Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which enables to distinguish the abnormal type prion from the normal type prion, as well as production process thereof, is disclosed. The anti-abnormal type prion monoclonal antibody of the invention reacts with abnormal type prion by antigen-antibody reaction but does not substantially react with normal type prion by antigen-antibody reaction. The anti-abnormal type prion monoclonal antibody of the invention may be obtained by immunizing an animal with an immunogen including a peptide containing a plurality of regions in the abnormal type prion, which regions are discontinuous each other in primary amino acid sequence of the abnormal type prion.

Abstract: A supplementary therapeutic agent for the treatment of immunodeficiency syndrome with reduced NK (natural killer) activity and an immunopotentiator preparation containing it are provided.A supplementary therapeutic agent for immunopotentiation which comprises L-cysteine, L-cystine, or L-glutamine, or salts thereof and is used in combination with an immunopotentiator such as lentinan, OK-432, sizofiran or the like, and an immunopotentiator preparation containing the agent. This combination of agents is useful as a supplementary therapeutic agent for the treatment of an immunodeficiency, such as low NK activity syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or congenital immunodeficiency syndromes.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for immune disorders comprising determining the immunoglobulin production or the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) synthesis of peripheral blood lymphocytes by stimulation with a new mitogen derived from either disintegrated microorganisms or culture fluid of microorganisms belonging to Staphylococcus.

Abstract: A method for suppressing abnormal rise in immunological function which often causes various types of autoimmune diseases, and an agent useful therefor are disclosed. The method is carried out by administering cholecalciferol or its derivative to patients suffering from abnormal rise in immunological function. The agent contains the above compound as active ingredient and is useful not only to treat and/or prevent the abnormal rise in immunological function but also to suppress graft rejection.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the lowering of immunological function of patients who are suffering from serious renal disorder such as chronic renal failure or uremia which comprises administering 1.alpha.-hydroxycholecalciferol to the patients is disclosed. An agent useful in the practice of the method is also disclosed.