Abstract: The present invention provides methods for boosting mucosal immunity in the female reproductive tract of pre- and post-menopausal women using a TGF-beta inhibitor, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, and/or a recombinant commensal bacterium that expresses endogenous microbicides into the intestinal tract or reproductive tract of a subject. It also provides methods for boosting innate and adaptive immunity by providing a glucocorticoid. Methods for preventing sexually transmitted infections including HIV infection are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the inflammatory biomarkers molecule CD 163 in biological samples are provided. Also provided are methods for monitoring the course of an inflammatory process or condition in a patient and compositions and methods for preventing and treating inflammation and inflammatory processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of stimulating in a subject an immune response to an antigen to which the immune response is targeted. This method includes the step of administering to the subject a binding agent which binds a surface receptor of an antigen-presenting cell, in some instances without being blocked substantially by the natural ligand for the surface receptor, and an antigen to which the immune response is targeted, in a physiologically acceptable medium to the subject. Also disclosed are molecular complexes including the binding agent coupled to an antigen.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the inflammatory biomarkers molecule CD 163 in biological samples are provided. Also provided are methods for monitoring the course of an inflammatory process or condition in a patient and compositions and methods for preventing and treating inflammation and inflammatory processes.

Abstract: Recombinant Fel dI cat allergens expressed in baculovirus for diagnosis and treatment of allergy to cats in humans are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of stimulating in a subject an immune response to an antigen to which the immune response is targeted. This method includes the step of administering to the subject a binding agent which binds a surface receptor of an antigen-presenting cell, in some instances without being blocked substantially by the natural ligand for the surface receptor, and an antigen to which the immune response is targeted, in a physiologically acceptable medium to the subject. Also disclosed are molecular complexes including the binding agent coupled to an antigen.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the inflammatory biomarker molecule CD163 in biological samples are provided. Also provided are methods for monitoring the course of an inflammatory process or condition in a patient and compositions and methods for preventing and treating inflammation and inflammatory processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of stimulating in a subject an immune response to an antigen to which the immune response is targeted. This method includes the step of administering to the subject a binding agent which binds a surface receptor of an antigen-presenting cell, in some instances without being blocked substantially by the natural ligand for the surface receptor, and an antigen to which the immune response is targeted, in a physiologically acceptable medium to the subject. Also disclosed are molecular complexes including the binding agent coupled to an antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of stimulating in a subject an immune response to an antigen to which the immune response is targeted. This method includes the step of administering to the subject a binding agent which binds a surface receptor of an antigen-presenting cell, in some instances without being blocked substantially by the natural ligand for the surface receptor, and an antigen to which the immune response is targeted, in a physiologically acceptable medium to the subject. Also disclosed are molecular complexes including the binding agent coupled to an antigen.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which react specifically to Fc receptor of human effector cells are disclosed. Binding of the antibodies to the receptor is not blocked by human immunoglobulin G. The antibodies are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against a target cell (e.g. a cancer cell, an infectious agent, etc.) For this purpose, bifunctional antibodies or heteroantibodies can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc receptor antibody and the binding region of a target-specific antibody. Targeted effector cells can be used to kill target cells by cell mediated antibody dependent cytolysis.

Abstract: Bispecific molecules which react both with the high-affinity Fc.gamma. receptor of human effector cells and with a target cell surface antigen are disclosed. Binding of the molecules to the Fc receptors found on effector cells is not blocked by human immunoglobulin G. The molecules are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against cells bearing the target antigen. For this purpose, bispecific molecules can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc.gamma. receptor antibody and the binding region derived from an antibody specific for the target antigen. Targeted effector cells can be used to destroy cells bearing the target cell surface antigen by cell-mediated antibody dependent cytolysis and by complement-fixation.

Abstract: Bispecific molecules which react both with the high-affinity Fc.gamma. receptor (Fc.gamma.RI) of effector cells and with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or component thereof are disclosed. Binding of these bispecific molecules to the Fc.gamma.RI is not blocked by the binding of the Fc region of IgG to that same receptor, as the bispecific molecules are specific for an epitope on the Fc.gamma.RI distinct from the Fc binding epitope. The bispecific molecules are useful for targeting human effector cells to a target on HIV. Also disclosed are methods of treating HIV infection using these bispecific molecules.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which react specifically to Fc receptor of human effector cells IgG are disclosed. Binding of the antibodies to the receptor is not blocked by human immunoglobulin G. The antibodies are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against a target cell (e.g. a cancer cell, an infectious agent, etc.) For this purpose, bifunctional antibodies or heteroantibodies can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc receptor antibody and the binding region of a target-specific antibody. Targeted effector cells can be used to kill target cells by cell mediated antibody dependent cytolysis.

Abstract: A new cellular protein produced by activated monocytes/neutrophils and mononuclear cells, and involved in the binding of lipocortin-1 has been discovered. Methods for isolating and purifying this substantially pure lipocortin-1 receptor protein are disclosed herein as well as techniques for cloning and expressing the protein and related materials. Techniques for raising monoclonal antibodies to this protein, and diagnostic and therapeutic uses for this protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A 155 kDa phagocyte-specific antigen which is expressed on human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages and peritoneal macrophages, but is not expressed on human granulocytes, lymphocytes and platelets is described.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for the high affinity (72 K.D.) F.sub.c receptor on human monocytes are diclosed. The monoclonal antibodies do not block normal IgG binding to the receptor.