Abstract: The present invention provides stabilized activin IIB receptor polypeptides and proteins capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the stabilized polypeptides and proteins. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting diseases and metabolic disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Peptides are provided consisting of L- and/or D-amino acids and combinations thereof, which affect myeloid cells by action on the triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs), including TREM-1 and TREM-2. The peptides act on the TREM/DAP-12 signaling complex. Also provided are lipid and sugar conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. A method is provided of designing the peptides and lipid- and/or sugar-conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The disclosure relates to the therapy of various myeloid cell-related disease states involving the use of these peptides and compounds. The peptides and compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or condition where myeloid cells are involved or recruited. The peptides of the present invention also are useful in the production of medical devices comprising peptide matrices (for example, medical implants and implantable devices).

Abstract: This invention relates to a protein C1ORF32 and its variants and fragments and fusion proteins thereof, and methods of use thereof for immunotherapy, and drug development, including but not limited to as immune modulators and for immune therapy, including for autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Binding members for alpha chain of receptor for granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSFR?), especially antibody molecules. Use of the binding members in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergic response, multiple sclerosis, myeloid leukaemia and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that Shn2 and Shn3 play an important role in skeletal remodeling and skeletal patterning. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for identifying medulators of Shn2 activity and methods for modulating bone formation and mineralization and Shn2-associated disorders using agents that modulate Shn2 expression and/or activity, in addition to methods for modulating Shn2 and Shn3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for use as a modulator of apoptosis-factor-associated cell death, apoptosis, cell survival, migration and/or proliferation, a method of diagnosing or monitoring apoptosis-factor-associated conditions or disorders as well as a method of identifying a modulator of apoptosis-factor-associated cell death, apoptosis, cell survival, migration and/or proliferation. Preferably, the invention relates to TRAIL-induced cell death and/or TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Preferably the agents are used to stimulate and/or enable TRAIL-induced cell death or to inhibit TRAIL-induced cell death. The preferable use of the diagnostic tools is to diagnose sensitivity or resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death or induction of sensitivity or resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death by an agent.

Abstract: The compounds of the present invention are non-immunosupressive cyclosporine analogue molecules that are able to bind cyclophilin. Said compounds include a modified side chain of amino acid I of cyclosporin A, consisting of an oxyalkyl having substituents R?, R1 and R2, where R? is H or Acetyl; R1 is a saturated or unsaturated straight chain or branched aliphatic carbon chain; and R2 may be a hydrogen; a unsubstituted, N substituted or NN disubstituted amide; a N substituted or unsubstituted acyl protected amine; a carboxylic acid; a N substituted or unsubstituted amine; a nitrile; a ester; a ketone; a hydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy or polyhydroxy alkyl; or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I wherein R2a and R2b are independently H, halo, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4haloalkyl or C1-C4alkoxy, or R2a and R2b together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3-C6cycloalkyl; R3 is a C5-C10 alkyl, optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, C1-C4haloalkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, C1-C4haloalkoxy; or R3 is a C2-C4alkyl chain with at least 2 chloro or 3 fluoro substituents; or R3 is C3-C7cycloalkylmethyl, optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from C1-C4alkyl, halo, C1-C4haloalkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, C1-C4haloalkoxy; R4 is C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, C1-C6haloalkoxy, C1-C6alkylamino, C1-C6dialkylamino or; R4 is Het or Carbocyclyl, either of which is optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents R4 is Het, carbocyclyl, C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6alkoxy or C1-C6haloalkoxy; n is 1, 2 or 3; for the use in the prophylaxis or treatment of a disorder characterised by inappropriate expression or activation of cath

Abstract: Ligand-specific HVEM variants, compositions comprising such variants, and methods of treating inflammatory diseases comprising administering such variants, are provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: Novel mutants of human monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) with increased glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding affinity and knocked-out or reduced GPCR activity compared to wild type MCP-1, and their use for therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A novel class of embryo derived peptides are described (Preimplantation factor) that were generated synthetically and were tested on peripheral blood immune cells and shown to block activated but not basal immunity, inhibiting cell proliferation and creating a TH2 type cytokine bias, in addition PIF enhance endometrial receptivity by increasing adhesion molecules expression. PIF biological activity appears to be exerted by specific binding to inducible receptors present on the several white cell lineages. PIF peptides, which are immune modulators therefore may have diagnostic and non toxic therapeutic applications in improving fertility, reducing pregnancy loss as well may be useful when administered for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for prevention xenotransplants rejection.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-?-receptor blocking agents”, which block lymphotoxin-? receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-? receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-? receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-? receptor signalling is provided.

