Abstract: A humanized antibody derived from mouse monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody B-F5 is able to activate CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells and is useful for preparing immunosuppressive compositions.

Abstract: A method is described for using IL-12R 1/IL-23R, CCR6, BATF, AHR, STAT3, IRF4 crucial actors in Th17 cells differentiation as markers for acne. Also described are method of their use to diagnose acne, to screen inhibitors of Th17 differentiation. In particular, methods are described for inhibiting IL12R 1/IL-23R, CCR6, BATF, AHR, STAT3, IRF4 and the use of these screened inhibitors in acne treatment.

Abstract: Engineered multispecific binding proteins that bind at least one ligand for a receptor are provided, along with methods of making and uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of active tuberculosis, comprising a step of contacting lymphocytes of a patient suspected to have active tuberculosis with at least one protein of mycobacteria, said protein being an enzyme having a lipolytic activity, and a step of detecting the presence of specific activated lymphocytes.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making thesuch proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: BAFF plays a central role in acquired immunity. The disclosure identifies BAFF responsive genes that are substantially upregulated by administration of BAFF and substantially downregulated by treatment with a BAFF antagonist. Specific genes are NF-?B2, CD23, H2-M? (the beta chain of H2-DM), Fig-1, and OBF-1. The disclosure provides methods and compositions for monitoring the activity of a BAFF antagonist in a mammal; monitoring BAFF activity in a mammal; identifying a mammal to be treated with a BAFF antagonist; and related uses. Such methods include detecting one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of Fig-1 molecule, OBF-1 molecule, and H2-M? molecule in a biological sample of the mammal, and optionally further detecting NF-?B2 molecule and/or CD23 molecule in the biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides for detecting target subpopulations of cells that have high proliferative and renewal properties in animals, including circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. The invention utilizes a defined substrate and media of known property to enrich target cell subpopulations which can be used for future genetic, proteomic and morphological analyses. The method can use image-capture and analysis software to characterize cells based on physical properties, such as size, morphology and kinetic properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating, preventing, or ameliorating the effects of a lymphoid malignancy, such as those associated with a mutated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, or T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). These methods include administering to a subject an effective amount of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-delta (PI3K?) inhibitor and a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-gamma (PI3K?) inhibitor. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating the effects of a lymphoid malignancy. This invention further provides a method for identifying a subject who may benefit from co-treatment with a PI3K? inhibitor and a PI3K? inhibitor. This method includes determining from a sample of the subject whether the subject has a mutated PTEN gene. Additionally, this invention provides methods for identifying a compound that has both PI3K? and PI3K? inhibitory activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). The aAPC comprises at least one stimulatory ligand and at least one co-stimulatory ligand where the ligands each specifically bind with a cognate molecule on a T cell of interest, thereby mediating expansion of the T cell. The aAPC of the invention can further comprise additional molecules useful for expanding a T cell of interest. The aAPC of the invention can be used as an “off the shelf” APC that can be readily designed to expand a T cell of interest. Also, the aAPC of the invention can be used identify the stimulatory, co-stimulatory, and any other factors that mediate growth and expansion of a T cell of interest. Thus, the present invention provides powerful tools for development of novel therapeutics where activation and expansion of a T cell can provide a benefit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject comprises CD4+,CD25+ T cells that have been activated to a specific antigen. The method comprises the steps of obtaining from the subject a sample of lymphocytes comprising CD4+,CD25+ T cells, incubating at least one portion of the sample of lymphocytes so as to promote distinction of CD4+,CD25+ T cells that have been activated to the specific antigen from those CD4+,CD25+ T cells that have not been activated to the specific antigen, and thereafter determining whether CD4+,CD25+ T cells activated to the specific antigen are present in the sample. The invention further relates to methods of growing CD4+, CD25+ T cells that have been activated to a specific antigen in vitro and to methods of increasing tolerance in a subject using the CD4+, CD25+ T cells that have been grown in vitro.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing a liquid sample. A micro-fluidic device to perform an assay of a liquid sample is described that includes a sample application site and a vent outlet in fluid communication with the capillary channel. A cap is provided that is configured to seal both the vent outlet and the sample application site in a shared volume and separate from an outside environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, expression markers and other criteria, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of modulators of cellular activation allows for characterization of pathways and cell populations. Several exemplary diseases that can be analyzed using the invention include AML, MDS, and MPN.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monoclonal antibody binding to an ITM2A protein. This antibody is useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer such as Ewing's sarcoma, T cell leukemia, T cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, B cell tumor, and multiple myeloma. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, a cell growth inhibitor, and an anticancer agent containing the antibody as an active ingredient, and a method for treating cancer, a method for predicting the efficacy of cancer treatment, and a method for determining the presence of cancer in a test subject using the antibody.

