Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the antibody specificity profile in an individual. This specificity profile reveals the individual's immune response to multiple antigens and/or epitopes of autoantigens, allergens, graft antigens, etc. The antibody specificity profile is determined through the binding of patient samples comprising antibodies to the arrays. The array can comprises antigens and epitopes. The invention also provides the means and methods for determining antigen or epitope specificity profiles that can be used in the development of either generic and individualized diagnosis and treatment for immune related diseases, including autoimmune disease, allergy and graft rejection.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the antibody specificity profile in an individual. This specificity profile reveals the individual's immune response to multiple antigens and/or epitopes of autoantigens, allergens, graft antigens, etc. The antibody specificity profile is determined through the binding of patient samples comprising antibodies to the arrays. The array can comprises antigens and epitopes. The invention also provides the means and methods for determining antigen or epitope specificity profiles that can be used in the development of either generic and individualized diagnosis and treatment for immune related diseases, including autoimmune disease, allergy and graft rejection.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for determining a signal produced by a micro array device. The apparatus provides an unstructured probe and structured probe. The unstructured probe binds to a target and provides a first signal that can be compared to a second signal produced by a structured probe. A more accurate level of intensity of the first signal can be determined by comparing to the second signal produced by the structured probe. A method for determining a more accurate level of signal intensity produced from the unstructured probes bound to the target is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a central nervous system-derived heat stable immune privilege factor which exerts an inhibitory effect on macrophage migration and/or macrophage phagocytic activity. In addition, the factor exerts an inhibitory effect on the ability of macrophages and T cells to adhere to extracellular matrix and/or fibronectin. The invention is also directed to the isolation and methods for use of this immune privilege factor for the inhibition of inflammation in the central nervous system generally and at specific lesions in the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for determining a signal produced by a micro array device. The apparatus provides an unstructured probe and structured probe. The unstructured probe binds to a target and provides a first signal that can be compared to a second signal produced by a structured probe. A more accurate level of intensity of the first signal can be determined by comparing to the second signal produced by the structured probe. A method for determining a more accurate level of signal intensity produced from the unstructured probes bound to the target is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the antibody specificity profile in an individual. This specificity profile reveals the individual's immune response to multiple antigens and/or epitopes of autoantigens, allergens, graft antigens, etc. The antibody specificity profile is determined through the binding of patient samples comprising antibodies to the arrays. The array can comprises antigens and epitopes. The invention also provides the means and methods for determining antigen or epitope specificity profiles that can be used in the development of either generic and individualized diagnosis and treatment for immune related diseases, including autoimmune disease, allergy and graft rejection.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as skin, dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. CNS administration of mononuclear phagocytes may optionally be combined with administration of an adjuvant factor (e.g. aFGF) to the CNS, anti-inflammatory therapy of the mammal, or both. Methods for screening stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptides of the formulas (i) Xaa-Yaa-Arg, wherein either Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu or Xaa is absent and Yaa is any amino acid residue with the exception of Pro; (ii) Arg-Yaa-Xaa, wherein either Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu or Xaa is absent and Yaa is any amino acid residue with the exception of Asn; (iii) Xaa-Arg-Yaa, wherein Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu; and (iv) Yaa-Arg-Xaa, wherein Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu, and to derivatives thereof, which exert an inhibitory effect on macrophage migration and/or macrophage phagocytic activity. In addition, the peptides and derivatives thereof exert an inhibitory effect on the ability of macrophages and T cells to adhere to extracellular matrix and/or fibronectin. The peptides and derivatives thereof exert an inhibitory effect on a humoral and/or cellular immune response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal are disclosed. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. Methods for identifying stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal are disclosed. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. Methods for identifying stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.