Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for regulating immune pathways using NOTCH and NOTCH agonists. In particular, said agonists may be used in methods for sensitizing CD4+ CD25? cells to CD4+ CD25+ cell-mediated immunosuppression, for enhancing the TGF-? response of CD4+ CD25? cells.

Abstract: It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Abstract: Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized B-cell activating factor gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized B-cell activating factor protein from an endogenous B-cell activating factor locus are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. The invention provides methods for generating glatiramer-acetate-specific human T-cell lines, and assays that use these T-cell lines for demonstrating immunological identity between glatiramer acetate preparations. These assays allow sensitive and accurate comparison of glatiramer acetate preparations, and find utility as lot-release assays.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for magnetic separation of cells are disclosed. By combining inkjet printing technology and magnetic labeling of cells, accurate cell counts are obtained using an optical microscope. Mouse CD4+ lymphocytes are attached to micron sized magnetic beads and printed through a modified, commercial inkjet printer. The labeled cells are then attached to a glass slide covering a permanent magnet. Cell counts can be obtained by use of regular and inverted optical microscopes and imaging software. The magnetically-labeled beads are collected for evaluation on a modified polymer coupon that is placed in front of a permanent magnet and the unlabeled cells fall into an excess container. Flow cytometry results verify the presence of the CD4+ protein on the LBRM-33 lymphocytes membrane. Protein-specific attachment of magnetic microspheres to the lymphocytes is utilized for sorting CD4+ lymphocytes.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody against oncostatin M specific receptor beta subunit, a hybridoma capable of producing the same and a medicament for treating atopic dermatitis comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, apparatus and methods for determining a biological condition in a mammalian subject, the method includes incubating a specimen from a patient with at least one composition in a kit for a predetermined period of time to form at least one reaction product, when the subject has said biological condition, and receiving an indication of the at least one reaction product responsive to at least one reporter element in the kit thereby providing the indication of the biological condition in the subject.

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: The invention is based upon the discovery that T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells express particular cell surface markers that allow for their selection, enrichment, isolation, purification and administration. The ability to use the particular markers described herein to select, enrich, isolate, purity and administer Tr1 cells allows for improved methods of Tr1 therapies for treating a wide variety of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Methods for identifying new therapeutic activities for known therapeutic agents, as well as systems for practicing the same, are provided. Aspects of the invention further include are methods and compositions for the treatment of an acute graft rejection (AR).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for administration of allogeneic lymphocytes as an an exogenous source of CD4+ T cell help for endogenous, tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. Depletion of CD8+ T cells from the donor lymphocyte infusion reduces the risk of sustained engraftment and graft-versus-host disease. Removal of regulatory T cells from the infused population may augment the ability of non-regulatory T cells to provide help for endogenous effectors of anti-tumor immunity. Allogeneic T cell therapy is typically given in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, in which the patient receives highly immunosuppressive conditioning followed by an infusion of a stem cell graft containing unselected populations of mature T cells. In the treatment described here, the graft is engineered to minimize the possibility of sustained donor cell engraftment, and the anti-tumor effector T cells derive from the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and assay useful for determining the sensitivity of the cells of a subject to genetic damage from electromagnetic radiation. The assay may comprise a substrate suitable for mounting a sample of lymphocytes from a subject and an electromagnetic radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining the impact of a production step or a purification step on the presence or nature of pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules in glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same by using an in vitro test of inflammatory response using cell lines. It further concerns an optimised method of producing or purifying glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same comprising an analysis of the pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules in glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same and the selection of production or purification steps optimised with respect to the presence and nature of the pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules.

Abstract: Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins that bind immune cell receptors and/or autoantigens are provided, along with methods of making and uses in the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the immunomodulatory potential of a multipotent stromal cell (MSC) population are provided. Aspects of the methods include evaluating the amount of CD54/IL-6 associated with an MSC in a sample of the MSC population to obtain a CD54/IL-6 result and providing an assessment of the immunomodulatory potential of the MSC population based on the obtained CD54/IL-6 result. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to elicit immature antigen-presenting cells loaded with apoptotic cells or apoptotic bodies. The present invention also relates to methods of obtaining antigen-specific regulatory T cells in vitro or in vivo. Cells loaded with apoptotic bodies/cells and regulatory T cells are obtainable by inducing apoptosis of antigen-presenting cells by cytolytic CD4+ T cells. The cells are used for suppressing or preventing diseases such as autoimmune diseases, graft rejection and allergic diseases, and medicaments related thereto. Further disclosed are the use of antigen-specific regulatory T cells for suppressing or preventing diseases such as autoimmune diseases, graft rejection and allergic diseases, and medicaments related thereto. Further disclosed are populations of antigen-specific regulatory T cells obtained by said method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for assaying a sample. A microfluidic device to perform an assay of a sample (e.g., biological sample) is described having a sample application site, a porous component and a flow channel. The porous component provides for uniform dissolution of a reagent and mixing of the sample and reagent without filtering the sample.

