Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of TNF family ligands which have been mutated at the ligand trimerisation interface so that they are not capable of assembling into trimers, and either assemble into dimers or remain as monomers. Such ligands bind to the TNF receptor but are unable to activate it, effectively functioning as competitive inhibitors. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the variants of TNF family ligands, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid and methods for the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant signalling through a TNF receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed here is the rational design and use of potent and specific GPCR antagonist pepducins based on GPCR regions such as the third intracellular loop and adjacent regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a humanized anti-CD37 small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP) molecule, as well as synergistic combination therapies of CD37-specific binding molecules (such as anti-CD37 SMIP proteins or antibodies) with bifunctional chemotherapeutics (such as bendamustine) that can be administered concurrently or sequentially, for use in treating or preventing B-cell related autoimmune, inflammatory, or hyperproliferative diseases.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to inhibitors that preferentially inhibit immunoproteasome activity over constitutive proteasome activity. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of immune related diseases, comprising administering a compound of the invention. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of cancer, comprising administering a compound of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a CR2-FH molecule comprising a CR2 portion comprising CR2 protein or a fragment thereof and a FH portion comprising a factor H protein or a fragment thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CR2-FH molecule. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for treatment diseases in which the alternative complement pathway is implicated, such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and ischemia reperfusion.

Abstract: A method for treating disorders involving deregulation of cell proliferation and/or angiogenesis comprising the administration of an effective amount of a multivalent synthetic compound comprising a support on which at least 3 pseudopeptide units are grafted, said compound being of formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activin receptor type II B (ACVR2B) inhibitor which comprises the delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) extracellular water-soluble domain. More specifically, the present invention relates to an extracellular soluble domain of DLK1; fragments of the extracellular soluble domain of DLK1; mutants of the extracellular soluble domain of DLK1; a composition for suppressing ligand linkage with the ACVR2B receptor, which includes a fragment of the mutants as an active ingredient; and a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of diseases which comprises the same. The composition of the present invention competitively binds to the ACVR2B receptor and inhibits the binding of an ACVR2B ligand to the ACVR2B receptor, which inhibits protein signalling associated with such ligands, and will be useful for prevention and treatment of diseases associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer conjugates of polypeptide variants of the HMGB1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A) or of a biologically active fragment of HMGB1 Box-A. Further, the invention relates to novel polymer conjugates of polypeptide variants of the HMGB1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A). Moreover, the present invention concerns the use of said polymer conjugates of polypeptide molecules of HMGB1 Box-A to diagnose, prevent, alleviate and/or treat pathologies associated with extracellular HMGB1 and/or associated with an increased expression of RAGE.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting and/or reversing fibrosis. The invention further provides peptides and polypeptides which are BMP agonists which trigger BMP signaling and inhibit and/or reverse EMT in a cell or tissue.

Abstract: An Annexin A5 variant, comprising one or more RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequences, is suitable for use in the treatment of a disease in mammals, including humans, wherein augmentation of phagocytosis is a desired effect of treatment. The Annexin A5 variant can e.g. be used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerotic plaque or in the treatment of COPD. At least one RGD sequence may substitute sequences of three amino acids within the range 1-19 or other regions of the amino acid sequences of Annexin A5; alternatively one or more RGD sequences may be part of an extension at the N-terminal side.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: The present invention features the local administration of complement inhibitors for treatment of complement-mediated disorders. In certain embodiments the invention features inhibiting activation of one or more locally produced complement proteins. The invention provides sustained release formulations and devices comprising a complement inhibitor and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating TRPV1 activity-related or inflammation-related, diseases or conditions, containing a Maillard peptide separated from well-aged traditional soy sauce as an active ingredient. The Maillard peptide in the present invention functions both as a TRPV1 agonist and a TRPV1 antagonist, and further functions as a TRPV1 activity modulator. Therefore, the Maillard peptide can be used for preventing or treating TRPV1 activity-related diseases such as pain, neurological diseases, urgent defecation, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory diseases, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, neurogenic / allergic / inflammatory skin diseases, skin, eye or mucosal irritation, hyperacusis, tinnitus, vestibular hypersensitivity, heart disease, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for modulating TNF and TNFR signaling. In particular, the disclosure describes methods and compositions for inhibiting TNF? signaling, such as in the prevention or treatment of TNF?-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates ?CD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon ?CD3/?GITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed. In particular methods of using these proteins and compounds, preferably antibodies, which bind or modulate (agonize or antagonize) the activity of these proteins, as immune modulators and for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, allergy, infection and inflammatory conditions, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Adenylyl Cyclase-Associated Protein (CAP1) as a target for immuno-modulation. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of compounds that interact and bind CAP1, specifically, anti-CAP1 antibodies, and/or to CAP1 molecule or any fragments thereof, for the treatment of immune-related disorders by modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance. The invention further provides screening method for immuno-modulatory compounds that interact with CAP1.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having an autoimmune disease or a Th1 polarising infection or a condition associated with inflammation other than asthma or allergy, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5).

