Abstract: Binding members directed to human Fas (Fas), in particular antibody molecules against human Fas, employing the antibody VH and/or VL domain of the antibody molecule termed F45D9, which may be in IgG1 or IgG4 format. Methods of use in patients, diseases or disorders involving apoptosis, such as Graft-Versus-Host Disease, HIV-infection, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Islet transplantation as treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes, diseases based on ischemia or ischemic reperfusion injury, heart disease, renal disease, neurological disorders and injuries and lymphocyte depletion in cancer patients associated to cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy.

Abstract: Anti-Fas (APO-1, CD95) autoantibodies arm found in human s, which antibodies arm biologically functional. Peptide fragments of Fas recognized by such antibodies, and antibodies specific for such peptides, inhibit or promote apoptosis and cellular proliferation. Assay methods making use of Fas peptides or antibodies enable identification of further agents which modulate apoptosis and/or cellular proliferation.

Abstract: A polypeptide linked to a solid matrix useful as a solid support of a diagnostic kit is disclosed. The polypeptide has the formula: X-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gln-Glu-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Phe-B-Leu-Lys-Leu-Ala-Gly-Arg-Trp-Pro-Va l-Lys-Z, wherein B is Ile or Leu, X is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or an amino-terminal group and Z is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or a carboxy-terminal group. The polypeptide immunologically mimics HIV endonuclease.

Abstract: A polypeptide of the formula (SEQ ID NO 24): X-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gln-Glu-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Phe-Ile-Leu-Lys-Leu-Ala-Gly-Arg-Trp-Pro- Val-Lys-Z wherein X is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or an amino-terminal group and Z is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or a carboxy-terminal group. The polypeptide immunologically mimics HIV endonuclease (p 31).