Abstract: Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and the present invention establishes that adipose-resident natural killer T (NKT) cells attenuate inflammation in adipose tissue and improves systemic glucose homeostasis in mice at different stages of obesity. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating type-2 diabetes or those at risk for type-2 diabetes using activators of adipose-resident NKT cells. Such activators include particular glycolipids (e.g., a-galactosyl-ceramide and its analogs other than sulfated analogs) and cytokines that promote M2 macrophage polarization. The invention also includes methods to screen for activators of adipose-resident NKT cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and rapid methods for measuring the function of a desired subset of lymphocytes, for example, T cells, B cells or NK cells. In addition, the present invention provides an all-in-one kit that contains reagents which permit a rapid and reliable analysis of the functions of T cells, B cells and NK cells obtained directly from whole blood or cord blood.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell treatment composition for the permeabilization of fixed blood cells, to the use of said composition, to a method for the treatment of a biological sample comprising fixation of said sample and subsequently contacting said biological sample with said cell treatment composition. The invention further relates and to a kit comprising said cell treatment composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods and uses of inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, and modulating an undesirable or aberrant immune response, disorder or disease, an inflammatory response, disorder or disease, inflammation or an autoimmune response, disorder or disease. Compositions include inhibitors of binding between PKC? and CD28, which include, among others, PKC?, CD28 and Lck sequences, subsequences, variants and modified forms, and polymorphisms.

Abstract: Modified glycolipid compounds are provided. Also disclosed are methods for activating an NKT cell, methods of stimulating an immune response in a subject, and methods suitable for labeling NKT cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing, ascertaining the clinical course of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and ascertaining response to a therapy regimen of myelodysplastic syndrome. Specifically the invention provides methods and kits useful in the diagnosis and determination of clinical parameters associated with MDS based on surface markers unique to MDS.

Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules. This method allows the detection and/or identification of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, monitoring progression of, or monitoring treatment of inflammatory bowel disease comprises determining the levels of CD14+HLA-DRhi monocytes or monocytes expressing CCR7 or CCR9 or both CCR7 and CCR9 in a sample obtained from a subject, wherein high levels of CD14+HLA-DRhi monocytes or monocytes expressing CCR7 or CCR9 or both CCR7 and CCR9, or increased levels of CD14+HLA-DRhi monocytes or monocytes expressing CCR7 or CCR9 or both CCR7 and CCR9 compared to control, indicate the presence or progression of inflammatory bowel disease. Similar methods for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome are also described. Various companion therapeutic methods and useful binding reagents are also described.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of determining the dose and/or administration of statins to a patient suffering from a cardiovascular disease. The object is achieved by the method of determining the dose and/or administration of statins to a patient suffering from a cardiovascular disease comprising Step (1) of measuring the intracellular SmgGDS expression level of a patient suffering from a cardiovascular disease before and after administration of statin; and Step (2) of determining the type and/or the dose of statin for the patient in reference to the SmgGDS expression level measured in the Step (1).

