Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening an EphB receptor or an EphB receptor-binding ligand for the ability to promote a selected biological activity when in multimeric form. The invention also provides methods for initiating, promoting, directing, or inhibiting biological activities that involve EphB receptors and/or EphB receptor-binding ligands. The invention further provides compositions that can be used in the foregoing methods.

Abstract: Methods to inhibit inflammation and macrophage infiltration following spinal cord injury are disclosed along with methods to modulate TNF&agr; release from cells expressing &agr;d are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunointeractive molecules and their use inter alia in the detection and/or purification of T-cell antigen binding molecules (TABMs). The ability to determine the presence and levels of particular TABMs provides a useful diagnostic procedures for a variety of disease conditions.

Abstract: A method of testing sperm quality including obtaining a sample of sperm to be tested; detecting and measuring the testis-specific HspA2 chaperone protein (or, the chaperone protein homologues to HspA2) in human and animal sperm; and determining a sperm quality parameter based upon the chaperone protein, wherein an increased amount of the chaperone protein species indicates a higher sperm quality. The chaperone protein is detected and measured either by binding one or more antibodies specific to the sperm chaperone protein to the sperm and measuring the antibody content or measuring ATP bound to the sperm chaperone protein. In the case of the latter method, the chaperone protein may be detected and measured by measuring ATP bound to the sperm chaperone protein, and such measuring is by chaperone protein-bound and CK-B generated ATP measurement, or by bioluminescence of the chaperone protein bound-ATP.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which binds to baboon and human CD2, and in particular LO-CD2b antibody. The antibody may be employed to prevent and inhibit an immune response in human patients, such as when the immune response is mediated by the activation and proliferation of T-cells or natural killer cells.

Abstract: Assays for the identification of compounds useful for the modulation of body weight, metabolic rate, or feeding behavior are disclosed. Such compounds are useful for the treatment body weight disorders, e.g., obesity and cachexia. The methods involve cell-free and cell-based assays that identify compounds which alter ligand binding to and/or alter the activity of GPR10, a G protein-coupled receptor, optionally followed by an in vivo assay of the effect of the compound on feeding behavior, body weight, or metabolic rate.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies which react specifically with a human interleukin-5 receptor &agr; chain. The invention also provides hybridomas and transformants which produce the antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies, a method for detecting an interleukin-5 receptor &agr; chain immunologically by means of these antibodies, as well as a method for diagnosing and treating diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma by means of the monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies. The present invention is useful for diagnosis or treatment of diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of immunology. More specifically, it relates to compositions and methods for identifying, treating and preventing cancer by targeting the extracellular domains of the frizzled receptor family of proteins.

Abstract: Novel structural forms of T cell costimulatory molecules are described. These structural forms comprise a novel structural domain or have a structural domain deleted or added. The structural forms correspond to naturally-occurring alternatively spliced forms of T cell costimulatory molecules or variants thereof which can be produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. In one embodiment, the T cell costimulatory molecule of the invention contains a novel cytoplasmic domain. In another embodiment, the T cell costimulatory molecule of the invention contains a novel signal peptide domain or has an immunoglobulin variable region-like domain deleted. The novel structural forms of T cell costimulatory molecules can be used to identify agents which stimulate the expression of alternative forms of costimulatory molecules and to identify components of the signal transduction pathway which results in costimulation of T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody or functional portion thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) chemokine receptor 5 protein (CKR-5 or CCR5) or portion of the receptor. The invention further relates to a method of inhibiting the interaction of a cell bearing mammalian CCR5 with a ligand thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting HIV infection of a cell which expresses a mammalian CCR5 or portion thereof using the antibodies described herein. Also encompassed by the present invention are methods of treating or preventing HIV in a patient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby inhibition of proteolytic activity causes an increase in delivery of a transferable label from a viral display package to a target cell. Assaying for the transferable label in the target cell in the presence of a test substance can identify the test substance as a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors so identified are used therapeutically, to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, and infections, including AIDS, herpes, and hepatitis.

Abstract: Cells transformed to express on their surface a component which binds to an Fc receptor of an effector cell are disclosed. Also disclosed are expression vectors used to transform the cells. Once transformed, the cells bind to effector cells via the Fc receptor of the effector cell to stimulate an effector cell mediated immune response.

