Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of specific synthetic sensor molecules for the discrimination of proteins and protein domains involved in autoimmunity. More specifically, in one embodiment, the invention relates to the detection of antibodies which bind to specific domains of the Ro52 protein. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the use of specific synthetic sensor molecules to identify domains of the Ro52 protein with different antibody specificities. The invention also includes a method for assessing the risk that a fetus will develop congenital heart block. The invention enables the evaluation and differential diagnosis of a range of autoimmune disorders, allowing appropriate treatment or more generally medical intervention decisions to be made.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating an inflammatory skin condition in a subject. The methods comprise administering to a subject an HMGB antagonist, such as a high mobility group box (HMGB) A box or a biologically active fragment thereof, an antibody to HMGB or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, an HMGB small molecule antagonist, an antibody to TLR2 or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, a soluble TLR2 polypeptide, an antibody to RAGE or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, a soluble RAGE polypeptide and a RAGE small molecule antagonist.