Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating immune complex associated diseases (ICAD), such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis-C related immune complex disease (e.g., cryoglobulinemia) in a subject having an ICAD or at risk for developing ICAD. The invention is based upon the surprising finding that chromatin-containing immune complexes activate autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells by a dual receptor engagement process which, in both cell types, involves a Toll-like receptor (TLR).

Abstract: The invention relates to a monoclonal antibody directed against the human LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) receptor, in which the variable region of each of the light chains is coded by the murine nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 5, the variable region of each of the heavy chains is coded by the murine nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 7, or by nucleic acid sequences having a sufficient homology with the sequences SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 7 so that the nature and the affinity of the bond between the antibody and its antigene are not modified, while the constant regions of the light chains and the heavy chains thereof are constant regions from a non-murine species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecules, preferably soluble (i.e., not membrane bound) polypeptides, most preferably soluble fusion polypeptides comprising the extracellular soluble regions of Fc?RIIB, derivatives and analogs thereof, and nucleic acids encoding same. Molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment, management, or prevention of, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of, an autoimmune disease, especially for ameliorating serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of standard, current or experimental therapies for an autoimmune disease by administering a molecule of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel DNA and amino acid sequences of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against lymphoblastoid cells and peptides to which the mAbs bind to. The invention also concerns diagnostic assays using said antibodies or peptides for detecting individuals with a high probability of having a malignant disease and, at times, for detecting an individual having a specific malignant disease. The invention further concerns pharmaceutical compositions comprising the mAbs or peptides of the invention for use in the treatment of various malignant diseases as well as methods for the treatment of malignant diseases using the mAbs or peptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated and purified polynucleotides and polypeptides related to a novel ligand for glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (GITR). The invention also provides antibodies to the GITR ligand (GITRL). The present invention also is directed to novel methods for diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring the progress of, and treating disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system (e.g., autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and transplant rejection, and cancers and infectious diseases) using GITRL and/or modulators of GITRL. The present invention is further directed to novel therapeutics and therapeutic targets and to methods of screening and assessing test compounds for the intervention (treatment) and prevention of said disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system, as related to GITRL and GITR.

Abstract: Molecules that interact with the NKT cell antigen receptor and its counterpart antigen presenting molecule, but which inhibit the NKT cell immune function, are administered to a patient. Conditions of particular interest include the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, atherosclerosis, and allergic disease. In some embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent is an anergizing glycolipid, for example ?-galactosylceramide. Pharmaceutical formulations of such glycolipids are provided, and find use in the treatment of diseases involving undesirable NKT cell activation.

Abstract: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) may be treated with antibodies directed against the CD20 antigen.

Abstract: The present application concerns concentrated protein formulations with reduced viscosity, which are particularly suitable for subcutaneous administration. The application further concerns a method for reducing the viscosity of concentrated protein formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders or deficiencies of the immune system. The methods of the invention comprise administering a CD40 binding protein that potentiates the binding of CD40 to CD40 ligand.

Abstract: Antibodies to heavy chain of human FcRn are provided which function as non-competitive inhibitors of IgG binding to FcRn. The antibodies may be polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric or humanized, or antigen binding fragments thereof. These antibodies are useful for reducing the concentration of pathogenic IgGs in individuals and therefore used as a therapeutic tool in autoimmune and alloimmune conditions.

Abstract: The present application describes antibodies that selectively bind human Fc?RIIB, with little or no binding to other human Fc?Rs, e.g., human Fc?RIIA. The invention also provides isolated bispecific antibodies comprising an antibody that selectively binds Fc?RIIB, and a second antibody that specifically binds an activating receptor. Various uses, including therapeutic uses, for those antibodies are also described, including administration with anti-tumor antibodies and methods of inhibiting immune responses and suppressing histamine release.