Abstract: Dendritic cell precursor populations, dendritic cell populations derived therefrom, methods for isolating, expanding and using are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunomodulation of cells and the detection and use thereof, for example, in drug screening, including methods, compositions and systems therefor, or in an aspect of healthcare, such as prognosis, diagnosis, an aspect of treatment, monitoring, and the like, and methods, compositions, and systems therefor.

Abstract: Antigen binding constructs that bind to CD3, for example antibodies, including antibody fragments (such as minibodies and cys-diabodies) that bind to CD3, are described herein. Methods of use are described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antibodies specific to FcRn, formulations comprising the same, use of each in therapy, processes for expressing and optionally formulating said antibody, DNA encoding the antibodies and hosts comprising said DNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating enhanced affinity T cell receptors by agonist selection of hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing an antigen specific TCR? cultured with stromal cells expressing Delta-like-1 or Delta-like-4, compositions prepared from such methods, and uses of thereof.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to elucidate a relationship between deregulation of signaling by CD22 and a rapid response of B cells by IgG-BCR and the like, and to provide a method capable of inducing a rapid immune response and defending against infection instead of vaccine. The present invention relates to a method for promoting an immune response causing such a strong proliferation of clones and production of a large amount of antibody-producing cells as those seen in the memory immune response even in the naive B cells expressing IgM-BCR and IgD-BCR by inhibiting the CD22 function in B cells; and to a method for screening a substance capable of promoting the immune response based on a change in the CD22 function in B cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for identifying agents capable of inducing respiratory sensitization in a mammal and arrays and diagnostic kits for use in such methods. In particular, the methods include measurement of the expression of the biomarkers listed in Table 1A, Table 1B and/or Table 1C in MUTZ-3 cells exposed to a test agent.

Abstract: In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides Cockroach proteins, peptides, subsequences, portions, homologues, variants and derivatives thereof, and methods and uses and medicaments of such proteins, peptides, subsequences, portions, homologues, variants and derivatives thereof. Such methods, uses and medicaments include modulating an immune response, protecting a subject against or treating a subject for an allergic response, allergic disorder or allergic disease and inducing immunological tolerance to the allergen (e.g., Cockroach allergen) in a subject.

Abstract: Numerous diseases have been linked to the production of effector cells. The present invention relates to the realization that effector cells are cycling in these diseases. In addition, the present invention relates to the determination that regulator cells are cycling in degenerative diseases. Based on these realizations, the present invention provides methods for treating conditions such as autoimmune diseases, degenerative diseases, and graft-versus-host disease. The present invention also relates to methods of determining when therapy should be administered to a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of assessing the risk of occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a subject as well as a method of stratifying a subject undergoing VLA-4 blocking agent treatment for suspension of VLA-4 blocking agent treatment. These methods comprise detecting the level of L-selectin (CD62L) and optionally LFA-1 expressing T cells in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterial infections and provides a method of diagnosing infections of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the causative agent of Johne's disease. In addition, the invention also provides as kits for use in the diagnosis of Map infections and vaccines/immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) labeling cells of a blood sample using an antibody that specifically binds to phospho-AMPK or a phosphorylated target thereof, to produce a labeled sample; and b) measuring antibody binding by a population of blood cells of the labeled sample using flow cytometry. In particular embodiments, the method may further comprise, prior to the labeling step: contacting blood with a test agent ex vivo or in vivo; and comparing the evaluation to results obtained from a reference sample of blood cells.

Abstract: CD48, a surface-marker molecule present in eosinophils, is disclosed herein as a key molecule in allergic conditions, particularly in allergic airway inflammations like asthma, allergy and nasal polyposis. CD48 is thus presented as a target molecule in the treatment of said conditions. In addition, diagnostic methods, and a kit for the diagnosis of allergic inflammatory conditions are described, based on the detection of CD48 expression.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations, which may be used for preventing or treating allergy to moulds of the Alternaria and/or Cladosporium genus, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent and a polypeptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof selected from at least three of: (a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of WSWKIGPAIATGNT (Alt28; SEQ ID NO: 101) or a T cell epitope-containing variant sequence derived from said amino acid sequence, or a said salt thereof; (b) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of KYRRVVRAGVKVAQTAR (Alt34A; SEQ ID NO: 107) or a T cell epi tope-containing variant sequence derived from said amino acid sequence, or a said salt thereof; (c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of KYAGVFVSTGTLGGG (SEQ ID NO: 112) or a T cell epitope-containing variant sequence derived from said amino acid sequence, or a said salt thereof; (d) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of AEVYQKLKALAKKTYGQ (Alt13A; SEQ ID NO: 83) or a T cell epi