Abstract: A soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFRII) mutant has an amino acid substitution at position 92Glu compared with the wild TNFRII. The mutant improves the cytotoxicity capacity of neutralizing TNFalpha and lymphotoxin. The mutant and fusion protein comprising it are useful for the treatment of TNFalpha and lymphotoxin related diseases.

Abstract: An isolated oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant dimer includes a first oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant polypeptide monomer and a second oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant polypeptide monomer, wherein at least one of the first and the second monomers comprises at least one amino acid substitution of a tryptophan residue for an oxidation resistant amino acid, or a functional fragment or variant thereof. Methods for treating a disease or disorder comprises administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant dimer, an oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant monomer, an oxidation-resistant ApoA1 monomer-lipid complex, a lipid complexed oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant monomer, a lipid complexed oxidation-resistant ApoA1 variant dimer, or combinations thereof to the subject to enhance cholesterol efflux activity in the presence of an oxidant.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis using a CD24 protein. The CD24 protein may include mature human or mouse CD24, as well as a N- or C-terminally fused portion of a mammalian immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Polypeptides and other compounds that can bind specifically to the CH2-CH3 cleft of an immunoglobulin molecule, and methods for using such polypeptides and compounds to inhibit Fc-mediated immune complex formation, are described.

Abstract: A bacterial macromolecular complex produced by bacteria belonging to the Bifidobacterium longum strain deposited according to the treaty of Budapest under number CNCM I-3994 with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes (CNCM) [National Collection of Microorganism Cultures], consisting of chains combining a lipoprotein and an oligosaccharide, wherein: the lipoprotein has a molecular weight of from 30 kDa to 60 kDa; the oligosaccharide has a molecular weight of less than 15 kDa, and preferably less than 10 kDa; the lipoprotein component, which consists of all the lipoproteins of each of the chains, represents from 75 to 99%, preferentially from 80 to 98%, more preferentially from 85 to 95% by weight of the total weight of the complex, and the oligosaccharide component, which consists of all the oligosaccharides combined with each of the chains, represents from 1 to 25%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, compositions and kits for evaluating a diagnosis, prognosis, or response to treatment of a subject with a disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Some embodiments include identifying a therapeutic agent for treating a disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Methods of decreasing, reducing, inhibiting, suppressing, limiting or controlling an undesirable or aberrant immune response, immune disorder, inflammatory response, or inflammation in a subject; decreasing, reducing, inhibiting, suppressing, limiting or controlling an autoimmune response, disorder or disease in a subject; and decreasing, reducing, inhibiting, suppressing, limiting or controlling an adverse cardiovascular event or cardiovascular disease in a subject, are provided. Methods include, for example, administering a Nur77 polypeptide or subsequence thereof, a Nur77 agonist, or CD14+ CD16+ monocytes or CD14dimCD16+ (CD115+CD11b+GR1? (Ly6C?)) monocytes or macrophages to a subject to decrease, reduce, inhibit, suppress, limit or control the underlying condition or an adverse symptom or pathology of the condition.

Abstract: A protein hydrolysate having a degree of hydrolysis between 1 and 40% and containing between 1 and 70 wt. % of peptides having a molecular weight of less than 500 Da and less than 55 wt. % of peptides or proteins having a molecular weight of more than 5000 Da, on the basis of the total proteinaceous material of the composition, is effective in stimulating secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In addition, the hydrolysate may have DPP-IV inhibiting activity. The hydrolysate is suitable for the manufacture of a medicament, or food product for prophylaxis and/or treatment of a GLP-1 mediated condition, in particular obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and an immunological disorder.

