Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including embodiments comprising a toxin peptide analog related to ShK, HmK, and AETX-K and pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments containing them along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Some embodiments include a half-life extending moiety. Also disclosed are a method of preventing or mitigating a relapse of a symptom of multiple sclerosis and a method of treating an autoimmune disorder using the compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating cancer and other disorders by ?-endorphin therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?)-mimicking peptide containing a particular amino acid sequence and a composition for preventing or treating TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions using the same. The peptide of the present invention may be much higher stability than natural-occurring TGF-? and improve drawbacks caused by high molecular weight of natural-occurring TGF-?. The peptide of this invention can be advantageously applied to treatment or improvement of TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions and have excellent efficacies on skin whitening and wrinkle improvement.

Abstract: The method of the invention relates to a modified OmCI polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding a modified OmCI polypeptide which lacks LK/E binding activity and the use of such polypeptides and polynucleotides for the treatment of a disease or condition mediated by complement.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel short-chain peptides, which primarily act as parathyroid hormone (PTH/PTH-1) receptor agonist. These short-chain peptides exhibit increased stability to proteolytic cleavage. Most of short-chain peptides were found to be stable in rat plasma up to 24 hours (in vitro), showed increased stability against GIT enzymes such as pepsin and acidic stomach pH and also against liver microsomes (in vitro). Due to increased metabolic stability, other than parenteral route of administration, some of the short-chain peptides can also be delivered by oral routes of administration, for the treatment/prevention of hypoparathyroidism and diseases characterized by bone mass reduction, such as osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis and for stimulating bone repair.

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: Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.

Abstract: Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.

Abstract: Complexes containing one or more modular recognition domains (MRDs) and MRDs attached to scaffolds including antibodies are described. The manufacture of these complexes are the use of these complexes to treat and diagnose diseases and disorders are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improved osteoinductive materials comprising matrix materials and morphogenetic proteins, wherein depending on the subject matter the proteins may be dimeric or monomeric proteins. The osteoinductive materials according to the present invention have improved properties. The invention further concerns methods for producing the respective improved osteoinductive materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis or diseases caused by rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis-related diseases), which comprises HLA-G or a dimer thereof as an active ingredient. As the HLA-G, the following protein (a) or (b) are suitably used.

Abstract: B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, particularly the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID: NOs. 1-5 and their biologically functional homologues and derivatives thereof. Also included are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against them and their compositions for passive immunization against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses of these antibodies, for identifying people at risk of developing arthritis or diabetes, and a method of monitoring progress of the disease conditions and disease prognosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that selectively inhibit members of the PTP family of enzymes. Synthesized compounds demonstrated selective inhibition of TC-PTP. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and formulations containing the compounds. Also described is a fluorescence-tagged combinatorial library synthesis and screening method. And methods of using these compounds to effect enzyme activity both in cells and in vitro as well as method of using these compounds to treat diseases in human and animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides binding agents comprising peptides capable of binding myostatin and inhibiting its activity. In one embodiment the binding agent comprises at least one myostatin-binding peptide attached directly or indirectly to at least one vehicle such as a polymer or an Fc domain. The binding agents of the present invention produced increased lean muscle mass when administered to animals and decreased fat to muscle ratios. Therapeutic compositions containing the binding agents of the present invention are useful for treating muscle-wasting disorders and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: Disclosed are antagonists of IL-17A and IL-17F. The antagonists are based on soluble IL-17RA and IL-17RC fusion proteins, including hybrid soluble receptors comprising portions of both IL-17RC and IL-17RA (“IL-17RC/IL-17RA”). Such antagonists serve to block, inhibit, reduce, antagonize or neutralize the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F. Also disclosed are methods of using such antagonists for treating disease, particularly inflammatory diseases mediated at least in part by IL-17A and/or IL-17F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide having a biological activity of the Chemotaxis Inhibitory Protein of Staphylococcus aureus (‘CHIPS’), the polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or a fragment or variant thereof having a biological activity of CHIPS, wherein the fragment or variant retains amino acid substitutions K40E, D42V, N77H, K100R, K105R, N111 K and/or G112A relative to the wildtype CHIPS protein of SEQ ID NO:1. In one embodiment, polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. Related aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide of the invention, together with methods or making and using the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating sepsis, including septic shock and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), comprising administering an effective amount of a HMG1 antagonist. There is further disclosed a diagnostic method for monitoring the severity or potential lethality of sepsis or septic shock, comprising measuring the serum concentration of HMG1 in a patient exhibiting or at risk of exhibiting sepsis or septic shock symptoms. Lastly, there is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for effecting weight loss or treating obesity, comprising administering an effective amount of HMG1 or a therapeutically active HMG1 fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment and repair of cartilage, including cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders, including arthritis, comprising the administration of WISP polypeptide. Optionally, the administration may be in combination with one or more cartilage agents (e.g., peptide growth factor, catabolism antagonist, osteo-, synovial, anti-inflammatory factor). Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of WISP polypeptide in combination with standard surgical techniques. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of chondrocytes previously treated with an effective amount of WISP polypeptide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Defects in T cell receptor signaling lower the activation threshold of RA T cells, thus predisposing for a failure in maintenance of immune tolerance. Overexpression of B-Raf and/or K-Ras in CD4 T cells lowers the threshold to respond to TCR triggering in the absence of costimulation and increases responses to citrullinated peptides and other autoantigens.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly a therapeutic agent for ameliorating an inflammatory symptom or bone deformity in rheumatoid arthritis, which comprises an antibody that binds to a hepatocyte growth factor receptor as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating psoriasis in a subject (i.e., psoriasis associated with a joint disease), by administering to the subject an effective dose of a composition comprising a soluble IL-22R/IL-20RB heterodimeric polypeptide, wherein the heterodimeric polypeptide comprises an IL-22R extracellular domain covalently linked to an IL-20RB extracellular domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to TR21 polypeptides. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human TR21 protein. TR21 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR21 activity.