Abstract: A method for improving clinical outcome in focal ischemic stroke in a mammal by increasing cerebral blood flow and/or reducing infarct size is described which involves administering an effective amount of an anti-CD18 antibody to the mammal, in the absence of removal of the arterial obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide, such as an antibody, capable of binding to CD4 and use thereof for the mediation of radiation treatment of a clinical condition. The radiation treatment may for instance by treatment with PUVA.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind with a B-cell antigen provide an effective means to treat autoimmune disorders. Antibodies and fragments, which may be conjugated or naked, are used alone or in multimodal therapies. The antibodies may be bispecific antibodies which may be produced recombinantly as fusion proteins, or as hybrid, polyspecific antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods to inhibit gene expression. In particular, the invention provides co-therapies comprising oligonucleotides plus other therapies to treat cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological and medical application of an anti-CD160 monoclonal antibody (CL1-R2 CNCM I-3204) an of the conservative equivalents thereof.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a diabody-type bispecific antibody, which is characterized by having low immunogenicity and high infiltrating activity into tumor tissues, and by being easily mass-produced at a low cost with use of microorganisms, and by being easily altered in function by means of genetic engineering. The diabody-type bispecific antibody shows a more remarkable effect than the conventional diabody-type bispecific antibodies and chemically synthesized bispecific antibodies even in a very low concentration and in the absence of the super antigen.

Abstract: Stable liquid pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antagonist anti-CD40 antibody as a therapeutically or prophylactically active component and methods useful in their preparation are provided. These compositions comprise the antagonist anti-CD40 antibody, a buffering agent to maintain the pH of the composition between about pH 5.0 and about pH 7.0, and an amount of arginine-HCl sufficient to render the liquid composition near isotonic. The stable liquid antagonist anti-CD40 antibody-containing pharmaceutical compositions of the invention find use in methods for treating proliferative diseases and diseases having an autoimmune and/or inflammatory component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis and identification of genes that are modulated in transplant rejection. This alteration of gene expression provides a molecular signature to accurately detect transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F polypeptide molecules. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. IL-17RC is a common receptor for IL-17A and IL-17F. The present invention includes methods of using a soluble IL-17RC receptor, IL-17RCx4 for treating inflammation.

Abstract: Antagonists of ?4 integrin/?4 integrin ligand adhesion, which inhibit the biological effects of such adhesion are described and methods for their use are detailed. Such antagonists are useful in suppressing bone destruction associated with multiple myeloma. The homing of multiple myeloma cells to bone marrow and their ?4 integrin-dependent release of bone-resorbing factors, resulting in bone destruction in patients with multiple myeloma, is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated and purified polynucleotides and polypeptides related to a novel ligand for glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (GITR). The invention also provides antibodies to the GITR ligand (GITRL). The present invention also is directed to novel methods for diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring the progress of, and treating disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system (e.g., autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and transplant rejection, and cancers and infectious diseases) using GITRL and/or modulators of GITRL. The present invention is further directed to novel therapeutics and therapeutic targets and to methods of screening and assessing test compounds for the intervention (treatment) and prevention of said disorders arising from disregulation of the immune system, as related to GITRL and GITR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to CD40, preferably human CD40, and that function as CD40 agonists. The invention also relates to human anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-CD40 antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-CD40 antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-CD40 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating autoimmune disorders. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for treating an autoimmune disorder comprising administering a TCCR agonist. In an embodiment, the autoimmune disorder is at least partially mediated by a Th1 response. In an embodiment, the autoimmune disorder is at least partially mediated by CD8+ T-cell proliferation.

Abstract: Methods of therapy for B-cell malignancies are provided. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to a patient in need thereof. The antagonist anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is free of significant agonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a normal human B cell, exhibits antagonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a malignant human B cell, and can exhibit antagonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a normal human B cell. Antagonist activity of the anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof beneficially inhibits proliferation and/or differentiation of malignant human B cells.

