Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed .alpha.F1 and .alpha.F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the .alpha. monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with .beta. chain variable regions V.beta.5.3 and V.beta.8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody .delta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) gene and its encoded protein. The invention also relates to CR1 nucleic acid sequences and fragments thereof comprising 70 nucleotides and their encoded peptides or proteins comprising 24 amino acids. The invention further provides for the expression of the CR1 protein and fragments thereof. The genes and proteins of the invention have uses in diagnosis and therapy of disorders involving complement activity, and various immune system or inflammatory disorders. In specific embodiments of the present invention detailed in the examples sections infra, the cloning, nucleotide sequence, and deduced amino acid sequence of a full-length CR1 cDNA and fragments thereof are described. The expression of the CR1 protein and fragments thereof is also described. Also described is the expression of a secreted CR1 molecule lacking a transmembrane region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified polypeptides comprising the .gamma. T cell antigen receptor (TCR) polypeptide, the .delta. TCR polypeptide, a .gamma., .delta. TCR complex, or a fragment thereof containing an epitope. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, and subsequences thereof. In specific embodiments, the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising variable, diversity, joining, or constant regions of the .delta. TCR gene sequence. The invention also relates to monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with an epitope of the gamma or delta TCR polypeptides. In specific embodiments, these antibodies are reactive with the delta constant region, the delta variable region, or gamma constant region. Such antibodies can be identified by detecting co-modulation of the CD3 antigen. In another embodiment, the invention relates to compositions comprising substantially purified cells which express both a .gamma., .delta. TCR and the CD4 antigen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectively inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activities, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified polypeptides which comprises at least a portion of a a .delta.T cell receptor polypeptide, a .gamma.T cell receptor polypeptide, a .gamma..delta.T cell receptor complex or a .gamma..delta.T cell receptor complex. Substances capable of forming complexes with these polypeptides are also provided.Additonally, methods for detecting T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention are provided. Moreover, methods for diagnosing immune system abnormalities are provided which comprise measuring in a sample from a subject the number of T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and determining the amount in a sample of an antigenic determinant from an antigen receptor derived and released from a T cell or NK cell. Methods are also provided for detecting and determining the amount in a sample of an antigenic determinant from a complex of at least a portion of an antigen receptor derived from and released from a T cell or NK cell and a protein complex. These methods form the bases for methods of diagnosing and monitoring in a subject a disease characterized by the presence or an amount different from a normal subject of one of these antigenic determinants in a body fluid. A soluble antigen receptor or complex thereof derived from a T cell or a NK cell but free of such T cell or NK cell is also provided.