Abstract: Provided are compositions and assay kits comprising functionalized nanocrystals having extending therefrom a plurality of polynucleotide strands of known sequence; wherein primary dots are used to operably link to a molecular probe, and secondary dots comprise a plurality of polynucleotide strands which are complementary to the plurality of polynucleotide strands of the primary dots. Also provided is a method for detecting the presence or absence of target molecule in a sample comprising operably linking primary dots to molecular probe, contacting the complex formed with the sample, contacting the sample with successive additions of secondary dots and primary dots. If target molecule is present in the sample, the primary dots and secondary dots will form dendrimers that can be detected by fluorescence emission.

Abstract: A method for screening an individual for a pathological condition comprising a pro-tumor immune response by assaying a clinical sample, obtained from the individual, with a plurality of affinity ligands for detecting and determining an amount of mononuclear cell phenotype. The amount of mononuclear cell phenotype determined in the clinical sample is then compared to a reference value for the mononuclear cell phenotype, wherein a difference in the amount of mononuclear cell phenotype determined from the clinical sample as compared to the reference value comprises an indicator of the presence of a pro-tumor immune response.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing a pro-multiple sclerosis immune response by administering to an individual a composition comprising an affinity ligand which binds to B cell determinant, and which is administered in an amount effective to reduce B cells.