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 provides a novel, isolated anti-CXCR4 antibody for use in the diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: Determining a biological condition in a mammal by using a cartridge, having fluidic open channels, sealable after receiving a fluid specimen, passing any of the specimen through any of the channels, contacting any reagent stored in a chamber with the specimen in a reaction chamber inducing a reaction and forming a reaction product, a mechanical controller including first urging means applying a force externally onto the chamber to release the reagent, second urging means applying a removable force onto the channels thereby inducing fluidic movement in a first direction in the channels and upon removal of the force causing fluidic movement in an opposite direction, alignment means aligning a reading channel on the cartridge for a detection to take place, an optical reader detecting the reaction product in the reading channel, and a processor receiving data from the optical reader and processing the data to determine the biological condition.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system of cell detection and analysis. The present invention may incorporate at least an optical source, a fluidic chip and a detection module. Cells may be caused to flow within the fluidic chip and specifically past a detection window section accessible by the optical source. The flowing cells may be identified and/or analyzed. The detection module may specifically count the cells of interest as they flow past the detection window section of the chip. The detection module may further be operable to generate or otherwise capture images of the cells as they flow past the window and to use these images collectively for the purpose of analyzing the cells. The present invention may be portable and operable in remote locations.

Abstract: A gene coded for a MHC class I molecule. The MHC class I molecule comprises an ALPHA-1 helix and an ALPHA-2 helix. The gene is coded so that a bond is formed between the ALPHA-1 helix and the ALPHA-2 helix in the MHC class I molecule.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits useful for detecting whether a subject has or is likely to develop a cancer and for monitoring, staging and examining a cancer patient. Also provide herein are methods for screening compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing the infection status of a subject and in particular to a method for assessing the infection status of a subject by analysing the cellular and/or humoral composition of breastmilk from said subject. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a method for detecting infection in a breastfeeding mother and/or infant.

Abstract: Heteroclitic analogs of Class I epitopes are prepared by providing conservative or semi-conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 3 and/or 5 and/or 7 of these epitopes. The analogs are useful in eliciting immune responses with respect to the corresponding wildtype epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit an autoimmune response and methods for using this composition to treat glaucoma and optic neuropathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the identification of an antigen surrogate to the native antigens for the autoimmune disease pemphigus vulgaris. Ligands are discovered using large random peptoid or cyclic peptoid libraries that are screened against known antibodies to autoimmune diseases. The ligands may be useful as drugs in the treatment of such diseases and can also be used in combination with the comcomitant removal of T-cells associated with autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing B-CLL in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising determining in a biological sample of the subject a level of CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30), wherein an increase in the level of the CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30) beyond a predetermined threshold with respect to a level of the CD84 in a biological sample from a healthy individual is indicative of the B-CLL.

Abstract: Methods for assessing pneumonia in a patient, methods for managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia, and methods of managing treatment in a patient suffering from pneumonia. The method of assessing pneumonia includes contacting a biological sample with reagents for detection and/or quantification of neutrophil-derived microparticles, determining a level of neutrophil-derived microparticles, and assessing pneumonia if the level is elevated. The method of managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia includes assessing pneumonia by calculating a concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles, treating the patient where pneumonia is indicated, and determining treatment response by measuring a post treatment concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles.

Abstract: Methods of assaying potency of a vaccine composition are provided. Said methods utilize a T cell receptor mimic that is reactive against a specific peptide/MHC complex. The potency of the vaccine is determined based upon the measured density of specific peptide/MHC complex present on the surface of the vaccine-treated antigen presenting cell.

