Abstract: The present invention provides T helper cell epitopes and compositions for use in inducing an immune response comprising at least one of these epitopes. The epitopes are contained within a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO: 1); QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO: 2); QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO: 18); and DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO: 23).

Abstract: A cell surface molecule that is expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes. This molecule is involved in signal transmission of the secondary signal (costimulatory signal) essential for the activation of lymphocytes such as T cells and regulates functions of activated lymphocytes such as activated T cells. Disclosed are an antibody or a portion thereof, which binds to a polypeptide of the cell surface molecule, a polypeptide fragment thereof, or a fusion polypeptide comprising the fragment; a cell secreting the antibody or its portion; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody; and methods of using the compositions for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or experimental purpose.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that comprise antibody against coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus such as CCR5 and CXCR4. In particular, monoclonal human antibodies against human CCR5 are provided that bind to CCR5 with high affinity and are capable of inhibiting HIV infection at low concentrations. The antibodies can be used as prophylactics or therapeutics to prevent and treat HIV infection, for screening drugs, and for diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with interactions with HIV coreceptors.

Abstract: The invention teaches human-compatible monoclonal antibodies which are specific against human CD28 and human T-lymphocytes of several to all sub-groups to activate without occupancy of an antigen receptor of the human T-lymphocytes and thus antigen-non-specifically.

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: This invention provides: agents determined to be capable of specifically inhibiting the fusion of a macrophage-tropic primary isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell, but not a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell; and agents determined to be capable of specifically inhibiting the fusion of a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell, but not a macrophage-tropic primary isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell. This invention also provides: agents capable of specifically inhibiting the fusion of a macrophage tropic primary isolate of HIV-1 with a CD+ cell susceptible to infection by a macrophage-tropic primary isolate of HIV-1; and agents capable of specifically inhibiting the fusion of a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1 with a CD4+ cell susceptible to infection by a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1. The agents include but are not limited to antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to humanized anti-B7-2 and anti-B7-1 antibodies, wherein each comprise a variable region of non-human 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: The invention provides immunological reagents (antibodies) capable of binding to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), to cell lines which express such antibodies and to a process for identifying and purifying plasmacytoid dendriticcells from tissues containing pDC using such antibodies.

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: 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: Immunization of human antibody-producing transgenic mice, which have been created using genetic engineering techniques, with AILIM molecule as an antigen resulted in various human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to AILIM and capable of controlling a variety of biological reactions (for example, cell proliferation, cytokine production, immune cytolysis, cell death, induction of ADCC, etc.) associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal (secondary signal) transduction. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the human monoclonal antibody is effective to treat and prevent various diseases associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal transduction, being capable of inhibiting the onset and/or advancement of the diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which interfere with the interactions between FDCs and B cells, thereby suppressing the proliferation and/or differentiation of B cells in lymphoid follicles. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are useful for treating follicular lymphomas, multiple myeloma as well as autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the alleviation of symptoms associated with inflammatory disease states, and more particularly to the inhibition of inflammatory disease processes associated with the multiple sclerosis disease, by adminstering to a patient a phamaceutically effective amount of mAb 23F2G or an antibody that competes with mAb 23F2G for binding to LFA-1.

Abstract: An isolated and essentially purified cell matrix plaque of initial bone formation comprising of &agr;v&bgr;3 integrin and rapid assays using such cell matrix plaques to measure potentials of factors, regimens or tissues for stimulation and/or inhibition of bone formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides T helper cells epitopes and compositions for use in inducing an immune response comprising at least one of these epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies immunospecific for &agr;d integrin, and antibodies that compete with said antibodies for &agr;d binding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for inhibiting the interactions of B7-1 and B7-2 with their natural ligands. Such compositions comprise an antibody specific for B7-2 and an antibody specific for B7-1, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may be formulated for either separate or combined administration of the antibody components. The antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies, or humanized antibodies. Preferred antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules, including humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of specific and non-specific inflammation, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibodies disclosed can be useful in methods of diagnosing and localizing sites of inflammation.

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: 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: The subject invention pertains to antibodies that have binding specificity for an antigen that is expressed on a subset of human, hematopoietic mononuclear cells, including a hematopoietic stem cell population, but is not expressed on normal, mature myeloid cells. In one embodiment, a monoclonal antibody, MG1, is provided. This antibody is useful in methods of isolating cell suspensions from human blood and marrow that can be employed in bone marrow transplantation, genetic therapy, and in treating other diseases of the hematopoietic system. Cell suspensions containing MG1+ human hematopoietic cells are also provided, as well as therapeutic methods employing the cell suspensions. The subject invention also pertains to the novel antigen recognized by the subject 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 an assay for measuring the immunogenicity of a vaccine, wherein the vaccine contains an epitope having a conformation associated with an immunogenically active form of the vaccine and a fragment having a conformation associated with an immunogenically inactive form of the vaccine, wherein the method includes exposing a sample of the vaccine to a first ligand capable of binding to the epitope in the conformation associated with the immunogenically active form of the vaccine and a second ligand capable of binding to the fragment in the conformation associated with the immunogenically inactive form of the vaccine and measuring the amount of first ligand bound to the vaccine sample and the amount of the second ligand bound to the vaccine sample.

