Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells (“ABCs”). These cells express the CD11c cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and the use of the compositions for protection against pathogens comprising an isolated internal pathogenic protein, a TLR agonist and an aluminum salt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells (“ABCs”). These cells express the CDI Ic cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and the use of the compositions for protection against pathogens comprising an isolated internal pathogenic protein, a TLR agonist and an aluminum salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the activation of Bcl10 in a cell in response to a putative stimulus, as well as methods for evaluating or identifying a regulatory compound which regulates activation of Bcl10-mediated signal transduction. These methods utilize the discovery of the activation-dependent formation in a cell of Bcl10 aggregates in a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and method to treat or prevent antibody-induced anemia and particularly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The composition comprises a bisphosphonate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises clodronate and a liposome carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the activation of Bcl10 in a cell in response to a putative stimulus, as well as methods for evaluating or identifying a regulatory compound which regulates activation of Bcl10-mediated signal transduction. These methods utilize the discovery of the activation-dependent formation in a cell of Bcl10 aggregates in a cell.

Abstract: Described are three basic components: (1) methods for the display of functional MHC molecules with covalently attached antigenic peptides on the surface of baculovirus and baculovirus infected insect cells; (2) methods for the identification and physical isolation of baculovirus or baculovirus infected insect cells bearing a displayed MHC/peptide combination that is recognized by a particular T cell antigen receptor; and (3) methods for producing libraries of baculovirus or baculovirus infected insect cells displaying a particular MHC molecule and many different potential antigenic peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and method to treat or prevent antibody-induced anemia and particularly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The composition comprises a bisphosphonate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises clodronate and a liposome carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing a memory T cell response by administering to a patient a composition that increases the activity of IL-15 and that decreases the activity of IL-2. Also disclosed is a vaccine adjuvant useful for increasing memory T cell responses. A method for inhibiting undesirable immune responses, such as autoimmune responses, is also disclosed, as is a composition useful in such a method. The composition includes a compound that increases the activity of IL-2 and in one embodiment, further includes a compound that decreases the activity of IL-15.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and process for regulating the activity of T cells using major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) stably linked to antigenic peptides. Disclosed is an antigenic peptide covalently linked to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein by a novel linker, thereby enabling the formation of a stable peptide-MHC complex, alone or in combination with additional MHC protein chains, capable of being recognized by a T cell receptor (TCR). Also disclosed is a nucleic molecule having a sequence encoding a Peptide-L-MHC molecule comprising an antigenic peptide joined by a linker to an MHC segment. The invention is additionally directed to formulations comprising an antigenic peptide joined by a linker to an MHC segment anchored in a lipid-containing substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors which express chimeric T cell receptors are disclosed. These chimeric T cell receptors contain one human element, and the rest of the elements are all of the same, non-human animal species, such as a mouse. Of particular interest are chimeras where the human element is V.alpha. or V.beta.. The vectors are used to transfect cells which derive from the same non-human animal species as the non-human animal species of the chimera, and the resulting transfectants are used to produce monoclonal antibodies against the human element of the chimera.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method for determining levels of T-cell surface antigens in humans, specifically, V.beta. molecules. Measurement of such levels allows for diagnosis of pathological conditions, such as infections, where changes in these levels are indicative of a superantigen initiated pathological condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.