Abstract: The present invention provides methods for providing a prognosis of treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory disease of the brain, including MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease using molecular markers that are shown to be overexpressed or underexpressed in patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides analytical methods for detecting anti-polymer antibody in an individual. The methods involve contacting a sample from the individual with a water soluble polymer-modified carrier and detecting binding of antibody to the water soluble polymer on the water soluble polymer-modified carrier wherein binding is indicative of the presence of antibody to the water polymer-modified polypeptide. Antibody may be detected to water soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol, polysialic acid, dextran, hydroxyalkyl starch, or hydroxyethyl starch. When antibody to the water soluble polymer polyethylene glycol is to be detected, the carrier is modified with a non-linear polyethylene glycol derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to materials and methods for production of an improved vaccine against influenza virus, wherein the vaccine comprises a reassortant virus having a hemagglutinin gene and a neuraminidase gene from the same influenza A virus subtype or influenza B strain of virus and internal genes from a different influenza A virus subtype or influenza B strain of virus. In one aspect, the HA and NA genes and the internal genes are from a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of influenza A.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides that bind Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), including TFPI-inhibitory peptides, and compositions thereof. The peptides may be used to inhibit a TFPI, enhance thrombin formation in a clotting factor-deficient subject, increase blood clot formation in a subject, and/or treat a blood coagulation disorder in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to development of non-human transgenic animals expressing a human blood clotting factor, such as Factor VIII, Factor VII, Factor IX and von Willebrand factor. The invention further provides methods of detecting immunogenic events against human blood clotting factor using the transgenic animals described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-based in vitro screening assay for identifying and selecting therapeutic agents that inhibit amyloid r-induced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for providing a prognosis of treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory disease of the brain, including MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease using molecular markers that are shown to be overexpressed or underexpressed in patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A method for the recombinant production of zymogen forms of human protein C is described. These zymogen forms differ from native zymogen protein C in their increased sensitivity to activation by thrombin and thrombin/thrombomodulin. DNA compounds, vectors, and transformants useful in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the direct recombinant production of activated protein C is described. DNA compounds, vectors, and transformants useful in the method are also disclosed. The method involves transformation and culture of a host cell with a recombinant DNA vector that encodes a protein C molecule in which the activation peptide is replaced with a cleavage sequence for a cell associated protease.