Abstract: A method for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of a type I (IFN) in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon is described. The in vivo presence of antibodies directed against a type I interferon (IFN) is evaluated in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon. The method includes incubating a blood sample of the individual in vitro with a suitable amount of the type I interferon for a suitable period of time, and determining mRNA levels of a biological marker of IFN activity, preferably MxA, in the blood sample. The treatment may involve a treatment of multiple sclerosis, HCV or HBV using a type I interferon.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for monitoring the course of the MS disease and to predict, diagnose or prognosticate whether a subject is in an active or non-active period of MS. The method is based on determining the ratio of the expression levels of two cytokines, measured before and after stimulation of the subject by an immunomodulator.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of a type I (IFN) in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon is described. The in vivo presence of antibodies directed against a type I interferon (IFN) is evaluated in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon. The method includes incubating a blood sample of the individual in vitro with a suitable amount of the type I interferon for a suitable period of time, and determining mRNA levels of a biological marker of IFN activity, preferably M×A, in the blood sample. The treatment may involve a treatment of multiple sclerosis, HCV or HBV using a type I interferon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: The invention provides prophylactic and therapeutic applications of select aminoalkyl glucosamine phosphate (AGP) compounds in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of dendritic cell/tumor cell hybrids which induce an anti-tumor response when applied to a patient. The present invention further relates to a method of producing a dendritic cell/tumor cell hybridoma which induces an anti-tumor response when applied to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for differentiation and maturation of isolated monocytes into IL3-R+CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells consisting of incubating the monocytes with a combination of a type I interferon and IL-3.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: The invention in particular relates to a method for the quantification of in vivo RNA from a biological sample comprising the steps of: collecting said biological sample in a tube comprising a compound inhibiting RNA degradation and/or gene induction; forming a precipate comprising nucleic acids; separating said precipate from the supernatant; dissolving said precipitate using a buffer, forming a suspension; isolating nucleic acids from said suspension using an automated device; dispersing/distributing a reagent mix for RT-PCR using an automated device; dispersing/distributing the isolated nucleic acids within the dispersed reagent mix using an automated device, and determining the in vivo levels of transcripts using the nucleic acid/RT-PCR reagent mix in an automated setup. The present invention also relates to the quantitatification of DNA from a biological sample. The present invention further elucidates a kit for isolating quantifiable nucleic acids from a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the differentiation and/or maturation of immature myeloid dendritic cells (DC) into HLA-DR, CD86, CD83 and IL12 (p40) dendritic cells comprising incubating said DC with dg T cells; and to a method for the differentiation and/or maturation of immature myeloid dendritic cells (DC) into HLA-DR, CD86, CD83 and IL12 (p70) dendritic cells comprising incubating said DC with activated dg T cells. Specific compositions and uses thereof are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiation and maturation of monocytes into IL3-R+ CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells comprising incubating said monocytes with a combination of IFN-b and IL-3, or functional analogues thereof. The present invention also relates to a composition for use as a medicament or a cell based product for clinical use comprising IL-3 and IFN-b, and/or, monocytes in combination with IL-3 and IFN-b, and/or, a population of IL3-R+ CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells, and/or, a population of antigen-presenting IL3-R+ CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells, and/or, a population of activated T cells obtainable using antigen-presenting IL3-R+ CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells. The present invention further elucidates the use of said composition for the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer, infections and autoimmune diseases and its use for the preparation of in vitro screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hybrids and hybridomas consisting of a fused tumor cell and a dendritic cell, which is capable of inducing an anti-tumor response in vivo when administered to a subject in need of anti-tumor treatment. A method of activating autologous immune cells in vitro is disclosed, wherein the method comprises co-cultivating a dendritic cell/tumor cell hybridoma or a plurality of dendritic cell/tumor cell hybrids with immune cells from a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of dendritic cell/tumor cell hybrids which induce an anti-tumor response when applied to a patient. The present invention further relates to a method of producing a dendritic cell/tumor cell hybridoma which induces an anti-tumor response when applied to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a plurality of dendritic-like cell/tumor cell hybrids which is capable of inducing an anti-tumor response.