Abstract: Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 ?M, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade. Although partially attenuated by human serum, as low as 1 ?M of SSCrFCES inhibits the LPS-induced secretion of hTNF-? and hIL-8 by THP-1 and human pheripheral blood mononuclear cells with a potency more superior than polymyxin B.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide ligands for G-protein coupled receptors that are useful for treating disorders associated with G-protein coupled receptor activation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the effects of MASP-2-dependent complement activation in a living subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of treating a subject suffering from a complement mediated coagulation disorder, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. The methods comprise the step of administering, to a subject in need thereof, an amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent effective to inhibit MASP-2-dependent complement activation. In some embodiments, the MASP-2 inhibitory agent inhibits cellular injury associated with MASP-2-mediated alternative complement pathway activation, while leaving the classical (C1q-dependent) pathway component of the immune system intact. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions for inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for inhibiting cell death or inflammation in a mammal, wherein the methods each include the step of administering to a mammal a Bcl protein in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell death or inflammation in the mammal. The invention also provides methods for identifying a Bcl protein that inhibits cell death or inflammation when administered to a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, IA, II, HA, III, or IHA and their pharmaceutical uses. Particular aspects of the invention relate to the use of those compounds for the selective inhibition of one or more caspases. Also described are methods where the compounds of Formula I, IA, II, IIA, III, or IIIA are used in the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases and conditions in subjects, including caspase-mediated diseases such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases).

Abstract: The method of the invention relates to an OmCI polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding an OmCI polypeptide for the treatment of a disease or condition mediated by a leukotriene or hydroxyeicosanoid.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of septic shock are disclosed herein. The methods include the use of a therapeutically effective amount of inhibitory peptides that inhibit TLR activity. The peptides can be used with other agents for the treatment of septic shock. In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide is administered to a subject with septic shock, such as septic shock induced by an infection with gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of molecular biology, and in particular it refers to peptides, polypeptides, protein molecules, uses, methods, processes, systems and compositions for minimizing the presence of molecules in a material and/or interfering with effects associated to such molecules. In particular, the present invention can appear in the form of anti-septic shock pharmacological composition and systems of purification from bacterial endotoxins.

Abstract: Leukotriene B4 binding polypeptide is obtained from Ixodes ricinus, the polynucleotide and related polypeptides may be used as research reagents and materials for the development of treatments and diagnostics tools specific to animal and human diseases.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods useful for modulating the immune system of a subject. Also included are diagnostic methods for monitoring an immunologic condition. In particular the invention relates to antagonists of interferon proteins and associated methods of use as well as methods to develop neutralizing antibodies against IFN antagonists to treat viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the prevention, treatment and/or diagnosis of a medical condition, such as sepsis, systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, and/or thrombosis, for example. In particular, the method employs part or all of the A2 domain of von Willebrand factor. In certain cases, a recombinant A2 domain is utilized for the treatment of sepsis, systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, and/or thrombosis, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in the treatment of conditions such as septicaemia and septic shock. The invention further provides compositions and methods for the suppression Toll-like Receptor 4 mediated activation of the immune system. The invention further provides screening assays to identify compounds which have utility in the foregoing compositions and methods.

Abstract: Peptides for the treatment of inflammation, and therapeutic uses and methods of using the same are disclosed. Peptides including a transducing sequence are effective for inhibiting cytokine activity and TNF-? secretion through interaction with toll-like receptors.

Abstract: The combination of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists and vasopressin receptor agonists (selective or non-selective) is described, including pharmaceutical compositions, including kits, for administering, and methods and uses of such a combination, e.g. for treatment of critical care diseases and conditions requiring control of arterial blood pressure or for treatment of hypotension.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of sepsis in a subject or for the differentiation between sepsis and SIRS in a subject, the method comprising(a) measuring the level of pro-hepcidin (pro-HEPC) in a biological sample taken from said subject, (b) measuring the level of at least one further biomarker selected from the group consisting of soluble TNF-receptor 2 (sTNFR2), Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (MCSF), pro-Brain Natriuretic Protein (pro-BNP), one or more members of the Histone protein family, Procalcitonin (PCT) and c-Reactive Protein (CRP) in a biological sample from said subject, (c) using said measurements obtained in steps (a) and (b) to create a profile for said biomarkers and (d) comparing said profile with a reference biomarker profile obtained form a patient having SIRS or from a healthy subject.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is, in the most general aspect, the therapeutic application of the Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor Infestin or domains thereof or modified Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors based on Infestin homologs, which prevent the formation and/or stabilization of three-dimensional arterial or venous thrombi by interfering with proteins involved in activation of the so-called intrinsic coagulation pathway. In particular the present invention relates to the use of said Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors or fragments thereof or modified Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors, in the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition or disorder related to arterial thrombus formation, i. e.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds according to formula, (R2R3)-A1-c(A2-A3-A4-A5-A6-A7-A8-A9)-A10-R1, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof that act as ligands for one or more of the melanocortin receptors, to methods of using such compounds to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions can include modified peptides which are derived from the chain of the Bbeta(15-42)-fibrin fragment and wherein one or several of the amino acids of the sequence have been substituted by genetically encoded or not genetically encoded amino acids or peptidomimetics. They may exist as free peptides or as C-terminal derivative and/or being linked to a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polymer, and have anti-inflammatory and/or endothelium stabilizing effects. Esters or amides may for instance be taken into consideration as C-terminal derivatives. Processes for production of the peptides and derivatives thereof are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treatment and/or prevention of a disease associated with vascular leak in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Treatment and/or prevention of sepsis using an enteral composition containing phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol or precursors thereof. With the composition of the invention the natural level of chylomicrons is maintained, in particular in gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which ensures that most of LPS and/or LTA which are released in the body can be neutralized, substantially decreasing the risk of locally occurring high levels of LPS and/or LTA and thus sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound Glu-Ala-Leu-Glu-Leu-Ala-Arg-Gly-Ala-Ile-Phe-Gln-Ala-NH2 as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquid buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide Glu-Ala-Leu-Glu-Leu-Ala-Arg-Gly-Ala-Ile-Phe-Gln-Ala-NH2 optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment or prevention of sepsis and other diseases characteristic to the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), including severe sepsis, septic shock, and sepsis related to cardiac dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoregulating agent comprising a peptide, a pharmaceutical composition and a method of preventing or treating immune-related disorder such as sever sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the use of peptide for anti-inflammatory agent, an antibacterial agent, or an inhibiting agent of an immune cell apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound Gly-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gly-Cys-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-Gly-Ser-Met-Ser-Gly-Leu-Gly-Cys-OH as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquide buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide Gly-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gly-Cys-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-Gly-Ser-Met-Ser-Gly-Leu-Gly-Cys-OH optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing the damage done by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing the concentration of a metal in an animal. These methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a metal-binding compound as further described in the application. The invention further provides a method of reducing the damage done by ROS to a cell, a tissue or an organ that has been removed from an animal. This method comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with a solution or medium containing an effective amount of a metal-binding compound of the invention. The invention further provides novel metal-binding compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the metal-binding compounds, and kits comprising a container holding a metal-binding compound of the invention.