Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a nano-size semiconductor component within a wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate. A first thermal energy beam is directed onto a first portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate to change the structure of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate into a first element of the semiconductor component. A second thermal energy beam is directed onto a second portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first portion to form a second element of the semiconductor component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing Ig fractions from human polyvalent intravenous Immunoglobulins (IV Ig) which are in particular likely to be responsible for the immunomodulatory effect observed during the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases. The invention concerns Ig fractions having reactivity to IgM, IgG F(ab?)2 or DNP hapten and no or little reactivity to non-self antigens, that is Ig fractions which have idiotypic interactions among themselves (connected fraction) or which include natural antibodies reacting with the DNP hapten. Said fractions exhibit a polyreactivity to specific autoantigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new CRP immunoassay compositions. The compositions include a low affinity anti-human CRP monoclonal antibody, and an antiidiotypic antibody raised against it. The invention further provides a method for obtaining antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody populations directed to an antibody that is specific for a high concentration, high molecular weight target antigen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of antigen-specific antibodies of the immunoglobulin G class in the presence of immunoglobulins of the M class in body fluids by incubation with at least two different receptors R1 and R2 and optionally additional receptors, an essential component of R2 being a binding partner in monomeric form, a reagent for determining an antigen-specific antibody of the immunoglobulin G class as well as the use of binding partners in monomeric form for the determination of an antigen-specific antibody of the immunoglobulin G class.

Abstract: In a competitive receptor binding assay for detecting TSH-receptor auto-antibodies in a biological sample, the sample is reacted in a reaction mixture which contains (i) a TSH-receptor or TSH-receptor preparation; (ii) a primary competitor, for example labelled TSH; and (iii) an agent for separating a complex composed of the TSH-receptor and the elements bound thereto of the reaction mixture from the liquid phase. According to the invention, the reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one monoclonal or polyclonal antibody specific against a partial peptide sequence of the TSH eceptor. This specific antibody is used to immobilize a complex of TSH-receptor and primary competitor and/or as secondary competitor for another part of the TSH-receptor auto-antibodies expected in a sample. The primary or secondary competitors are or can be selectively labelled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of a stable troponin preparation and its use as a calibrator and/or control in immunoassays. The formulation is prepared from mammalian, preferably bovine, heart tissue which provides a calibrator/control composition which remains stable over a long period of time.

Abstract: Novel Protostrongylidea antigens and early and accurate diagnostic methods for Protostrongylidae infection are disclosed. Novel P. tenuis-specific antigens and methods of discriminating between P. tenuis infection and infection with other closely-related members of the Protostrongylidae family are provided. Novel E. cervi-specific antigens and methods of discriminating between E. cervi infection and infection with other closely-related members of the Protostrongylidae family are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing preclinical insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus by determining the T cell response to a specific islet cell antigen fetal antigen 1 (FA1) or the presence of autoantibodies against FA1 in serum, a test kit for use in the method, as well as a pharmaceutical composition of FA1 and a method for use of the pharmaceutical composition for therapy of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition composed of several different antibodies or/and antibody fragments which is suitable as a reagent to reduce interferences in an immunological method for the class-specific detection of antibodies from one or several of the immunoglobulin classes G, M, A, D and E.

Abstract: A method of identifying peptides which mimic biologically active proteins is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of making a recombinant antibody library from genetic material obtained from an animal which has been immunized against antibodies that bind to the biological active protein to the mimicked. Recombinant antibodies are screened to identify antibodies which compete with the biological active protein. Peptides which comprise the recombinant antibody's CDR sequences are synthesized. Synthetic peptides which mimic GM-CSF are also disclosed.

Abstract: Peptide antigens derived from the dengue virus type-2 glycoprotein NS1 are provided. The peptide antigens are specifically immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with the dengue virus. The antigens are useful as diagnostic tools in determining whether an individual has been or is infected with dengue virus, and for discriminating between infection with dengue virus and infection with related flaviviruses. The antigens are also useful in vaccine compositions for immunizing individuals against infection with the dengue virus.