Abstract: Compounds that are capable of inhibiting the activity of one or more protein kinases are provided. The compounds are short, predominantly basic peptidic compounds comprising between about 5 and about 20 amino acids, and can optionally comprise an ATP mimetic moiety. The protein kinase inhibiting compounds can be used to inhibit the activity of one or more protein kinases in vitro or in vivo. Also provided are methods of inhibiting a protein kinase in a subject by administration of an effective amount of a protein kinase inhibiting compound and the use of the protein kinase inhibiting compounds, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, in the treatment of protein kinase mediated diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the treatment of disease and promotion of healing that include providing a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) or analog thereof, in particular a cathelicidin or cathelicidin fragment or cathelicidin analog, thereby treating the disease in the subject in need thereof. Also provided are specific analogs or fragments of cathelicidin that function as agonists, as do endogenous cathelicidins, or as either dominant negatives or as inhibitors to endogenous cathelicidin or to other endogenous AMPs or that compete with pro-inflammatory agents or fragments of AMPs on cognate receptors without inducing disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and antibodies which bind to melanoma inhibitory activity protein and the uses of such peptides and antibodies. The invention also relates to nucleic acids coding for such peptides or antibodies. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such peptides or antibodies or such nucleic acids. The present invention also relates to small molecule compounds which bind to melanoma inhibitory activity protein and to uses of such small molecule compounds. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a method of preventing dimerization and/or aggregation of melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) protein. The invention is based on the identification of the relevant sites of interaction of the MIA protein with the inhibitory peptides/antibodies.

Abstract: A method for treating immunological diseases and/or disorders associated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) water extract or coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) shell extract through induction of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) or interleukin-10 (IL-10) as endogenous immunosuppressive factors.

Abstract: Antibodies that interact with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) are described. Methods of treating osteopenic disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to OPGL are described. Methods of detecting the amount of OPGL in a sample using antibodies to OPGL are described.

Abstract: Therapeutic drugs for cancer and chronic rheumatoid arthritis which contain a peptide having a CXCR4 antagonism, its amide, its ester or its salt are described. Also, the present invention provides a novel peptide having a CXCR4 antagonism, its amide, its ester and its salt.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating T-cell mediated diseases and a method of inhibiting the activation of T-cells using certain diketopiperazines. The invention also provides methods of synthesizing diketopiperazines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain diketopiperazines. The invention further provides methods of making improved pharmaceutical compositions of proteins and peptides by either increasing or decreasing the content of diketopiperazines in the compositions and the resultant improved pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising an antibody, functional fragment or functional derivative thereof having specific binding affinity to either the extracellular domain of oncofetal fibronectin (ED-B) or at least one of the extracellular domains of oncofetal tenascin fused to a cytokine selected from the group consisting of IL-10, IL15, IL-24 and GM-CSF, functional fragments and functional derivatives thereof. The invention is also directed to the use of at least one of said fusion proteins for the manufacture of a medicament. In particular, the invention concerns the use of said medicament for the treatment of tumors or chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis and psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Sirtuin (SIRT), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Sirtuin (SIRT). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Sirtuins (SIRT)s.

Abstract: A method of treatment for treating, at least partly preventing, inhibiting or reducing tissue deterioration, injury or damage due to a periodontal disease or disease of oral mucosa, or for restoring tissue adversely affected by the disease, in a subject, and/or for downregulating NF-kappaB or suppressing NF-kappaB mediated action in a body, organ, tissue or cell, includes administering to a subject, body, organ, tissue or cell an effective amount of a composition including a peptide agent including at least one of Thymosin beta 4 (T?4), an isoform of T?4, an N-terminal fragment of T?4, a C-terminal fragment of T?4, T?4 sulfoxide, an LKKTET peptide or conservative variant thereof, an LKKTNT peptide or conservative variant thereof, a KLKKTET peptide or conservative variant thereof, an LKKTETQ peptide or conservative variant thereof, T?4ala, T?9, T?10, T?11, T?12, T?13, T?14, T?15, gelsolin, vitamin D binding protein (DBP), profilin, cofilin, depactin, DnaseI, vilin, fragmin, severin, capping protein, ?-actinin,

Abstract: This invention relates to novel analogs of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), which are agonists for the PACAP/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors: PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. These PACAP analogs can be used as prophylactic/therapeutic agents for a wide range of medical disorders, including (but not limited to) cancer and autoimmune disease. These PACAP analogs can be coupled to suitable radionuclides and used in the localization, diagnosis and treatment of disseminated cancers and metastatic tumors, or coupled to small molecule therapeutics and used as vectors for targeted drug delivery. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of one or more PACAP-like compounds of the invention either alone or in combination with one or more other prophylactic/therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to crystalline peptide keto epoxide compounds, methods of their preparation, and related pharmaceutical compositions.

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: This disclosure relates to an angiogenesis-related pharmaceutical composition using connective tissue growth factor, more particularly to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis containing the connective tissue growth factor or a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting angiogenesis containing at least one selected from the group consisting of polypeptide, antibody and a compound binding to connective tissue growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, inflammatory conditions, and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) in a subject. Therapeutic compositions of the present invention comprise Leukocidin E (LukE) and/or D proteins or polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods of treating Staphylococcus aureus infection by administering a composition comprising a CCR5 antagonist or any molecule that blocks LukE/D interaction with CCR5+ cells in an amount effective to treat the S. aureus infection in the subject.