Abstract: A vaccine and a method of raising neutralizing antibodies against HIV infection. The vaccine comprises a complex of gp120 covalently bonded to CD4 or to succinyl concanavalin A. Also disclosed are immunological tests using the complex or antibody thereto for detection of HIV infection.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods comprising administering anti-CD26 antibodies for the prevention and treatment of cancers and immune diseases associated with expressing CD26 are provided. The invention describes various types of anti-CD26 antibodies and modes of administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for specifically delivering an effector molecule to a tumor cell bearing an IL-13 receptor. The method involves providing a chimeric molecule that comprises an effector molecule attached to a circularly permuted IL-13 (“cpIL-13”) that specifically binds an IL-13 receptor and contacting the tumor cell with the chimeric molecule. The compositions include chimeric molecules comprising effector molecules such as modified Pseudomonas exotoxin attached to a cpIL-13. The invention further provides vectors encoding the chimeric molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies and binding proteins which specifically bind to the IL-1 receptor. Also provided are methods for detecting IL-1 receptors on cells, and for detecting soluble IL-1 receptors in serum.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby protease activity is directly linked to replication of viral display packages containing protease-encoding polynucleotides in target cells. The methods can be used, inter alia, to identify proteases, including previously undiscovered proteases or variants of known proteases which may have altered substrate specificity.

Abstract: Methods, compostions and kits comprising antibodies for the treatment of neoplastic, autoimmune or other disorders are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating the heterotypic adhesion between E-cadherin expressing cells and T lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to E-cadherin and isolated peptides which mimic the binding function of E-cadherin also are provided. The antibodies and peptides are useful in screening assays to identify pharmaceutical lead compounds which are capable of modulating adhesion between T lymphocytes and E-cadherin expressing cells. Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mucosal immune response of a subject also are provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to an extracellular domain of a flt-1 receptor and neutralize activation of the receptor are provided. In vitro and in vivo methods of using these antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating sepsis comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of anti-CD14 antibody molecules. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-CD14 antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibody composition that are useful in preparing enriched cell preparations such as human hematopoietic progenitor cells and stem cells and non-hematopoietic tumor cells. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the processes and to the cell preparations prepared by the processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humanized anti-B7-2 antibody that comprises a variable region of nonhuman origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also pertains to methods of treatment for various autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases by administering humanized anti-B7-2 and/or anti-B7-1 antibodies.

Abstract: Isolated antibody or preparation of antibodies comprising an antigen-binding domain wherein the antigen is present on activated dendritic cells and wherein the antibody does not interact with CMRF-44 antigen or CD83 antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides cytotoxic Epstein-Barr virus T-cell epitopes. These epitopes are QVKWRMTTL, VFSDGRVAC, VPAPAGPIV, TYSAGIVQI, LLDFVRFMGV, QNGALAINTF, VSSDGRVAC, VSSEGRVAC, VSSDGRVPC, VSSDGLVAC, VSSDGQ-VAC, VSSDGRVVC, VPAPPVGPIV, VEITPYEPIG, VEITPYEPTW, VELTPYKPTW, RRIYDLIKL, RKIYDLIEL and PYLFWLAGI. The present invention further provides vaccines including one or more of these epitopes, optionally with additional epitopes.

Abstract: Peptides comprising the SRSRY sequence (SEQ ID NO: 7) derived from the uPAR (urokinase receptor) are endowed with chemotactic activity, making them useful for preventing or activating the migration of cells in a mammal. More particularly, the peptides of the invention are useful for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and/or hyperinflammatory diseases and for stimulating wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-4 (DR4) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR4 proteins. DR4 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of DR4 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human gene encoding a polypeptide which is a member of the TNF receptor family, and has now been found to bind TRAIL. More specifically, an isolated nucleic acid molecule is provided encoding a human polypeptide named tumor necrosis factor receptor-5, sometimes referred to as “TNFR-5” or “TR5,” and now referred to hereinafter as “TRAIL receptor without intracellular domain” or “TRID.” TRID polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for producing the same as well as anti-TRID antibodies. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists or antagonists of TRAIL polypeptide activity. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing such compositions.

Abstract: Cell fusion assays for identifying antiviral compounds are provided. In the cell fusion assays of the subject invention, a first cell that stably expresses on its surface an envelope protein of an enveloped virion and a second cell that stably expresses a receptor for the envelope protein on its surface are employed. The first and second cells each contain one component of a two component Tat reporter system that produces a detectable product in the presence of cell fusion. In practicing the subject screening methods, the first and second cells are first contacted with each other under cell fusion conditions in the presence of a candidate inhibitory agent. Next, the presence or absence of the detectable product is detected. Finally, the inhibitory activity of the candidate agent is derived from the presence or absence of the detectable product. Also provided are high throughput embodiments of the subject methods.

