Abstract: A method for modulating an alpha 6 subunit containing integrin-mediated signal transduction is described. The method involves contacting a cell with an effective integrin modulating amount of an alpha 6 subunit containing integrin-mediated signal transduction pathway modification agent. Preferred agents are peptides having the formula f-Met-Leu-X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr.

Abstract: Methods for treating allergies, cutaneous inflammation, arthritis, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease and treating chronic inflammatory bowel disease are described. Also described is a method for inhibiting the infiltration of eosinophils into airways of a patient, a method for inhibiting the mucous release into airways of a patient, a method for blocking IgE activation of a lymphocyte, a method for stabilizing the cell membrane of a lymphocyte, thereby preventing their further involvement in the increased inflammatory response to an IgE antigen challenge, and a method for inhibiting the migration of T-cells. Such methods involve administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr.

Abstract: Methods for treating treating fibrosis in a mammal are described. An antifibrotic effective amount of a peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X where X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr is administered to the mammal. The fibrosis may be due to pathological changes resulting, e.g., from pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cirrhosis, glomerulosclerosis, chronic pancreatitus, coronary artery disease (such as caused by infection by bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae), trauma or surgical procedures.

Abstract: Methods for treating allergies, cutaneous inflammation, arthritis, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease and treating chronic inflammatory bowel disease are described. Also described is a method for inhibiting the infiltration of eosinophils into airways of a patient, a method for inhibiting the mucous release into airways of a patient, a method for blocking IgE activation of a lymphocyte, a method for stabilizing the cell membrane of a lymphocyte; thereby preventing their further involvement in the increased inflammatory response to an IgE antigen challenge, and a method for inhibiting the migration of T-cells. Such methods involve administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr.

Abstract: An immunoassay device including one or more reaction chambers, each adapted to receive and retain a volume of test fluid in fluid communication with nonoverlapping first, second, and third reagent-bearing surfaces. To the first surface is reversibly bound an analyte conjugate: analyte component conjugated to one or more components, termed ligand/marker, that serve ligand and marker functions as described herein. Analyte binding partner is immobilized on the second surface, and ligand/marker binding partner is immobilized on the third surface. The reaction chamber is preferably configured to receive and direct the test fluid sequentially past the first second, and third reagent surfaces. In use, analyte conjugate solubilized from the first surface completes with any analyte in the test fluid for analyte binding partner sites on the second surface.

Abstract: An immunoassay device includes one or more reaction chambers. Each reaction chamber is adapted to receive and retain a volume of test fluid in fluid communication with nonoverlapping first and second reaction surfaces. To the first reaction surface is immobilized analyte binding partner that is in turn saturated with analyte conjugate: analyte component conjugated to one or more components, termed ligand/marker, that serve ligand and marker functions as described herein. The analyte conjugate has a higher disassociation constant with reference to the immobilized analyte binding partner than does the analyte to be assayed. To the second reaction surface is immobilized ligand/marker binding partner.A test fluid sample is introduced into the reaction chamber and retained therein to permit two reactions to occur. In a first reaction between analyte and analyte binding partner at the first reaction reaction surface, analyte proportionately displaces analyte conjugate into the test fluid sample.