Abstract: Stimulation of T cells to respond to self antigens is achieved through a blockade of CTLA-4 signaling. CTLA-4 blocking agents are combined with antigen preparations, either alone or with additional immune response stimulating agents, in costimulation strategies to break immune tolerance and stimulate an enhanced T-cell response against self antigens. This enhanced response is useful for the treatment of non-immunogenic and poorly-immunogenic tumors, as well as other medical conditions requiring selective tissue ablation.

Abstract: Immunoglobulin chains or antibodies having light or heavy chain complementarity determining regions of antibodies that bind to P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1. Also disclosed are methods of inducing death of an activated T-cell and of modulating a T cell-mediated immune response in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4 and methods of treating human diseases, infections and other conditions using these antibodies.

Abstract: The use of KIM-1 antagonists to inhibit signaling between a T cell and a second cell, e.g., an antigen-presenting cell, is disclosed. Such inhibition is useful for treatment of diseases including various autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host disease. Also disclosed is the use of a KIM-1 antagonist to inhibit secretion of IFN-? by lymphocytes or other immune cells in a mammal. Inhibition of IFN-? is useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases or disorders, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treatment of tumors and other diseases in a mammal comprising administration of antibodies specific for Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Receptor (“MSP-R” or “RON”). The present invention further provides for compositions comprising antibodies or antibody fragments specific for RON, including human antibodies, that inhibit RON activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-mouse ?9 integrin antibody, an anti-human ?9 integrin antibody, a hybridoma producing any of the antibodies, a method of producing any of the antibodies and the hybridoma, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the antibodies. The anti-?9 integrin antibody of the present invention inhibits the ?9 integrin function thereby to exhibit therapeutic effects on cancer, e.g., the growth and metastasis of a cancer cell, and an inflammatory disease, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, bronchial asthma, fibrosis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, granuloma, an inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), an autoimmune disease and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a LO-CD2a antibody and methods of using such antibodies or molecules that bind to the same epitope (or a portion thereof) to prevent and inhibit an immune response in human patients, preferably, where the immune response is mediated by the activation and proliferation of T cells or natural killer cells. The administration of an effective amount of the LO-CD2a antibody to a human patient will prevent or inhibit graft rejection, graft versus host disease or autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a stable lyophilized pharmaceutical formulation prepared by lyophilizing an aqueous formulation comprising a high concentration, e.g. 50 mg/ml or more, of an IgG antibody in about 5-25 mM histidine buffer having pH from about 5.5 to about 6.5, about 0.005%-0.03% polysorbate, sucrose, and optionally serine, and/or mannitol. This lyophilized formulation is stable at room temperature for at least 6 months, and preferably 1 year. This lyophilized formulation has a short reconstitution time of less than 2 minutes, and is suitable for parenteral administration such as intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection. This invention is exemplified by the anti-IL2 receptor antibody.

Abstract: Isolated ligands which bind a molecule expressed on the surface of T cells and induce antigen specific apoptosis in activated T cells are disclosed. Preferably, the T cell surface molecule is CTLA4 and the ligand is a monoclonal anti-CTLA4 antibody that binds to an epitope of CTLA4 distinct from the binding sites of B7-1 and B7-2. Upon binding of the antibody to CTLA4 on an activated T cell, in the presence of an antigenic signal, antigen specific apoptosis is induced. The invention also describes a novel natural CTLA4 ligand, distinct from B7-1 and B7-2, which mediates induction of apoptosis. Pharmaceutical compositions of anti-CTLA4 antibodies or other isolated CTLA4 ligands which can be administered to subjects to induce T cell apoptosis, thereby clonally deleting antigen specific T cells, such as alloreactive T cells in transplantation situations or autoreactive T cells in autoimmune disorders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new receptor family has been identified, of activin-like kinases. Novel proteins have activin/TGF-?-type I receptor functionality, and have consequential diagnostic/therapeutic utility. They may have a serine/threonine kinase domain, a DFKSRN or DLKSKN sequence in subdomain VIB and/or a GTKRYM sequence in subdomain VIII.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of renal damage. The invention provides protein-based renal therapeutic agents for administration to subjects in order to prevent or treat renal degeneration or damage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating autoimmune diseases by administration of a complete therapeutically effective amount of a CD20 specific antagonist as a single intravenous infusion. Retreatment may follow by the administration of a complete therapeutically effective amount of the CD20 specific antagonist by a single intravenous infusion, 4 to 6 months after the first administration. The CD20 specific antagonist preferably is a CD20 specific antibody, and the autoimmune disease preferably is rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new combination of an anti-MAdCAM antibody with an anti-fibrotic agent, such as a protease inhibitor, preferably a caspase inhibitor. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combination of the invention, and the use of the combination for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, and methods of producing antibodies and other compounds for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies or other compounds that prevent the stimulation of NKG2A receptors on NK cells, leading to the lysis of dendritic cells that contribute to the pathology of the disorders.