Abstract: Chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to an extracellular domain of a VEGF receptor and neutralize activation of the receptor are provided. In vitro and in vivo methods of using these antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof which binds to the CC chemokine receptor GPR-9-6 and blocks the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptor. The invention also relates to a method of identifying agents (molecules, compounds) which can bind to GPR-9-6 and inhibit the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) and/or modulate a function of GPR-9-6. The invention further relates to a method of modulating a function of GPR-9-6, and to the use of the antibodies, antigen-binding fragments and agents identified by the method of the invention in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays for measuring the metabolic side-effects of antiretroviral protease inhibitors on the Glut4 glucose transporter. The invention also provides improved methods for developing antiretroviral protease drugs, particularly those used to fight HIV infection. The invention further provides novel models of insulin-resistant glucose transport disease states.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which recognizes an antigen of a molecular weight of 40 kD or 80 kD on the surface of tumor vessel endothelial cells, hybridomas producing said monoclonal antibody, pharmaceutical agents comprising said monoclonal antibody, as well as pharmaceutical or diagnostic agents comprising a conjugate of said monoclonal antibody and another conjugating molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated receptor polypeptide having an immunomodulatory or neuromodulatory activity or endocrine function comprising:

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine adjuvants comprising the Epstein Barr Virus glycoprotein 350/220 or naturally occurring variants thereof, a fusion protein comprising EBV Gp350/220 sequence which binds to the CR2 receptor, or a synthetically-derived fragment of Gp350/220 which retains the ability to bind to the CR2 receptor. The present invention further provides immunostimulatory compositions comprising an EBV Gp350/220 adjuvant sequence that binds the CR2 complex and at least one antigen of interest other than Gp350/220. Co-administration of the adjuvant with an antigen of interest, other than an antigen comprising EBV 350/220 sequence, enhances the immunogenicitiy of the antigen. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is directly or indirectly covalently bound to an antigen of interest to form an immunogenic composition. In a most preferred embodiment of the composition, antibodies are elicited against at least one Gp350/220 epitope and against at least one epitope of the antigen.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the MAGE-3 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the MAGE-3 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies against decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), hybridomas producing said antibodies, kits containing said monoclonal antibodies and uses of the hybridomas, antibodies and kits for the detection of DcR3-associated diseases, as well as for the treatment and/or prevention of DcR3-associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of subjects for the purpose inhibiting vaso-occlusive events, including thrombosis and embolism, by administering agents which reduce the number of circulating platelets to low or below normal levels. Methods and pharmaceutical preparations comprising such agents are provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to an extracellular domain of a flt-1 receptor and neutralize activation of the receptor are provided. In vitro and in vivo methods of using these antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: A method for discovering molecules that regulate cell signaling specific to the dual presence of Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) and a chemokine receptor selected from the group consisting of a CXC receptor, a CC receptor and a CXXXC receptor, the method comprising providing a cell that co-expresses DARC and the chemokine receptor; incubating the molecules with the cell; measuring the cell signaling in the cell specific to the dual presence of DARC and the chemokine receptor; and determining whether the cell signaling specific to the dual presence of DARC and the chemokine receptor is regulated by the molecules

Abstract: The present invention provides vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, hVEGF receptors, and hVEGF variants that inhibit the mitogenic, angiogenic, or other biological activity of hVEGF. The antagonists thus are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders characterized by undesirable or excessive endothelial cell proliferation or neovascularization. The monoclonal antibodies and receptors of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Like (FGFR-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing FGFR-L polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with FGFR-L polypeptides.

Abstract: The present application describes engineered antibodies, with three or more functional antigen binding sites, and uses, such as therapeutic applications, for such engineered antibodies.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inducing an antiviral response in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a LT-B blocking agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In particular this invention provides methods for treating viral-induced systemic shock and respiratory distress.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain protein of an antibody, wherein the antibody binds specifically to a protein specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession Number HB 10916. The invention also provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain protein of an antibody, wherein the antibody binds specifically to a protein specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession Number HB 10916. The present invention also provides for a gene transfer vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule, a host vector system comprising the gene transfer vector, and a composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof which binds to the CC chemokine receptor GPR-9-6 and blocks the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptor. The invention also relates to a method of identifying agents (molecules, compounds) which can bind to GPR-9-6 and inhibit the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) and/or modulate a function of GPR-9-6. The invention further relates to a method of modulating a function of GPR-9-6, and to the use of the antibodies, antigen-binding fragments and agents identified by the method of the invention in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which specifically bind to the gc chain of cytokine receptors, as well as to cell lines which produce such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating immunological diseases by treating patients with such antibodies.