Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to a M-CSF, preferably human M-CSF, and that function to inhibit a M-CSF. The invention also relates to human anti-M-CSF antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-M-CSF antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-M-CSF antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-M-CSF antibodies.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human mammal with a disruption in its IL-21 receptor gene is provided, along with methods of using the transgenic non-human mammal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating T helper (Th) cell development and function using modulators of IL-21, e.g., human IL-21, activity or level.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating T helper (Th) cell development and function using modulators of IL-21, e.g., human IL-21, activity or level.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating T helper (Th) cell development and function using modulators of IL-21, e.g., human IL-21, activity or level.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening for compositions useful for treating, ameliorating, or preventing fibrosis and/or fibrosis-associated conditions by measuring changes in the level(s) of IL-21 and/or IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) (e.g., the level of expression of IL-21 and/or IL-21R protein and/or mRNA, the level of activity of IL-21 and/or IL-21R, the level of interaction of IL-21 with IL-21R). The invention further provides antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21R for the treatment of fibrosis and/or fibrosis-associated conditions. Further provided herein are methods of diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring the progress (e.g., the course of treatment) of fibrosis and/or fibrosis-associated conditions by measuring the level of IL-21 and/or IL-21R (i.e., the level of activity of IL-21 and/or IL-21R, the level of expression of IL-21 and/or IL-21R (e.g., the level of IL-21 and/or IL-21R gene products), and/or the level of interaction of IL-21 with IL-21R).

Abstract: A browser plug-in to drive a device for securely transmitting documents in real-time over the Internet into an enterprise's computing environment is provided. Leveraging the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, a system and method for providing a browser plug-in that allows a bank customer to scan checks using a personal computer and deposit the checks via the browser to a bank account is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using agonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (“IL-21R” or “MU-1”), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R agonists can be used by themselves or in combination with anti-inflammatory agents to treat, e.g., ameliorate, symptoms associated with immunological disorders of the nervous system, e.g., multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (“IL-21R” or “MU-1”), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating, ameliorating or preventing autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, including, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), transplant/graft rejection, psoriasis, asthma, fibrosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated and purified polynucleotides and polypeptides related to a novel ligand for glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (GITR). The invention also provides antibodies to the GITR ligand (GITRL). The present invention also is directed to novel methods for diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring the progress of, and treating disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system (e.g., autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and transplant rejection, and cancers and infectious diseases) using GITRL and/or modulators of GITRL. The present invention is further directed to novel therapeutics and therapeutic targets and to methods of screening and assessing test compounds for the intervention (treatment) and prevention of said disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system, as related to GITRL and GITR.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating T helper (Th) cell development and function using modulators of IL-21, e.g., human IL-21, activity or level.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human mammal with a disruption in its IL-21 receptor gene is provided, along with methods of using the transgenic non-human mammal.