Abstract: Methods for inhibiting an autoimmune disease by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that induces conversion of naive T cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells to induce immunosuppression in the subject. Methods for detecting in a subject an autoimmune disease or a predisposition to an autoimmune disease, and methods for assessing the efficacy of a therapy for an autoimmune disease, particularly type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells (“ABCs”). These cells express the CD11c cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting an autoimmune disease by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that induces conversion of naive T cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells to induce immunosuppression in the subject. Methods for detecting in a subject an autoimmune disease or a predisposition to an autoimmune disease, and methods for assessing the efficacy of a therapy for an autoimmune disease, particularly type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: Antibodies specific for an MHC class II-autoantigen complex.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells (“ABCs”). These cells express the CDI Ic cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, comprising molecules that disrupt or prevent the assembly of the trimolecular complex required for the T cell immune response comprising the autoantigen, the MHC class II molecule, and the T cell receptor implicated in the autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and method to treat or prevent antibody-induced anemia and particularly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The composition comprises a bisphosphonate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises clodronate and a liposome carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and method to treat or prevent antibody-induced anemia and particularly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The composition comprises a bisphosphonate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises clodronate and a liposome carrier.

Abstract: A light tight cartridge for a roll of web material (32) comprises a can (40), which contains the roll of web material (32). A first protrusion (52) on the can (40) rotatably supports the roll of web material (32). A cover (42) fits over the can (40) in a light tight fashion. A second protrusion (52) rotatably supports the roll of web material (32). In one embodiment, light blocking material is provided at a slot (44) in the can (40) and at a cover extension (48) to prevent light leaks into the cartridge (30). In another embodiment of the invention, the cover (42) is ultrasonically welded to the can (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors which express chimeric T cell receptors are disclosed. These chimeric T cell receptors contain one human element, and the rest of the elements are all of the same, non-human animal species, such as a mouse. Of particular interest are chimeras where the human element is V.alpha. or V.beta.. The vectors are used to transfect cells which derive from the same non-human animal species as the non-human animal species of the chimera, and the resulting transfectants are used to produce monoclonal antibodies against the human element of the chimera.

Abstract: A light-tight enclosure (10) for storing and dispensing a roll of photosensitive web material (32) directly in a cooperating apparatus without need for an auxiliary cartridge. The web is wound about a cylindrical core (34, 68, 74) having flush, closed opposite ends (36) and an axial bore (38) in each end. The core may be closed by integral ends or by fullfitting plugs (76). The enclosure comprises a flexible opaque bag (12) with opposite sidewalls (16) extending between opposing rearward and forward portions (18 and 20) and between opposing upper and lower portions (22 and 24). Each sidewall has a central aperture therein congruent with each core end. The rearward portion defines a closable opening for receiving the roll. A shallow neck portion (26) projects from the forward portion to an end (28) thereof defining an exit slot (30) for dispensing the web material.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method for determining levels of T-cell surface antigens in humans, specifically, V.beta. molecules. Measurement of such levels allows for diagnosis of pathological conditions, such as infections, where changes in these levels are indicative of a superantigen initiated pathological condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.