Abstract: A method, and compositions for use therein capable, of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size less than approximately ten micrometers and administering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immunity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## are inhibitors of peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex type II proteins and may be used in the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases including: rheumatoid arthritis, Type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosis, Graves disease and pemphigus. The present invention also provides novel compositions, methods of treatment employing compounds of the present invention and methods of manufacture of the compounds of structural formula (I).

Abstract: A method, and compositions for use therein capable, of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a. biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size less than approximately ten micrometers and administering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immunity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## are inhibitors of peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex type II proteins and are useful in the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases including: rheumatoid arthritis, Type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosis, Graves disease and pemphigus. The present invention also provides novel compositions, methods of treatment employing the compounds of the present invention and methods of manufacture of the compounds of structural formula (I).

Abstract: A method, and compositions for use therein capable, of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size less than approximately ten micrometers and administering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immunity.

Abstract: T cell activation in response to antigen is increased by the administration of binding agents that block CTLA-4 signaling. When CTLA-4 signaling is thus blocked, the T cell response to antigen is released from inhibition. Such an enhanced response is useful for the treatment of tumors, chronic viral infections, and as an adjuvant during immunization.

Abstract: A method, and compositions for use therein capable, of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size less than approximately ten micrometers and administering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immunity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to products containing G-CSF and a TNF binding protein and compositions of G-CSF and TNF-BP, and methods of treating and/or preventing septic shock by administering the products and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to products containing G-CSF and a TNF binding protein and compositions of G-CSF and TNF-BP, and methods of treating and/or preventing septic shock by administering the products and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An immunological tolerance-inducing agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific tolerogen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: A composition and methods for use thereof relating to polypeptides having the ability to act as an inhibitor of complement C5b-9 complex activity. The compositions contain an 18 kDa protein found on the surface of human erythrocytes, a 37 kDa protein found on the surface of human platelets, a 37 kDa protein found on the surface of human endothelial cells, active derivatives or fragments thereof which act to inhibit the activity of C5b-9, anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking the action of the inhibitor proteins or antibodies against C7 or C9 which block the formation of the C5b-9 complex. The compositions can be used in vitro to inhibit C5b-9 related stimulatory responses of platelets and vascular endothelium of perfused organs and tissues, thereby preventing the C5b-9 initiated cell necrosis or stimulated secretion of proteolytic enzymes and the exposure of the procoagulant membrane receptors during collection and in vitro storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine, preferably for human use, against IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The vaccine contains a protein having the entire amino acid sequence of the constant CH2-CH3 domains of the epsilon chain of the IgE molecule or a structurally stable unit of said amino acid sequence, the protein optionally being coupled to one or more heterologous carrier proteins, and optionally containing an adjuvant. The vaccine is injected, with or without adjuvant, to raise the concentration of endogenous anti-IgE antibodies in the plasma of allergy subjects. In practice, the vaccine can be used against all types of IgE-mediated allergies since the antibodies are not dependent of the antigen specificity of the IgE molecule but will reduce the total IgE pool of the subject. Therefore, the vaccine is aimed at being used for treatment of subjects having different types of IgE-mediated allergies.

Abstract: A process for stimulating hematopoietic activity in animals which comprises administering to a patient in need therefor a therapeutically effective amount of an agent containing as its active ingredient a water-soluble or lipid-soluble transition metal compound in a lyotropic mesophase, the agent optionally containing one or more additional carriers for stimulating hematopoietic activity.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the aggregation of blood platelets in a human, which comprises: (a) contacting from about 0.01 ml to about 400 ml of blood with a blood platelet aggregation-inhibiting effective amount of ozone gas and ultraviolet radiation; and (b) administering the blood treated in step (a) to a human. A method of stimulating the immune system, and of treating immune system disorders, by treating blood with ultraviolet radiation and ozone gas, followed by administering the treated blood to a human.Also disclosed is a method of treating Raynaud's Disease by contacting about 0.01 ml to about 400 ml of human blood with a blood platelet aggregation-inhibiting effective amount of ozone gas in admixture with oxygen gas, and ultraviolet radiation, while maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 37.degree. C. to about 43.degree. C. for a period for about 0.5 minutes to about 10 minutes, and administering the blood so treated to a human patient with Raynaud's Disease.

Abstract: Peanut allergen Ara h II was identified using the sera of patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive food challenge to peanut. The Ara h II allergen, having a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2, was isolated by anion exchange chromatography. Ara h II may be used to detect and quantify peanut allergens in foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method for suppressing the capacity of a mammal to mount an immune response which would be caused by the administration of one or more biologically active foreign proteins, comprising the administration of an immunosuppressively effective amount of a tolerogen corresponding to said foreign protein or proteins, said administration being performed prior to the administration of said protein or proteins.

Abstract: Compositions for the prevention of, and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases which comprise as active ingredient membrane material shed from autoimmune T lymphocytes, or T lymphocytes activated by a pressure application and release process. There is also provided a process for obtaining such active materials and for preparing pharmaceutical compositions for these.