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: The present invention relates to: TNF-? antagonists containing IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; and the use of the TNF-? antagonists. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a polynucleotide encoding the protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; a vector containing the polynucleotide; a transformant containing the vector; and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for TNF-? overexpression-related diseases by checking whether the mutual reaction thereof is facilitated after treating with candidates to the cell expressing the IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof, and the TNER1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds selected from the group consisting of Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, N-acyl Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, C-amide Lys-(D)Pro-Thr, and C-esters of Lys-(D)Pro-Thr; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound fort he treatment of inflammatory disorders. The invention also relates to the use of ?MSH for inducing tolerance.

Abstract: The use of an IL-3 inhibitor for prophylactic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in an early stage, during early phases of exacerbation, or as maintenance therapy to prevent disease flares or disease progression in a subject is described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving immune system function are provided. These methods find particular use in improving immune system function in individuals with a condition in which naïve lymphocytes comprise elevated amounts of DNA double strand breaks (DSB), for example, individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, individuals that have received a bone marrow transplant, or elderly individuals, e.g. individuals that are 50 or more years old. Also provided are methods and compositions for screening for novel compounds that will improve immune system function in such individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to binding agents useful in the selective depletion of T cells in vivo. More specifically, the invention relates to ICOS-binding agents which once bound to ICOS expressed on the surface of cells, in particular ICOS-bearing activated T cells, result in the in vivo depletion of cells to which they are bound. Methods of treating T cell related diseases using said ICOS-binding agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ICOS-binding agents, a method of identifying an ICOS-binding agent, and monoclonal anti-ICOS antibodies capable of eliminating cells in vivo which express ICOS on their surface are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OS-CAR expressing cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat shock protein from alfalfa and/or a hydrolysate of a heat shock protein from alfalfa in the manufacture of a food product for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a chronic inflammatory disorder. Further, the invention relates to a clinical food product comprising heat shock protein from alfalfa and/or a hydrolysate of a heat shock protein from alfalfa.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining or predicting the responsiveness of a subject to treatment with a TNF? inhibitor, such as a TNF? antibody by determining genetic factors.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by modulating TWEAK and TNF-? are disclosed, as are other methods.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Pre-Ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD) polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence of a domain (e.g., a Fibronectin Ill-like domain) of an IL-17 Receptor (IL-17R) family member, wherein the PLAD polypeptide inhibits multimerization of a receptor complex comprising an IL-17R family member. Also provided are isolated PLAD-binding polypeptides, e.g., antibodies and avimers, which specifically bind to a PLAD polypeptide described herein. Related chimeric proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells are provided herein. Further provided are methods of treating an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, methods of inhibiting IL-17-mediated signal transduction, methods of inhibiting IL-17 ligand binding, methods of inhibiting multimerization of IL-17R complexes, and methods of inhibiting the production of at least one cytokine, chemokine, matrix metalloproteinase, or other molecule associated with IL-17 signal transduction are provided.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the extracellular domain of CD31 proteins present on blood leukocytes is shed and released in the circulation as a soluble form of CD31. The invention relates to peptides corresponding to fragments of CD31 that inhibit T-cell response, and to their use in the treatment of thrombotic disorders such as atherothrombosis and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Protein variants of CTLA-4, which show increased activity compared to wild-type in a cell assay and which exhibit increased stability. Such variants are useful for treatment of disorders whereby attenuation of the T cell response would be beneficial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of SIRT 1.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating inflammatory diseases by administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent that provides alpha B-crystallin activity, where the dose is effective to suppress or prevent initiation, progression, or relapses of disease, including the progression of established disease. In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject having a pre-existing inflammatory disease condition, an effective amount of alpha B-crystallin protein, to suppress or prevent relapses of the disease.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method of treating an animal suffering a disease characterized by excessive apoptosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one serine protease inhibitor and thereafter monitoring a decrease in apoptosis. The inhibitor of the invention includes ?1-antitrypsin or an ?1-antitrypsin-like agent, including, but not limited to oxidation-resistant variants of ?1-antitrypsin, and peptoids with antitrypsin activity. The diseases treatable by the invention include cancer, autoimmune disease, sepsis neurodegenerative disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, toxin induced liver injury and AIDS. The method of the invention is also suitable for the prevention or amelioration of diseases characterized by excessive apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific CSF1R ECD fusion molecules that exhibit improved therapeutic properties. The invention also relates to polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising or encoding such molecules. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. For example, certain CSF1R ECDs of the invention may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: Based on the discovery that a soluble polypeptide including a nonphosphorylatable form of the cytoplasmic domain is capable of inhibiting in a dominant negative manner, the present invention provides compositions including MT1-MMP inhibitors such as peptide inhibitors, and methods for treating diseases associated with MT1-MMP activity. Such diseases include cancer, arthritis, and heart disease, and vascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide capable of binding to an immunoglobulin, a fusion protein with the peptide, nucleic acids coding for the peptide and for the fusion protein, methods for producing the peptide and the fusion protein, and a composition and means for binding an immunoglobulin, as well as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of a disease caused by the binding between C1q and an immunoglobulin, which includes a peptide capable of binding to the immunoglobulin or a fusion protein with the peptide, and others.