Abstract: A test method that provides data useful in predicting the probability of onset of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is described along with a kit for performing the method, and a pharmaceutical preparation and a molecular targeted therapy for treating or preventing GVHD. The test method includes measuring the blood DNAM-1 concentration of a patient of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from bone marrow or the like over a period after the transplantation to provide data concerning the transition of the concentration to an abnormally high level deviating from the normal range, whereby the probability of the development of acute graft-versus-host disease is predicted, the risk of the development is estimated, or therapeutic effects after the development are evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting an immune response and a method for inhibiting rejection of transplanted tissues. This method comprises preventing an endogenous molecule on a cell selected from the group consisting of gp39 and CD40 antigens from binding its endogenous ligand and preventing an endogenous molecule on a cell selected from the group consisting of CTLA4, CD28, and B7 antigens from binding its endogenous ligand. The prevention of such molecules from binding their ligand thereby blocks two independent signal pathways and inhibits the immune response resulting in transplanted tissue rejection.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody polypeptides that monovalently bind CD40L. Antibody polypeptides that are monovalent for binding of CD40L can inhibit CD40L activity while avoiding potential undesirable effects that can occur with antibodies capable of divalent or multivalent binding of CD40L. In one aspect, a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide consists of or comprises a single immunoglobulin variable domain that specifically binds and antagonizes the activity of CD40L, preferably without substantially agonizing CD40 activity. In another aspect, the monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide is a human antibody polypeptide. The invention further encompasses methods of antagonizing CD40/CD40L interactions in an individual and methods of treating diseases or disorders involving CD40/CD40L interactions, the methods involving administering a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide to the individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to CD40, preferably human CD40, and that function as CD40 agonists. The invention also relates to human anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-CD40 antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-CD40 antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-CD40 antibodies.

Abstract: Methods for using death receptor ligands, such as Apo-2 ligand/TRAIL polypeptides or death receptor antibodies, and CD20 antibodies to treat conditions such as cancer and immune related diseases are provided. Embodiments of the invention include methods of using Apo2L/TRAIL or death receptor antibodies such as DR5 antibodies and DR4 antibodies in combination with CD20 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pharmaceutical composition and to an improved method of preventing, attenuating and treating multiple myeloma by administering to an individual in need thereof at least one antibody to fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). In particular, the at least one FGR3 antibody induces apoptosis of myeloma cells expressing wild type FGFR3.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of treating a rituximab-refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient comprising administering an anti-CD20 antibody other than rituximab to the patient in an amount effective to treat the RA.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern homodimers comprising monomers that contain a dimerization and docking domain attached to a precursor. The precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc. Other embodiments concern tetramers comprising a first and second homodimer, which may be identical or different.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating fibrosis in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf3 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Zvegf3 antagonists include anti-zvegf3 antibodies, mitogenically inactive receptor-binding zvegf3 variant polypeptides, and inhibitory polynucleotides. Within one embodiment of the invention the fibrosis is liver fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to in vivo peripheralization of CD34+ cells by administering anti-VLA-4 antibodies or anti-VCAM-1 antibodies.