Abstract: Single chain, multimerized, and/or glycosylated NKG2D decoys are described. The NKG2D decoys have high affinity and avidity for surface bound and soluble NKG2D ligands and can be used to (i) identify NKG2D ligands; (ii) treat cancer, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and inflammatory conditions; and (iii) potentiate an immune response against a vaccine as well as many other potential uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer.

Abstract: Single chain, multimerized, and/or glycosylated NKG2D decoys are described. The NKG2D decoys have high affinity and avidity for surface bound and soluble NKG2D ligands and can be used to (i) identify NKG2D ligands; (ii) treat cancer, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and inflammatory conditions; and (iii) potentiate an immune response against a vaccine as well as many other potential uses.

Abstract: Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides prognostic and diagnostic methods for cancer, as well as methods for monitoring or staging cancer. Methods involve assaying for tumor-derived soluble MIC polypeptide—either MICA or MICB or both—in a sample from a subject. Assays can be implemented with a MIC polypeptide binding agent such as a MIC polypeptide antibody or recombinantNKG2D. An ELISA sandwich assay is employed in some embodiments of the invention to identify a soluble MIC polypeptide. In additional embodiments, a sample is assayed for tumor cell-surface bound MIC in addition to assaying for soluble MIC. The invention also provides methods of cancer therapy involving detecting cancer in the subject by assaying for soluble MIC polypeptide and then administering a cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides prognostic and diagnostic methods for cancer, as well as methods for monitoring or staging cancer. Methods involve assaying for tumor-derived soluble MIC polypeptide—either MICA or MICB or both—in a sample from a subject. Assays can be implemented with a MIC polypeptide binding agent such as a MIC polypeptide antibody or recombinant NKG2D. An ELISA sandwich assay is employed in some embodiments of the invention to identify a soluble MIC polypeptide. In additional embodiments, a sample is assayed for tumor cell-surface bound MIC in addition to assaying for soluble MIC. The invention also provides methods of cancer therapy involving detecting cancer in the subject by assaying for soluble MIC polypeptide and then administering a cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune diseases and cancers having an immune-deficient aspect involving NKG2D-positive CD4+ cells. In addition, the invention provides screening methods that assess the ability of compositions to modulate the negative immunomodulatory effects of NKG2D-positive CD4+ cells. Also provided is a new target for inhibition of signaling by soluble MIC ligand, namely, the ERP-5 disulphide isomerase that interacts with MICA/MICB on the surface of tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for stimulating a cell expressing an NKG2D receptor, including artificially engineered cell populations. Provided, in accordance with the invention, are monoclonal antibodies that bind to NKG2D extracellular domains and facilitate the interaction of other NKG2D domains with DAP10. Of particular interest are treating cancers and viral infections, and the stimulation, both in vivo and ex vivo, of cytokine secretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides prognostic and diagnostic methods for cancer, as well as methods for monitoring or staging cancer. Methods involve assaying for tumor-derived soluble MIC polypeptide—either MICA or MICB or both—in a sample from a subject. Assays can be implemented with a MIC polypeptide binding agent such as a MIC polypeptide antibody or recombinant NKG2D. An ELISA sandwich assay is employed in some embodiments of the invention to identify a soluble MIC polypeptide. In additional embodiments, a sample is assayed for tumor cell-surface bound MIC in addition to assaying for soluble MIC. The invention also provides methods of cancer therapy involving detecting cancer in the subject by assaying for soluble MIC polypeptide and then administering a cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and methods of producing antibodies for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies that specifically bind to NKG2D receptors present on the surface of cells underlying the disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for stimulating a cell expressing an NKG2D receptor, including artificially engineered cell populations. Provided, in accordance with the invention. are monoclonal antibodies that bind to NKG2D extracellular domains and facilitate the interaction of other NKG2D domains with DAP10. Of particular interest are treating cancers and viral infections, and the stimulation, both in vivo and ex vivo, of cytokine secretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods by which the use of certain MHC-related molecules can be exploited in understanding and regulating the immune response. More particularly, the present invention describes the use of molecules expressed by certain cell types as markers, reagents and targets in the diagnosis and treatment of certain disease states including GVHD, cancer and the like.