Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining whether a subject is suffering from a rheumatoid arthritis associated with the BRAF oncogene comprising contacting isolated fibroblasts from the subject with a molecule or pool of molecules directed to the BRAF oncogene; and culturing the sample in the presence of the agent and determining whether BRAF oncogene expression by the cell is decreased and/or whether cells in the sample return to a less transformed phenotype, exhibit decreased cell proliferation and/or exhibit increased contact inhibition, any of which is indicative that the subject is suffering from a rheumatoid arthritis associated with the BRAF oncogene.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptide conjugates having improved solubility as well as increased secretion during cell based production, as well as methods of utilizing such peptides. The peptide conjugates include a short peptide domain defined by the amino acid sequence AGIH (SEQ ID NO: 8) and may include a biologically active molecule useful in intracellular and intranuclear transport of the biologically active molecule to treat various disorders and diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing growth arrest or apoptosis in cancer cells in a subject. Further provided are methods of inhibiting or treating metastasis of a cancer cell in a subject. The methods involve administering to the subject an antibody conjugate containing an antibody, variant thereof, or functional fragment thereof having binding specificity of the antibody as produced by the hybridoma having ATCC accession number PTA 2439 and a biologically active molecule. The antibody (e.g., mAb 3E10) variant or functional fragment thereof provides for the in vivo transduction of the conjugate to the nucleus of mammalian cells, where the conjugated biologically active molecule may exert its effect. In particular embodiments, the antibody conjugate comprises a single chain Fv fragment of an antibody having the binding specificity of mAb 3E10 produced by ATCC PTA 2439, conjugated to p53.

Abstract: Provided herein are conjugate molecules containing a substrate for a nucleoside transport pathway linked to an active agent, wherein the conjugate can be transported into a cell or into the nucleus of a cell via a cellular nucleoside transport pathway. Further provided are methods of delivering a conjugate molecule to a target cell expressing a nucleoside transport pathway, wherein the conjugate contains a substrate for the nucleoside transport pathway linked to an active agent. Also provided are methods for screening for conjugates that are transported by nucleoside transport pathways. Further provided are methods of treating a patient having a disease or disorder affecting tissues expressing nucleoside transport pathways, in which a conjugate containing an agent effective in treating the disorder is administered to the patient. Also provided are methods of treating a patient having an autoimmune disorder involving administering to the patient a compound that inhibits a nucleoside transport pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss in a patient by orally administering a human immunoglobulin preparation to the patient.

Abstract: Human monoclonal IgG RF is provided in stable supply from immortalized cells. The IgG RF can be used for diagnosis and study of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, anti-idiotype antibodies can be provided for use in diagnosis and therapy.The cell line hRF-1 was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on January 16, 1991 and given accession No. ATCC 10645.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for detecting lupus nephritis in patients suffering from SLE. Competitive or non-competitive assays may be employed, where monoconal antibodies may be used to compete with antiserum for a nucleic acid ligand or may be used for the detection of antiidiotype antibodies as diagnostic of the presence or absence of lupus nephritis.