Abstract: The invention describes a method of treating upper airway disease by administering a composition of one or more proinflammatory cytokine inhibitors sufficient to inhibit inflammation in the upper airways. The proinflammatory cytokines that are inhibited include TNF, IL-1 and IL-8. A medication dispensing unit which includes a container and a delivery system is used to administer the composition. The delivery system further encompasses a one-way valve, a microcatheter, or a liquid-pressure type sprayer.

Abstract: Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found using a mixture of fish oil and fish oil derived, choline based, phospholipid bound fatty acid mixture including polyunsaturated EPA and DHA either alone or in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising anakinra as an active compound in the absence of sodium citrate. The said pharmaceutical compositions are useful for the treatment of IL-1 mediated disorders and for decreasing nociceptive pain during such treatment.

Abstract: Described herein is an activated synovial autoreactive T cell and compositions thereof. Methods or preparing T cell compositions that may be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melancortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A cyclosporin derivative of general Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically compatible salt thereof, which have a pharmaceutical effectiveness, for example in the case of chronic inflammatory diseases. The cyclosporin derivatives are preferably free from a peptide section capable of passing through the membrane of a biological cell.

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising a mucin-domain polypeptide covalently linked to an active protein that has improved properties (e.g. pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties) compared to the same active protein not linked to mucin-domain polypeptide, as well as methods for making and using the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-binding polypeptides and methods for using these polypeptides to inhibit biological activities mediated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). The present disclosure also provides various improvements relating to single domain binding polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CTLA4 proteins and uses of such proteins, for example to treat diseases associated with the dysregulation of immune responses.

Abstract: This invention describes an ICE inhibitor prodrug (I) having good bioavailability. Compound I is useful for treating IL-1 mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory peritonitis, septic shock, pancreatitis, traumatic brain injury, organ transplant rejection, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, Alzheimer's disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, Huntington's disease, atherosclerosis, atopic dermatitis, leukemias and related disorders, myelodysplastic syndrome, uveitis or multiple myeloma.

Abstract: The invention refers to compositions that comprise the protein preparation, obtained from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, in a low concentration. Additionally, the invention refers to the use of the protein preparation or the composition described herein, for the preparation of a medicine to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, and to the method of treating same that uses the aforementioned composition or the protein preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to potent compounds having combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation and metal chelating properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to short peptides having these properties, and to methods and uses of such short peptides in clinical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods based on genetic polymorphisms that are associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. For example, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and variant proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid molecules and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new compound useful as a modulator of melanocortin receptors. In particular, the present invention relates to a compound WS727713, a process for production of the compound by culturing, in a culture medium, a WS727713-producing strain belonging to Pseudonocardia and recovering the compound from a culture broth, a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound, and uses of the compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosis of a disease, wherein presence or absence of an anti-endothelin-receptor antibody is determined in a sample from a patient to be diagnosed more in particular an anti-endothelin-receptor-A antibody. The disease according to the invention is in particular selected from diabetes, preferably type I diabetes, graft rejection, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, vasculitis, collagenosis, Raynaud-Syndrom (Morbus Raynaud), and inflammatory rheumatic disease and arteriosclerosis. The invention further relates to the use of an inhibitor of an anti-endothelin-receptor antibody or an inhibitor of an endothelin-receptor for the production of a medicament as well as a method for removing anti-endothelin-receptor antibodies from isolated blood by means of plasmapheresis.