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent useful to determine whether an animal has a tuberculosis infection or has been exposed to a tuberculosis agent, for example a Mycobacterium. The reagent is useful to distinguish between such an animal and an animal which has been vaccinated against a tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a cell that can exhibit physiological activity based on galectin-9, a method for producing the cell, and use of the cell. In order to achieve the above object, the cell of the present invention contains galectin-9, and the galectin-9 is expressed on a cell surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for the identification of a compound having immunosuppressant activity, wherein a candidate compound is analyzed whether it blocks the Ca2+ flux in coronin 1 expressing cells and/or in coronin 1 negative cells. A candidate compound is identified as having immunosuppressant activity if it blocks the Ca2+ flux specifically in coronin 1 expressing cells. Further described are upstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on coronin 1 trimerization is measured, and downstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on diacyl glycerol (DAG) generation, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) levels and/or inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3) generation or on nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) nuclear localization is determined.

Abstract: Provided herein are various processes for the improved production of antibody producing organisms, antibody producing tissues, antibody producing cells and antibodies. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for rapidly producing antibody producing organisms, tissues, cells and antibodies derived from humans, organisms, plants or cells that are genetically altered to over-express certain proteins.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention, the present invention provides a method of treating a cancer in a subject, comprising: (a) administering to the subject a predetermined dosage of an anti-CTLA4 antibody; (b) detecting the level of the anti-CTLA4 antibody in a sample of the subject; and (c) increasing the dosage of the anti-CTLA4 antibody in the subject if the level of the anti-CTLA4 antibody from step (b) is below a threshold exposure level, such that the cancer is treated.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells, especially tumor cells, from a complex fluid sample such as a blood sample. In particular, the present invention is directed to methods and compositions for detecting a non-hematopoietic cell, e.g., a non-hematopoietic tumor cell, in a blood sample via, inter alia, removing red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample using a non-centrifugation procedure, removing white blood cells (WBCs) from said blood sample to enrich a non-hematopoietic cell, if any, from said blood sample; and assessing the presence, absence and/or amount of said enriched non-hematopoietic cell.

Abstract: Fluorescent quinolizinocoumarin compounds substituted with electrophilic reactive groups that bind thiol compounds are described. The compounds are useful in detecting oxidative stress and processes associated therewith in live cells.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful for production of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for more effectively treating patients with interferon. It is based on the discovery that clinical response to interferon (IFN) therapy is mediated in part by inhibition of activation of MDSC and such inhibition can be observed after a test dose of interferon; a significant decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by MDSC (as a measure of their activation) after IFN therapy is predictive of overall response to immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treatment using humanized immunoglobulins that specifically bind to alpha-4 integrin. The methods are useful for treatment of asthma, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, tumor metastasis, nephritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, myocardial ischemia, and acute leukocyte mediated lung injury.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers that may be used to evaluate the prognoses of patients suffering from pulmonary diseases and assist in the determination of appropriate therapeutic regimens. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a number of T-cell antigens are differentially expressed in chronic lung disease patients depending on the prognosis of the patient. Non-limiting examples of these antigens include CD28, CD4, CD25, CD45, CD27 and CCR7 and combinations thereof. Use of these biomarker antigens, optionally in conjunction with pulmonary function tests, provides an indication of which patients are likely to suffer a severely adverse outcome within the year and/or be refractory to treatment.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells, especially tumor cells, from a complex fluid sample such as a blood sample. In particular, the present invention is directed to methods and compositions for detecting a non-hematopoietic cell, e.g., a non-hematopoietic tumor cell, in a blood sample via, inter alia, removing red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample using a non-centrifugation procedure, removing white blood cells (WBCs) from said blood sample to enrich a non-hematopoietic cell, if any, from said blood sample; and assessing the presence, absence and/or amount of said enriched non-hematopoietic cell.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding of specific surface markers for M1-like (classically activated) and M2-like (alternatively activated) macrophages and provides for a method for the identification, characterization and isolation of M1-like and M2-like macrophages based on the abundance of said surface markers and for means for performing such method.

Abstract: Variant IL-13 polypeptides are provided, which are engineered to have one or more of the following properties: (a) altered affinity for IL-13R?2, relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (b) altered affinity for IL-13R?1 relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (c) a disruption in the binding site for IL-4R? relative to the native human IL-13 protein.