Abstract: Provided herein are novel panels of biomarkers for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, and methods and kits for detecting these biomarkers in samples of individuals suspected of having an autoimmune disease. Also provided are methods of monitoring the progression of an autoimmune disease and methods of monitoring the efficacy and side effects of a treatment for an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating osteoarthritis (OA), for example for diagnosing OA, to confirm a diagnosis of OA, to assess or prognose progression of OA, determining the severity of a subject who has OA, and determining a subject's risk of developing OA in the future, as are arrays and kits that can be used to practice the methods. In particular examples, the method includes determining an amount of activity (such as an amount of protein present or an amount of expression) of OA risk-related molecules, such as soluble vascular adhesion protein 1 (sVAP-1) or interleukin-15 (IL-15). Also provided are methods of identifying one or more compounds that alter the activity of an OA-related molecule, thereby identifying potential anti-osteoarthritis drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule having a sequence that encodes a CD6 ligand present on the surface of thymic epithelial cells, monocytes, activated T cells and a variety of other cell types. The invention further relates to a construct containing the nucleic acid molecule and to a host cell comprising same. Further, the invention relates to a method of producing a CD6 ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to CD6 and, in particular, to a CD6 ligand present on the surface of thymic epithelial cells, monocytes, activated T cells and a variety of other cells types. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the interaction of CD6 and the CD6 ligand, and to the methods of screening componunds for their ability to inhibit that interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of effecting site-specific cleavage of RNA and to an element and a factor responsible for such cleavage.