Abstract: A composition comprising a TRAIL-R2 receptor or fragment thereof bound to a ligand in crystalline form is presently provided along with novel binding sites and binding agents of a TRAIL receptor. Also provided are methods of designing a compound, protein or peptide and identifying a binding agent that interacts with a TRAIL receptor. The present invention further provides methods of modulating binding of a TRAIL receptor to a ligand, the methods comprising contacting the TRAIL receptor with a binding agent, ligand, or an agonist or antagonist thereof, that interacts with a novel binding site described herein.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a target analyte in a sample using a polymer capable of binding to the target analyte are disclosed. A microdevice useful for the disclosed techniques includes a semi-permeable membrane structure, a substrate, a first and second microchambers formed between the membrane structure and the substrate. The first microchamber can be adapted to receive a solution including the polymer, and the second microchamber can be adapted to receive a reference solution. Environmental target analyte can permeate the semi-permeable membrane structure and enters the first microchamber and the second microchamber. Based on the difference in a property associated with the polymer solution that is responsive to the target analyte-polymer binding, and the corresponding property associated with reference solution, the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte can be determined.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody that binds to an extracellular domain of human receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase ? (human PTPRS), or a fragment including an antigen-binding region thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance. Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and kits for determining cell signaling profiles in normal cells and comparing the cell signaling profiles of normal cells to cell signaling profiles from a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel humanised antibodies against human CD52 and their use in methods of treating or preventing human diseases.

Abstract: Hydroxamate substituted azaindoline cyanine dyes, conjugates thereof and methods of using the same are provided. The subject cyanine dyes include an azaindoline ring having a hydroxamate substituent. The dyes may further include a reactive group moieties (RGM) and/or a water soluble group. Also provided are conjugates of the subject dyes. Also provided are tandem conjugates including a fluorescent protein capable of energy transfer to the dye. Methods of detecting an analyte in a sample by contacting the sample with a detection reagent are provided. The detection agent may be a dye-conjugate that specifically binds the analyte, or may be a reactive dye which conjugates to the analyte. Also provided are compositions, e.g., kits, etc., incorporating such dyes which facilitate use in such methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions effective in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human hematopoietic cancers. In particular, the disclosure provides tumor-associated genes that encode for cytokine receptors that are differentially expressed in hematopoietic tumor cells of myeloid origin compared with other cells, e.g., normal stem cells.

Abstract: Methods for labeling and/or detecting a T cell according to specificity of an antigen T cell receptor (TCR) are provided. Also provided are monomeric MHC-peptide complexes and kits for crosslinking to a T cell according to specificity of an antigen T cell receptor (TCR). The methods, monomeric MHC-peptide complexes and kits find use in a variety of applications related to the detection and purification of antigen-specific T cells, such as those T cells involved in tumors, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices, solutions and methods for collecting and processing samples of bodily fluids containing cells (as well as embodiments for the collection, and processing and/or analysis of other fluids including toxic and/or hazardous substances/fluids). In addition, the disclosure relates generally to function genomic studies and to the isolation and preservation of cells from saliva and other bodily fluids (e.g., urine), for cellular analysis. With respect to devices for collection of bodily fluids, some embodiments include two mating bodies, a cap and a tube (for example), where, in some embodiments, the cap includes a closed interior space for holding a sample preservative solution and mates with the tube to constitute the (closed) sample collection device. Upon mating, the preservation solution flows into the closed interior space to preserve cells in the bodily fluid. The tube is configured to receive a donor sample of bodily fluid (e.g.

Abstract: A particle identification system includes: a cartridge for containing a sample with fluorescently labeled particles; illumination for illuminating a region within the cartridge to stimulate emission from particles; imager for generating wavelength-filtered electronic images of the emission within at least one measurement field of the region; and particle identifier for processing the electronic images to determine a superset of particles of interest, and fluorescently labeled particles within the superset based on properties of the particles in the at least one measurement field.

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 relates to a kit and method for the capture of tumor cells in a body fluid sample or a serum-containing sample. The kit and method of the invention can capture living tumor cells but not non-living tumor cells or cell fragments so that the tumor species can be further identified by further culture of the captured tumor cells. Also, the kit and method of the invention can readily identify whether a sample contains tumor cells and collect these tumor cells for further identification so that the presence of cancer and development of the metastasis and early relapse can be identified.