Abstract: A method of detecting chlamydia in a extracellular sample is provided which comprises contacting the sample with an idiotypic antibody to GLXA to form an immunocomplex and detecting the immunocomplex.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of screening for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease which include the detection of two disparate autoantibodies: pANCA and VH3-15 autoantibody. The present invention also provides kits for screening ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Assays that are prognostic for patients that will develop nephritis have been developed where patient serum is screened for the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies that are cross reactive with A and D SnRNP proteins. The assays are based on the use of either peptides containing epitopes bound by the anti-dsDNA antibodies, or the antigens for the antibodies, A and D SnRNP proteins. Therapeutic compositions have also been developed using either antibodies that block the pathogenicity of the anti-dsDNA antibodies, such as the naturally occurring anti-La/SSB and anti-U.sub.1 RNP antibodies that are cross reactive with the anti-dsDNA or using the peptides or A and D proteins to induce tolerance.

Abstract: A method is described for determining a hapten which method comprises (i) contacting the hapten with a binding partner of the hapten, whereby the hapten becomes bound to some of the binding partner, (ii) contacting the unbound binding partner with a secondary binding partner therefor, (iii) contacting the binding partner with an antibody which binds the binding partner which has bound thereto the hapten but which does not bind the binding partner which has bound thereto its secondary binding partner; and (iv) determining the amount of antibody bound to the binding partner. Kits for use in the method are also described.

Abstract: Methods and composition are provided for identifying antiproliferative polypeptides which inhibit clonal expansion and/or induce apoptosis in cells of a predetermined cell population (e.g., a neoplastic cell sample) expressing a cell surface receptor which is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. A predetermined cell population expressing surface immunoglobulin superfamily molecules is isolated from a patient as a cellular sample, such as a lymph node biospy or blood sample containing neoplastic lymphocytic cells. Antiproliferative peptides which are identified by the methods of the invention can be used as therapeutic agents for treating lymphoproliferative disorders by anti-idiotype therapy.

Abstract: The invention concerns murine antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies which are the internal image of determinants recognized by a monoclonal antibody on high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA), antibody derivatives, hybridoma cell lines secreting such antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies, and processes for the preparation of such antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies, of their derivatives and of the hybridoma cell lines. The murine antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies are useful for the determination of antibodies directed against high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen, for the modulation of the immune response to HMW-MAA and for the treatment of melanoma.

Abstract: A method is described for determining a hapten which method comprises (i) contacting the hapten with a binding partner of the hapten, whereby the hapten becomes bound to some of the binding partner, (ii) contacting the unbound binding partner with a secondary binding partner therefor, (iii) contacting the binding partner with an antibody which binds the binding partner which has bound thereto the hapten but which does not bind the binding partner which has bound thereto its secondary binding partner; and (iv) determining the amount of antibody bound to the binding partner. Kits for use in the method are also described.

Abstract: An agglutination-based method for detecting and/or an analyte by allowing the agglutination reaction between the analyte, a carrier reagent, and an agglutinating agent to occur in the presence of a multivalent ligand.

Abstract: Venom immunotherapy is a highly effective treatment for bee sting sensitive individuals. Treated individuals and those naturally exposed to repeated bee stings, such as beekeepers have been shown to develop anti bee venom anti-idiotypic antibodies. These antibodies can be isolated, monoclonal anti-bee venom antibodies can be generated and used in a diagnostic kit to evaluate whether or not an affected individual has developed effective immunity and to evaluate an individual's risk of sensitivity.

Abstract: Novel adenocarcinoma binding human monoclonal antibody binds preferentially with ADCA antigens and is useful in diagnostic and imaging methods for identifying and locating adenocarcinoma cells, and in therapeutic methods to reduce the reproduction of adenocarcinoma cells. The novel ADCA antigen is useful in methods for diagnosing the presence of adenocarcinoma. The antigen, antibodies, hybridoma, reagents, therapeutic agents and methods of use are aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A 65 KD heat shock protein, proteins cross-reactive therewith, or antibodies thereto can be used for detecting in humans the existence of, a tendency to develop, or the initiation of a process leading to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Antibodies to hsp65 can be used to detect the hsp65 molecule in blood or urine. The hsp65 molecule of any species, or any other substance immunologically cross-reactive therewith, when administered with a tolerogenic carrier, can be used for the prevention or treatment of IDDM prior to development of clinical symptoms thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an imaging immunoassay detection apparatus system and method capable of detecting multiple light emitting reactions from small volume samples simultaneously and quantifying the same.

Abstract: Chemically synthesized polypeptides containing about 6 to 40 amino acid residues and having amino acid residue sequences that substantially correspond to the primary amino acid residue sequences of particular variable or hypervariable regions of immunoglobulins, when administered alone or as polymers or as conjugates bound to carriers, induce the production of anti-idiotype antibodies of predetermined specificities.