confirmation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by measuring elastase activity in a patient sample, preferably a PBMC sample. The assays of the invention can also be used to characterize CFS, to determine the disease stage, the disease progression, the efficiency of a therapeutic regime and/or to predict the recurrence of possible attacks. The assays of the invention advantageously allow CFS to be distinguished from other CICIDs like MS or RA.

Abstract: Methods for treating a host suffering from a chronic immune disease, e.g., MS or CFS, are provided. In practicing the subject methods, an effective amount of an elastase inhibitory agent, e.g., a ?-lactam containing compound, is administered to the host. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular weight Actin protein fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity and/or characterize disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the diagnosis and confirmation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by measuring elastase activity in a patient sample, preferably a PBMC sample. The assays of the invention can also be used to characterize CFS, to determine the disease stage, the disease progression, the efficiency of a therapeutic regime and/or to predict the recurrence of possible attacks. The assays of the invention advantageously allow CFS to be distinguished from other CICIDs like MS or RA.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for use in the diagnosis and treatment of a host suffering from a chronic immune disease. In the diagnostic methods of the subject invention, a host derived sample, typically PBMC or a derivative thereof is assayed for the presence of low molecular weight fragments of RNase L, typically in conjunction with an evaluation of caspase activity. The results of this assay are then employed to diagnose and/or characterize a chronic immune disease in the host. In the treatment methods of the subject invention, an effective amount of agent capable of enhancing RNase L homodimer activity in the host, e.g., in host PBMC, is administered to the host. Also provided are methods for identifying agents having RNase L cleavage-inhibitory activity or RNase L fragment antagonist activity.