Abstract: The present invention provides human anti-IL-6 antibodies with extended in vivo half-life. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions, therapeutic compositions, and methods using therapeutic antibodies that bind to IL-6 and that has an extended in vivo half-life for the treatment and prevention of IL-6 mediated diseases and disorders, such as, but not limited to, inflammatory diseases and disorders, autoimmune diseases and disorders and tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions designed for the treatment, management, or prevention of a non-neoplastic hyperproliferative cell or excessive cell accumulation disorders, particularly those involving hyperproliferation of epithelial or endothelial cells. In one embodiment, the methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of one or more EphA2 agonistic agents that bind to EphA2 and increase EphA2 cytoplasmic tail phosphorylation and/or increase EphA2 autophosphorylation, in cells which EphA2 has been agonized. In another embodiment, the methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of one or more EphA2 agonistic agents that bind to EphA2 and reduce EphA2 activity (other than autophosphorylation). In another embodiment, the methods of the invention comprise administration of an effective amount of one or more EphA2 agonistic agents that bind to EphA2 and decrease a pathology-causing cell phenotype (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding PMN29 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel PMN29 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Assays for N-sulfotransferase activity of glucosaminyl N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferases (NDSTs) include transferring a radiolabeled sulfate from a sulfate donor to a polysaccharide acceptor in the presence of an NDST enzyme to form a radiolabeled sulfated polysaccharide, the radiolabeled sulfated polysaccharide which when bound to a potentially scintillating particulate within an activating distance emits a detectable signal indicative of N-sulfotransferase activity. The assay provides high throughput assays for screening inhibitors that block N-sulfotransferase activity of an NDST. Specific compounds that inhibit N-sulfotransferase activity of an NDST and therapeutic uses of these compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated novel cDNA sequences encoding a human C-type lectin and three homologues are provided. They are referred to herein as “CLAX” (C-type Lectin, Activation Expressed) proteins. The invention also includes methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein, fusion proteins having all or a portion (e.g., an extracellular region) of the CLAX proteins, antibodies specific for the novel CLAXs, ligands and inhibitors for the novel CLAXs. The genes of CLAX are specifically expressed in lymphoid tissues and activated T lymphocytes but not resting T lymphocytes. The invention concerns the utility in pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to anthracycline conjugates comprising at least one anthracycline molecule linked to a molecule that is reactive with a cell population to be eliminated such as antibody, bombesin, EGF and transferrin. Each anthracycline molecule, having a keto group at the C-13 position, is conjugated to the antibody via a linker arm and is bound to that linker arm via an acid-sensitive acylhydrazone bond at the 13-keto position of the anthracycline. The linker additionally contains a disulfide or thioether linkage as part of the antibody or ligand attachment to the immunoconjugate. The novel anthracycline acylhydrazone derivatives are useful in the preparation of the conjugates of this invention. The acid-sensitive hydrazone bond of the conjugates of this invention allows the release of free anthracycline from the conjugates in the acidic external or internal environment of the target cell.