Abstract: A method for treating early-stage osteoarthritis in an animal is provided. The method comprises delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of a parathyroid hormone (PTH) or a PTH derived substance to an affected joint cavity of the patient. Methods for inhibiting articular chondrocytes apoptosis and for inhibiting a degenerative process of articular chondrocytes in an afflicted animal are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds which function as antagonists of Toll-like Receptor 2 are shown to suppress the immune response which result in the onset and progression of autoimmune disease. In particular monoclonal antibodies which have a binding specificity to Toll-like receptor 2 are disclosed for use in methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against cells that express survivin are provided. The method is suitable for prophylaxis and/or therapy of autoimmune disorders. The method involves administering to an individual a composition that contains a survivin peptide mimic that has a cysteine to methionine alteration at amino acid position 57 of wild type survivin. Fragments of the peptides can also be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, composition and kit for treatment of inflammatory disease and disorder using PKC isoform modulators. Exemplary modulators include inhibitors of PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon and PKC-eta, as well as activators of PKC-delta.

Abstract: Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found with krill oil and/or marine oil in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.

Abstract: Provided are a pharmaceutical use of poly-gamma-glutamic acid used for preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases, a composition for preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases comprising poly-gamma-glutamic acid as an active ingredient, and a method of preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases using the same. The pharmaceutical composition is effective in inhibiting the differentiation of Th17 cells while promoting Treg cells, and, thus, can be useful in preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to small peptides derived from a cytokine, interleukin-4 (IL-4), capable of binding to the IL-4 receptors and inhibiting macrophage activation, and thereby preventing the onset of inflammatory response. The invention further relates to use of said peptides for the production of a medicament for the treatment of different pathological conditions, wherein IL-4 plays a prominent role.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising an extracellular domain of a VEGF receptor and a death ligand. The fusion proteins bind to VEGF and to death receptors on tumor cells thereby inhibiting VEGF activation of VEGF receptors and inducing apoptosis in the tumor cells. Fusion proteins of the present invention are useful for inducing apoptosis and cytotoxic effects in cells, treating cancer and diseases or disorders related to unregulated angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis. Thus, this invention further provides methods for treating angiogenesis related diseases using the fusion proteins, polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors containing the polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the fusion proteins or the polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands.

Abstract: The invention provides human signal peptide-containing proteins (HSPP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HSPP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with expression of HSPP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide which is capable of binding to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo, or to a fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human-derived cell permeable peptide-bioactive peptide conjugate and the use thereof. According to the present invention, cationic cell permeable peptides derived from human bone morphogenetic protein-4 have no toxicity and immuno-genicity and thus exhibit high stability as compared to viral peptide delivery vehicles, and can transport cell impermeable material into cells and into an organism without any damage to cell or material, thereby significantly increasing target gene expression. In addition, the peptide may be applied to clinical use without having to undergo a large number of processes and mass-produced, such that the present invention may be useful in the development of a drug delivery system and treatment technologies using said peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable microparticle having a diameter between 0.2 and 3.5 micrometer and comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one small heat-shock protein that induces IL-10 production in macrophages, said small heat-shock protein comprising an amino acid sequence identity of at least 50% to any of the sequences listed as SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 12-26.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or inhibiting arthritis is provided. The method includes administering an effective amount of a composition including a parathyroid hormone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or salt to a subject with arthritis. Additionally, a method for inhibiting and/or rescuing terminal differentiation of cells is also provided.

Abstract: A conjugate protein comprising a GM-CSF or a fragment thereof and a truncated CCL2 is described. The conjugate protein has unexpected immune suppressive, anti-obesity and tumoricidal properties and is useful in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: An antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof which binds to mammalian ?7 subunit of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or its functional variant and which is an agonist of said receptor or variant. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. A method of treating a subject suffering from an inflammatory condition comprising administering to said subject an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment as described herein.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that are capable of inhibiting cell activation mediated by a Toll-like receptor (TLR) selected from TLR 1, 2, 4 or 6, said peptide comprising a sequence consisting of, or found within, the sequence of the transmembrane domain of a TLR selected from TLR 1, 2, 4 or 6 and optionally cytoplasmic and extracellular regions flanking the transmembrane domain. These peptides as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising them are useful for the treatment of TLR-mediated disease.