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: Genetically engineered, CD20-specific redirected T cells expressing a cell surface protein-having an extracellular domain comprising a receptor which is specific for CD20, an intracellular signaling domain, and a transmembrane domain. Use of such cells for cellular immunotherapy of CD20+ malignancies and for abrogating any untoward B cell function. In one embodiment, the cell surface protein is a single chain FvFc:&zgr; receptor where Fv designates the VH and VL chains of a single chain monoclonal antibody to CD20 linked by peptide, Fc represents a hinge-CH2-CH3 region of a human IgG1, and &zgr; represents the intracellular signaling domain of the zeta chain of human CD3. A method of making a redirected T cell expressing a chimeric T cell receptor by electroporation using naked DNA encoding the receptor.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method for inhibiting rejection of a transplant organ in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an antibody capable of binding to a protein which is specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916. The present invention further provides for a method for inhibiting rejection of a transplant organ in a subject, which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to a protein which is specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916. In one embodiment of the invention, the transplant organ is a heart, a kidney or a liver. In another embodiment, the monoclonal antibody is 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916.

Abstract: Disclosed are an orally-administrable therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent for HTLV-1-related diseases, which comprises an interferon-&ggr; as an effective ingredient and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, and a method for treating and/or preventing the diseases with the agent. The HTLV-1-related diseases include ATL, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, SLE, uveitis, and immunopathies.

Abstract: The present application discloses a finely divided, dry powdered pharmaceutical composition which is specially adapted to be administered as an insufflate which includes the following ingredients: (a) an pharmacologically effective amount of sICAM-1; (b) an amount of carboxymethyl cellulose which is effective to retain sICAM-1 on the intranasal membranes; (c) an amount of a bulking agent which is effective to provide a bulking effect without exerting a significant effect on the retention of the sICAM-1 on the nasal passages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human leukotriene B4 receptor that acts as a coreceptor for HIV viruses, polynucleotides encoding the receptor, recombinant cells expressing the receptor, and antibodies against the receptor. The invention also provides methods of identifying drugs that can block viral infection of cells and methods of facilitating infection of cells with HIV viruses.

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 Applicants have discovered humanized anti-human CD40 antibodies which block the interaction between gp39 and CD40. The anti-CD40 antibodies of the present invention are effective in modulating humoral immune responses against T cell-dependent antigens, collagen induced arthritis, and skin transplantation, and are also useful for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: A method of treating graft-vs-host diseases by administration of bone marrow and an anti-gp39 antibody specific to human gp39 is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex comprising a biologically active substance and a ligand that recognizes CD16.

Abstract: An isolated and essentially purified cell matrix plaque of initial bone formation comprising of &agr;v&bgr;3 integrin and rapid assays using such cell matrix plaques to measure potentials of factors, regimens or tissues for stimulation and/or inhibition of bone formation.

Abstract: A shed form of leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1, L-selectin) is present in high levels in human plasma. Quantitative methods of detecting shed LAM-1 (sLAM-1) by Western blot and ELISA analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the specific detection of cell-surface bound LAM-1 in the presence of shed LAM-1 and for immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies reactive with cell-surface bound LAM-1 but not reactive with shed LAM-1. In addition a method of producing an antibody that is reactive with cell-surface bound LAM-1 but not reactive with shed LAM-1 is disclosed.

Abstract: In the course of therapy following an allogeneic bone marrow transplant (allo-BMT) in which lymphocytes were removed from the transplant, donor lymphocytes are introduced after a delay to reconstitute immunity in the patient. According to the invention, these donor lymphocytes are transduced with a detectable cell surface marker and a suicide gene prior to introducing them into the patient. Introduction of these transduced lymphocytes after allo-BMT, serves to treat or prevent complications from the BMT, including disease relapse, reactivation of viral infection and Graft versus Host disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to hematopoietic facilitatory cells (FC). In particular, it relates to MAb against antigens expressed by murine FC, methods of generating the antibodies, and methods of using the same. MAb directed to markers that are expressed specifically or at higher levels by FC than by most other bone marrow cells have a wide range of applications, including but not limited to, rapid isolation of FC, identification of FC in a donor cell preparation, and molecular cloning of the genes encoding the corresponding target antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for treating or preventing papillomavirus infection. In one aspect, the invention provides reagents and methods for attenuating the ability of papillomavirus to bind to cells by blocking access of papillomavirus to its cellular receptor. In another aspect, the invention provides reagents and methods for attenuating the ability of papillomavirus to infect cells by reducing the free titer of papillomavirus. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a complex comprising a biologically active substance and a ligand that recognizes CD16 and a method of delivering a biologically active substance to an papillomavirus-infected cell using the complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which code for the tumor rejection antigen precursor MAGE-3. Also disclosed are vectors, cell lines, and so forth, which utilize the nucleic acid molecule, and optionally, molecules coding for human leukocyte antigen HLA-A1. Uses of these materials in therapeutic and diagnostic contexts are also a part of the invention.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a method of preventing or ameliorating transplantation rejection reactions comprising treating the donor tissue with a rejection reaction preventing or ameliorating effective amount of a hydrolase that is effective reduce the amount of one or more cell surface adhesion molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel p75 heterodimer specific anti-human IL-12 antibodies that are characterized by a higher potency and greater efficacy in neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity than known heterodimer specific IL-12 monoclonal antibodies. The heterodimer specific antibodies recognize one or more epitopes of the human IL-12 p75 heterodimer, but do not bind to the p40 subunit alone. The heterodimer specific IL-12 antibodies neutralize rhesus monkey IL-12 bioactivity with a potency similar to their potency for neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity making them useful IL-12 antagonists for in vivo studies in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract: Humanized immunoglobulins specifically reactive with L-selectin are prepared employing recombinant DNA technology for use in e.g., treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and products for immunotherapy resulting in the stimulation of T-cell proliferation. The products of the invention are peptides that bind to CTLA-4 and co-stimulate the proliferation of T-cells by inhibiting the binding of B7 to CTLA-4. Pharmaceutical compositions including such peptides are also provided. The invention further provides in vitro and in vivo therapeutic methods employing the peptides of the invention.