Abstract: A method for the prevention or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection by administering an effective amount of amifostine, phosphonol, or similar compound to an individual in need is provided.

Abstract: A method for the prevention or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection by administering an effective amount of amifostine, phosphonol, or similar compound to an individual in need is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of specifically inhibiting an immune response of a subject to one or more selected antigens using an immunosuppressive composition derived from a glioblastoma cell line. The method steps include obtaining a population of antigen presenting cells (APCs); loading the APC population with specific antigens (in auto-immune diseases) or using donor APCs (for transplantation); incubating the APC population with the immunosuppressive composition; and introducing the incubated cells into the subject being treated. The APCs can be monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells. This method causes specific inhibition of the immune response because it induces apoptosis and/or anergy in the subject's T cells specific for antigens present on the APCs, but does not affect the immune response to antigens not present on the APC surfaces.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using IL-12 to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), particularly AIDS-associated KS.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using IL-12 to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), particularly AIDS-associated KS.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using IL-12 to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), particularly AIDS-associated KS.

Abstract: A method and composition is disclosed for inducing a protective immunity against HIV by inoculation with immunogens in low doses that are sufficient to induce a sustained cell-mediated response to HIV but below the amount necessary to induce an offsetting humoral response. The immunogens available for use in this method include attenuated forms of the HIV virus, subunits of the HIV virus, inactivated HIV virus and subinfectious doses of live HIV virus, all delivered at low doses. These immunogens can be prepared with-suitable carriers, adjuvants or diluents and administered either intramuscularly, mucosally (e.g., orally), intravenously or subcutaneously. The effectiveness of the initial dose of immunogen can be monitored for the presence of a sufficient cell-mediated response using a T-cell proliferation assay or an interleukin-2 assay and monitored for the lack of offsetting humoral response using commercially available ELISA assays for anti-HIV antibodies.

Abstract: Calpain has been identified as a component of the biochemical pathway in programmed cell death. Calpain inhibitors are effective in preventing the progression to cell death and can restore cell function. T lymphocytes from HIV infected individuals undergo T cell receptor-triggered programmed cell death which can be treated by calpain inhibitors and immune function can be restored in affected cells. Methods for diagnosing cell populations or individuals susceptible to programmed cell death and for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness are provided.

Abstract: A sensitive and accurate tissue culture system and kit fop detecting subtle changes in immune function is provided. The system is based on the comparison of IL-2 production by T helper cells in response to recall antigens including influenza A virus, tatanus toxoid, alloantigens, mouse xenogeneic antigens and the like or combinations thereof. Different stages of immune dysfunction can be differentiated and organ graft rejection can be predicted by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A sensitive and accurate tissue culture system and kit for detecting subtle changes in immune function is provided. The system is based on the comparison of IL-2 production by T helper cells in response to recall antigens including influenza A virus, tatanus toxoid, alloantigens, mouse xenogeneic antigens and the like or combinations thereof. Different stages of immune dysfunction can be differentiated and organ graft rejection can be predicted by the method of the present invention.