Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides relating to the autoimmune diseases pemphigus vulgaris and multiple sclerosis. The peptides relating to pemphigus vulgaris are self epitopes and those relating to multiple sclerosis are foreign antigens derived from human pathogens which are implicated in the aetiology and remissions of the disease. Pharmaceutical preparations for tolerizing and/or immunizing individuals are provided as well as methods relating thereto. Methods are provided for identifying other self and non-self epitopes involved in human autoimmune disease and similar pharmaceutical preparations and methods of use for these epitopes are also provided.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that both inhibit more strongly than synthetic amino acid polymers the binding of MBP85-99 to HLA-DR2 (DRA/DRB1*1501), and inhibit interleukin-2 production by two MBP85-99-specific HLA-DR2-restricted T cells. Peptide 15mers J5, J3, and J2 suppress MBP85-99-induced EAE in humanized mice and proteolipid protein 139-151-induced EAE in SJL/J mice. Spleen and lymph node cultures stimulated with these peptides produced large amounts of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), and adoptive transfer of T cell lines established from those cultures suppressed disease induction. These peptides provide specific, non-random sequences that are as effective as random copolymers in suppressing EAE in several murine models, and may be useful in treatment of MS.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides containing at least three amino acids randomly joined in a linear array; wherein at least one of the three amino acids is an aromatic amino acid, at least one of the three amino acids is a charged amino acid and at least one amino acid is an aliphatic amino acid. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide contains three or four of the following amino acids: tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid or lysine. According to the present invention, the present polypeptides bind to antigen presenting cells, purified human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) and/or Copolymer 1-specific T cells. Moreover, according to the present invention, these polypeptides can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for treating autoimmune disease. The present invention further contemplates methods of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of any one of the present polypeptides to the mammal.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as a biosensor includes a molecule of a formula X—R-Ch adhered to a surface of the article as part of a self-assembled monolayer. X is a functionality that adheres to the surface, R is a spacer moiety, and Ch is a chelating agent. A metal ion can be coordinated by the chelating agent, and a polyamino acid-tagged biological binding partner of a target biological molecule coordinated to the metal ion. A method of the invention involves bringing the article into contact with a medium containing or suspected of containing the target biological molecule and allowing the biological molecule to biologically bind to the binding partner. The article is useful particularly as a surface plasmon resonance chip.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions and methods of making and using therapeutic compositions comprising peptides for the treatment of a subject having a demyelinating condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of immunology. In particular, the present invention is directed to the design, production, and use of monovalent, multivalent and multimeric Major Histocompatibility Complex binding domain fusion proteins and conjugates.