Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method for ex-vivo purging of cells in autologous transplantation, wherein the sample of taken cells is treated with a sufficient amount of a multimeric form of the soluble portion of FasL to kill malignant cells without substantially affecting viability of cells to be transplanted. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) following high-dose chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy has become the standard therapy for the majority of patients with large-cell lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and refractory/recidivating Hodgkin's disease. Such therapy is nowadays also contemplated for selected patients with low-grade lymphomas (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma) and for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments for cell purging include chemotherapy and antibody cocktails. These treatments are often toxic on stem cells and not efficient in eliminating cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method for ex-vivo purging of cells in autologous transplantation, wherein the sample of taken cells is treated with a sufficient amount of a multimeric form of the soluble portion of FasL to kill malignant cells without substantially affecting viability of cells to be transplanted. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) following high-dose chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy has become the standard therapy for the majority of patients with large-cell lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and refractory/recidivating Hodgkin's disease. Such therapy is nowadays also contemplated for selected patients with low-grade lymphomas (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma) and for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments for cell purging include chemotherapy and antibody cocktails. These treatments are often toxic on stem cells and not efficient in eliminating cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to prevent or reduce adverse effects on liver of a patient treated with a Fas-mediated apoptosis-inducing agent, the method comprising the administration of a product preventing TNF receptors-mediated apoptosis of the liver cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides derived from the superantigen (SAg) ENV protein of the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K18, and to the use of the peptides in obtaining antibodies which inhibit the superantigen activity of HERV-K18 ENV. The invention also relates to vaccine compositions for treating and preventing disorders associated with the ENV gene product of HERV-K18, for example autoimmune diseases such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A preferred peptide consists of a portion of an N- or C-terminal segment of the HERV-K18.1 ENV protein, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, said N-terminal segment extending from amino acids 22 to 62 of HERV-K18.1 ENV, and said C-terminal segment extending from amino acids 110 to 153 of HERV-K18.1 ENV, wherein the peptide has a length of 6 to 40 amino acids and is capable of giving rise to antibodies which inhibit superantigen activity associated with HERV-K18 envelope proteins.

Abstract: A cathode assembly for use in a Hall-Heroult electrolytic cell, the assembly including a cathode block which receives two primary cathode collector bars and one secondary cathode collector bar disposed therebetween. The primary collector bars each have an electrical interface with the cathode block which is sized to be equal to or greater than an electrical interface between the secondary collector bar and the cathode block. The primary collector bars are electrically connected to the cathode block only along an interior portion of the cathode block and the secondary collector bar is fully connected to the cathode block. This arrangement improves current distribution through the cathode assembly by minimizing the amount of current passing through the ends of the cathode block.