Abstract: In order to accurately and reliably quantitate HLE on the plasma membranes of the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, a test sample containing the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes is initially treated with a first antiserum specific for CD4 receptors on the plasma membrane or with a second antiserum specific for chemokine receptors on the plasma membrane. Once the CD4 or chemokine receptors have been rendered non-reactive (competitive) relative to the HLE receptors (also “binding sites”) on the plasma membrane, the test sample is contacted with an immunoreagent specific for interaction with one or more of the HLE receptors on the plasma membranes of the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes. The immunoreagent forms a complex with the HLE binding sites and produces a characteristic physical change in the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes that can be monitored by any one of a number of standard techniques, (e.g., confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry).

Abstract: A method for modulation of plasma membrane associated Human Leukocyte Elastase (HLE) to inflammatory states by interaction of HLE with an antagonist to inhibit HLE and thereby interruption in plasma associated events (e.g. HIV disease progression, bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases), which are responsive/sensitive to such inflammation. The antagonist suitable for use in this invention is designed to interact with each of the catalytic triad of the HLE plasma membranes protein and the lipid interactive amino acids of the HLE plasma membrane protein.

Abstract: A method for modulation of plasma membrane associated Human Leukocyte Elastase (HLE) to inflammatory states by interaction of HLE with an antagonist to inhibit HLE and thereby interruption in plasma associated events (e.g. HIV disease progression, bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases), which are responsive/sensitive to such inflammation. The antagonist suitable for use in this invention is designed to interact with each of the catalytic triad of the HLE plasma membranes protein and the lipid interactive amino acids of the HLE plasma membrane protein.

Abstract: In order to accurately and reliably quantitate HLE on the plasma membranes of the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, a test sample containing the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes is initially treated with a first antiserum specific for CD4 receptors on the plasma membrane or with a second antiserum specific for chemokine receptors on the plasma membrane. Once the CD4 or chemokine receptors have been rendered non-reactive (competitive) relative to the HLE receptors (also “binding sites”) on the plasma membrane, the test sample is contacted with an immunoreagent specific for interaction with one or more of the HLE receptors on the plasma membranes of the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes. The immunoreagent forms a complex with the HLE binding sites and produces a characteristic physical change in the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes that can be monitored by any one of a number of standard techniques, (e.g., confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry).

Abstract: A method for the treatment of asymtomatic HIV seropositive individuals to inhibit onset of an AIDS infection and, for suppression of propagation of HIV infections in individuals with a fully developed AIDS infection. The method consists of administering a therapeutic effective amount of a modified {acute over (&agr;)}1Proteinase Inhibitor (m{acute over (&agr;)}1PI) to an individual within the effected population so as to inhibit and/or prevent {acute over (&agr;)} PI facilitated HIV entry into healthy/uninfected cells.