Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment or prophylaxis of demyelinating disease, in particular the neurodegenerative phase of demyelinating disease, which comprises administration of an acid sensing ion channel (ASIC) antagonist. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an ASIC antagonist in combination with an additional therapeutic agent, in particular an anti-inflammatory or immunmodulatory agent.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional particle comprising: (a) an inner metallic core, (b) a biocompatible shell comprising an optical contrast agent embedded therein, and (c) a targeting biomolecule conjugated to the biocompatible shell through a multidentate ligand, wherein the multidentate ligand is chelated to an imaging agent. Also provided are compositions comprising the multifunctional particle and methods of using the multifunctional particle, including a method of diagnostic imaging and a method of treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment or prophylaxis of demyelinating disease, in particular the neurodegenerative phase of demyelinating disease, which comprises administration of an acid sensing ion channel (ASIC) antagonist. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an ASIC antagonist in combination with an additional therapeutic agent, in particular an anti-inflammatory or immunmodulatory agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining predisposition to a manifestation of immune system related diseases, in particular infections, associated with a mutation in the human MASP-2 gene. The invention also features oligonucleotides, polypeptides, peptide fragments and antibodies which are used in the above methods as well as for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a disease associated with pathological activity of the lectin-complement pathway. Moreover, the invention provides a series of gene therapy vectors and a kit for diagnosis of the disease associated with a mutation in the human MASP-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an antibody or an antibody fragment specifically recognizing a peptide-MHC complex. It also relates to antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention that are conjugated to a pharmaceutical or to a superantigen. The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising antibodies or antibody fragments a according to the invention for the prevention or treatment of infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer and to compositions for the diagnosis of said diseases.