Abstract: Provided is a protein comprising an antibody binding site that binds to a sulfated epitope of a Wnt pathway protein that is not Wnt5A, Wnt11, or Wnt3a. Also provided is a composition comprising an isolated and purified Wnt pathway protein, where the protein is sulfated but not glycosylated. Additionally provided is a preparation of a Wnt pathway protein comprising at least one sulfation site and at least one glycosylation site, where all of the Wnt pathway protein in the preparation is glycosylated but not sulfated. Further provided is a composition comprising a peptide less than 75 amino acids or amino acid analogs, the peptide consisting of a fragment of a Wnt pathway protein, wherein the fragment is sulfated. A modified Wnt pathway protein comprising a sulfation site that is not present in the native Wnt pathway protein is also provided. Also provided is a method of detecting or quantifying a sulfated Wnt pathway protein in a preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators (e.g., negative and positive allosteric modulators, allosteric agonists, and ago-allosteric modulators) of the G protein coupled receptor CXCR5. The CXCR5 receptor compounds are derived from the intracellular loops and domains of the CXCR5 receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these CXCR5 receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CXCR5 receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with CXCR5 receptor modulation such as autoimmune diseases including lupus, HIV and rheumatoid arthritis, Primary Sjogren's Syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, colon and breast cancer tumor metastasis, Multiple Sclerosis and compromised immune function.

Abstract: The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and the mechanism and methods of treating disorders such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for detecting or diagnosing a disease or disorder associated with aberrant B Lymphocyte Stimulator expression or inappropriate function of B Lymphocyte Stimulator comprising antibodies or fragments or variants thereof or related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder associated with aberrant B Lymphocyte Stimulator expression or inappropriate B Lymphocyte Stimulator function comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof or related molecules that immunospecifically bind to B Lymphocyte Stimulator.

Abstract: Chimeric therapeutics are disclosed that include a modified viral core protein and a nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein. The nucleic acid may be substantially homologous to a specific gene target. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein is substantially non-immunogenic. Also disclosed are particles and compositions that include disclosec chimeric therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for the treatment and prevention of an autoimmune disease such a multiple sclerosis which is mediated by autoreactive T cells. The administration of a NOD-1 agonist is shown to mediate an anti-inflammatory immune response. NOD-1 agonists suitable for use in the methods and compositions of the invention include diaminopimelic acid (DAP)-containing muropeptide compounds such as Tri-DAP and M-TriDAP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate that comprises an Apo A molecule or a functionally equivalent variant thereof and a compound of therapeutic interest wherein both components are covalently coupled as well as to the use of said conjugates in therapy for the specific targeting of said compounds to those tissues showing specific binding sites for the ApoA molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for transdermal administration comprising a conjugate of methotrexate and PTD (protein transduction domain). In accordance with the present invention, the methotrexate, which is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid and inflammation, etc., can be delivered transdermally to a local part of a patient body, in order to minimize the side effect of the methotrexate.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for inhibiting the onset of and treating inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The instant invention is based on the blockade of RAGE G82S function.