Abstract: There is provided a rheumatoid arthritis inhibitor for oral intake that has an inhibitory effect on rheumatoid arthritis and is excellent in safety. The rheumatoid arthritis inhibitor for oral intake of the present invention contains, as an active component, a casein hydrolysate containing free amino acids and peptides obtained by hydrolyzing animal milk casein to have an average chain length of not longer than 2.1 in terms of the number of amino acid residues, or a mixture of free amino acids and peptides contained in the hydrolysate.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for soluble zcytor11 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. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides and antibodies can also be used to block TIF activity in vitro and in vivo, and may be used in conjunction with TIF and other cytokines to selectively stimulate the immune system. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides modulators of TNF, particularly peptides and their derivatives, particularly GEP peptides, which antagonize TNF and TNF-mediated responses, activity or signaling. The invention provides methods of antagonizing TNF and the modulation of TNF-mediated diseases or responses, including inflammatory diseases and conditions. Compositions of GEP peptides, including in combination with other inflammatory mediators, are provided. Methods of treatment, alleviation, or prevention of TNF-mediated diseases and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, Chrohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, inflammatory lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are provided.

Abstract: The present provides a fusion protein comprising a latency associated peptide (LAP) and a pharmaceutically active agent in which the LAP and the pharmaceutically active agent are connected by an amino acid sequence comprising an aggrecanase proteolytic cleavage site.

Abstract: A recombinant galectin 9 (rGal 9) is provided which exhibits an immune system-mediated action and a direct action on tumor cells (i.e., activity of inducing the intercellular adhesion and apoptosis of the tumor cells), thereby potent in inducing the inhibition of cancer metastasis and reduction. Moreover, the rGal 9 exerts no efficacy on non-activated lymphocytes but can induce apoptosis in activated T cells, in particular, CD4-positive T cells causing an excessive immune response.

Abstract: A soluble multimeric protein or polypeptide is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more linked Fc binding regions, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor and, particularly, Fc?RIIa. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein or polypeptide and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Peptides and their functionally equivalent derivatives, in salt form or non-salt form, effective in the treatment and prevention of tumor, with the general formula L1-X1-X2-X3-X4, wherein: L1 is H, or acyl, or any natural or non-natural amino acid; X2 is any natural or non-natural amino acid, optionally N-alkylated and/or C?-alkylated; X4 is any natural or non-natural hydrophobic amino acid, optionally C?-alkylated and/or amidated at the C-terminal end, or any hydrophobic amino alcohol, or a hydrophobic gem-diamine, optionally N?-alkylated or N?-acylated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic composition, and method of use thereof, for improving bone mass, rigidity, or strength, or preventing and treating bone loss via modulation of the RANK signaling pathway. The therapeutic composition of the present invention comprises a RYBP peptide, or fragments thereof, that specifically interact with a motif of RANK to regulate osteoclastogenesis. The present invention further provides a composition, and method of use thereof, comprising a modulator that is capable of modulating the RYBP-RANK interaction, or modulating an effector in the RANK signaling pathway through the RYBP-RANK interaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the following: an Fc polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide or a sequence derived from a cytokine targeting polypeptide; a WAP domain containing polypeptide or a sequence derived from a WAP containing polypeptide; and an albumin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serum albumin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cyclic or constrained acyclic compounds which modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors and are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, for example, inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising ApoE-derived peptide dimers. In particular, the ApoE peptide dimers of the invention comprise at least two ApoE mimetic domains and can comprise one or more protein transduction domains. Methods of treating various conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases, by administering the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the inhibition of intercellular adhesion mediated by L-selectin by administering a newly identified L-selectin ligand, CD34. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells by administering an effective amount of an isolated, purified CD34 polypeptide or an antibody capable of binding native CD34.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 3, 5, 8, 11, or 12; nonapeptides or decapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, 30, 33, 34, 40, or 46; and peptides with cytotoxic T cell inducibility, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted or added to the above-mentioned amino acid sequences, as well as pharmaceuticals for treating or preventing tumors, where the pharmaceuticals comprise these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used as vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants. More specifically, the invention relates to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants with enhanced immunomodulatory capacity and/or enhanced binding affinity for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and/or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).