Abstract: The present invention concerns treatment of autoimmune diseases with the combination of an immunoregulatory antibody, e.g. an anti-B7.1 or anti-B7.2 or anti-CD40L antibody and at least one B cell depleting antibody, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, or CD37, wherein such antibodies may be administered separately, or in combination, and in either order, over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signaling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract: The present invention concerns treatment of autoimmune diseases with the combination of an immunoregulatory antibody, e.g. an anti-B7.1 or anti-B7.2 or anti-CD40L antibody and at least one B cell depleting antibody, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, or CD37, wherein such antibodies may be administered separately, or in combination, and in either order, over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases; and an immunosuppressant during transplantation of heterologous cells, tissues or organs, cell therapy, and gene therapy.

Abstract: The specification provides methods of preparing high-affinity antibodies to a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in animals in which the MIF gene has been homozygously knocked-out (MIF?/?). Also provided are methods of preparing hybridomas which produce the anti-MIF antibodies, methods of administering the antibodies to treat inflammatory or cancerous conditions and/or diseases modulated by MIF, as well as compositions comprising said high-affinity anti-MIF antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases; and an immunosuppressant during transplantation of heterologous cells, tissues or organs, cell therapy, and gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synergistic composition and methods for treating neoplastic or cancerous growths as well as for treating such patients in order to restore or boost hematopoiesis. The present invention comprises administration of the combination of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte inducing composition and at least one agent which is capable of neutralizing or down regulating the activity of tumor secreted immunosuppressive factors, separately or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synergistic composition and methods for treating neoplastic or cancerous growths as well as for treating such patients in order to restore or boost hematopoiesis. The present invention comprises administration of the combination of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte inducing composition and at least one agent which is capable of neutralizing or down regulating the activity of tumor secreted immunosuppressive factors, separately or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signaling. These antibodies or B7.1-binding fragments thereof, may be used for the treatment or prevention of resistance to or rejection of transplanted organs or tissues and/or graft-versus-host diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic treatment protocols designed for the treatment of B cell lymphoma. These protocols are based upon therapeutic strategies which include the use of administration of immunologically active mouse/human chim eric anti-CD20 antibodies, radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibodies, and cooperative strategies comprising the use of chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies and radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses combined therapies for treating hematologic malignancies, including B cell lymphomas and leukemias or solid non-hematologic tumors, comprising administration of anti-cytokine antibodies or antagonists to inhibit the activity of cytokines which play a role in perpetuating the activation of B cells. The administration of such antibodies and antagonists, particularly anti-IL10 antibodies and antagonists, is particularly useful for avoiding or decreasing the resistance of hematologic malignant cells or solid tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents and anti-CD20 or anti-CD22 antibodies. The invention also provides combination therapies for solid tumors having B cell involvement comprising the administration of an anti-cytokine antibody and a B cell depleting antibody such as RITUXAN®.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of biologically active antibody dimers in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition. The dimers can be composed of two antibody molecules having the same antigen binding specificity and linked through a reducible, disulfide, or a non-reducible thioether, bond (homodimer). Alternatively, the dimers can be composed of two different antibody molecules having binding specificity for two distinct antigens (heterodimer). These dimers are useful for inducing hyper-cross-linking of membrane antigens. The present invention further relates to the use of biologically active antibody dimers for the preferential killing or inhibition of selected cell populations in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of macaque antibodies to human B7.1 and B7.2 by screening of phage display libraries or monkey heterohybridomas obtained using B lymphocytes from B7.1 and/or B7.2 immunized monkeys. More specifically, the invention provides four monkey monoclonal antibodies 7B6, 16C10, 7C10 and 20C9 which inhibit the B7:CD28 pathway and thereby function as effective immunosuppressants. The invention further provides the complete DNA and amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chain of three primatized antibodies derived from those monkey monoclonal antibodies which bind B7.1 and possibly B7.2, primatized 7C10, primatized 7B6 and primatized 16C10. These primatized and monkey antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: A combination antibody therapy for treating B cell malignancies using an immunoregulatory antibody, especially an anti-B7, anti-CD23, or anti-CD40L antibody and a B cell depleting antibody, especially anti-CD19, anti-CD20, anti-CD22 or anti-CD37 antibody is provided. Preferably, the combination therapy will comprise anti-B7 and anti-CD20 antibody administration.