Abstract: The present invention provides oligopeptidic compounds comprising a first oligopeptidic component derived from SLAMF1 and a second oligopeptidic component which is a cell-penetrating peptide. The oligopeptidic compounds provided have been found unexpectedly to block signalling from TLR4, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 in response to stimulus by their ligands, and also to display an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells. The oligopeptidic compounds provided may be used in therapy for conditions associated with overactive immune responses, such as sepsis, and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric anti-CD14 antibodies and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of chimieric anti-CD 14 antibodies in research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. In one embodiment, the anti-CD14 antibody has a variable light chain of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a variable heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 2 (isolated from the hybridoma clone 18D11). In another embodiment, the anti-CD14 antibody has a variable light chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a variable heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 4 (isolated from the hybridoma clone Mil2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody capable of binding to human TLR2 and which (i) binds only to CD14+ cells in a normal human mononuclear cell population, and not to CD14? cells; (ii) does not inhibit LPS-induced activation of normal human mononuclear cells, and to the uses thereof, for example in the treatment of bacterial infections which are mediated via the TLR2 receptor, especially bacterial sepsis. In a particular embodiment of this aspects, a utility in the treatment of Listeria infections is proposed. The antibodies also have a utility as a general research tool, for example in screening for TLR2 expression, and in the study of TLR2 function. A further aspect of the invention provides use of an agent capable of inhibiting TLR2 activation in the preparation of a composition for the treatment of Listeria infections.

Abstract: The cytokine stimulating effects of immune- stimulating polysaccharides and bacterial nucleic acids, and of lower molecular weight fragments thereof, is potentiated by coupling the immune-stimulating bioactive substance to the surface of a substrate, which is preferably in particulate form.

Abstract: Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is useful to neutralize non-lipopolysaccharide compounds capable of stimulating TNF production and has application in vitro and in vivo for therapeutics and prophylactic treatment. This use of BPI can be combined with the administration of materials, such as an enzyme, microorganism, living cells or cell fractions, encapsulated in alginate gels.

Abstract: Cells such as mammalian or genetically modified cells are encapsulated in high-G alginate that provokes reduced immune response during transplantation or implantation. The alginate contains greater than 50% .alpha.-L-guluronic acid and a minimal amount of mannuronic acid. The amount of .alpha.-L-guluronic acid is preferably at least 65% and more preferably at least 85%. Encapsulation is carried out by suspending cells in a solution of the high-G alginate, forming drops of the solution and contacting the drops with calcium ions to gel the alginate and form microcapsules containing the cells. The microcapsules may contain multiple layers with the high-G alginate preferably forming the outermost layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material and method for the stimulation of the production of cytokines. Several polysaccharides, including polymers of different size of .sym.1-4 linked D-mannuronic acid (poly-M and M-blocks), chitosan and cellulose oxidized in C-6 position C60XY) induce human monocytes to produce the cytokines. Preferably, the molecular weights of poly-M and chitosan are above 50,000 and 20,000 respectively. Pretreatment of the monocytes with IFN-.gamma. increases the cytokine production from monocytes stimulated with all polysaccharides tested. The subject polysaccharides worked in vivo and in vitro.The present invention has therapeutic utility as vaccine adjuvants and components. Therapeutic compositions comprising biologically active quantities of the compositions of the present invention may be employed to potentiate antibody production in response to vaccine antigens. Anti-tumor, anti-bacteriological, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects may be expected.

Abstract: A family of compounds effective in inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) production, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, and the production of other leukocyte derived cytokines is comprised of oligomers and polymers of .alpha.1-4 linked L-guluronic acid residues which may be administered to a human or mammal in an amount sufficient to inhibit the production effect of leukocyte-derived cytokines. The inhibition of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF, and other cytokines in mammals is implicated in alleviation of a wide variety of disease conditions.