Abstract: Compositions comprising CD80 antagonists and methods using these compositions are provided for the treatment of Hodgkins lymphoma. More particularly, the disclosed CD80 antagonists may be used to induce apoptosis or lysis of Hodgkins Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells, or to inhibit HRS cell activities that promote tumor development or progression.

Abstract: The instant invention is based, at least in part on the finding that binding molecules which bind to different epitopes within IGF-1R result in improved IGF-1 and/or IGF-2 blocking capabilities when compared to binding molecules that bind to a single IGF-1R epitope. The instant invention provides compositions that bind to multiple epitopes of IGF-1R, for example, combinations of monospecific binding molecules or multispecific binding molecules (e.g., bispecific molecules). Methods of making the subject binding molecules and methods of using the binding molecules of the invention to antagonize IGF-1R signaling are also provided.

Abstract: The cellular response to osmotic stress ensures that the concentration of water inside the cell is maintained within a range that is compatible with biologic function. Single cell organisms are particularly dependent on mechanisms that permit adaptation to osmotic stress because each individual cell is directly exposed to the external environment. Mammals, however, limit osmotic stress by establishing an internal aqueous environment in which intravascular water and electrolytes are subject to sensitive and dynamic, organism-based homeostatic regulation. NFAT5/TonEBP is an essential mammalian osmoregulatory transcription factor, and this invention demonstrates the unexpected yet critical significance of cell-based osmotic regulation in vivo. The invention highlights the fundamental importance of maintaining intracellular water homeostasis in the face of varying cellular metabolic activity and distinct tissue microenvironments.

Abstract: Dimerization and oligomerization of proteins are general biological control mechanisms that contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins. In principle, any two target proteins can be induced to associate by treating the cells or organisms that harbor them with cell permeable, synthetic ligands.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for modified cells, where a chimeric protein consisting of a ligand binding domain fused to an action domain is employed which initiates a signal which activates a biological process: transcription of at least one gene, usually a second construct introduced into the host cells; exocytosis; or an extracellular process. The second construct optimally present provides for a promoter which responds to a transcriptional activation action domain to provide for transcription, when an appropriate ligand binds to the ligand binding domain. Exemplary of the system is the use of an FKBP/CD3.zeta. or transcription factor fusion protein, using dimeric FK506 or FK520 as the ligand and a promoter responsive to NF-AT or other transcription factor requiring two molecules for transcriptional activation.