Abstract: A method in which a temperature gradient is generated across a “gradient” block, and an apparatus comprising a block across which a temperature gradient can be generated. By setting up such a gradient, multiple reaction mixtures held in wells on the gradient block can be simultaneously run at temperatures which differ only slightly, thereby permitting an optimum temperature for the reaction to be quickly identified. In a preferred embodiment the gradient block is integrated into a thermal cycler used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for altering a B cell mediated pathology in a patient. This method comprises administering a composition comprising at least one and/or two chimeric proteins. Each chimeric protein comprises at least a portion of either the VH or VL region of a immunoglobulin molecule from particular B cells from a patient having a B cell mediated pathology, and an immunoglobulin constant region. The genes encoding VH and/or VL regions and the genes encoding immunoglobulin constant regions are isolated and inserted into an expression vector. The chimeric proteins are produced by introducing the expression vectors into insect cell lines. The chimeric proteins are purified using antibody affinity columns, and then chemically conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for altering a B cell mediated pathology in a patient. This method comprises administering a composition comprising at least one and/or two chimeric proteins. Each chimeric protein comprises at least a portion of either the VH or VL region of a immunoglobulin molecule from particular B cells from a patient having a B cell mediated pathology, and an immunoglobulin constant region. The genes encoding VH and/or VL regions and the genes encoding immunoglobulin constant regions are isolated and inserted into an expression vector. The chimeric proteins are produced by introducing the expression vectors into insect cell lines. The chimeric proteins are purified using antibody affinity columns, and then chemically conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH).