Abstract: The present invention comprises a fusion molecule comprising a Fc? fragment sequence including functionally active CH2, CH3 and CH4 domains of the constant region of an IgE heavy chain (CH?2-CH?3-CH?4 sequence) linked at its C-terminus to the N-terminus of a second polypeptide including functionally active hinge, CH2 and CH3 domains of the constant region of an IgG1 heavy chain (?hinge-CH?2-CH?3 sequence), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion molecule and methods of treatment using the fusion molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I: wherein variable substituents are defined herein, that modulate the activity of or bind to chemokine receptors such as CCR5. In some embodiments, the compounds of the invention are selective for CCR5. The compounds can be used, for example, to treat diseases associated with chemokine receptor expression or activity such as inflammatory diseases, immune diseases and viral infections.

Abstract: Specific binding agents that interact with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are described. Methods of treating cancer by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a specific binding agent to HGF are described. Methods of detecting the amount of HGF in a sample using a specific binding agent to HGF are described.

Abstract: A flexible circuit incorporating an electrostatic discharge limiting feature, comprising a dielectric substrate selected from polyimide or liquid crystal polymer film having at least one conductive trace coated on at least one surface of the substrate wherein the discharge limiting feature includes a thin conductive polymer coating selectively applied over a at least a portion of the non-critical region of the circuit, said feature reducing the surface resistivity of the circuit to about 104 ohms to about 108 ohms and having tribocharging of less than about 50 V.

Abstract: A flexible circuit incorporating an electrostatic discharge limiting feature, comprising a dielectric substrate selected from polyimide or liquid crystal polymer film having at least one conductive trace coated on at least one surface of the substrate wherein the discharge limiting feature includes a thin conductive polymer coating selectively applied over a at least a portion of the non-critical region of the circuit, said feature reducing the surface resistivity of the circuit to about 104 ohms to about 108 ohms and having tribocharging of less than about 50 V.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chordin-Like-2 (CHL2) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing CHL2 polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with CHL2 polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel TNF receptor polypeptides are disclosed, along with polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns bifunctional fusion molecules for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic conditions and Fc&egr;RI-mediated autoimmune conditions. The invention provides a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of both acute and late-phase allergic responses due to ingestion, inhalation, cutaneous and parenteral exposure to allergens, responses including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, severe food allergies, chronic urticaria and angioedema, as well as anaphylactic reactions due to exposures such as bee stings or penicillin allergy. In addition, the invention provides for a novel, safer and more efficacious form of allergy vaccination.

Abstract: A flexible circuit incorporating an electrostatic discharge limiting feature, comprising a dielectric substrate selected from polyimide or liquid crystal polymer film having at least one conductive trace coated on at least one surface of the substrate wherein the discharge limiting feature includes a thin conductive polymer coating selectively applied over a at least a portion of the non-critical region of the circuit, said feature reducing the surface resistivity of the circuit to about 104 ohms to about 108 ohms and having tribocharging of less than about 50 V.

Abstract: This invention concerns class switch recombination (CSR) substrates and assays that permit dissection of the mechanisms involved in CSR and are powerful tools in drug discovery.

Abstract: Methods for identifying novel secreted mammalian proteins in mammalian host cells are described. Reporter polypeptides which allow detection of signal sequences by growth selection or by enzymatic activity are also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided relating to novel IgE isoforms and their use in immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment. The compositions include transcription and translation products of the immunoglobulin epsilon locus, specific probes for epsilon transcription products, and compounds that specifically bind epitopes of epsilon translation products. Novel products of the epsilon locus include the following transcription products and translation products thereof: CH4-M2", CH4'-CH5-M1'-M2, CH4'-CH5-M2', CH4'-CH5-M2.increment. and CH4-M2'. Such epsilon products, specific probes and binding compounds find use in methods and kits for immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for directing the synthesis of a particular human immunoglobulin isotype are provided. Nucleic acid molecules representing sense and antisense sequences of trans-spliced messenger ribonucleic acid molecules enhance or reduce, respectively, isotype recombination to IgE, IgA or IgG isotypes from an IgM isotype. Particular methods and compositions for the treatment of allergy and allergic reaction are described through inhibition of IgE.

Abstract: Methods for treating gastrointestinal tract disorders by protection, regeneration and repair of intestinal epithelium are described. Macrophage stimulating protein is found to promote colony formation by crypt cells and may be involved in stimulating proliferation of intestinal crypt cells. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions for MSP and methods for identifying substances that stimulate crypt cell proliferation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided relating to novel IgE isoforms and their use in immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment. The compositions include transcription and translation products of the immunoglobulin epsilon locus, specific probes for epsilon transcription products, and compounds which specifically bind epitopes of epsilon translation products. Novel products of the epsilon locus include the following transcription products and translation products thereof: CH4-M2", SEQ ID NO:02, residues 1-107 and, (SEQ. ID NO:06, CH4'-CH5-M1'-M2, (see SEQ ID NO:02, residues 1-72,SEQ ID NO:03 and SEQ ID NO:05) CH4'-CH5-M2'(SEQ ID NO:02, residues 1-72, SEQ ID NO:03 and SEQ ID NO:07 and CH4'-CH5-M2" (SEQ ID NO:02, residues 1-72, SEQ ID NO:03 and SEQ ID NO:06). Such epsilon products, specific probes and binding compounds find use in methods and kits for immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment.