Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating pathogen infections, particularly human papillomavirus infections. Specifically, the invention provides a method of screening that involves determining an effect of a candidate agent on binding of an E6 protein from an oncogenic strain of HPV to a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence of a particular PDZ domain from the cellular protein MAGI-1. The invention provides methods to treat diseases associated with expression of pathogen proteins by modulating their interactions with MAGI-1, and a number of isolated peptides useful in such methods. Also provided are kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for determining whether a test agent is a COX modulator. In general terms, the assay includes: determining whether a test agent modulates binding of a PDZ-containing polypeptide to a COX PL-containing polypeptide. The PDZ-containing polypeptide may contain the PDZ domain of PDZ domain of MAGI1, TIP-1, MAST2, PSD95, or SHANK. The assays may be done in a cell-free environment or in a cellular environment, particularly using a neuronal cell. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic applications, including for identifying agents for use in treating cancer, pain, inflammation and neuronal conditions caused by acute insult, e.g., stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell surface molecules, designated cadherin-like asymmetry proteins (“CLASPs”). In particular, it relates to CLASP-2 polynucleotides, polypeptides, fusion proteins, and antibodies. The invention also relates to methods of modulating an immune response by interfering with CLASP function.

Abstract: Inhibitors that disrupt binding between a PDZ protein and cognate ligands such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors that are involved in various neurological disorders are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such inhibitors and their use in treating neurological diseases such as stroke and ischemia are also disclosed. Screening methods to identify additional inhibitors of specific protein ligand interactions with PDZ proteins are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of reducing the damaging effect of an injury to mammalian cells by treatment with compounds which reduce cell death or dysfunction, including cellular damage following episodes of tissue ischemia, trauma, epilepsy, and acute or chronic degeneration. The invention discloses methods of treating these disorders by administering inhibitors that disrupt protein-protein interactions involved in these disorders, screening methods to identify such inhibitors and specific compositions useful for treating these disorders.

Abstract: The subject invention provides antibodies, including polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, that bind to E6 proteins from at least three oncogenic strains of HPV. In general, the antibodies bind to amino acids motifs that are conserved between the E6 proteins of different HPV strains, particularly HPV strains 16 and 18. The subject antibodies may be used to detect HPV E6 protein in a sample, and, accordingly, the antibodies find use in a variety of diagnostic applications, including methods of diagnosing cancer. Kits for performing the subject methods and containing the subject antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in cells, particularly interactions between PDZ proteins and a PL protein. Methods and compositions provided herein are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated signal transduction.