Abstract: The present invention is directed toward peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein. The peptide analogue is at least seven amino acids long and derived from residues 86 to 99 of human myelin basic protein. The analogues are altered from the native sequence at least at positions 91, 95, or 97. Additional alterations may be made at other positions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptide analogues are provided. The peptide analogues are useful for treating multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the immune system of an animal, as well as tolerizing such an immune system through the administration of one or more polypeptides derived from human myelin basic protein (hMBP), are provided. Such polypeptides include residues 87-99 of hMBP, as well as residues His-Phe-Phe-Lys and/or Lys-Ile-Phe-Lys of hMBP.

Abstract: A pro-inflammatory T cell response is specifically suppressed by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding an autoantigen associated with autoimmune disease. The recipient may be further treating by co-vaccination with a DNA encoding a Th2 cytokine, particularly encoding IL4. In response to the vaccination, the proliferation of autoantigen-reactive T cells and the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-&ggr; and IL-15, are reduced.

Abstract: Peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein containing residues 87-99 are provided. Residue 91 of the peptide analogues is altered from the L-lysine residue found in the native protein to any other amino acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of the peptide analogues are provided. In addition, the peptide analogues are administered to patients with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein containing residues 87-99 are provided. Residue 91 of the peptide analogues is altered from the L-lysine residue found in the native protein to any other amino acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of the peptide analogues are provided. In addition, the peptide analogues are administered to patients with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein. The peptide analogue is at least seven amino acids long and derived from residues 86 to 99 of human myelin basic protein. The analogues are altered from the native sequence at least at positions 91, 95, or 97. Additional alterations may be made at other positions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptide analogues are provided. The peptide analogues are useful for treating multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A pro-inflammatory T response is specifically prevented by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding the variable region of a T cell receptor. In response to the vaccination, T cells expressing the variable region produce Th2 cytokines, including IL-4. A pro-inflammatory T cell response directed to an autoantigen is shown to be suppressed by DNA vaccination. The suppressive vaccination further reduced the inflammatory effect of T cells reactive against epitopes of the autoantigen not recognized by the variable region used for vaccination.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining relations between autoimmune degenerative diseases and specific variable regions of T-cell receptors as associated with the host HLA or T-cells associated with umbatting neoprofilerative diseases. By identifying the particular T-cell receptors which cause or are the disease in mammals, various prophylactic and therapeutic techniques may be employed for inhibiting the attack of the T-cell receptors on the native protein or tissue enhance the defense. In addition, individuals may be diagnosed as to their propensity for a particular autoimmune disease or the occurrence of such a disease.

Abstract: A synthetic inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases, the tripeptide hydroxamate GM 6001, is administered to a patient suffering from an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system wherein the effect is mediated primarily through restoration of the blood-CNS barrier.

Abstract: A novel method of defining oligopeptides is provided for determining useful immunodominant sequences for use as vaccines for pathogens. The method involves identifying sequences by particular selection procedures and using such sequences with antigen-presenting cells and T-cells to demonstrate activation of the common histocompatibility antigens DQ and DR in humans and their analogs in other animals. The oligopeptides may then be used individually or in combination to produce safe and effective vaccines, where genes may be prepared encoding the oligopeptides and used for expression of the oligopeptides or combinations of the oligopeptides or the gene transformed into the appropriate host, e.g., B. pertussis, for use as a vaccine to the intact organism.

Abstract: Certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus may be prevented or attenuated by in vivo treatment with a complement-fixing anti-Leu3 (CD4) antibody that is cytotoxic to Leu3 (CD4) phenotype T cells.